Speaker Biographies

Our diverse range of speakers reflects the diversity of those affected by HIV. In total, we have 16 speakers involved in the programme, below are short biographies of 3 of those speakers to illustrate the range of those involved.

Ivy is 43 years old and originally from Malawi. She came to England with her daughter, following the death of her husband. Shortly after arrival, Ivy became very ill and was diagnosed as HIV positive. Thankfully Ivy responded well to medication and now, despite many continuing health problems, she is an active member of a number of support organisations. In her role as Positive Speaker, Ivy is able to provide an insight not only into what it is like to live with HIV in the UK, but also about the difficulties faced by those from countries where HIV treatments are not available.

Chris is a 34 year old gay man who has been living with HIV for the past 3 years. After working as a nurse in the NHS for 12 years, following his diagnosis Chris was discriminated against and dismissed from his position because of his HIV status. He was also forced to relocate after an attack on his home by neighbours who discovered he was HIV positive. Chris decided to become a Positive Speaker in order to educate people and prevent others from undergoing the same prejudice that he has received.

 

Marie is a 42 year old heterosexual woman from the North West who lives in a small town with her partner and their two young children. Marie was diagnosed as being HIV positive in 2001 after being extremely ill in hospital for a number of weeks before the doctors finally ran an HIV test despite her symptoms. Thanks to medication, Marie is now in good health and has returned to study. As a Positive Speaker, Marie hopes to challenge the stereotypical notion of who is vulnerable to infection and raise awareness that HIV can, and does, affect people from all walks of life.