Marking 40 years since the formation of the Sussex AIDS Helpline, to commemorate World AIDS Day this year, Queer History Club has invited the presenters of HIV Hour - David Fray and Josh Sharpe - to interview two writers whose books tell the stories of people grappling with the challenges of that decade.

Celebrating the resolve, kindness and humour shown by communities who feel they are under siege, the afternoon promises laughter as well as poignancy, on this most important of days. As such, the event will be a fitting celebration of the lives of loved ones lost to AIDS-related diseases - as well as an opportunity to raise awareness of those who are still living with HIV.

Mark Ward
Fresh from the launch party at the Two Brewers, Mark will be talking about - and reading from - his memoir Bleeding Fabulous: the life of a haemosexual - charting how his life changed beyond recognition after receiving infected blood products as part of his treatment for haemophilia in the late 70s & 80s; his role in the campaign to hold the government to account; and 50 years of being fabulous!

Daren Kay
Beginning in 2020 with an ominous card-reading that the fortune-teller hasn’t drawn since the mid-80s, Daren’s dark satire, The Brightonians Under Siege, reflects upon how differently the world responded to Covid compared to that ‘other’ pandemic 40 years before.

The event takes place at Brighton Museum, just a short walk from the New Steine, we hope that following the event you will join us for the annual candle-lit and name reading that will take place at 6pm at the New Steine.

The event is free, but seats are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment. And if you can no longer attend, please make sure to let us know, so we can reallocate your ticket.

The event is a sober space, tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
The Museum Lab is wheelchair accessible. If you have any accessibility needs you would like to discuss ahead of the event, please get in touch at info@queerinbrighton.co.uk