At Sahir House we are passionate about commemorating World AIDS Day and every year since 1988 we have held a vigil in Liverpool to remember those we have lost to HIV/AIDS. We also use the day to encourage folk across Merseyside to stand in solidarity with people living with HIV and commit to playing their part in helping to end new transmissions of HIV whilst fighting HIV stigma and discrimination.
This year our theme for World AIDS Day is “End Complacency, End Stigma, End Inequalities, End AIDS”
Here’s how you can get involved and play your part:
Studies show those at highest risk of HIV may be less likely to know of risk factors, or may believe that HIV is no longer a serious health threat. For example, young people who have grown up without seeing the epidemic’s devastating effects may be particularly vulnerable and those who were in long term heterosexual monogamous relationships at the time of the first public health campaign but are now sexually active.
We can all actively access information about new HIV medications and prevention methods and talk to our partner/s about our sexual health and healthy sex.
It’s never been easier to get an HIV test and to get a result quickly—all it takes is an oral swab test or finger-prick test. You can get a test in person or order tests online, with free and paid-for options. Many tests will provide you with a result in less than 20 minutes.
Contact us on 0151 237 3989 (and ask to speak to Kath) or email hivtesting@sahir.uk.com to find support around HIV testing.
Alternatively, contact your local sexual health clinic to book in for a HIV test.
There are lots of ways you can make sex safer. One of the best ways is by using a barrier — like condoms, internal condoms, dental dams, and/or latex or nitrile gloves — every single time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or do anything that can pass sexual fluids (like sharing sex toys). Barriers protect you and your partner from sexual fluids and some skin-to-skin contact, which can both spread STDs.
Getting tested for STDs regularly is also part of safer sex, even if you always use barriers like condoms and feel totally fine.
Get in touch with us to find out where you can pick up free condoms and lube local to you. For more information email info@sahir.uk.com or call 0151 237 3989.
Contact your local sexual health clinic to book a STI screening appointment.
If you take PrEP correctly, you don’t need to worry about a sexual partner’s HIV status. You’re protecting your own HIV negative status by taking PrEP.
PrEP is now FREE from most NHS sexual health clinics across the UK.
Contact your local sexual health clinic to book an appointment to discuss PrEP.
More specifically, it means that people living with HIV who have an undetectable level of virus in their blood due to antiretroviral treatment (ART) are unable to transmit the virus to others.
For a person living with HIV, starting on ART is the first step towards achieving viral load suppression – a reduction of HIV in the body to undetectable levels. Research shows that suppressing HIV to undetectable levels virtually eliminates transmission of the virus to sexual partners
Find out more about U=U by visiting the HIV i-Base website
Stigma keeps people from taking the action needed to protect themselves and others from HIV. For those at risk of infection, stigma can make it more difficult to use condoms, use PrEP and seek HIV testing.
For those already diagnosed with HIV, stigma can discourage them from seeking and staying in the care they need to stay healthy and avoid transmitting HIV to others.
Everyone can help to stop HIV stigma by being intentional and thoughtful when choosing their words, and by choosing to use supportive—rather than stigmatising— language when talking about HIV.
To find out more about how you can help to reduce HIV-related stigma please contact us at info@sahir.uk.com.
Bold leadership, continued community activism and compassion are needed to challenge and address the social injustices and inequalities that continue to make certain groups of people and entire communities highly vulnerable to HIV.
Vulnerable and marginalised communities remain at higher risk of HIV infection because they are not receiving essential information and HIV services, whether for prevention or care. These groups include gay men and other men who have sex with men, people who use drugs, sex workers, transgender people, people in the criminal justice system and migrants.
We are always looking for volunteers, campaigners and supporters to champion our cause, spread our key messages and fundraise for our vital services.
For more information and to get involved please email info@sahir.uk.com
Liverpool Parish Church
(Our Lady and Saint Nicholas)
Join us for our World AIDS Day Vigil to honour those in our community living with HIV and to remember those we have lost.
News from Nowhere, Bold Street
Epstein Theatre (times vary)
Be transported back to 1980’s Liverpool in a powerful and poignant tale of love, loss, freedom and friendship among Liverpool’s LGBT+ community.
The electrifying new and reimagined production of Masquerade, written by Laura Lees and directed by James Baker (Cherry Jezebel, 2Gorgeous4U), with additional material by Tom Lloyd and James Baker is set in Liverpool’s iconic gay club in the 1980s and features a heavenly disco soundtrack. Produced by Bill Elms (Epstein The Man Who Made The Beatles, Jerry Springer The Opera).
Visit the many buildings which will be lit up red and/or specially dressed to commemorate World AIDS Day.
Venues:
Liverpool Central Library
Southport and Formby District General Hospital
St Helens Hospital
Heart of Glass, St Helens
St Catherine’s Health Centre, Birkenhead
Shakespeare North Playhouse, Knowsley
A journey through the changing world of HIV in a Transformation Runway, music, makeup and dance.
Join National Museums Liverpool at the Treasure House Theatre (World Museum) for a variety World AIDS Day talks and performances.
Local drag performers the Queen of Heartbreak, Dan Chan, Dross, Auntie Climax, Filla Crack and Naffrodite – supported by the Secret Circus – will be hosting a festive-themed drag cabaret night with 50% of profits donated to Sahir House.
For tickets and more information please visit: https://linktr.ee/thesecretcircus
There are loads of ways to get involved: in school, college or university, in your workplace or in any other setting. Why not organise a World AIDS Day talk, workshop, discussion or even a fundraiser. Contact us and ask for our help with your ideas – we can supply you with lots of advice and information as well as free red ribbons, printed leaflets and condoms.
We achieve big things but we’re a small charity that relies on the generosity of our donors. No matter how much you can afford to give, as a one-off donation, through regular giving, or by fundraising for charity, your donation matters. Please donate today to support or vital work.
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