AN HIV charity has partnered with an LGBTQ+ clothing store to help break the stigma around the disease.
The Sussex Beacon and Brighton-based The LGBTQ+ Shop have created a range of T-shirts and merchandise with the tagline: 'The H in HIV stands for Human, so act like one!'
Profits from the sale of 'H' merchandise will be donated to the charity, which supports people living with the condition.
Executive director of The Sussex Beacon Bill Puddicombe said: "The message contained in this new range from the LGBTQ+ Shop is powerful one.
"HIV stigma can result in people being too worried to test and discover their HIV status, receive available treatment and the support that organisations such as The Sussex Beacon provide.
"The sooner HIV stigma can be eradicated, the sooner we'll be able to reach that ultimate goal of zero transmissions."
The range will be unveiled at a launch event on November 6 from 1pm to 3pm, hosted by drag performer-about-town Ruffles, who will be schmoozing with everyone attending on the day.
The event will feature special mannequin displays of 'H' T-shirts with QR codes, enabling bespoke ordering ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1.
The Sussex Beacon provides specialist care and support for people living with HIV. Services available promote independence and improve health and wellbeing via both inpatient and outpatient resources.
Their services are run from a centre in Brighton, equipped with a ten-bed inpatient unit, therapy rooms and larger rooms for group work.
World AIDS Day aims to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic and is one of 11 official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organisation.
It is estimated that 37.7 million people across the world are living with HIV, with roughly 102,000 people in the UK infected with the virus.
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