Following the discovery of LAV and HTVL-III , the identical viruses believed to cause AIDS, a blood test is developed in 1985 to screen for the disease. Marc Thompson, then a teenager, is pursuaded by friends to take it. The dialogue around AIDS is increasing, though there is still so much unknown. Rock Hudson, a prolific Hollywood actor has died at this point, but there is still nothing that really connects the Black, gay community in South East London to this disease. They felt safe in their world, but that world was about to change forever. We Were Always Here is produced and sound designed by Hana Walker-Brown This is a Broccoli Production. A transcript for this episode is available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/11ZzBqS5ojufS4EOGTFrKTTFlt81BPJ49 If you have been affected by the themes in this episode a list of resources and helplines can be found below: The Love Tank The Love Tank is a not-for-profit community interest community (CIC) that promotes health and wellbeing of under served communities through education, capacity building + research. http://thelovetank.info Body and Soul Charity Tel: 020 7923 6880 bodyandsoulcharity.org Body & Soul is a pioneering UK charity dedicated to transforming the lives of children, teenagers and families living with, or affected by HIV. Terrence Higgins Trust Helpline: 0808 802 1221 tht.org.uk Offers free and confidential services for people with HIV and AIDS, including specialist advice and representation on welfare rights, housing and legal matters, practical help and befriending. See website for local centres. Positively UK Tel: 020 7713 0444 positivelyuk.org We are here to help all individuals living with HIV in the UK to live well. From diagnosis and starting treatment to talking about your HIV with others, your relationships, and employment options, Positively UK will support you to manage all aspects of your HIV and help you to achieve the best for your physical and emotional well-being. Our front-line staff and volunteers are themselves living with HIV and have first-hand experience of the issues you may face. The National AIDS Trust nat.org.uk NAT is the UK's leading charity dedicated to transforming society's response to HIV. We provide fresh thinking, expert advice and practical resources. We campaign for change. CHIVA (Children’s HIV Association) chiva.org.uk CHIVA work with professionals to provide the best possible care and services for children, young people and families living with HIV, as well as working with parents to provide information to support them in the issues HIV presents within the family. They also work with young people living with HIV through a youth committee and consultations to ensure they are provided  with the information they need and that their voices are heard throughout their work and in the wider community. NAM Aidsmap aidsmap.com Information, news and resources for people with HIV and AIDS, comprehensive information on treatments and a database of HIV clinics in the UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices