Celebrating HIV Activism in Glasgow at Category is Books! Our independent LGBTQIA+ bookshop in the southside of Glasgow, a dedicated space to learn about, be inspired by and share in our love of queer books, history, art, activism, writing and storytelling.
World AIDS Day (Dec 1st) is a catalyst for us all to Remember the Dead to Fight for the Living. You are invited to a special discussion at Category is Books to learn from those who volunteered, nursed and pioneered safer sex workshops during the height of the AIDS pandemic and those who are continuing to unearth stories and insight action that inspire us all to continue fighting for liberation for all. Join our speakers and celebrate at the Glasgow the launch of the ‘ACT UP PIN UP 2025 Calendar.’
Speakers -
Emma - A woman living with HIV, a mum of two, a survivor of domestic abuse and a nurse
David Lees from Radical Glasgow Tours whom alongside Katherine Mackinnon and Henry Bell research, create and deliver interactive walking tours of Glasgow, exploring histories of activism, protest, political and social change. Have a look through our list of tours and the Resources page for further reading, downloadable resources and links. You can also read about the tours in the Scottish Left Review – Radical History is in the Streets.
Siobhan is a bit of a queer legend! She’s been involved in DIY events, activism and creativity since the early 1980s in London, Manchester and now Glasgow. Over the years she has been involved in Greenham Common, G8 protests and the student riots of 2011. She produced the cult dyke documentary REBEL DYKES and the art exhibition THE REBEDL DYKES ART AND ARCHIVE SHOW (London, 2021). With her business partner Christopher McGill she makes films about activism and Art.
Dan Glass is an Aids Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) liberation activist, Fund Healthcare Not Warfare campaigner, editor of the ‘ACT UP PIN UP 2025 Calendar’, performer, educator, film presenter, investigative reporter, artist, speaker and mentor. He splits his time between Glasgow, London and Berlin. A cruiser, bruiser, bad jew and a Level 7 Activist you can find him in your local park bush dreaming of the next ‘Fuck Off This is My Culture’ party.
The calendar includes a timeline of vital, epic and world-changing moments in public health and HIV and AIDS activism. Designed by Matt Bonner, photographed by Holly Buckle and edited by author-activist Dan Glass (2) the ‘ACT UP Pin-Ups London Calendar 2025’ features 12 beautiful portraits of 25 titans from the incredible HIV/AIDS activist movement, along with over 300 calendar entries paying homage to AIDS herstory. It includes near daily mentions of medical, media, protest and social movement advances which have pushed forward our collective journey for access to healthcare for all. All profits from the sales of this calendar will go to Positive East, Positively UK, Albert Kennedy Trust. This stands in the legacy of creative and inspiring Queer art activism such as ACT UP Gran Fury Collective.
Huge thanks to everyone involved! Calendar design by @mattbonner.uk https://www.revoltdesign.uk/ and photos by @stickypicnic at www.hollybuckle.com
Accessibility - Category is Books: The bookshop is on level access from the street. Lighting is soft and low. Sometimes music is played - Further info here.
Testimonials in Support.
“…Shines a light on the huge role that activism has played over the years in advocating for and enabling access to rights and services to some of the most marginalised communities in the world.” Professor Kevin Fenton CBE PhD PrFPH FRCP FFSRH(Hon), President | Faculty of Public Health
“We have so much to learn from ACT UP about big tent politics and coalition work. I hope these daily reminders can inspire new innovations and ways to build the relationships that are at the center of progressive change.” Sarah Schulman, author of ‘The Gentrification of the Mind’ and ‘Let the Records Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987-1993′
“We hope that this calendar will inspire future generations to continue the fight for equality and access to healthcare for all.” Miklos Kiss, Mildmay Hospital