Birmingham HIV activist joins National AIDS Trust’s World AIDS Day 2023 campaign

Birmingham-based artist and HIV activist Garry Jones is one of three faces leading National AIDS Trust’s (NAT) Rock the Ribbon campaign for World AIDS Day 2023. Jones was pivotal in conceptualising, campaigning for and fundraising for Birmingham’s HIV & AIDS Memorial alongside several other campaigners. Additionally, he has led various other projects including the Birmingham HIV Memorial Quilts which have been on display across the city.

Garry Jones was chosen to be the face of this year’s World AIDS Day campaign alongside Louise Vallace (53), an intersectional wellness coach from London; and Eli Fitzgerald (24), a youth support worker from Chippenham in Wiltshire whose role at the charity Positively UK supports young people living with HIV to have a voice and provide a safe space where they can speak openly about HIV.

Speaking to Scene, Garry Jones said: “It’s a privilege and an honour to be asked to be one of the faces of this year’s NAT’s World AIDS Day campaign. Up until designing The Ribbons, Birmingham’s AIDS & HIV Memorial, I’d always been very secretive about being HIV positive which, looking back, only added to the stigma, prejudice, self-loathing and blame. I’ve come to realise that HIV is only a virus that anyone can get, so why should I feel ashamed?

“By taking part in the campaign I hope to challenge the ignorance and the fears surrounding HIV by showing that effective treatment makes you undetectable. This enables you to lead a full, active and long life and means you cannot pass the virus on… Undetectable = Untransmissible. Being open about my status has empowered me and I hope that my story will help others living with HIV.”

Deborah Gold, Chief Executive of NAT, adds: “We are extremely proud to have Garry, as well as Louise and Eli, leading our World AIDS Day 2023 campaign. All three are inspiring individuals who strive to make the world a better place for people living with HIV in their own unique way. Garry has made such a huge impact in Birmingham and beyond and we’re delighted to partner with him.

“For this year’s World AIDS Day, our imagery represents the power of community and encourages others to stand in solidarity with all people living with HIV. We celebrate the rich history of HIV activism, led by people who refuse to let HIV stigma stand in the way of progress.

“World AIDS Day is about joining together for those impacted by HIV, past and present, and call for a better future. To find out ways you can #RockTheRibbon with us HERE.”