Meet the 6 inspirational Bristolians saying NO to HIV-related stigma

This World AIDS Day (1 December), local HIV organisation Brigstowe is running a citywide campaign to raise awareness of HIV-related stigma, with 6 people of Bristol sharing their experiences.

Significant advancements have been made in medical care for HIV, but people’s knowledge and perceptions remain outdated. In a recent survey by National AIDS Trust, only 16% of people understood Undetectable=Untransmittable – that people living with HIV on medication CANNOT pass on the virus. 1 in 3 people living with HIV have experienced HIV-related stigma and/or discrimination and people living with HIV are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to the general public.

During 18 November – 1 December 2024, six people of Bristol are calling on Bristol to join them in saying NO to HIV-related stigma. Brigstowe’s citywide billboard campaign highlights these powerful stories and shows that people living with HIV in 2024 can live long, healthy and normal lives

To coincide with the campaign,  all digital displays at bus stops in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will be promoting the Undetectable=Untransmittable message.

Aled Osborne, Community Engagement Manager at Brigstowe, said:

“People living with HIV on treatment cannot pass on the virus. Not only is this important for public health in terms of significantly reducing onward transmission, but it means so much for the community of people living with HIV and has changed their lives.

“It’s therefore disappointing and worrying that, in 2024, Brigstowe is still receiving many reports of HIV-related stigma experienced by people living with HIV. This shows that it’s more important than ever to ensure ALL people living with HIV can not only live but thrive in all areas of society.”

Dr Joanna Copping, Consultant in Public Health Medicine: Population Health, Sexual Health and HIV at Bristol City Council, and SHIP HIT co-director, said:

“As a Fast Track City for HIV we are committed to ending new HIV in Bristol.  Addressing the ongoing stigma that stops people from testing is key to achieving this. We urge people to consider the messages within this fantastic campaign and to come forward for HIV testing.  Early diagnosis prevents transmission and saves lives.”

One of the models featured in the campaign said:

“Seeing the billboards, with a positive message that slaps stigma into oblivion, makes my heart soar and beat with hope. I’m used to hearing negative and ignorant opinions on HIV, so it makes me grin seeing people’s faces proudly and not hiding.”

A Brigstowe client said:

“U=U has been a game changer for so many people like myself living with HIV. To see HIV being talked about in this way is incredible & we will continue to fight the stigma that still surrounds it.”