This is me (right) on an Outrage ‘kiss in’ demo at Clapham Common in 1991.
At the time you could be arrested for demonstrating same sex affection in public under gross indecency laws, not repealed until 2003.
This ‘kiss in’ was in response to Police harassment of gay cruisers on Clapham Common.
Although we no longer risk arrest in the UK, it is still unsafe for #LGBTQ people to show affection in public.
Sometimes it’s not even safe just to be ourselves.
#LGBTplusHM #LGBTHistoryMonth

…homosexuals who carry the plague and infect other people’
‘Poofs school talk’
‘They are not mad. They are just plain evil.’
How newspapers talked about #LGBTQ in early 1988, just before Section 28, banning the ‘promotion of homosexuality’, became law.
The parallels between the media treatment of gay men and lesbians then and their treatment of trans people now are clear.
As someone who fought Section 28 then, I stand in solidarity with trans people now.
#LGBTplusHM #lgbtplushistorymonth

How cool is this? A painting of mine made it into a sumptuous ‘coffee-table’ art book, Invisible Portraits, which celebrates #LGBTQ+ artists, lives and activists.
I painted #queer filmmaker, activist and gardener Derek Jarman.
I wanted to capture his joy, so chose an image of his canonisation by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in 1991, three years before his death from #AIDS.
He later described it as one of the happiest days of his life.

I was blown away by #GeorgeTakei’s powerful new musical #Allegiance.
It deals with the terrible treatment of Japanese Americans in the aftermath of Pearl Harbour, inspired by Takei’s childhood.
These uncomfortable stories are often airbrushed from history. George’s passion for correcting the record shines through. The show packs a hefty emotional punch and is brilliantly realised by a superb cast, incl. #TellyLeung and George himself.
Probably the best new musical I’ve seen in ages.
#startrek

At a rare venture into the outside world.
This gathering was prompted by the anniversary of the death of our friend, chemsex activist David Stuart.
Even given the sad circumstance, I am conscious how blessed I am to have these gorgeous (and young) people in my life.
Around the table L-R pole-dancing stand-up, Sian Docksey, brilliant actors Kane Surry and Elliot Hadley, Richard Aldridge, actor / producer Denholm Spurr and DJ / activist David Robson… icons every one.
#lgbtq #chemsex

Prince Harry donated $1.5m from the proceeds of Spare to Sentebale, the charity he founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support young people affected by HIV.
He carries on his mother’s work.
#PrinceHarry #PrinceHarrySpare #HIV #AIDS #PrincessDiana

Princess Diana embraced people living with #HIV, creating powerful images that challenged HIV stigma.
Prince Harry took up her mantle. When he took an HIV test, live, the uptake of home testing kits increased by 400%.
He continues through his work to encourage testing and to challenge stigma.
I have no doubt she would be proud.
#PrincessDiana #PrinceHarry #FightHIVstigma

Last April I was sent to A&E after calling 111 and was admitted to hospital.
It was touch and go for a while whether I would need surgery. I was nil by mouth for 18 hours just in case.
Fortunately, I did not need surgery but if I’d been seen later, perhaps even just a few hours, I probably would have done.
If I’d been seen maybe 24 hours later the surgery would have been life-changing.
If a couple of days after that my condition would have been life-threatening.
The #NHSCrisis is terrifying.

#WeCanBeHeroes - a podcast from the queer activist and literary salon keeper, Paul Burston.
I got to talk about the people who were my heroes growing up, Jodie Foster, Toyah Willcox, filmmaker Derek Jarman and activist Peter Tatchell.
#Toyah #JodieFoster #Jarman #LGBT #gayrights
https://shows.acast.com/we-can-be-heroes-with-paul-burston/episodes/we-can-be-heroes-matthew-hodson

I tried #Veganuary last year - liked it and stuck with it.
Some tips from my experience:
Oatly Barista is best for coffee.
Vegan mayo is so good, you won’t notice the difference.
The processed meat substitutes are generally healthier than the equivalent meat - but unprocessed food is better, obviously.
Aubergines and king oyster or shitake mushrooms can substitute for meat often.
I do it for the planet’s sake, so if I’m not 100% I forgive myself, it’s better than not trying.
#vegan #veganbros