The HIV epidemic can be viewed as a global mass disabling event. Since the very first cases were reported, affected communities have participated in radical activism to fill a void left by governments slow or unwilling to act.

In the UK, this activism has included empowering HIV positive people to live and die with dignity, challenging government inaction through protest, and campaigning for fair access to healthcare. This World AIDS Day and Disability History Month, join LGBTQIA+ and disability historian, Jaime Starr, to explore the ways HIV activists in the UK have dramatically changed society.

Bio:
Jaime Starr (they/them) is a queer, deaf and disabled oral historian and curator working with museums and archives to share LGBTQIA+ and disabled activist movement histories. Through their oral history practice, they documented the life story of Jonathan Blake, one of the first, and longest surviving British HIV+ people. Jaime is a Northern Bridge PhD scholar at Newcastle University, where they are mapping undocumented LGBTQIA+ material in the Tyne & Wear regional archives.

Monday, December 1, 2025

17:30 - 18:30

Library Exhibitions and Events ( does not book room)

Jaime Starr

Disability Allies Network, EDI Team Events, LGBT+ Staff Network, LGBTQIA+ Allies, Events - Staff Channel, Events - Student Channel

Accessibility

This talk is open to the community. We are committed to supporting equitable access for disabled attendees, and have the following access information. If you have access queries that are not covered here, please contact: edi@lancaster.ac.uk.

Mobility: The talk will take place in Lancaster University Library’s Events and Exhibition Space (MazeMap link: https://link.mazemap.com/fRqgGVXi, AccessAble link: https://www.accessable.co.uk/lancaster-university/access-guides/library . The nearest bus stop is 3 minutes away, accessible by steps or lift from the university Underpass. There is disabled parking available on campus. There is level access from the street to the classroom. There is a Changing Places & wheelchair accessible toilet in the building.

Hearing: There is a microphone for the presenter in this room. There is a hearing loop in this room. We can’t provide BSL interpretation if requested in advance.

Visual impairment: This session uses a visual presentation with images. Audio description of images, high contrast or large print copies of the slides can be provided if requested by November 20th. Lighting in the room does use LED bulbs.

Neurodivergence: This session will be a space where neurodivergent people are encouraged to show up as their whole selves – stimming, fidget toys, or crafting to support your engagement are welcome. A selection of fidget toys will be made available to attendees to borrow. You can take access breaks from the space without question or having attention drawn to you. There is a quiet room in the building.

Refreshments: There will be hot and cold refreshments provided at this event. Cakes or biscuits will be provided with considerations for all 14 major allergies, as well as gluten free options. Attendees are welcome to bring their own drinks, food or snacks to the event; however we request a nut-free environment and avoiding foods with strong smells. A hot and cold water tap is available for water refills.

Event image taken from People's History Museum, phm.org.uk/blogposts/a-history-of-uk-hiv-activism/