Zero HIV Stigma Action Day

Friday, July 21 is international Zero HIV Stigma Day. In Brighton and Hove, we are holding a local day of action in Jubilee Square to help raise awareness of HIV stigma and for people to learn ways to help stop it.

Throughout the afternoon there will be activities and opportunities for everyone to talk to people living with HIV or those working in HIV prevention or support to learn more.

Lunch and refreshments will be available and you can view a portrait exhibit inside the library or learn more from the Matin Fisher Foundation bus.

Free HIV testing will also be available on the day.

Starting at 5:15 p.m., there will be music from the Rainbow Chorus and other artists, and a chance to hear about the experiences of different people living with HIV, as well as leaders and representatives of local organizations.

Read more details about what’s happening and who’s speaking at the event.

Fight HIV-related stigma

Almost 75% of people living with HIV in the UK report experiences of discrimination because of their HIV status. HIV-related stigma has a detrimental impact on people living with HIV and hinders access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and support for others.

Councilor Bruno De Oliveira, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Council, said:

“It is everyone’s responsibility to fight stigma.

“We need to change the way we think and talk about HIV in our social lives, in our workplaces, in our schools, clubs and communities.

“If we all play our part, we can improve the lives of our friends, family and colleagues who are living with HIV, we can encourage more people to access testing, treatment and prevention, and we can achieve zero new cases of HIV.

“I encourage everyone who can to come on Friday to learn more about HIV so that together we can make Brighton & Hove a place free of HIV stigma.”

action day

12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Zero HIV Stigma Action Day

• Come to Jubilee Square for a friendly chat with people living with HIV about their experiences. You can also talk to the NHS and other support organizations such as the Martin Fisher Foundation, Terrence Higgins Trust. Positive Lunch And Sussex Lighthouse about HIV and how the absence of stigma would improve testing, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for people living with HIV. Information on HIV support, prevention and treatment will also be available.
• Climb aboard the Martin Fisher Foundation Bus to learn more about what you can do to prevent HIV-related stigma. Child-friendly activities and information will also be available.
• See an exhibition of striking portraits of people living with HIV inside the library.
• Join the Queer Allies lunch at the Ledward Center or grab a complimentary refreshment from Positive Lunch in the square.
• Get a free HIV test with the Terrence Higgins Trust At Ledward Center.
• You can also get a free HIV or STI self-test kit from our digital distributor any time the library is open.

5:15 to 6:15 p.m.: Zero HIV Stigma Community Gathering

• Speakers, including people living with HIV, as well as clinicians, counselors and organizations supporting people living with HIV, will talk about their experiences and how we all have a role to play in eliminating HIV-related stigma.
• Enjoy the music of the Rainbow Chorus and entertainment from local artists.

Read more details about what’s happening and who’s speaking at the event.

Towards zero HIV

The event is organized by the Towards Zero HIV Task Force, a partnership between the council, NHSTHE Martin Fisher Foundationthe voluntary sector, including the Terrence Higgins Trust And Positive Lunchcommunity members, academics and clinicians.

Together we have helped ensure that Brighton & Hove has some of the best HIV support, treatment and prevention services in the country and was the first city in the UK to register to be HIV Accelerated City.

It’s quick and easy to get an HIV or STI test in Brighton & Hove