NOEL WALSH HIV ACTIVISM
AWARD RECIPIENT
Rebecca Tallon de Havilland
An Irish trans rights and HIV activist, Rebecca Tallon de Havilland is a true pioneer who has fought against stigma for almost four decades. Through her media work and community engagement, she has become a trusted and compassionate voice, helping to educate others on what it means to be living with HIV. She has also recently focused on highlighting the importance of interlocking HIV services and gender-affirming care.
In her acceptance speech, she said: “ I just feel like we need to fight forward. I opened some doors, then there’s somebody else opening the doors even further. But we need to go further. We all need to be treated like human beings.” She concluded, saying, “Don’t give up. I’m 68 and I’m still giving it my all.”
NOMINEES
Ciaran Hanniffy
An author, trainee psychotherapist and recovery advocate, Ciaran Hanniffy is also an activist advancing HIV awareness in Ireland. Using lived experience and storytelling, Hanniffy bridges HIV activism, addiction recovery, and mental health through a queer lens, centring the need for personal and collective resources.
Heartlands Pride HIV Panel Discussion
The Heartlands Pride HIV Panel Discussion was nominated for creating a forum for a wide-ranging conversation about sensitivities, approaches, prejudices and honesty regarding all social aspects of HIV. The talk provided a unique opportunity for breaking the stigma around HIV in the Midlands, featuring speakers such as Rebecca Tallon De Havilland, Ciaran Hanniffy, Clarence Solomon and Laura Tully.
Plus Friends
Plus Friends is a group for people living with HIV in Dublin. Founded in 2019, the group was set up to take away the stress and awkwardness of having to confront misconceptions about HIV. Through social outings and meetups, the group provides a safe space for people living with HIV, while also breaking down stigma and fighting prejudice. The group offers a welcoming, pressure-free environment to connect with others, challenging the isolation that people living with HIV may feel.
By Beatrice Fanucci