For activists like Jide Macaulay and Linda E, their work in HIV awareness, support and advocacy is all about reclaiming the narrative - replacing stigma with empowerment and solidarity.

As an openly gay British-Nigerian Church of England priest proudly living with HIV, Jide is a vocal and inspiring HIV activist. He founded the House of Rainbow, which provides support for Black LGBTQ+ people in the UK, including services for people living with HIV. 'What drives me,' he says, 'is literally the fact that HIV still remains an epidemic in marginalised communities.' Jide’s work is about more than just providing a service; it’s about creating new spaces where they can 'break the chain of stigma, shame, denial and discrimination. When people engage with our services, the first thing they realise is they’re not alone.'

Linda, an HIV ally, is driven by the belief that anyone can contribute to positive change. 'You don’t have to have experienced something to help those who are experiencing it,' she says. For Linda, every conversation, repost, or show of support is a step toward changing the dominant narrative. 'Health is wealth' she reminds people, encouraging others to normalise discussions around HIV and push back against misinformation through education.

Jide has also had to counter inaccurate information around HIV in faith settings, and stigmatising attitudes. He has found power in community, working within the International Network of Religious Leaders Living with HIV to change the narrative for people living with HIV in religious communities. 'It is important that people of faith who are HIV positive know that their faith community have their back. As a Black African British Nigerian, Christian theologian, priest, openly gay, who is HIV positive – when will I find myself in religious spaces, unless I create it? And that's why House of Rainbow exists.'

This Black History Month, as we reflect on the importance of reclaiming narratives, Jide and Linda’s efforts remind us that the narrative around HIV must also be reclaimed. As Linda says, when you take action it can get others to take action too, because they’re 'inspired to share or repost or just inspired to speak out about causes that they care about'.

Linda and Jide’s work, along with that of many others in Black communities, is breaking down barriers, fostering allyship, and ensuring that the voices of those living with HIV are heard loud and clear.

If you’re wanting to take action in your own community, Linda’s advice is clear: 'Be bold, and do what you can. Do what feels authentic.'