We were in Parliament today talking to MPs about what’s needed to meet the government’s goal of ending new HIV cases by 2030.
This is the generation of parliamentarians who can make it happen 👇
NEW: The number of new HIV diagnoses in heterosexual people is higher than in gay and bisexual men for the first time in a decade.
Straight people are also far more likely to be diagnosed late and less likely to get tested
#HIVTestingWeek
☝️
THIS IS HUGE
A major study of nearly 1,000 gay men has found ZERO cases of HIV transmission when a person is on effective treatment.
People living with HIV & on effective treatment
#CantPassItOn
Share this message far and wide so we can end HIV stigma.
Ritchie and Ash lying in a hospital bed together is a beautiful moment of love.
It’s reminiscent of Gideon Mendel’s photo series where he visited an AIDS ward to show the loving relationships between the men who were dying and their partners.
To humanise HIV.
#ItsASin
Please don’t. Lazy comparisons between HIV and Covid-19 are misguided and offensive.
Princess Diana shook hands with and hugged people with HIV to *educate*. To show the world the virus can’t be passed on through touch at a time when hysteria was rife.
It is not the same.
‘We had no idea it was so lethal. We did our best.’
'Boris Johnson shook hands with people to show they weren't being stigmatised like Diana did with HIV.'
Edwina Currie defends the government after
@susannareid100
lists all its failures during the pandemic.
And he’s done it!
Massive well done to
@gareththomas14
from all of us. In less than 24 hours you’ve helped smash stigma and shown the world that HIV won’t stop you in your tracks.
We are so proud to call you a friend. X
IMPORTANT.
HIV has changed a huge amount since
#ItsASin
— but too many people haven’t been paying attention.
Including that we can now say with absolute confidence that someone living with HIV & on effective treatment
#CantPassItOn
.
Tell everyone.
It’s amazing to see
@thecharitykase
using her platform on
@dragraceukbbc
to educate people on the reality of HIV today.
It’s so important to know the facts on HIV and challenge attitudes towards the virus that are stuck in the 1980s.
HIV has changed. Tell Everyone.
#DragRaceUK
Prince Harry and Meghan chose our event for World AIDS Day as their first ever official Royal engagement.
Their shared and continuing passion to HIV awareness has been invaluable. When the world’s spotlight was on them, they turned it on our cause.
We will always be thankful.
Colin’s storyline in
#ItsASin
led to a 4300% increase in searches for “Does AIDS cause fits”.
Untreated HIV weakens the immune system, leaving it susceptible to infections which can cause seizures.
Now effective treatment protects the immune system from damage. HIV has changed.
Today marks five years since George Michael died on Christmas Day 2016.
We're celebrating George's life and music, remembering his generosity, and grateful for all he did to support people affected by HIV.
Thank you George, you are missed.
🏆 It’s A Sin wins Best New Drama at
#NTAs
!
So powerful for its creator Russell T Davies to dedicate the award to:
“Those we lost,
Those who lived,
Those who learned,
And those we loved.”
What a deserving winner 💙
George Michael, 25 June 1963 - 25 December 2016.
George passed away on Christmas Day six years ago. Since then this day has been a special one to remember him, his music and the difference he made to the lives of people affected by HIV.
You’re very missed, George.
We are so proud to have
@AngelaRayner
marching with us
@PrideInLondon
today.
Angela is supporting our message that people on effective HIV treatment
#CantPassItOn
& our campaign for LGBT inclusive RSE. 🌈
We want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone involved in
#ItsASin
, including its wonderful cast 💙
Conversations have been started ✔️
Perceptions have been shifted ✔️
HIV tests have been ordered ✔️
Who says TV can’t change lives?
👏 What 👏 a 👏 legacy 👏
In 1986, Ritchie, Roscoe & Ash test for HIV and must wait six weeks for a result. Back then a diagnosis was a hopeless one. Ritchie can’t face knowing.
Today a HIV diagnosis has been transformed thanks to effective treatment. It’s always better to know.
#HIVTestWeek
#ItsASin
Today, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex has released a message in honour of 40 years of Terrence Higgins Trust.
The message appears in the catalogue for our flagship fundraising event, The Auction at Christie's, which takes place this evening.
We’re so sad to hear about the death of Sophie Anderson.
