14 HIV activists strip down to shatter stigma
– 2 min read
HIV The Naked Truth is to present Nude Exhibit, a two-day gallery event spotlighting HIV activism, visibility, and the power of art to challenge stigma, ahead of World AIDS Day in November.
HIV The Naked Truth - a collective of “likeminded people with a mission to end HIV stigma through the arts” - will present a nude photography exhibit in support of Positive East, East London’s leading HIV charity. The exhibit features 14 LGBTQ+ HIV activists beautifully captured by photographer Rodwey Olukoya, each using their body and story to shatter stigma and empower individuals living with HIV.
The showcase includes: actor Peter McPherson, currently in the award-winning Smoggie Queens; drag performer and activist Daisy Puller; unapologetic HIV activist and mother LeaSuwanna Griffith; Brazilian sexual health doctor and advocate Eduardo Peres; HIV-positive peer mentor and Fast Track Cities ambassador Greg Arthur; Egyptian-Italian advocate Antonyos Farag; Manchester-based activist and author Tresca Lou; educator and activist Andrew Liam Oakes; and HIV Hour radio host and Brighton-based activist, David Fray.
Also featured are queer trans man and Positively UK team member Eli Fitzgerald; Filipino transgender campaigner Roa Anya; Irish trailblazer Rebecca Tallon De Havilland; artist and activist Sun; and Joshua Royal, founder of HIV The Naked Truth and organiser of this exhibit.
The event takes place at The Coningsby Gallery, 30 Tottenham Street, London W1T 4RJ, across two days: Friday, 28 November from 11am - 7pm; Saturday, 29 November from 10am - 6pm.
Nude Exhibit takes place in the lead-up to HIV The Naked Truth Gala 2025 on 2 December – an intimate evening of art, performance and testimony in honour of World AIDS Day. The gala will raise funds for Positive East through ticket sales and a silent auction, hosted at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church.
All proceeds and donations from the exhibition will go to Positive East, supporting their ongoing work in testing, prevention and community support.
