AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
This episode we learn a nine-year-old is killed by her mother given her own fear she had AIDS. Charged with murder she pleads manslaughter; her plea reveals the dangers of AIDS misinformation. Conversely, Ashley Gillard's trust in a lover leads to betrayal when he reveals his HIV status. His lover ignored Ashley’s seizure and instead watched him die before fleeing and setting fire to Ashley’s home.
AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
In 1982, San Francisco became a pivotal backdrop for a landmark moment in the fight against AIDS, as four men publicly revealed their diagnosis, courageously confronting the stigma and fear surrounding the disease. Their heartfelt testimonies illuminated the human experience behind the statistics, transforming ignorance into compassion.
AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
In 1985, four men each spoke on prime time television about their HIV diagnosis and the stigma around it. Speaking publicly challenged misinformation and societal backlash, humanising the struggles of those with HIV and promoting awareness and compassion. Their courage remains crucial in the fight against stigma and in advocating for the rights and respect of those affected by HIV/AIDS, even four decades on.
AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
Reverend Gregory Richards was thrust into the public eye under the most harrowing circumstances when he was diagnosed with AIDS. Labelled by the tabloid press as the “AIDS Priest” and “AIDS Chaplain,” he became a target for sensationalism and vilification, particularly due to his sexuality. A dedicated prison chaplain working with young offenders, he found himself at the centre of media scrutiny.
AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
Chris Egner, was an "outgoing" gay man in his twenties, and dedicated to helping others through his faith. At a time when blood donations were in demand he answered the call twice a year, unaware he was HIV+. When his plasma was pooled with thousands of other donors to create Factor8, the British press sensationalised the situation. Claiming he unwittingly infected 40 others, leading to controversy and unjust blame.
AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
It was one thing to have your HIV/AIDS diagnosis and your private life dragged through the British press. It was another if you were a respected medical or healthcare professional with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis. In 1992 & 1993 Dr. Curran, Dr. Clayton & Dr. Shuttleworth had their professional reputation scrutinised by the press causing widespread panic among their patients and the public.
AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
“DO NOT REVIVE - AIDS” was the suicide note left by grammar school teacher John Hutchinson, foreseeing his recent HIV test result being positive. We also look at two young men who took their own lives merely for ‘suspecting’ or ‘fearing’ they had HIV/AIDS given the stigma of 1988 where we learn they had nothing more than minor, common ailments and not HIV/AIDS.
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 stumble across prisoner Del Sinclair, who in 1985 featured in a national newspaper declaring he intended to ‘go straight’ and even publish a book on Prison food. However, 4 weeks later and back on remand Del tested HIV positive and faced threats of violence from other inmates. The pair also uncover several accounts of gay men who were denied post-mortems on the ‘suspicion’ of having AIDS.
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.
The Great British AIDS Stitch Up!
Over 2 months with no response from the Governments Health Secretary, Steve Barclay. Will writes again this time advising he is now, in protest, not taking his daily HIV medication over concerns there has been no follow-up campaign on HIV/AIDS since the Governments 1987 tombstone campaign.
PARLIAMENT PETITION
After informing (scaring) the nation with its 1987 AIDS monolith TV advert, it is time for the Government to update the public on HIV and the advances in science with a campaign based around "U=U" (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
Spillin’ the Tea with Gloria!
Gloria gets Will to spill the tea on his working relationship with the actual ‘Lost Boys’ of Soho. And in an added surprise Gloria and Will find themselves hosting ‘The Shadey’s’, the shadiest awards on the airwaves.
Spillin’ the Tea with Gloria!
Gloria invites Will around for tea and cake and talks about his and ‘Lost Boy’ Adam's working relationship. Will and Adam initially get along well until Adam accuses Will of being Covid-19 positive at work. Their working relationship takes a dramatic nose dive when Will insists on proving his covid-19 status.
Spillin’ the Tea with Gloria!
Gloria invites Will around for a brew and talks about his and ‘Lost Boy’ Jack’s relationship. Will talks about how his HIV diagnosis was delivered over the phone and the colleague who blackmailed him to either quit his job or be exposed as living with “AIDS” [HIV]. Gloria talks about that moment on the sofa and how it gave Gloria “fanny flutters”