Matthew Hodson
@matthewhodson.bsky.social
Shamelessly HIV+ actor, writer, public speaker based in London.
Former CEO of aidsmap and Gay Men Fighting AIDS.
He/him. 🏳️🌈🇪🇺🌍🌱
Former CEO of aidsmap and Gay Men Fighting AIDS.
He/him. 🏳️🌈🇪🇺🌍🌱
Pinned
Matthew Hodson
@matthewhodson.bsky.social
· Nov 16
A 🧵 on #AIDS in the 80s/90s:
I was 15 when I first had sex with a man.
I’d snuck off to London’s Heaven nightclub with the express intent of ridding myself of my ‘gay virginity’, a goal I achieved easily with a visiting American photographer.
1/13
I was 15 when I first had sex with a man.
I’d snuck off to London’s Heaven nightclub with the express intent of ridding myself of my ‘gay virginity’, a goal I achieved easily with a visiting American photographer.
1/13
After years of decline, Trump’s cuts to HIV/AIDS funding, mirrored by the UK and others, mean that AIDS death and HIV infections are rising again.
#WorldAIDSDay
#WorldAIDSDay
Aid cuts have shaken HIV/Aids care to its core – and will mean millions more infections ahead
Reports highlight devastating impact of slashed funding, especially in parts of Africa, that could lead to 3.3m new HIV infections by 2030
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:18 PM
After years of decline, Trump’s cuts to HIV/AIDS funding, mirrored by the UK and others, mean that AIDS death and HIV infections are rising again.
#WorldAIDSDay
#WorldAIDSDay
I don’t feel, as someone living with HIV, that I am lesser than other people.
Make Stigma History.
#WorldAIDSDay
Make Stigma History.
#WorldAIDSDay
December 1, 2025 at 4:25 PM
I don’t feel, as someone living with HIV, that I am lesser than other people.
Make Stigma History.
#WorldAIDSDay
Make Stigma History.
#WorldAIDSDay
Reposted by Matthew Hodson
Medical science vs HIV has been one of the most satisfying fights to see over the years, and medical science winning in about 4 different ways is simply incredible
I was diagnosed with #HIV in 1998, when I was 30.
Many of my friends had died of AIDS. I did not expect to live to 50.
I’m 58 now.
HIV treatment works.
Treatment also makes it impossible for me to pass HIV on during sex.
Ensure HIV treatment for all.
End HIV stigma.
#WorldAIDSDay
Many of my friends had died of AIDS. I did not expect to live to 50.
I’m 58 now.
HIV treatment works.
Treatment also makes it impossible for me to pass HIV on during sex.
Ensure HIV treatment for all.
End HIV stigma.
#WorldAIDSDay
December 1, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Medical science vs HIV has been one of the most satisfying fights to see over the years, and medical science winning in about 4 different ways is simply incredible
The stigma that persists around HIV creates barriers to testing, treatment and effective prevention.
Ending HIV stigma is crucial to ending the HIV epidemic.
Make Stigma History.
#WorldAIDSDay.
Ending HIV stigma is crucial to ending the HIV epidemic.
Make Stigma History.
#WorldAIDSDay.
December 1, 2025 at 11:36 AM
The stigma that persists around HIV creates barriers to testing, treatment and effective prevention.
Ending HIV stigma is crucial to ending the HIV epidemic.
Make Stigma History.
#WorldAIDSDay.
Ending HIV stigma is crucial to ending the HIV epidemic.
Make Stigma History.
#WorldAIDSDay.
Reposted by Matthew Hodson
Today is #WorldAIDSDay please purchase your #RedRibbon today! I always wear my Red Ribbon in this very day for all those who have HIV & died from it! Grab one today! @matthewhodson.bsky.social is a #SURVIVOR!🏳️🌈❤️🙏🏼
Thank you to @tht.org.uk for awareness
#SeeRed #RockTheRibbon #HIV #ThereIsHelp #AidsDay
Thank you to @tht.org.uk for awareness
#SeeRed #RockTheRibbon #HIV #ThereIsHelp #AidsDay
December 1, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Today is #WorldAIDSDay please purchase your #RedRibbon today! I always wear my Red Ribbon in this very day for all those who have HIV & died from it! Grab one today! @matthewhodson.bsky.social is a #SURVIVOR!🏳️🌈❤️🙏🏼
Thank you to @tht.org.uk for awareness
#SeeRed #RockTheRibbon #HIV #ThereIsHelp #AidsDay
Thank you to @tht.org.uk for awareness
#SeeRed #RockTheRibbon #HIV #ThereIsHelp #AidsDay
Reposted by Matthew Hodson
We have the tools to prevent new HIV infections, and to treat those who carry the virus. With concerted effort and reducing stigma we could eradicate this virus even without developing a vaccine. All it takes is a collective decision to do so.
