AIDS, THE LOST VOICES
Scottish artist Edward Cairns, 34, who was also a gay man was found dead at his London home in October 1984. Edward’s untimely death which was thought to be AIDS-related, fell under the scrutiny of the West London Coroner Dr. John Burton. And it didn’t go unnoticed by the Coroner, the sensational headlines in the tabloid press along with the media presence at the inquest.
AIDS, THE LOST VOICES
Will heads to Slough to surprise the hosts of The HIV podcast, Sarah & Jess. The trio then take a look at the HIVstory of the charity behind the podcast, ‘Thames Valley Positive Support’. Unearthing articles from the newspaper archives over the last four decades that leave the pair furious. Sarah & Jess are then surprised, if not overwhelmed, to hear from two very special guests that were at the heart of it all in the 1980s & 90s.
AIDS, THE LOST VOICES
When London dentist Vikram Advani died of AIDS-related complications in 1993. Every major newspaper up and down the land seized the opportunity to vilify, stigmatise and besmirch his good name and reputation and memory of those closest to him. Will & Gloria also step back to 1987 and the reporting of the UKs first AIDS-related hospital ward, the Broderip Ward at London’s Middlesex Hospital.
AIDS, THE LOST VOICES
Will & Gloria delve into the British newspaper archives of the 80s and 90s AIDS pandemic. In this episode they share the moving story of a 25-year-old man from Portsmouth, Paul Somes who died in Police custody in 1987. The pair are left shocked at how the newspapers decided to report the story.
Me, on The HIV Podcast
After a brief ‘rant’ on The HIV Podcast about being lectured by a HIV charity on how I choose to refer to my HIV. I was then invited by podcast hosts Sarah & Jess of ‘The HIV Podcast’ to talk about HIV and language. A podcast episode with honesty and humour, not to be missed.
World AIDS Day 2023
Gloria spills the tea with author William Hampson on World AIDS Day 2023. They discuss his experience of HIV stigma over the last three years and why he started a UK government petition calling for the government to 'finish what it started' after being silent for almost 40 years since the 1987 AIDS tombstone campaign. And asks why the gay/LGBT media has been unwilling to cover the petition?
HIV ADVERT HITS TV (SCOT)
Out of the blue Sky News announced Terrence Higgins Trust were airing a new updated HIV TV advert in Scotland. The first in 40 years. But how was it received by the public?
Freddie Mercury: Sotheby’s Exhibition
I visit the Freddie Mercury Exhibition at Sotheby’s Auction house before his home and personal effects go on sale. A mix of furniture, stage costumes, board games and elaborate bric-a-brac.
THATCHER’S SECTION 28: MADE ME
Twenty years since the repeal of “Section 28” in 2003. Has given way to a cohort of attention seeking, clout munching, twenty-something’s claiming to be traumatised by section 28. Despite not being born nor educated under section 28. Therefore, I share my experience in six schools under section 28 for 13 of it’s 15 year existence. And I don’t hold back!
SOHO Bites Podcast: Nighthawks
SOHO Bites Podcast host Dominic Delargy talks with the author of ‘The Lost Boys of Soho’ William Hampson. Followed by Dominic & Professor Glyn Davis discussing the cultural importance of 1978 gay film ‘Nighthawks’ by Ron Peck and Paul Hallam.
“HIV STIGMA” SO LAST CENTURY, LITERALLY.
I trawl the British newspaper archives to see when “AIDS stigma” and “HIV stigma” entered the conscience of society, when it peaked and declined. And if “HIV stigma” is still present in the 21st century.
Me, HIV & Dating
I briefly reflect on dating pre and post HIV diagnosis and the toxicity of dating as a gay man in London. A brief encounter with another gay man living with HIV and the usual gay dating apps.
THE WARD - REVISITED
The Ward – Revisited marks 30 years since Gideon Mendel photographed John, Andre, Steven and Ian in the AIDS wards at the Middlesex Hospital. I visited the exhibition on 18 January and was truly moved and inspired by the sheer courage and bravery of the men and their partners, family and friends.
Me, an Inspiration for HIV Blackmail.
From my experience of HIV blackmail by a member of the LGBT community I share my thoughts on what inspired such a malicious act. I share why I believe HIV blackmail today comes from the unchallenged, woke & self-righteous within the LGBT “community” as opposed to the rhetoric of ‘HIV stigma’.
Lost Community?
A year since publication and I spill the tea on trying to market a book on HIV stigma in the LGBT “community”/media. An LGBT media outlet telling me to “tone down the HIV stigma” and how competitive the HIV “community” is and those that put me and my story on ‘mute’.
‘Don’t bite the hand that, TREATS you’!
When accessing HIV care makes me feel like a ‘HIV hostage’ when on the receiving end of surly staff. Is bad service justifiable when a minority of the LGBT HIV community treat staff appallingly.
“DON’T HIRE HIM, HE’S GOT AIDS” SAY’S SOHO PUB.
The ‘Lost Boys’ Soho boozer gave a job reference over the phone stating: “don’t hire him, he’s got AIDS”. The interview that had already been confirmed was withdrawn when the pub confirmed it had spoken to Adam.