See Me, See You, See us Documentary Launch
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 Community Partners & Stakeholders Gathering!
It was a wonderful opportunity to come together, reflect on our shared journey, and look ahead to the exciting possibilities for 2025.
During the event, we took time to celebrate the powerful impact of our Ethnic Minority Projects in 2024, acknowledging the hard work, dedication, and unwavering support that have brought us this far.
We also shared our goals for the year ahead, with a continued focus on supporting the community and driving meaningful change.
We were also honoured to have Councillor Graham Campbell deliver the keynote address, sharing his wisdom and support for the ongoing fight against HIV stigma and discrimination.
Launching Our HIV Anti-Stigma Campaign Documentary
One of the key highlights of the gathering was the launch of our HIV Anti-Stigma documentary, ‘See Me, See You, See Us’.
This powerful film, created in collaboration with our community and a BAFTA-winning director, is an emotional and inspiring exploration of the personal stories surrounding HIV.
Featuring our very own Minority Ethnic Health Manager, Ese Johnson, the documentary sheds light on the often overlooked impact of HIV stigma and loneliness.
Facing HIV with Strength: Stories of Acceptance, Struggle, and Hope
The film deeply explores the emotional journey that many face after an HIV diagnosis—the feelings of isolation, the highs and lows of acceptance, and the hope for a brighter future. As one participant shares: “I kind of go between wanting to talk about my status and not wanting to talk about it.”
Another says: “HIV is not selective.”
These reflections capture the complex emotions that come with living with HIV, and the documentary aims to amplify those voices and experiences, from dating to motherhood, societal acceptance and self-acceptance. It also emphasises that people living with HIV can have long, healthy lives with effective treatment.
One participant shared their journey with us:
I used to tell people as soon as I would start talking to them, but then I realised after a year I was only really saying it from a self-deprecating way of. I have HIV will you please accept me
And, “How long will I go along running away from my own shadow? HIV is part of me”
The message conveyed throughout this film is one of strength, self-acceptance, and breaking the stigma.
Building Inner Strength Through Peer Support: Empowering Those Living with HIV
Our mission is to empower those living with HIV and show that stigma has no place in our communities.
Throughout the documentary, participants opened up about the isolation and loneliness they’ve felt, both from self-shame and the stigma imposed by others. They share how meeting people who truly understood and related to their experiences made a profound difference, highlighting the powerful impact of peer support.
One of the most moving reflections came from a participant who shared:
I achieved so much when I was loved and when I am loved. So, when people are unloved, things like loneliness creep in and when you are lonely it opens the door for every other thing. You are more vulnerable.
Connecting with others who had lived through similar struggles gave them a new sense of hope, especially when seeing someone thrive long after their diagnosis—instilling excitement and optimism for the future. One participant shared: “I started feeling better, and the support members were very friendly”.
The Power of Understanding: Overcoming HIV Stigma and Finding Strength
Through community, education, and shared understanding, we find strength. As one person put it:
“Forget about the past; look towards the future. Don’t ask yourself Why? Don’t ask yourself When?”
And above all, we are reminded to look forward with hope and resilience:
“HIV is not stopping me.”
You can watch the full documentary below: