The HIV Podcast

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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This week, Sarah and Jess honour the fearless Joan Baker, the first out HIV positive lesbian in San Francisco. Diagnosed at just 20, Joan shattered silence with truth, activism, and unapologetic visibility. She challenged a system that told her she didn’t exist, and in doing so, changed the narrative for women, lesbians, and anyone pushed to the margins. It's a story of resilience, rebellion, and rewriting the rules.

Sources

Meet Joan Baker, San Francisco’s first “out” HIV+ lesbian — Lady Science

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In this episode, Sarah and Jess turn up the heat with the radical brilliance of the Lesbian Avengers. Born out of frustration, in the early '90s, this activist group wasn’t here to fit in. From street protests to visibility campaigns, the Avengers brought unapologetic queer power to the frontlines, including bold action around HIV stigma. It’s a story of protest, pride, and pyrotechnics!

Sources

Lesbian Avengers - Wikipedia

Stories - FAM

An Oral History of the Lesbian Avengers and the Dyke March

Fire Eating Lesbians and AIDS Activism in 1990s San Francisco | TORCH | The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities

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In this episode, Sarah and Jess dive into the incredible, and often forgotten, story of the San Diego Blood Sisters. A grassroots group of lesbian activists who quite literally rolled up their sleeves during the height of the HIV crisis. When blood was needed and stigma was rampant, these incredible women stepped up to donate again and again, breaking barriers and challenging the system with every drop. This is a story of solidarity, sisterhood, and serious guts.

Sources

San Diego Blood Sisters - Wikipedia

How new FDA rule allowing gay, bisexual men to give blood is making donation more inclusive - ABC News

Blood donation: Rule change means more gay and bisexual men can give blood - BBC News

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