I was diagnosed with #HIV in 1998, when I was 30.
Many of my friends had died of AIDS. I did not expect to live to 50.
I’m 58 now.
HIV treatment works.
Treatment also makes it impossible for me to pass HIV on during sex.
Ensure HIV treatment for all.
End HIV stigma.
#WorldAIDSDay
Many of my friends had died of AIDS. I did not expect to live to 50.
I’m 58 now.
HIV treatment works.
Treatment also makes it impossible for me to pass HIV on during sex.
Ensure HIV treatment for all.
End HIV stigma.
#WorldAIDSDay
December 1, 2025 at 9:51 AM
We have the tools to prevent new HIV infections, and to treat those who carry the virus. With concerted effort and reducing stigma we could eradicate this virus even without developing a vaccine. All it takes is a collective decision to do so.
Reposted by Matthew Hodson
Today, the Government unveiled the new HIV Action Plan for England, backed by £170 million.
This marks a pivotal moment in shifting the dial in the HIV response.
Please read BASHH's response below ⬇️
This marks a pivotal moment in shifting the dial in the HIV response.
Please read BASHH's response below ⬇️
December 1, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Today, the Government unveiled the new HIV Action Plan for England, backed by £170 million.
This marks a pivotal moment in shifting the dial in the HIV response.
Please read BASHH's response below ⬇️
This marks a pivotal moment in shifting the dial in the HIV response.
Please read BASHH's response below ⬇️
Reposted by Matthew Hodson
Youngsters today can have little idea of how frightening it was to be an adolescent in the 1980s.
It took years to understand how HIV was transmitted and the process it took to develop into AIDS
The TV drama 'It's A Sin' gives a glimpse into that era
#WorldAIDSDay
www.netflix.com/gb/title/815...
It took years to understand how HIV was transmitted and the process it took to develop into AIDS
The TV drama 'It's A Sin' gives a glimpse into that era
#WorldAIDSDay
www.netflix.com/gb/title/815...
December 1, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Youngsters today can have little idea of how frightening it was to be an adolescent in the 1980s.
It took years to understand how HIV was transmitted and the process it took to develop into AIDS
The TV drama 'It's A Sin' gives a glimpse into that era
#WorldAIDSDay
www.netflix.com/gb/title/815...
It took years to understand how HIV was transmitted and the process it took to develop into AIDS
The TV drama 'It's A Sin' gives a glimpse into that era
#WorldAIDSDay
www.netflix.com/gb/title/815...
I was diagnosed with #HIV in 1998, when I was 30.
Many of my friends had died of AIDS. I did not expect to live to 50.
I’m 58 now.
HIV treatment works.
Treatment also makes it impossible for me to pass HIV on during sex.
Ensure HIV treatment for all.
End HIV stigma.
#WorldAIDSDay
Many of my friends had died of AIDS. I did not expect to live to 50.
I’m 58 now.
HIV treatment works.
Treatment also makes it impossible for me to pass HIV on during sex.
Ensure HIV treatment for all.
End HIV stigma.
#WorldAIDSDay
December 1, 2025 at 8:46 AM
I was diagnosed with #HIV in 1998, when I was 30.
Many of my friends had died of AIDS. I did not expect to live to 50.
I’m 58 now.
HIV treatment works.
Treatment also makes it impossible for me to pass HIV on during sex.
Ensure HIV treatment for all.
End HIV stigma.
#WorldAIDSDay
Many of my friends had died of AIDS. I did not expect to live to 50.
I’m 58 now.
