To mark World AIDS Day (1^st December), stars of the BBC’s Ru Paul’s Drag Race are backing a campaign by Axess sexual health to tackle the stigma around HIV and to encourage testing, so people are aware of their HIV status.

Joining the team from Axess sexual health, which has sites across the North West, are Drag Race stars Charlie Hides, Vanity Milan and Charity Kase.

Axess runs clinics which offer rapid HIV testing and treatment to people in Liverpool, Warrington, Knowsley, Halton and East Cheshire.

Shirley Caddick, Clinical HIV Specialist Nurse at Axess, said:

“Today is a chance for people to unite in the fight against HIV and show support for people living with the virus. Effective treatment helps people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives. There is still a stigma attached to living with HIV and disclosing your status. It’s only through education and talking that this can be addressed and I’d like to thank the drag stars who have helped make sure this message is heard far and wide. Anyone who feels they have put themselves at risk can contact their local Axess clinic for rapid testing, treatment and support.”

Drag queen Charity Kase, who spoke about living with HIV when appearing on the latest series of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, said:

“This World AIDS Day it’s really important that every single one of us gets tested. We all have an HIV status. Today is an opportunity to educate ourselves and those around us about HIV. If someone is living with HIV and is taking their medication regularly, they cannot pass the virus on.”

The outreach team from Axess has developed HIV e-learning resources which will be shared with partner organisations including colleges and schools, refugee support services, social services and LGBTQ+ groups. Testing kits will also be distributed to partners working with high-risk groups to encourage a “get tested, get treated” mentality.

To mark World AIDS Day the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital will be lit up red alongside other landmarks including the Royal Liver Building, the Mersey Gateway Bridge and Warrington Town Hall.

The full World AIDS Day campaign can be found on the Axess social channels @axess_sh.

For more information about World AIDS Day and HIV treatment and testing, please visit www.axess.clinic/information/world-aids-day

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