HIV The Naked Truth: Nude photography exhibition on HIV stigma to debut in Brighton during Pride Week

A new photography exhibition challenging stigma around HIV is set to open in Brighton during Pride Week this summer.

HIV The Naked Truth will be presented at Phoenix Art Space from 29 July - 2 August 2026, featuring nude portraits of 14 LGBTQ+ HIV activists photographed by Rodwey Olukoya. Each subject uses their body and personal story to confront misconceptions around HIV and promote visibility, acceptance and empowerment for people living with a positive status.

Staged during one of the UK’s largest Pride celebrations, the exhibition aims to bring conversations about HIV into the heart of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community. Visitors will be able to view the exhibition daily from midday to 5pm.

Those featured in the exhibition span a wide range of backgrounds from across the UK and beyond. They include actor Peter McPherson, known for the award‑winning comedy Smoggie Queens; drag performer and activist Daisy Puller; HIV activist LeaSuwanna Griffith; Brazilian sexual health doctor and advocate Eduardo Peres; and Fast Track Cities ambassador and peer mentor Greg Arthur.

Also taking part are Egyptian‑Italian advocate Antonyos Farag; Manchester‑based activist and author Tresca Lou; educator and activist Andrew Liam Oakes; and Brighton‑based activist and Outdoor Positive co‑founder David Fray.

The exhibition further highlights queer trans man and Positively UK team member Eli Fitzgerald; Filipino trans 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 the exhibition.

The Brighton installation follows the success of the HIV The Naked Truth 2025 Gala, held on World AIDS Day last December at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church in London. The event attracted 150 guests and raised £3,300 for HIV charity Positive East. Bringing the exhibition to Brighton Pride Week marks a significant expansion of the movement, extending its message of HIV visibility and education to a wider audience during a major national cultural event.

All proceeds and donations raised through the exhibition will go to Positive East, supporting its ongoing work in HIV testing, prevention and community support.

Joshua Royal said: “I am profoundly grateful to every single person who has poured their love into this. To our activists, thank you for baring not just your skin but your stories, your courage, and your dedication to a more accepting world.

"The fact that we are now taking this to Brighton & Hove Pride - that this is our reality - is something I could not have imagined.”