With so much rapid change in the last 7 days, this week Sarah and Jess take a look at the impact that President Trump's administration continues to have on people living with HIV in America, as well as globally. SourcesUNAIDS welcomes US decision to keep funding life-saving HIV treatment | UN NewsTrump White House Erases, Silences HIV, LGBTQ and Health Content - POZConcern and confusion as Trump freezes assistance programs | Positively AwareCDC webpages go dark as Trump targets public health information | Trump administration | The GuardianFederal grant freeze: Trump White House rescinds order | AP Newshttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/05/health/trump-usaid-pepfar.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Sarah and Jess take a look at a news story that broke last week, the case of Jonathan Carl, sentenced to 17 years for rape and reckless HIV transmission. Police believe he may have had contact with hundreds of men and are urging potential victims to come forward.Anyone who may have had contact with Jonathan Carl is urged to contact detectives directly on 0207175273, you can also email, survivors@met.police.uk.To contact police, you can dial 101 or via our online reporting system and state reference CAD2972/19Sept25.You can also seek confidential support through NHS sexual health services or charities by following these links: NHS, SHL, Galop, Positive East, NAT, The Havens or SARCs.Sourceshttps://news.met.police.uk/news/appeal-for-victims-to-come-forward-following-the-sentencing-of-jonathan-carl-501222https://www.itv.com/news/london/2025-09-19/hundreds-of-men-urged-to-get-tested-for-stds-after-sex-attacker-convicted Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah are talking about the brilliant Ian Charleson, yes, the Chariots of Fire star with the unforgettable grin. Behind the Hollywood buzz, Ian quietly made history by being open about his HIV status at a time when hardly anyone dared. And if that wasn't enough, the segment nobody asked for is back! Condiment Corner makes a continental return...Sources Ian Charleson - WikipediaChariots of Fire' star Charleson dies of AIDS - UPI Archives Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah swap test tubes for tech talk as they explore the world of Artificial Intelligence. From chatbots that could answer your HIV questions to the ethical dilemmas of letting machines into healthcare, we’re asking: is AI the future of HIV support, or just another shiny distraction?SourcesCan AI Spark New Progress Against HIV? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah are back from their summer break and diving straight into the future. Sarah shares her slightly wacky idea that virtual reality might just hold the key to helping us reach the 2030 HIV goal...yes, you heard that right! Could VR goggles really make a difference in the fight against HIV? We’ll let you be the judge. Strap in, this one’s a bit bonkers.Support The HIV Podcast & people affected by HIV - DonateSourcesHow Virtual Reality is changing gaming and intimacyVR Can Trick the Brain to Feel Sexual Touch | Psychology Today United KingdomAugmented Reality: The Future Of Interactive Sex ‹ Onya MagazineVirtual Reality Erotica: Exploring General Presence, Sexual Presence, Sexual Arousal, and Sexual Desire in Women Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah take a stroll down memory lane as they dust off two of TVPS’s vintage newsletters, because what better way to mark our 40th anniversary than with a peek into our own archives? From animal adoption to Sarah's editorial input, we’re uncovering what was making headlines (and raising eyebrows) back then. Expect a few giggles, a touch of history, and a whole lot of appreciation for how far we’ve come.We’re also pressing pause for a summer break, but don’t worry, we’ll be back in September, refreshed and ready to bring you even more untold stories from the HIV community! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 — TVPSChildren of Lazarus: The Forgotten Generation of Long-Term AIDS Survivors: Wright, Les K: 9798987318836: Amazon.com: BooksBeyond HIV: The Narratives of 'Children of Lazarus' Tickets, Wed 6 Aug 2025 at 18:00 | EventbriteBeyond Survival: The Narratives of 'Children of Lazarus' Tickets, Mon 4 Aug 2025 at 17:00 | Eventbrite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. SourcesHow to cope with shame | Psyche GuidesAlmost half of people living with HIV in the UK feel ashamed | aidsmap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 yearsClients of Wolverhampton aesthetics clinic who had vampire facials urged to get blood tests | City Of Wolverhampton CouncilCall for tribute to Terrence Higgins in Haverfordwest | Western Telegraph Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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!NewsTrump team set to destroy $12m worth of HIV drugs and contraceptives that were bought before closing USAID Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 charityHIV Outcomes - National AIDS Trust Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.SourcesStopping ART safely if your clinic is closed or runs out of meds: a practical guide | HTB | HIV i-BaseHelp us end AIDS - Donate now | UNAIDS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this special hour long episode of The HIV Podcast, Sarah sits down with the unstoppable Lisa Power, co-founder of Stonewall, policy powerhouse, and a lifelong thorn in the side of complacency. From the early days of HIV activism to shaping national policy with wit, wisdom, and just the right amount of righteous rage. Lisa brings receipts, resilience, and razor-sharp insight. Buckle up for a history lesson, a call to arms, and a good laugh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.SourcesMeet Joan Baker, San Francisco’s first “out” HIV+ lesbian — Lady Science Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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!SourcesLesbian Avengers - WikipediaStories - FAMAn Oral History of the Lesbian Avengers and the Dyke MarchFire Eating Lesbians and AIDS Activism in 1990s San Francisco | TORCH | The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.SourcesSan Diego Blood Sisters - WikipediaHow new FDA rule allowing gay, bisexual men to give blood is making donation more inclusive - ABC NewsBlood donation: Rule change means more gay and bisexual men can give blood - BBC News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.