ACT UP London

17/05/2026

Counting down the days to the opening of 'Tenderness and Rage' exhibition at Wellcome Collection which I've been recording some of the audio for. Here's the gorgeous quilt that will be at the entrance created by and here's some words on why it matters in a recent piece by 'The Art Journal' called 'AIDS Is Not Over. Why Does Its Art Feel So Historical?'

'Straddling the domains of archive, museum and public health resource, the Wellcome Collection is uniquely placed to address the cultural afterlives of those lost to the disease. The institution has been working closely with the UK branch of AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) on Tenderness and Rage, a forthcoming exhibition focusing on stories of protest and intimacy around HIV/AIDS, opening this May.

“I think it is hugely important to facilitate intergenerational conversations around HIV and AIDS,” says curator Adam Rose. “The political force of art and activism comes from deeply personal bonds, and from rage that is focused, specific, and rooted in demands for care, dignity, and full humanity. Part of the exhibition’s work is to foreground those objects, stories and voices within our collections.”' https://www.theartjournal.com/articles/aids-is-not-over

See you at the Wellcome friends! It opens on May 29th - all details here https://wellcomecollection.org/exhibi.../tenderness-and-rage

09/05/2026

01/05/2026

Not really superstitious but I agree with Mamdani.

Whether it's spiritual or psychological the damm jewel is cursed.

We should give it to the Hindu fascists Modi.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday called on King Charles III to "return" the Koh-i-Noor diamond, a 105.6 carat gem that was mined in India and is now the star of Britain's crown jewels. The…

15/04/2026

Still pinching myself.

Feeling very blessed as I was asked to do the audio-recording for Wellcome Collection upcoming year long 'Tenderness and Rage' Collection considering the gravity of the issue, the breadth of people who have lived, loved and died for the struggle for end AIDS - but I did it and I can't wait for you all to absorb this incredible exhibition.

Starting next month, it's on for an entire year, giving ample time to commemorate and celebrate the international AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) movement's 40th anniversary so that we can continue to mourn the dead and fight like hell for the living - with lots of love, good conversations, strategic insight and hugs throughout.

About the exhibition - 'From the UK’s 1980-90s AIDS epidemic to contemporary experiences of HIV in the Global South, ‘Tenderness and Rage’ explores the history of HIV and today’s major global health challenge through stories of protest and care, photography, film and archival material. This new display opens at Wellcome Collection on 29 May 2026.

Across two rooms, ‘Tenderness and Rage’ reveals how activist groups and volunteer-led organisations have supported and campaigned for the dignity and human rights of those living with HIV and spotlights the often-overlooked experience of women living with HIV in the UK and globally.'

Huge gratitude to lead curator Adam Rose who has embodied the title every step of the way - Adam has supported all the contributors to choose the pictures, voices and stories with such tenderness, grace and attention to detail so that our raging HIV+ hearts can rejuvenate.

The entire cast is outstanding too - Gideon Mendel .links .film .arity8728 and many more.

See ya there :)

www.wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/tenderness-and-rage

11/04/2026

PROTECT FREE SPEECH AND PROTEST: OPPOSE THE CRIME & POLICING BILL

07/04/2026

"A small number of people living with HIV need access to lencapavir for their HIV treatment. For these people, including some young people who acquired HIV though vertical transmission, traditional ART doesn't work due to particular challenges with drug resistance.

"This means their treatment options are limited and life-expectancy is shortened as they are at a higher risk of developing an AIDS-related illness and death.

"But a new amazing treatment - lenacapavir - could save their lives, and we need you to ensure they can get it.

"In Scotland, lenacapavir has been approved for treatment, which is fantastic. But for NHS England, access hasn’t yet been secured yet and people are at risk of death. We are talking small numbers here – it’s estimated to only be about 10 people per year who will need this form of HIV treatment."

Without access to new life-saving treatment, a small number of people living with HIV will die unnecessarily - our health service must respond.