Sophie and Rebecca have done so much to support our work — taking on challenges to raise money and tackle HIV stigma.
This is how we will remember Sophie 👇
It’s A Sin shows what it was like in an AIDS ward in the 1980s where so many young men were dying.
These heartbreaking and incredibly moving images by Gideon Mendel show the affection and love shown during the height of the crisis
#ItsASin
George Michael died on Christmas Day four years ago💙
George’s commitment to improving the lives of people living with HIV was remarkable.
His donations, charity performances & often unreported charity work helped change how people talk about HIV.
We miss you, George.
It's National HIV Testing Week! What better way to kick things off than by bringing together The Duke of Sussex and
@gareththomas14
?
'I want to do whatever I can to remove the fear people have about testing for HIV,’ says Gareth.
Don't miss this powerful film 👇
#HIVTestWeek
Progress 👏
Following tonight’s
#ItsASin
,
@Channel4
’s announcer will reference the progress in HIV treatment since the series, as well as info on
@All4
and in social media posts.
Thank you to Channel 4 for listening and taking action. It really matters.
BREAKING:
Health Secretary
@MattHancock
has announced
#PrEP
WILL be uncapped in England. This is an important moment in the fight against HIV.
Roll-out must now happen rapidly so no one is left behind.
This is a victory years in the making. Thank you for standing with us.
Today is the start of National HIV Testing Week and The Duke of Sussex has shared an important message.
‘By getting tested you are helping stop the HIV epidemic in its tracks. You are helping to save lives,’ says The Duke of Sussex
@KensingtonRoyal
#HIVTestWeek
Today would've been the amazing Freddie Mercury's 73rd birthday.
There's been huge medical progress in the fight against HIV since Freddie's death in 1991. We just wish he was here to see it.
RIP Freddie 💙
👏
@alexander_olly
HIV test orders have been at their highest levels ever for this year's
#HIVTestWeek
.
That will be the legacy of
#ItsASin
thanks to a brilliant cast committed to learning and sharing the realities of HIV in 2021.
Gareth Thomas has spoken publicly about living with HIV for the very first time ahead of taking on the
@IRONMAN_wales
challenge.
He wants everyone to know that HIV shouldn’t stop you doing anything you want to.
We’re very proud to call him a friend.
The power of TV to change lives.
#ItsASin
is
@Channel4
’s most binged watched new series and honours the heroes of the past — stopping our history being forgotten.
It’s also led to more people than ever taking action and getting tested during
#HIVTestWeek
.
What a legacy. LA! 💙
‘AIDS CONCERNS US ALL’ is on the back of the record.
HIV has changed hugely since Freddie’s death, but stigma remains a key barrier to progress and campaigns to challenge that remain vital.
And we all have a part to play.
#FreddieMercury
#ItsNotOver
On
#WorldAIDSDay
we remember all those lost too soon to the epidemic.
But today
@gareththomas14
has this important message of hope: "I’m determined that each time this day comes around we’re moving further forwards in the fight against HIV."
Play your part and share
#ZeroHIV
It’s A Sin is sparking many conversations about the AIDS crisis & its devastating impact.
While the HIV response is firmly in the spotlight, here’s a thread about what’s improved since the dark days of
#ItsASin
– as well as what urgently still needs to.
Happy birthday Prince Harry. Thank you for your commitment to HIV awareness.
In a message to honour our 40th anniversary, he said: "While my mother did not live to see the success of today's treatments, I feel immense pride in being able to continue her advocacy with you."
Today marks 27 years since the death of the brilliant Freddie Mercury.
After his death,
@QueenWillRock
re-released Bohemian Rhapsody and raised £1million to support us at Terrence Higgins Trust. Read the back of the record for why👇
Freddie - gone but never ever forgotten 💙
Watching
#ItsASin
during Covid-19 feels particularly poignant, despite the two pandemics being very different in so many ways.
There was little empathy for the marginalised groups impacted at the start of the AIDS crisis. Many of those who could ignore it — did ignore it.
Today would've been the amazing Freddie Mercury's 74th birthday.
His death is a reminder of the countless talented lives cut far too short. We've made huge progress in the fight against HIV and we'll keep shouting about it in memory of those just like Freddie.
