HIV STIGMA DAY
Event Details
Brighton & Hove communities to come together on Friday, July 21 to combat HIV stigma
Friday, July 21 is Zero HIV Stigma Day, a call-out for everyone to come along to the first ever Zero Stigma Rally at Jubilee Square, outside Brighton’s Jubilee Library.
HIV stigma still affects many people who are living with HIV, with almost 75% of people in the UK reporting experiences of discrimination. Surveys show that people living with HIV still experience negative perceptions and reactions because of their HIV status in social, healthcare, workplace, and community settings; and HIV stigma can prevent people coming forward for testing and starting treatment.
It needs to be a whole community response to combat this! Understanding HIV and stigma is everyone’s responsibility, and we want to reach & involve as many people as possible to help achieve the goals of zero HIV stigma, and no new cases of HIV.
Please come along on Friday, July 21 to join in solidarity with people living with HIV and to combat HIV stigma. The Rally is at Jubilee Square, outside the main library starting at 5.15pm.
More details are on the Martin Fisher Foundation website.
12noon to 5pm: Zero HIV Stigma Day of Action
Drop into Jubilee Square throughout the day to have a friendly chat to people living with HIV about their experiences. You can also talk to the NHS and other support organisation such as the Martin Fisher Foundation, Terrence Higgins Trust. Lunch Positive and Sussex Beacon about HIV and how zero stigma would improve testing, diagnosis, treatment and crucially, quality of life for people living with HIV. Information about HIV support, prevention and treatment will also be available for you to take away.
Jump on board the Martin Fisher Foundation bus to find out more about what you can do to prevent HIV stigma. They’ll be activities and information suitable for children available too.
View an exhibition of powerful portraits of people who are living with HIV inside the library.
Get a free HIV test with the Terrence Higgins Trust at the Ledward Centre.
Join the Queer Allies lunch at the Ledward Centre, or grab a free refreshment from Lunch Positive in the Square.
You can also grab a free HIV or STI test from our digital vending machine any time the library is open.
5.15pm to 6.15pm: Zero HIV Stigma Rally
Speakers including people who live with HIV, as well as clinicians, councillors and organisations providing support for people living with HIV will be talking about their experiences and how we all have a part to play in removing HIV stigma.
Enjoy music from the Rainbow Chorus and entertainment from local performers.
