As part of GCN & HIV Ireland’s LIVING exhibition, we spoke to the faces behind the portraits – meet Keith.

“You know, it is so important that we do actually have people speaking up about HIV, but more importantly actually, putting a human face to it. It’s such a good initiative that GCN and HIV Ireland are doing.

“It is actually, you know, an important time to do it now, as I say, 40 years, we don’t want another 40 years. And if this helps anyone actually with their journey, then I’m happy to be a part of it.

“There are a lot of initiatives out there and a lot of programmes, things like ‘It’s A Sin’ talking about the historical aspect of it. But it’s important that people realise that it’s actually still here and we still need to actually do work, you know, with HIV Ireland, with everybody else, to actually break down that stigma and actually give people the best life possible for themselves so they can live their lives without shame, without fear, and just so they know that there’s people out there like them who can actually help them and live their life.

“You will be fine. Just do this.”

You can experience this unique portrayal of people LIVING with HIV in Ireland, until December 17 at CHQ Dublin and find out more in GCN’s December issue 369.