#RespectMyHIV march and demo take to the streets of London

1 November 2021

The 18th European AIDS Conference (EACS 2021) ended on Saturday, 30th October, with a march through London march under the banner #RespectMyHIV

More than 400 participants took to the streets of London to demand respect for people living with HIV and respect for human rights - but also to celebrate diversity and inspire others. The march concluded with a demonstration in Trafalgar Square with speeches by HIV experts, activists and politicians.

“The epidemic will only end if we work together to defend human rights and empower people living with HIV,” said Alex Schneider, former president of Life4me+, which launched the ‘Respect My’ campaign.

"Respect is a demand that goes far beyond HIV. We welcome diversity and oppose discrimination - no matter what sets us apart from any majority ” said Harry of Positively UK.

The Respect My’ campaign was launched on October 13th 2021 - initially focussing on HIV - but and will continue to run, covering different issues for a long time to come.

Anyone can support the campaign:

Post on your social media accounts, websites and blogs with the campaign hashtag #RespectMy + your word, for example #RespectMyNeeds or #RespectMyLove, etc. You can find graphics and resources for free use at www.respectmyhiv.com or you can even create your own images. Be sure to tag Life4me+ in your posts.

We’d also like to remind you that on October 27th 2021, a race in support of children living with HIV began. The race, which will last until December 1st 2021, is to raise public awareness of HIV and raise money for a summer rally for Russian-speaking children and adolescents living with HIV.

 

Author: Tom Hayes
Photo: Tom Hayes