Episode #34
Older Queer voices Ep 34: Matthew Hodson: HIV Then and Now
Our host and Co-founder of Older Queer Voices, Raga D’Silva, spoke with HIV activist, campaigner and actor Matthew Hodson about a life shaped by activism, survival, visibility and extraordinary change. Born just days after the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales, Matthew takes us from discovering London’s gay scene at just 15, through the fear of the AIDS crisis and the fight against Section 28, to direct action, protest and decades of HIV advocacy. He reflects on his own HIV diagnosis, the stigma and secrecy that followed, and the extraordinary transformation in treatment that means people living with HIV on effective treatment can now have the same life expectancy as those without HIV. Matthew also speaks powerfully about why today’s attacks on trans people remind him of battles the LGBTQ+ community has fought before, and why solidarity, visibility and organising still matter. Now approaching 60, he has returned to acting, the career he stepped away from after his HIV diagnosis, and reflects beautifully on ageing, purpose and legacy. Perhaps the most powerful reminder from this conversation is a simple one: legacy does not have to mean being remembered forever. Sometimes changing one person's life is enough. And Matthew leaves us with a message that still needs to be heard: When someone living with HIV is on effective treatment, there is zero risk of sexual transmission. U=U A conversation about how far we have come, what we must never forget, and why our stories still matter. Follow us on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/@theviewsroom Instagram @theviewsroom emailtheviewsroom@gmail.com