HIV treatment works.
Treatment also makes it impossible for me to pass HIV on during sex.
Ensure HIV treatment for all.
End HIV stigma.
#WorldAIDSDay
A 🧵 on #AIDS in the 80s/90s:
I was 15 when I first had sex with a man.
I’d snuck off to London’s Heaven nightclub with the express intent of ridding myself of my ‘gay virginity’, a goal I achieved easily with a visiting American photographer.
1/13
I was 15 when I first had sex with a man.
I’d snuck off to London’s Heaven nightclub with the express intent of ridding myself of my ‘gay virginity’, a goal I achieved easily with a visiting American photographer.
1/13
December 1, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Reposted by Matthew Hodson
I was in my teens and 20s and my friends were dropping like flies. I remember, even if many do not, and I love Matthew for all of the boys I loved who did not make it.
Throughout my 20s, I wore an AIDS awareness red ribbon pretty much everyday.
My friends were dying. It’s what we did.
AIDS is not over.
630,000 people died of it last year.
1 December is #WorldAIDSDay.
My friends were dying. It’s what we did.
AIDS is not over.
630,000 people died of it last year.
1 December is #WorldAIDSDay.
November 28, 2025 at 8:10 PM
I was in my teens and 20s and my friends were dropping like flies. I remember, even if many do not, and I love Matthew for all of the boys I loved who did not make it.
At least 3 of these are irredeemably bad films.
Can you guess which ones I mean?
Can you guess which ones I mean?
What is Britain's favourite Christmas film?
Home Alone: 19%
Die Hard: 11%
Elf: 9%
Love Actually: 7%
It's a Wonderful Life: 6%
A Christmas Carol: 5%
The Muppet Christmas Carol: 5%
The Holiday: 5%
The Grinch: 4%
Miracle on 34th Street: 3%
Santa Claus: The Movie: 3%
The Polar Express: 3%
Home Alone: 19%
Die Hard: 11%
Elf: 9%
Love Actually: 7%
It's a Wonderful Life: 6%
A Christmas Carol: 5%
The Muppet Christmas Carol: 5%
The Holiday: 5%
The Grinch: 4%
Miracle on 34th Street: 3%
Santa Claus: The Movie: 3%
The Polar Express: 3%
November 29, 2025 at 12:02 PM
At least 3 of these are irredeemably bad films.
Can you guess which ones I mean?
Can you guess which ones I mean?
“I love sherry because it’s just a little bit too strong.”
Performing ‘I Miss the War’ at the @queertheatreuk.bsky.social showcase.
I was inspired by the wise old gays I met in my late teens / early 20s, who recalled a time before the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, often with affection.
Performing ‘I Miss the War’ at the @queertheatreuk.bsky.social showcase.
I was inspired by the wise old gays I met in my late teens / early 20s, who recalled a time before the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, often with affection.
November 29, 2025 at 10:53 AM
“I love sherry because it’s just a little bit too strong.”
Performing ‘I Miss the War’ at the @queertheatreuk.bsky.social showcase.
I was inspired by the wise old gays I met in my late teens / early 20s, who recalled a time before the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, often with affection.
Performing ‘I Miss the War’ at the @queertheatreuk.bsky.social showcase.
I was inspired by the wise old gays I met in my late teens / early 20s, who recalled a time before the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, often with affection.
Trump’s Government will not mark World AIDS Day.
Considering the cuts he has made to global AIDS funding have already resulted in an additional 100,000 AIDS deaths this is not a huge surprise.
Considering the cuts he has made to global AIDS funding have already resulted in an additional 100,000 AIDS deaths this is not a huge surprise.
US will no longer commemorate World Aids Day, reports say
State department has told employees and grant recipients to not publicly promote or make event on 1 December
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Trump’s Government will not mark World AIDS Day.
Considering the cuts he has made to global AIDS funding have already resulted in an additional 100,000 AIDS deaths this is not a huge surprise.
Considering the cuts he has made to global AIDS funding have already resulted in an additional 100,000 AIDS deaths this is not a huge surprise.
Japan is the only remaining G7 country not to legally recognise same-sex relationships and today Tokyo’s High Court ruled in favour of the constitutional ban.
