As part of our 40th anniversary series, Sarah and Jess are joined by James Kirkland, who’s shining a light on one of the many unsung heroes of the HIV response, a nurse named Josephine.

James shares the moving stories he uncovered while writing his dissertation, which centres on Josephine’s work on the frontlines of HIV care during the 1980s and 90s. Her memories bring to life the compassion, courage, and grit it took to care for people living with HIV during some of the darkest days, and the stigma she herself faced for doing so.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the nurses, carers, and quiet warriors whose stories rarely make the headlines, but who helped shape the heart of our community’s response.

The World AIDS Day RED RUN in London

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As we continue our month-long celebration of 40 years of TVPS, Sarah and Jess are joined by someone who’s made history and written it, Les K. Wright! A trailblazing queer historian, writer, photographer, and fierce AIDS activist, Les has spent decades capturing the stories, struggles, and spirit of our community.

Since hanging up his chalk as a professor of English and German, Les has devoted himself full-time to preserving queer history and amplifying voices that too often go unheard. Les talks to us about The Children of Lazarus: Voices Out of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic, a powerful and moving anthology that gives voice to the lived experiences of those affected by HIV and AIDS, documenting survival, grief, resistance, and love.

TVPS Archive - 1985 - 2025 — TVPS

Children of Lazarus: The Forgotten Generation of Long-Term AIDS Survivors: Wright, Les K: 9798987318836: Amazon.com: Books

Beyond HIV: The Narratives of 'Children of Lazarus' Tickets, Wed 6 Aug 2025 at 18:00 | Eventbrite

Beyond Survival: The Narratives of 'Children of Lazarus' Tickets, Mon 4 Aug 2025 at 17:00 | Eventbrite

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In the first of a month of very special episodes, Sarah and Jess kick off the celebrations of 40 years of TVPS (the charity that produces The HIV Podcast that Sarah and Jess work for)! And who better to start with than Jim Hoggart, someone who was literally there at the very beginning.

Jim takes us back to the 80s (shoulder pads and stigma galore) to share how TVPS sprang into action during the height of the HIV crisis, what awareness-raising looked like back then, and why community mattered more than ever.

TVPS Archive - 1985 - 2025 — TVPS

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This week, Sarah and Jess dive into the sticky subject of HIV and shame, where it comes from and most importantly, how we can start to shake it off.

Sources

How to cope with shame | Psyche Guides

Almost half of people living with HIV in the UK feel ashamed | aidsmap

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This week Sarah and Jess take a look over some news stories from the last couple of weeks, as well as coming up with some inventive fundraising initiatives - strawberry laces as HIV awareness ribbons anyone?!

Sources

Famous Aids quilt put on display in London for first time in 30 years

Clients of Wolverhampton aesthetics clinic who had vampire facials urged to get blood tests | City Of Wolverhampton Council

Call for tribute to Terrence Higgins in Haverfordwest | Western Telegraph

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A few months ago, Allan started being more open about his HIV status. A huge and courageous step. In this follow-up episode, we catch up to hear what’s happened since, how life has shifted, and what being visible means to him now. Oh, and no big deal… he also just painted a mural for our 40th anniversary (we’re not crying, you’re crying).

Still wise, still hilarious, and still not running a cult (but give it time), Allan returns to the mic for more real talk about HIV, creativity, and living out loud!

News

Trump team set to destroy $12m worth of HIV drugs and contraceptives that were bought before closing USAID

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In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Sarah and Jess are joined by Eugene Lynch, Director of Delivery at Terrence Higgins Trust, HIV activist and TikTok truth-teller. Eugene gets real about their journey through addiction, stigma, and the wild world of HIV advocacy, all while fostering dogs and fighting misinformation one reel at a time. It’s heartfelt, it’s hilarious, and yes, there are dogs. Don’t miss this one!

Eugene's Tiktok - TikTok - Make Your Day

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In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess takes us behind the scenes at the launch of HIV Outcomes UK's latest report, "HIV Services at the Crossroads." With a mic in one hand and a croissant in the other, she chats with Grant Sugden, CEO of Waverley Care, and Angelina Namiba from the 4M Network. Expect candid conversations about funding, the power of peer support, and why community voices are more crucial than ever.

HIV services at the crossroads - National AIDS Trust

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In this episode of The HIV Podcast, we’re joined by James Cole from National AIDS Trust to talk crossroads, community, and the future of HIV services. With the launch of HIV Outcomes UK latest report, we dig into the vital role of the voluntary sector and what communities really need right now. Policy, purpose, and a healthy dose of passion, it's all in here.

*HIV Outcomes UK is a coalition of HIV experts working to secure changes to improve the health-related quality of life for people living with HIV in the UK. The National AIDS Trust provides the secretariat for HIV Outcomes UK and it is funded by Gilead Sciences and ViiV Healthcare.

National AIDS Trust - We're the UK's HIV rights charity

HIV Outcomes - National AIDS Trust

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In this episode Sarah and Jess are talking treatment interruptions, what happens when your ART hits an unexpected pause. In today's political climate, some countries are already suffering from a shortage of HIV medication. From med shortages to clinic closures, we unpack the risks, the realities, and how to ride it out safely. A dose of science, a splash of strategy, and zero panic.

Sources

Stopping ART safely if your clinic is closed or runs out of meds: a practical guide | HTB | HIV i-Base

Help us end AIDS - Donate now | UNAIDS

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