AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
Martin Johnson met the late Diana, Princess of Wales on her first visit to the UK’s first AIDS hospice in February 1989. But no stranger to the press Martin was ‘outed’ as a gay man when subject to a police “raid” which saw him arrested along with 36 of his birthday guests in 1982. Accused of hosting an “orgy” Martin put his case before the European Court of Human Rights.
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.
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?
“I Want to Break Free”!
Will finds himself trotting around the house in 7-inch heels and a mini skirt trying to emulate the late singer Freddie Mercury. In a take on Queen’s music video ‘I Want to Break Free’ Will attempts to raise awareness and encourage others to sign the petition calling on the UK Government to ‘finish what it started in 1987’ and update the public on HIV and U=U.
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).
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!
“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.
#ReclaimingTheTombstone
When listening to an episode on ‘The HIV Podcast’ discussing the 1980s ‘Don’t Die of Ignorance’ TV advert with the falling tombstone. I was inspired and fired up to ‘attempt’ to recreate my own updated version.
Diagnosis Lockdown
Diagnosed HIV positive the day the Coronavirus Act 2020 gets royal assent. To collecting antiviral treatment the following day as the national lockdown is legally imposed upon the nation.