Fighting HIV Stigma and Proud: March, Vigil and Rally

STRIKE UPDATE:

As you may have seen, train strikes are planned for 18 March. We always knew this was a risk, and we're going to continue on with the event as planned.

The only thing we anticipate may impact our ability to continue with the march is if strikes are announced across TfL as well, which was the case last time. However, at present, no further strikes have been announced for TfL.

While obviously, this will impact some people's ability to get to the march, we hope that the coaches the organisers are putting on, as well as the alternative routes available, will mean that most people who want to get there can do so.

We are partnering with 20+ HIV organisations to fight HIV stigma.

We'll gather from 12pm in Forum Magnum Square, Belvedere Road, London.

The march will begin at 1pm and will go across Westminster Bridge, past Downing Street and finish at Trafalgar Square.

In Trafalgar Square, there will be a short vigil and rally, which we expect to be completed by 3 pm.

Sign up to stay up to date with information on the march.

Which organisations are involved? 

We're an ever-growing coalition committed to ending HIV stigma. Currently, we include the following organisations:

African Health Policy Network, BHA for Equality, BASHH, BHIVA, Brigstowe, CliniQ, Fast Track Cardiff and Vale, George House Trust, GMB, i-Base, LGBT Foundation, LGBT HERO, Love Tank, Medway Pride, Metro,  Mildmay Mission Hospital, National AIDS Map, National AIDS Trust, NAZ Project, One Voice Network, Out2Swim, OutdoorLads, OutForSport, Plus Health, Positive East, Positively UK, Sickle Cell Society, Sophia Forum, Spectra London, Sussex Beacon, Terrence Higgins Trust, Trade Sexual Health, Unison South East and London, UK-CAB, Wandsworth OASIS, Waverley Care, Yorkshire MESMAC.

Who is supporting the march financially? 

The march is happening with the kind support of ViiV, Wandsworth OASIS, Fast Track Cities London and Terrence Higgins Trust.

This support allows us to conduct the march safely, support travel from around the country, and cover other organising costs.

Who is speaking? 

Confirmed speakers so far include Ian Green (Terrence Higgins Trust), Michelle Bockor (PositivelyUK), Ese Johnson (Waverley Care), Harun Tulunay (Positively UK), Rev Ije Ajibade (Southwark Cathedral), Claire Dewsnap (BASHH) and Tony Whitehead.

Where are the nearest toilets? 

For the start of the march, there are free-to-use public toilets in Waterloo Station (a seven-minute walk from the start of the march). The march will end in Trafalgar Square, where the rally and vigil will take place. There are public toilets in Trafalgar Square. The accessible toilet is free to use, but the other toilets charge a small fee.

You can find other toilets in the area here.

How can I travel to and from the march? 

The nearest stations to the start of the march are Waterloo Station (a seven-minute walk), Westminster Station (a seven-minute walk) and Lambeth North Station (an eight-minute walk). There are many nearby bus routes as well.

There are groups travelling from around the country to the march. Sign up using this Eventbrite form to hear more about where groups are travelling from.

Is this march for me? 

Yes. Whether you’re living with HIV yourself or an ally of people who are and want to see an end to HIV-related stigma, this march is for you. This is an inclusive space. There'll be no tolerance for racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism or sexism.

Is travel funding available? 

Yes, there are small amounts to help fund travel to the event. Sign up using our Eventbrite form to hear more.

Are you looking for stewards? 

Yes! Being a steward is an essential job to make sure everyone can enjoy the event safely. Sign up using our Eventbrite form.

This is my first march. What should I bring? 

Wear sturdy shoes that are comfortable to walk in. You should also bring water. You can make your own placard - we suggest keeping messages family-friendly. Placards will also be available on the day.

How will I know I'm in the right place? 

We’ll have greeters on hand to welcome you to the march.

Who is living with HIV in the UK? 

The most recent estimate suggests there were 106,890 people living with HIV in the UK in 2019. Of these, around 5,150 are undiagnosed and don't know they are HIV positive.

Anyone can get HIV but people from some groups are more likely to be affected. In particular, men who have sex with men and Black African people are disproportionately affected.

Over half of women living with HIV in the UK have experienced violence because of their HIV status.

Can I bring candles to the vigil? 

No. We aren’t allowed to light candles in Trafalgar Square so please don't bring candles with you.

Can my group join the march? 

Yes! Email tomas.slater@tht.org.uk to get your group involved.