'As a woman who’s been living with HIV, I’d love to see more stories about women like me'

Among the letters this week Big Issue readers offered a different view on Pride, plus responses to our article about the depiction of HIV in Channel 4’s Tip Toe.

Pride and prejudice

I was interested in the claim that recently LGBT+ was receding from public view and this was for economic reasons. 

Firstly, I would say that in the last week I have seen Pride Month promoted heavily in my bookselling emails, on TV in programmes and on banners, and in local council events. I also understand the World Cup are having a big Pride event mid-tournament – this will reach millions worldwide. LGBT+ gets more promotion every year. Secondly, re the economics: if there is less happening, perhaps it is because people think other things are more important – homelessness, social welfare, our NHS – and that funding should go to these first. Let us have a Homelessness Month. That might make more happen!

Katherine Naylor, Kirkcudbright

Responses to:  Tip Toe’s depiction of HIV

It’s great to see HIV stories being told and reaching new audiences. As a woman who’s been living with HIV since 2012, I’d also love to see more stories about women living with HIV. 

Women are still often missing from the public narrative. Our experiences can be different, particularly around relationships, stigma, motherhood, disclosure and how we acquired HIV. And when women’s voices are missing, the public gets an incomplete picture.

Becky Mitchell, Facebook

I was born in 1980. I vividly remember being frightened beyond panic by the Aids adverts and threat of ‘don’t get HIV, you’ll die’ being drummed into us through the ’90s at school… it was something we were taught to not only fear but vilify. 

I’m glad that as an adult I chose to educate myself but there are so many people my age that still don’t know that HIV isn’t seen as dirty or feared any more.

@helsbellscatz, Instagram  

I thought the TV series was very depressing and will have made some people scared to come out.

@ianparkinson48, Instagram 

People have HIV, what’s the big deal? Or am I just how people should be?

@jaynewalker5574, Instagram 

Medicine may have evolved but society hasn’t. HIV is no longer the death sentence it once was. People are living long, healthy lives by taking their treatment. It’s just a shame that there are still so many people who see it as something horrific.

@jofis.bakes, Instagram

Read more:

• Silver Pride pioneers in overdue celebration of older LGBTQ+ people
• Yes, LGBTQ+ Pride still matters. A lot. Here’s the many, many reasons why
• Pride at 50: ‘What has been kept alive is the spirit of fun that marked out that first march’

Smoke signal

Come on Charlie [Higson in Issue 1721], looking back at the ’70s wasn’t that depressing for you – you were working towards your eventual record contract with 2 Tone. A time before today’s obesity ‘epidemic’, people weren’t thin and undernourished, they were healthily sized. Admittedly, I was smoking as a 10-year-old but gave it up at 11 because it hollowed me out.

Martin Lowe, Berwick-upon-Tweed 

Music lessons

As a musician I was interested in Trevor Baglin’s article [in Issue 1717]. Several people listening to the same performance will each have an individual experience. One listener responds mostly to the harmony, another to the melody, and another might find the piece complicated/strange. Knowing about the subject matter, the character and life history of the composer can add to the experience. 

The Big Kids piece is full of good sense, but while teaching yourself to read and play is possible, you gain a great deal from other musicians – so having a good teacher is a huge advantage. Learning to read music is also difficult, and the sooner you start the better.

Juliet Chaplin, Cheam

Responses to: Victoria Pendleton 

I think Vicky is lovely and feel privileged to have taught her at school. My recollection is that she was popular and had a nice circle of friends. She was certainly not considered dorky. She rode her bike to school so she could go for training rides in her free periods – I know that because I used to lock it in the PE store.

Ian J Roberts, Facebook

I had the privilege of meeting Victoria last year and she’s even more beautiful in real life. I felt a bit dazed afterwards.

@youcannotbendit, Instagram 

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

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