It’s a frustrating setback but the fight for the rights of Japanese same sex couples will go on.
It’s a frustrating setback but the fight for the rights of Japanese same sex couples will go on.
Japan: Last high court ruling a damaging step backwards on same-sex marriage
In response to today’s Tokyo High Court decision that endorsed the Japanese government ban on same-sex marriage, Amnesty International’s East Asia Researcher Boram Jang said: “The court’s decision tod...
www.amnesty.org
November 28, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Japan is the only remaining G7 country not to legally recognise same-sex relationships and today Tokyo’s High Court ruled in favour of the constitutional ban.
It’s a frustrating setback but the fight for the rights of Japanese same sex couples will go on.
It’s a frustrating setback but the fight for the rights of Japanese same sex couples will go on.
My mate (and @queertheatreuk.bsky.social cast mate) Ryan is doing a gig at Crazy Coqs.
He is super talented and lovely so I enthusiastically recommend.
He is super talented and lovely so I enthusiastically recommend.
UK debut, Jan 13th at Crazy Coqs. I'm wild with excitement, and hope to see you there🇬🇧⭐️❤️🙈
November 28, 2025 at 12:23 PM
My mate (and @queertheatreuk.bsky.social cast mate) Ryan is doing a gig at Crazy Coqs.
He is super talented and lovely so I enthusiastically recommend.
He is super talented and lovely so I enthusiastically recommend.
Well this is refreshing. More please. 💜
Interviewer: “What do you say to trans kids who are starting their transition?”
Zohran Mamdani: "We're gonna make this a city that doesn't just protect trans kids, but also celebrates and cherishes them."
Zohran Mamdani: "We're gonna make this a city that doesn't just protect trans kids, but also celebrates and cherishes them."
November 28, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Well this is refreshing. More please. 💜
Reposted by Matthew Hodson
I'll be wearing the red ribbon on Monday in memory of the queer elders our community is missing.
Throughout my 20s, I wore an AIDS awareness red ribbon pretty much everyday.
My friends were dying. It’s what we did.
AIDS is not over.
630,000 people died of it last year.
1 December is #WorldAIDSDay.
My friends were dying. It’s what we did.
AIDS is not over.
630,000 people died of it last year.
1 December is #WorldAIDSDay.
November 28, 2025 at 10:08 AM
I'll be wearing the red ribbon on Monday in memory of the queer elders our community is missing.
Introduce yourself with five concerts you've seen:
Kate Bush
David Bowie
Liza Minelli
Stevie Wonder
The Cure
Kate Bush
David Bowie
Liza Minelli
Stevie Wonder
The Cure
Introduce yourself with five concerts you've seen (more than once edition)
dEUS
Manic Street Preachers
The Cure
Bell X1
The Divine Comedy
dEUS
Manic Street Preachers
The Cure
Bell X1
The Divine Comedy
Introduce yourself with five concerts you've seen (tricking you into thinking I'm older than I am edition)
Bikini Kill
Descendents
Sleater Kinney
Pixies
Morrissey
Bikini Kill
Descendents
Sleater Kinney
Pixies
Morrissey
November 28, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Introduce yourself with five concerts you've seen:
Kate Bush
David Bowie
Liza Minelli
Stevie Wonder
The Cure
Kate Bush
David Bowie
Liza Minelli
Stevie Wonder
The Cure
Reposted by Matthew Hodson
Since 1996 we have been able to prevent AIDS by treating people with HIV.
Treatment also prevents transmission.
Yet 1.3 million people acquired HIV last year and 630k people died of AIDS.
We can end HIV infections and AIDS by ensuring ALL have access to lifesaving, transmission preventing medicines.
Treatment also prevents transmission.
Yet 1.3 million people acquired HIV last year and 630k people died of AIDS.
We can end HIV infections and AIDS by ensuring ALL have access to lifesaving, transmission preventing medicines.
November 28, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Throughout my 20s, I wore an AIDS awareness red ribbon pretty much everyday.
My friends were dying. It’s what we did.
AIDS is not over.
630,000 people died of it last year.
1 December is #WorldAIDSDay.
My friends were dying. It’s what we did.
