World AIDS Day is marked annually on 1 December. It was founded in 1988 and continues as a way to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost.

“World AIDS Day exists to shine a light on the real experiences of people living with HIV today, while celebrating the strength, resilience and diversity of the communities most affected.” - worldaidsday.org

The red ribbon symbolises awareness and support for people living with HIV.

This article includes further information about some of the local organisations raising awareness, support for people living with HIV, information about HIV testing, and events taking place for this year’s World AIDS Day.

Local organisations and information about support

There are a number of organisations local to Brighton and Hove which work with people living with HIV, deliver HIV awareness campaigns, and offer training and health advice.

Terrance Higgins Trust

Terrance Higgins Trust are a leading HIV and sexual health charity in the UK. 

“We support people living with HIV and amplify their voices, and help the people using our services to achieve good sexual health.”

Home | Terrence Higgins Trust (tht.org.uk)

Lunch Positive

Lunch Positive is a Brighton charity offering a community space to people living with HIV.

“We aim to create spaces where everyone feels comfortable and included – a great way to make new friends and to find peer support!”

Homepage - Lunch Positive

Martin Fisher Foundation

“The Martin Fisher Foundation's vision is to eliminate new HIV cases within a generation by increasing HIV testing, through improving knowledge of HIV, increasing availability PrEP and reducing HIV stigma. Our purpose is to facilitate the city-wide HIV response wherever possible.”

Eliminating HIV Transmission - The Martin Fisher Foundation

Information about HIV testing

As well as the organisations listed above, Brighton & Hove Council has put together a list of resources for World AIDS Day which includes information about access to HIV testing: Marking World AIDS Day 2023 (brighton-hove.gov.uk)

Marking World AIDS Day 2023 in Brighton & Hove

Here a some of the events taking place across the City this year.

World AIDS Day Fundraising Concert

On 1 December 2023, Brighton & Hove’s LGBT choirs and musicians are once again joining forces to put on their annual World Aids Day fundraising concert in Kemp Town, Brighton. Raising funds for Lunch Positive. The Brighton and Hove World Aids Day Concert (brightonwadconcert.info)

Candlelit Vigil

On 1 December 2023 at 6-7pm, there is a candlelit vigil at New Steine Gardens. World AIDS day - The Ledward Centre (ledcen.org.uk)

World AIDS Day Service of Remembrance

On Sunday 3 December at 6pm, the Remembrance event takes place at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Kemp Town.

AIDS Memorial Quilt Panel 

This event runs from 27 November to 10 December at Jubilee Library. https://www.aidsquiltuk.org/

Our Stories Told By Us

“This book focuses on the UK HIV epidemic, and within that reflects on the HIV experience of African communities through individual stories and reflections rather than HIV statistics.

This is the first book specifically to do that. This has been made possible as a result of five Black African women living with HIV and residing in the UK.

In this book, we have shared some of our experiences and the reflections of many more people like us, and, together with our allies, we hope the world never forgets what we went through, what we did and how we lived, fighting for our very survival as HIV and the stigma related to it threatened our lives.”

To find out more or order: Our Stories Told By Us

The recent Your Student Update also includes information about World AIDS Day including information about the Students’ Union is offering free HIV test kits in the Falmer House reception area.

Support at Sussex

The University has clear expectations of how all members of its community treat – and are treated by – others. We will not tolerate bullying, harassment and violence, including sexual violence, racial harassment and hate crime. 

If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, you can let us know using this Report and Support tool.   

Students can also find a number of resources and support at the Student Centre.

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