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You founded HIV The Naked Truth in 2020 with the mission of ending HIV stigma through the arts. What inspired you to combine creativity and activism in this way?
As a former dancer I have always loved the arts - it’s the drug that motivated me to thrive and the fact I had a day off in 2020 on world aids day I wanted to create art at its best and it’s grown and grown over last 6 years it’s my baby!
As someone living openly with HIV, what has been the most rewarding—and the most challenging—part of sharing your story publicly?
I have always been an open book but I thought 5 years after my diagnosis I had nothing to fear and now have a family of people all looking out for each other and thriving with HIV my most beautiful friends are HIV +!
Many people still hold outdated views about HIV. What are the biggest misconceptions you encounter today, and how do you hope to change them?
That hiv is a death sentence - now on effective treatment you cannot pass the virus on U = U which means undetectable is Untransmittable. Also hiv stigma kills so don’t judge get tested and support us don’t hate us spread love
The HIV The Naked Truth Nude Exhibition takes place at Phoenix Art Space in Brighton from 29 July to 2 August 2026. Why did you choose Brighton Pride week as the perfect time and place for this exhibition?
Tbh it was the only week available in the galleries schedule but that said it fits in perfect time for Brighton pride the biggest pride festival in the UK and with an important cause to tackle hiv stigma!
The exhibition features 14 LGBTQ+ HIV activists photographed nude. What message do you hope visitors take away after experiencing these powerful portraits and the personal stories behind them?
I love all my models featured in the exhibit by Rod olukoya the naked body is so powerful and hiv can affect anyone from trans men to trans women to women it’s not just a gay man’s disease we are all equal and beautiful and should not be seen any different
Nudity can be seen as both vulnerable and empowering. Why was it important for HIV The Naked Truth to use the naked body as a medium for challenge
I think there’s nothing more beautiful than naked bodies of all shapes and sizes and I’m so proud of each model for baring their all for this special exhibit
This exhibition supports Positive East and brings together activists from diverse backgrounds. How important is community collaboration in creating lasting change around HIV awareness and acceptance?
I think community is key to battling stigma and change and we need work together in partnership and activism if we want to meet our 2030 goal of ending all hiv transmissions in the UK we can all do our part together we are so powerful !
You've had an incredible career as a professional dancer before becoming an HIV activist. How has your background in dance and performance influenced your approach to advocacy?
I dreamed a dream of being a professional dancer I was and now my journey has taken me on an unplanned adventure that has taken me places I never dreamt of also met some incredible souls that are have touched me in a way I can’t explain I’m truly blessed!
For LGBTQ+ people who have recently been diagnosed with HIV and may be struggling with fear or stigma, what message would you like to share with them today?
You are not alone - you will be ok there is support out there for you and you are beautiful and powerful don’t be afraid !
Looking beyond the Brighton exhibition, what is your long-term vision for HIV The Naked Truth, and what does success in ending HIV stigma look like to you?
Tbh I’m bipolar and adhd so anything could happen. I don’t know what’s in the bag for HIV the naked truth but I know we aren’t going anywhere as hope to make an impact with my creative team to end hiv stigma one sequin at a Time x