The Ledward Centre, Brighton’s community and cultural centre, will host a free community lunch, provided by grassroots HIV charity Lunch Positive, on Friday, July 21, which will be part of the city’s Zero HIV Stigma Day activities.
Surveys show that people living with HIV still experience negative perceptions and reactions because of their HIV status. The Zero HIV Stigma Day aims to combat this, and from 5.15pm there will be a community rally in Jubilee Square.
According to Lunch Positive, allyship is “crucial across communities and here in Brighton & Hove there is a strong foundation of support across LGBTQ and HIV communities. The Allies Lunch at the Ledward Centre will celebrate this.”
The Allies Lunch will be served by amazing Lunch Positive volunteers and allies Michele and Frances. The Allies Lunch is on Friday, July 21, is free, and will be served from 1 – 3pm.
Gary Pargeter, Director Lunch Positive, said: “We’re incredibly pleased to be partnering with the Ledward Centre on Zero HIV Stigma Day. Not only is the Ledward Centre hosting this lunch, but it is also supporting many of the activities in Jubilee Square during the day.
“We highly value the allyship of LGBTQ+ communities, many of whom are also directly affected by HIV, and we want to share and celebrate together. It’s also especially poignant for us, as James Ledward whom the centre is founded after, was a tremendous supporter of our work and organisation, and the community of people living with HIV.
“We hope to see lots of friends and allies on the day. We also hope that as many people as possible will join in with the rally which starts at 5.15pm outside the main library. There is strength in unity, and together this should be a great community event!”
