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Matthew Hodson

@matthewhodson.bsky.social

11K followers 4K following 3.5K posts

Shamelessly HIV+ actor, writer, public speaker based in London. Former CEO of aidsmap and Gay Men Fighting AIDS. He/him. 🏳️‍🌈🇪🇺🌍🌱

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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.
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A black and white photo of me at 17. I’m wearing a baggy grey jumper and for some reason a leather cap.

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Reposted by Matthew Hodson

Bold Politics with Zack Polanski @boldpolitics.bsky.social · 1d

Solidarity with all trans and intersex people having their existence debated every time a tv host hasn't done their prep and can't think of any more questions

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 1d

🙏😘

Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 1d

#NationalComingOutDay
Coming out is a process.
For me that process truly began when Section 28 was passing into law.
Gay men and lesbians were told that we were ‘less than’, that our relationships were pretend.
I needed to stand up.
So I came out.
And never looked back.

Me on a Stop the Clause (aka Section 28) protest in Leeds in 1987.

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 1d

Ha! Same, but we decided a midnight curfew was enough.

Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 1d

Six Feet Under.
To my mind, the greatest TV drama ever.

Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 2d

If we see each other tonight, let’s say ‘hi!’

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 2d

It’s adorable!

Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 2d

We walked too. Much more fun. Although it meant I did about 20,000 steps.

Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 2d

“you know, we as gay people, we get to choose our family”

Publicity image for the TV series Six Feet Under.

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 2d

Head in the clouds at the magical Palácio da Pena.

On the walls of the Palace. It was built as a monastery but became a royal residence. In the picture you can see the yellow walls and turrets and blue tiled facade.

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Reposted by Matthew Hodson

Trans+ History Week @transhistoryweek.com · 5d

Help shape Trans+ History Week!

Please complete our annual story survey and have your say on what kinds of stories we tell next year with @wearequeeraf.com

Shape Trans+ History Week - Have Your Say

What kinds of stories, history and communities should we focus on next year?

erv8ks078ir.typeform.com

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 2d

I have one day left and no idea what this is. Please enlighten me.

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 2d

You are lovely. Thank you. Xx

Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 3d

Kid Rock and Carrie Underwood?

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 3d

It’s about 12 minutes from where I’m staying. I’ll go out on my balcony and wave at you!

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 3d

That’s a very kind thing of you to say. Thank you. Xx

Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 3d

Lisbon 2006 / today.
In 2006 I had been diagnosed HIV+ for 8 years and on treatment for 3 years.
With secure access to treatment, HIV is no longer a barrier to a long and healthy life.

Me in Parque Eduardo VII in Lisbon, sitting on a wall looking down to the estuary.
I’m wearing a leather jacket and smiling.

Me in the same spot 19 years later. I’m wearing a striped orange tshirt, a moustache and a smile.

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 3d

Good news!
New HIV diagnoses in the UK fell by 4% in 2024.
The UK remains among the top countries in the world for diagnosis (95% of all living with HIV are diagnosed), treatment (99% of diagnosed on treatment) and viral suppression (98% ‘undetectable’ - and so can’t pass the virus on sexually).

Graph from UKHSA showing overall dramatic drop in diagnoses between 2004 and 2024.
There was a rise after 2020 as a result of increases in testing rates, following significant low levels of testing as a result of COVID.

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 4d

In these times, I’d be insulted not to be! 😂

Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 4d

The first pharma that came up with a cure would make a shedload.
There are challenges with this virus that make the search for a cure uniquely challenging but it’s paranoic to think there’s a cure that’s being withheld.

Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 4d

Is he one of those Antifa terrorists I’ve been hearing about?

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 4d

Less George and the Dragon, more How To Train A Dragon.

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 4d

Scientists develop a way to ‘flush out’ the HIV reservoir - key to finding a cure.
Note: lab studies only, early days.

Turning HIV’s power against itself may help target hidden virus – another step towards a cure

Researchers used selected molecules to make human cells less tolerant of damage, so that reactivating hidden HIV becomes a clear trigger for cell death. While making cells more vulnerable to dying may...

www.aidsmap.com

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 4d

Today marks 6 years since my mother, Hatta, died.
She was a fierce supporter of #LGBTQ rights, going to Pride marches and setting up a support group for families of LGBT children.
I miss her but I have grown used to her absence.
NB the back of her T-shirt said, ‘And my straight daughters’.

With my mum at Pride 2014. I’m wearing a GMFA tshirt that reads ‘Better choices, better health, great sex’ and she’s wearing a tshirt that reads ‘I ❤️ my gay son’.

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Matthew Hodson @matthewhodson.bsky.social · 6d

Jody Dubrowski was murdered in a homophobic attack on Clapham Common 20 years ago.
There will be a vigil held on the Common on the anniversary next week - to honour his memory and the memory of all those who have died as a result of hatred and ignorance.

Shine On - Jody Dubrowski 20th anniversary vigil.
15th October, Clapham Common bandstand.
Arrive 5.45pm, vigil 6pm.
All welcome.

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