LIVING: a unique portrayal of people living with HIV in Ireland.

For the fourth year running, GCN (Gay Community News) and HIV Ireland again teamed up for a World AIDS Day initiative, and this year they mounted a special project that seeks to give real visibility and celebrate the diversity of people living with HIV in Ireland.

LIVING was an innovative, first-of-its-kind, photographic exhibition showcasing a powerful and inspiring collection of portraits by the wonderfully talented photographer Hazel Coonagh.The thinking behind it was that after 40 years of HIV and AIDS, we still need to change the narrative, move away from outdated stereotypes, and shift society’s perceptions.

The Exhibition is now over, but these videos so authentically capture both the spirit and purpose of the project which was also a fundraising event for World AIDS Day. Hosted by national treasure, Panti Bliss, (Queen of Ireland) who is always such a joy and inspiration.

PLUS Good News Today: Ireland’s Minister for Health announces changes to Irish blood donation rules The announcement has not resulted in the immediate lifting of the ban, as many had hoped, but will instead see a shortened deferral time than the current one-year ban.

Minister Donnelly “We are introducing changes to our deferral policy for blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM). The changes will be introduced in two phases with the initial phase being introduced by the end of March 2022 and the second phase being introduced later in 2022. The initial phase will reduce the existing 12 month deferral for MSM to four months. This is an interim measure while the Irish Blood Transfusion Service introduces new technology, to replace the existing paper health and lifestyle questionnaire (HLQ).”