Terrence Higgins Trust launches sexual health archive to mark 40 years of HIV/AIDS activism

5th July 2022

Terrence Higgins Trust

Terrence Higgins Trust has launched an archive of sexual health promotion materials from the last 40 years at the Bishopsgate Institute in London.

Videos, leaflets and other documents give the public a unique opportunity to learn about the HIV/AIDS epidemic from the resources that were available as it progressed.

The archive also includes rarely seen papers, campaign posters, publications and other items from the last four decades.

Its launch, which took place on 4 July, coincided with the 40-year anniversary of the charity’s namesake, Terry Higgins, becoming the first named person to die of an AIDS-related illness in the UK.

His passing inspired Terry’s partner, Rupert, and their close friend, Martyn, to start giving out advice and information when hysteria was rife in public discourse – with their work quickly resulting in the formation of what was known at the time as the Terry Higgins Trust.

It has since become the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity.

The archive’s launch saw speeches from prominent former members of Terrence Higgins Trust, as well as a special performance by Bakita Kasadha.

Wonderful to be joined by @Keir_Starmer, @AngelaRayner & @AnnelieseDodds to mark 40 years of supporting people affected by HIV at @PrideInLondon.

We’re doing everything we can to end new HIV cases in the UK by 2030 — we need those with influence at the top standing with us. pic.twitter.com/GOPfgd6ThA

— Terrence Higgins Trust (@THTorguk) July 3, 2022