RIP Freddie. 💙
Remembering George. 💙
It’s 3 years since the world lost this musical giant. George was an amazing friend to us, raising money and helping to change the way people see HIV.
Today we’re listening to George’s music and celebrating his incredible legacy. Gone but never forgotten.
Today is
#WorldAIDSDay
On 1 December, we must give thanks to those who came before us. The progress we’ve made in the fight against HIV wouldn’t be possible without their contributions.
Here's our CEO
@ianrgreen
on remembering those we've lost and looking to the future👇
BRILLIANT NEWS 🗞
We’re proud, humbled & overwhelmed to announce that
@philipnormal
’s “La.” t-shirts have now raised *£200,000* to support people affected by HIV!!
Please join our gang and keep all of these game-changing conversations about HIV going 👇
In March 1989,
@Madonna
released Like A Prayer and included "The Facts About AIDS" — it was radical for her to use her platform to educate during the height of the epidemic.
Madonna spoke out at a time when others were burying their heads in the sand or spreading misinformation.
We must never forget all the Colins we lost much too soon.
Being able to test for HIV — with effective treatments available to live a long, healthy life — is a privilege.
Order your free HIV test kit:
#HIVTestWeek
#ItsASin
Olly Alexander misses out on Best Drama Performance at
#NTAs
for Ritchie in It’s A Sin.
But we’ll never forget how beautifully Olly brought to life the story of all the Ritchies we lost to HIV.
Who lived life proudly and to the full — before cruelly being taken much too soon.
This is why EastEnders' new HIV storyline is so important.
Millions will learn about how much medical progress has been made in the fight against HIV. Including that people living with HIV can and do have children who are HIV-negative (even when diagnosed during pregnancy).
So Zack might be HIV positive.If he is then the baby growing inside Tiffany could also be HIV. If Zack gets tested and he is positive, he will have to tell Tiffany, she will have to decide if to terminate the pregnancy
@bbceastenders
Today marks 28 years since the death of the amazing Freddie Mercury.
Following his death,
@QueenWillRock
re-released Bohemian Rhapsody and raised £1 million to support us at Terrence Higgins Trust.
There's been so much progress in HIV, we only wish Freddie was here to see it.
“The wards are full of men who think they deserve it,” says Jill.
Russell T Davies called the series
#ItsASin
for a reason. HIV is a uniquely challenging public health issue because — despite all the medical progress — it’s still surrounded by fear, blame, ignorance and stigma.
Today is World AIDS Day.
A day to remember all those lost too soon to HIV, for raising awareness of those living with the virus, and for tackling stigma and prejudice.
RT to make the world
#SeeRed
. For love. For passion. For remembrance. For activism.
Today we’re remembering the amazing Freddie Mercury, who died on this day back in 1991. Just a week before
#WorldAIDSDay
.
Since then, Freddie has inspired so many conversations about HIV with millions being raised for relevant causes in his memory.
We miss you, Freddie.
It’s one year since we lost George Michael last Christmas. Today we’re listening to George’s music and celebrating his incredible legacy.
George’s support and friendship over the years made a huge difference to people living with HIV.
Today
@QueerEye
’s Jonathan Van Ness has said they are a ‘member of the beautiful HIV positive community’.
The world has another incredible role model showing that HIV doesn’t have to stop you doing anything you want to do 👏
Love from all us
@jvn
💙
NEW: Today the first long-acting injectable treatment for people living with HIV has been approved for use in England & Wales.
This is incredible news and will be a great option for many living with HIV.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of
#WorldAIDSDay
We spoke to a range of HIV activists who shared their knowledge, advice and experiences.
Here's what they had to say ⬇️
#ZeroHIV
We spy a
@philipnormal
"La" t-shirt in Parliament. 👀
Thank you
@AngelaRayner
for proudly wearing this brilliant design in the Commons. Sales from the t-shirts have raised £250,000 to support people affected by HIV.
Join the gang and order yours. 👇
We’re deeply saddened to learn of Simon Dunn’s death aged just 35.
Simon gave his time freely and generously for the many causes he believed passionately in and we’re very grateful that included Terrence Higgins Trust and National HIV Testing Week.
Simon, you will be so missed.
Forty years ago today the world changed forever with the first reported cases of what we now know to be HIV.
