This LGBT+ History Month, join us for an inspiring evening with trailblazing activists and community organisers who have fought stigma and demanded life-saving healthcare for our community.
Mareike Günsche will host a powerful discussion with four leading voices from the HIV community, exploring the history, progress, and ongoing challenges of living with HIV. The conversation will reflect on the movement's successes, highlight the work still to be done, and examine how we can all support and uplift the HIV community.
Doors open at 7pm. The talk will begin at 7.30pm and run for approximately 90 minutes. After the discussion, Camp will remain open until 11pm for anyone wanting to enjoy a drink, continue the conversation with the panellists, and connect with fellow guests.
Featuring:
Jonathan Blake, one of the UK's longest-surviving individuals diagnosed with HIV in 1982, is a trailblazing activist for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness. Blake has dedicated himself to combating HIV stigma and supporting those affected by the virus. He has volunteered at various HIV support organisations, including The Landmark in Brixton, Lighthouse South London, the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), and The Food Chain. Notably, he was featured in THT's first safer sex poster aimed at gay men. Alongside this, he is a founding member of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM), his life inspired the 2014 film Pride. Today, Jonathan continues to be a vocal advocate for HIV awareness and LGBTQ+ rights, sharing his experiences to educate and inspire others.
Sue Hunter, diagnosed with HIV in 2006, is a dedicated advocate for HIV awareness and education. After her diagnosis, she turned her back on her job in fashion retail and began volunteering at the Terrence Higgins Trust, later joining them full-time. Sue now mentors other HIV-positive individuals, particularly women, and speaks to healthcare professionals, schools, and communities about HIV. Despite progress, she continues to fight against the stigma that remains, which is heartbreaking for those affected.
Dr. Tristan Barber is a Consultant Physician in HIV Medicine at the Ian Charleson Day Centre, Royal Free Hospital, and an Honorary Associate Professor at UCL's Institute for Global Health. Living with HIV for over 20 years, he has a research focus on HIV-related neurocognitive impairment and established the Sage Clinic for frailty and complexity in HIV care. He is Honorary Secretary for the British HIV Association, Chair of the European AIDS Clinical Society Young Investigator Network, and Chair of Positively UK's Board of Trustees. Dr. Barber is also an Associate Editor for Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Research and Clinical Practice.
José MejÃa is a researcher, facilitator, and project manager based in London, specializing in HIV and mental health. His work focuses on peer support, lived experience, and community development. He has partnered with public bodies and community organizations to create and implement projects for migrants, LGBTQ+, and indigenous communities in the UK, Brazil, and Colombia. José also serves as a trustee for The Food Chain, a UK charity supporting people living with HIV through nutrition and services. His advocacy and research aim to tackle health inequities and improve the well-being of marginalised communities affected by HIV.
Mareike Günsche is a photographer and educator specialising in social change and participatory projects thayt amplify marginalised voices. Her work includes "We Are Still Here," a storytelling initiative highlighting the lived experiences of people with HIV, showcased internationally at events like AIDS 2022 and the Bristol Photo Festival. In addition to her photography work, Mareike serves as a Senior Lecturer in Photography at the University of Arts in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, where she continues to inspire and educate the next generation of photographers.