Bold Liverpool City Region campaign celebrates PrEP, challenges HIV stigma and puts local people at its heart

Liverpool LGBTQ+ and HIV charity Sahir will launch its new PrEP campaign, Local Faces, Real Stories, at Crosby Library at 5pm on Tuesday 15 September.

The campaign features 15 people from across Liverpool City Region, captured in striking artwork by Liverpool artist Ben Youdan, and aims to make PrEP more visible, better understood and free from stigma.

PrEP – pre-exposure prophylaxis – is medication taken by people who do not have HIV to prevent them acquiring the virus. When taken correctly, it is highly effective at preventing HIV through sex and is available free through NHS sexual health services.

Simon Harris, Chief Executive of Sahir, said:

“PrEP is extraordinary. We have medication that can prevent HIV, and we should be shouting about that from the rooftops.

“For too long HIV prevention has been wrapped in stigma, judgement and assumptions about who is at risk. PrEP isn’t something anyone should feel embarrassed about – it is healthcare, prevention and people taking control of their own health.

“There isn’t one face of PrEP, which is why this campaign uses real local people from different backgrounds, identities and walks of life.”

At the heart of the campaign are Ben Youdan’s colourful and distinctive portraits, designed to move sexual health messaging away from traditional clinical imagery and instead celebrate individuality, diversity and sexuality.

Ben Youdan said:

“I wanted these portraits to celebrate individuality, identity and sexuality rather than make sexual health feel frightening or clinical.

“Looking after your sexual health shouldn’t come with shame or judgement. These are real local people with real stories, and I hope the artwork makes people stop, look and think differently about who PrEP is for.”

Following the Crosby Library launch, Local Faces, Real Stories will be seen across community, healthcare and nightlife settings throughout Liverpool City Region, as well as through Sahir’s digital and outreach work.

Simon Harris added:

“PrEP, alongside testing, condoms and effective HIV treatment, gives us the tools to make new HIV transmissions a thing of the past. The challenge now is making sure everybody knows those tools are there for them.”

Launch: Tuesday 15 September 2026, 5pm, Crosby Library.

ENDS