Since then, more than 30million lives have been lost to the epidemic. We've come a long way in the fight against HIV and seen huge medical progress – but it's not over.
Many young men had to come out to their families as gay and dying of AIDS at the same time in the 1980s and 1990s.
It’s A Sin is shining a light on stories that needed to be told
#ItsASin
"PrEP? What?"
"Yeah, it's a drug. And it stops HIV from getting in to the body. It's very effective."
Millions heard that PrEP is a pill that protects you from HIV on
#EastEnders
. We're proud to be working with
@bbceastenders
to raise public awareness.
Did you know Madonna has been involved in HIV/AIDS activism since the 80s?
She included this ⬇ insert in her
#LikeAPrayer
album sleeve, and once turned her own concert into an AIDS benefit, as well as attending many others.
Thank you so much
@Madonna
, and happy
#Madonna60
xxx
It’s been two years since we lost the legendary George Michael on
#ChristmasDay
.
During his life, George’s support and friendship for people living with and affected by HIV made a huge difference.
RIP George - gone, but never ever forgotten.
“Advances mean people living with HIV on effective treatment can now enjoy normal life expectancy and are no longer at risk of passing on the virus.”
Thank you
@Keir_Starmer
for sharing this important message on
#WorldAIDSDay
and urging action to end new HIV cases by 2030.
#PMQs
It’s
#WorldAIDSDay
To mark the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day we remember those lives so sadly lost to the virus, and in their memory reflect on the progress we’ve made.
With your help, we can hit
#ZeroHIV
transmissions in the UK, and end HIV stigma once and for all.
We're so proud of
@gareththomas14
.
"HIV is not connected to death, it’s connected to life and that is what I am doing to the maximum."
In 72 hours Gareth has smashed misconceptions & shown the world you can live a healthy life with HIV.
#ThisMorning
On
#WorldAIDSDay
we're asking everyone to play their part in reaching the goal of
#ZeroHIV
.
To end new HIV transmissions.
To end HIV stigma.
We've come so far but we can't stop now. RT to pledge your support.
Yes! Because LGBT people exist and it’s morally wrong to ignore that.
It's brilliant news that Relationships Education will be compulsory in all primary schools from September 2020. Learning about all different types of relationships, including LGBT ones, benefits everyone
#RSE
Today marks 41 years since the death of Terry Higgins, the first named person in the UK to die from AIDS-related illnesses.
Our charity was set up by his friend
@Martyn_Butler
and partner
@RupertWhitaker
to humanise the epidemic.
Here's how we've been honouring Terry's memory👇
Stonewall is a vital charity doing life-changing work to support the rights of all LGBT+ people.
There cannot be LGB without the T.
@stonewalluk
@the__chez
@theipaper
NEW: Prince Harry and
@gareththomas14
in conversation to mark National
#HIVTestingWeek
with
@TackleHIV
.
“My mum’s work was unfinished,” says The Duke. “I feel obligated to try and continue that as much as possible.”
His advice is clear: get tested.
It's
#WorldAIDSDay
.
A time to remember every one of the 33million people lost too soon since the start of the
#HIV
epidemic.
An opportunity to look forward to a brighter future — and galvanise to keep fighting.
Together we can. Please take, share and RT our pledge today.
48% of people would feel uncomfortable kissing someone living with HIV.
Let's make it clear: HIV cannot be passed on through saliva.
That means it can't be passed on through kissing, or by sharing cutlery, bed linen or a toothbrush.
Please RT to help bust these misconceptions.
Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️
The LGBT+ community has been at the forefront in the fight against HIV for the last 40 years & that remains the same today.
Our crucial work to end new HIV cases goes hand in hand with LGBT equality 🤝
Join us this
#Pride
Month:
Today we’re remembering George Michael who died on Christmas Day seven years ago.
George was a massively impactful HIV campaigner and advocate.
It’s brilliant news that Wham!’s Last Christmas is this year’s Christmas number one. George, you are missed.
Wonderful to be joined by
@Keir_Starmer
,
@AngelaRayner
&
@AnnelieseDodds
to mark 40 years of supporting people affected by HIV at
@PrideInLondon
.
We’re doing everything we can to end new HIV cases in the UK by 2030 — we need those with influence at the top standing with us.
Today we're remembering Mark Ashton, who died 35 years ago on this day.