AIDS is not over.
630,000 people died of it last year.
1 December is #WorldAIDSDay.
November 28, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Throughout my 20s, I wore an AIDS awareness red ribbon pretty much everyday.
My friends were dying. It’s what we did.
AIDS is not over.
630,000 people died of it last year.
1 December is #WorldAIDSDay.
My friends were dying. It’s what we did.
AIDS is not over.
630,000 people died of it last year.
1 December is #WorldAIDSDay.
It was the 1980s.
Drag queen Dave Dale was giving Sharon make-up tips in the Queen Vic and London’s gay scene was ruled by Regina Fong, Adrella and Lily Savage.
They weren’t ‘fashion forward’, they didn’t do high kicks let alone death drops, but for me this was the golden era of drag.
Drag queen Dave Dale was giving Sharon make-up tips in the Queen Vic and London’s gay scene was ruled by Regina Fong, Adrella and Lily Savage.
They weren’t ‘fashion forward’, they didn’t do high kicks let alone death drops, but for me this was the golden era of drag.
November 27, 2025 at 3:12 PM
It was the 1980s.
Drag queen Dave Dale was giving Sharon make-up tips in the Queen Vic and London’s gay scene was ruled by Regina Fong, Adrella and Lily Savage.
They weren’t ‘fashion forward’, they didn’t do high kicks let alone death drops, but for me this was the golden era of drag.
Drag queen Dave Dale was giving Sharon make-up tips in the Queen Vic and London’s gay scene was ruled by Regina Fong, Adrella and Lily Savage.
They weren’t ‘fashion forward’, they didn’t do high kicks let alone death drops, but for me this was the golden era of drag.
Jonathan Bailey is not only *officially* the sexiest man alive, he is now this year’s box office champion.
For years the wisdom was that you couldn’t be a movie star if you were openly gay - audiences wouldn’t respond to you, studios wouldn’t book you.
Bailey has shattered that myth!
For years the wisdom was that you couldn’t be a movie star if you were openly gay - audiences wouldn’t respond to you, studios wouldn’t book you.
Bailey has shattered that myth!
Jonathan Bailey Is The Highest-Grossing Box Office Star Of 2025 - IN Magazine
The out actor starred in both Jurassic World: Rebirth and Wicked: For Good in 2025.
inmagazine.ca
November 27, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Jonathan Bailey is not only *officially* the sexiest man alive, he is now this year’s box office champion.
For years the wisdom was that you couldn’t be a movie star if you were openly gay - audiences wouldn’t respond to you, studios wouldn’t book you.
Bailey has shattered that myth!
For years the wisdom was that you couldn’t be a movie star if you were openly gay - audiences wouldn’t respond to you, studios wouldn’t book you.
Bailey has shattered that myth!
Just a few tickets left for tonight’s @queertheatreuk.bsky.social showcase.
It would be amazing if we sold out.
Tickets at link 👇
And don’t be late - I’m opening the show! 🫣
www.queertheatre.co.uk/whats-on/out...
It would be amazing if we sold out.
Tickets at link 👇
And don’t be late - I’m opening the show! 🫣
www.queertheatre.co.uk/whats-on/out...
November 26, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Just a few tickets left for tonight’s @queertheatreuk.bsky.social showcase.
It would be amazing if we sold out.
Tickets at link 👇
And don’t be late - I’m opening the show! 🫣
www.queertheatre.co.uk/whats-on/out...
It would be amazing if we sold out.
Tickets at link 👇
And don’t be late - I’m opening the show! 🫣
www.queertheatre.co.uk/whats-on/out...
The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) to end all monkey studies by the end of the year.
Such studies have been crucial to the development of HIV treatment and prevention (PrEP).
Such studies have been crucial to the development of HIV treatment and prevention (PrEP).
Exclusive: CDC to end all monkey research
Studies related to HIV and other infectious diseases will be phased out, sources say; fate of the agency's animals remains unclear
www.science.org
November 26, 2025 at 9:22 AM
The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) to end all monkey studies by the end of the year.
Such studies have been crucial to the development of HIV treatment and prevention (PrEP).
Such studies have been crucial to the development of HIV treatment and prevention (PrEP).