Olly Alexander shares his support for National HIV Testing Week
He promoted the initiative on his Instagram
Last updated 4th Feb 2021
Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander has shared his support for National HIV Testing Week from 1st February to 7th February by promoting STI testing.
HIV and AIDS have been at the forefront in the last few weeks after the release of the Russell T Davies series It’s A Sin, which follows a group of friends during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and stars the Years & Years singer.
Jordan Lee from the Hits Pride Breakfast Show has also show his support for National HIV Testing Week by documenting his own experience taking a test on Instagram.
Jordan said, "It took 5 minutes to do and it was super super simple. It’s so important to know your status and to be able to do it this quickly is incredible, especially as it’s from the comfort of your own home!"
James Barr is on Hits Radio Pride's sister station Hits Radio and has also shown his support for the initiative on Instagram.
Olly compared the series set in the 1980s and modern day, pointing out how scientific advances and better treatment have enabled those with the condition to live a healthy life with a normal life expectancy.
Speaking in a video on Instagram, he said, “There has been amazing progress in the fight against this virus thanks to the early activists who fought for research, for funding, for humanity,”
“This means today we have PrEP, a pill that you can take to stop you contracting HIV. We have effective medication that stops you getting sick if you are HIV-positive, and stops you from passing it on to any partners.”
Free at-home testing is offered by different services around the country and HIV charity the Terrence Higgins Trust have created an online tool for those who would like a test where they can get one in their area.
Olly added, “Charities like Terence Higgins Trust are there to support you with whatever you need, whatever your result. So, let’s celebrate this amazing progress by taking a test and knowing our status.”
HIV diagnosis is something that shouldn’t be feared in 2021 but those with the disease may not show symptoms for years, so it may be worth getting a test if you haven’t recently.
If you need more information on National HIV Testing Week or support, head to the Terrence Higgins Trust.