Mark was a remarkable activist whose life was cut much too short when he died at age 26, just days after his HIV diagnosis. His incredible story was told in the hit film Pride.
RIP Mark💙
While
#ItsASin
has your attention...
A far cry from the devastation of the 1980s, we can now say with absolute confidence that people living with HIV and on effective treatment
#CantPassItOn
to sexual partners.
Tell everyone.
"Why was AIDS so deadly during the 1980s"
There was a *3,100%* jump in Google searches for that question following the first episode of
#ItsASin
.
So here's a THREAD to answer some of the key questions the series has stirred up. Because HIV has changed👇
Today is
#WorldAIDSDay
We’ve made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV – but stigma continues to hold us back and that's completely unacceptable.
Everyone has a part to play in tackling stigma by telling as many people as possible the facts about HIV today.
We'd like to wish a very happy birthday to our friend and patron, the wonderful
@stephenfry
, who has shown us unbelievable amounts of support over the years.
Thank you so much for everything you do for us Stephen, and we hope you have a fantastic day!
From all of us at THT xxx
Section 28 forbade the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools. It was driven by the AIDS crisis — and made it worse.
“Some people were facing the most appalling deaths, and this was designed to kick us firmly underground,” said our patron
@mcashmanCBE
#ItsASin
Today marks 21 years since the tragic loss of Princess Diana. She did so much to challenge perceptions of HIV and tackle stigma through her kindness and compassion, her hugs and hand holding.
She stepped up when very few others did. She is dearly missed but her legacy lives on.
We're proud to relaunch our
#CantPassItOn
campaign to let everyone know that people living with HIV and on effective treatment can't pass the virus on.
It features Charity and Sadiq who are HIV positive and undetectable. They're living proof of this stigma-busting message! 💪
PREMIERE: It’s time to watch the first TV advert on HIV in almost 40 years — made proudly in partnership with
@scotgov
.
We’ve made huge medical progress in the fight against
#HIV
since the 1980s. But abhorrent stigma remains a significant issue today.
Please watch and share.
“There’s nothing stopping progress but political will. We have 10 years, but not a minute to wait.”
Thank you
@Keir_Starmer
for committing
@UKLabour
to ending new cases of HIV by 2030.
#0HIVby30
BRILLIANT NEWS!!
Thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm for
#ItsASin
,
@philipnormal
's 'La.' t-shirts have now raised a huge £94,600 for our vital HIV services.
Will you RT and help us get to £100,000?
LA! 💙
Today would’ve been Terry Higgins’ 74th birthday. But in 1982 he was one of the first people in the UK to die from an AIDS-related illness.
After his death Terry's partner & friends formed our charity in his name. Every day we do what we do for Terry.
Happy birthday Terry. 💙
It’s A Sin has arrived on
@netflix
& we couldn’t be more excited!
If you've already seen the show, what did you love about it? Who’s your favourite character? Is there a scene you can't wait to re-watch?
Sound off in the comments below and let’s show some love for It’s A Sin ❤️
Today we’re remembering the incomparable Freddie Mercury, who died on this day back in 1991. Just a week before
#WorldAIDSDay
.
Since then, Freddie has inspired so many conversations about HIV with millions being raised in his memory.
We miss you every day, Freddie.
Colin's AIDS diagnosis in It's A Sin was nominated as one of just six
@BAFTA
Must-See Moments.
@callumshowells
's incredible performance in the show is a worthy tribute to all the Colins who were lost much too young and much too soon.
Here's that moment.
'For those who lived through the smear campaigns against gay men in the 1980s, the same mischaracterizations are now directed toward trans people'
An important comparison by
@TIME
of the homophobia in
#ItsASin
and the wave of transphobia in the UK today ➡️
On
#WorldAIDSDay
, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex has warmly welcomed the HIV Commission’s report on how we can end new HIV cases in England by 2030.
A longtime advocate for normalising HIV testing, The Duke’s message is below.
#0HIVby30
@NAT_AIDS_Trust
@ejaf
Today marks 39 years since the death of our namesake Terry Higgins on 4 July 1982.
Terry was one of the very first in the UK to be lost to the AIDS epidemic.
Everything we do is in his name — including shouting about all the progress in the fight against HIV since
#CantPassItOn