“This is no time to relax.": Holly Johnson becomes patron of Sussex Beacon

Singer and LGBTQ+ activist Holly Johnson has been named as a patron of the Sussex Beacon, as the Brighton-based charity continues to expand its services for people living with HIV.

Holly, best known as the frontman of Frankie Goes to Hollywood and for his decades-long career as a performer and campaigner, has formally taken on the role following a visit to the charity in 2023 during his Holly Johnson Says Relax tour.

During that visit, which coincided with a performance at Brighton Dome, Holly met staff and learned more about the Beacon’s work supporting people living with HIV across Sussex. He has since maintained an interest in the organisation’s future plans, including proposals to develop the UK’s first dedicated hospice providing palliative and end-of-life care for the LGBTQ+ community.

Announcing his appointment, Holly said he was proud to support the charity’s work. “I’m so happy to add my name to the great work the Sussex Beacon have done over many years, supporting those with HIV and their partners through so many difficult times,” he said.

The Sussex Beacon has long been a key provider of specialist care and support services, and has played a central role in responding to the needs of people affected by HIV, particularly in communities historically impacted by stigma and discrimination.

Chief executive Rachel Brett said Johnson’s involvement marked an important moment for the organisation. “We are incredibly proud to welcome Holly Johnson as a Patron of the Sussex Beacon,” she said.

“As one of the most influential cultural figures of his generation, Holly has been a powerful and inspiring voice for people living with HIV and the LGBTQ+ community.”

Rachel added that Holly had spent decades using his platform to challenge stigma, confront inequality and promote greater understanding, describing his “courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment” as making him “an extraordinary advocate” for the charity.

Holly has been a prominent figure in both music and activism since the 1980s, when he rose to global fame with Frankie Goes to Hollywood before continuing a solo career spanning music, visual art and broadcasting. He has also been an outspoken campaigner on HIV awareness and LGBTQ+ rights.

His appointment adds to a growing list of high-profile patrons supporting the Sussex Beacon. Singer Olly Alexander joined earlier this year, while Jill Nalder OBE - whose experiences helped inspire Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin - has been a patron since 2021.

The charity said Johnson’s support comes at a pivotal time as it looks to broaden its services and strengthen its role in providing care for LGBTQ+ communities with complex health needs.