'It's not about LGBTQ+ people taking over, it's about representation'
Swindon and Wiltshire Pride has been giving its verdict on the hit TV drama 'It's a Sin', as HIV testing rates soar across England
Last updated 12th Feb 2021
The number of people ordering HIV Tests across England has seen a major spike.
According to the Terrence Higgins Trust, 8,207 test kits were booked on Monday 8 February. That is over 300% higher than the previous daily record of 2,709.
It seems the day cooked a perfect storm. The start of National HIV Testing Week was brought into the wider public consciousness by the hit TV series 'It's a Sin'.
The Channel 4 drama follows an eccentric group, including four gay men, making their way in the world amidst the backdrop of an emerging HIV epidemic during the 1980s.
The five 'Pink Palace' residents learn the harsh realities caused by an illness for which, at the time, there was little knowledge or treatment.
'You're just there with an open mouth'
Phoenix Stewart, Community Engagement and Inclusion Manager at Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, gave us his verdict: "I think they got the balance really well, there's a nice bit of comedy in there.
"They did a really good job of telling the story, without it bringing everyone down.
"You're just there with an open mouth, even I was the same on some of these laws.
"You couldn't get a house with a same-sex partner. People had to lie (and say): 'They're my room-mate'".
'We urge those at risk of HIV to get tested regularly'
Despite the rise in HIV tests nationally, the number of people ordering them in our region has declined in recent years.
Public Health England (PHE) says between 2016 and 2019, HIV testing rates across the South West fell by 8.6%. That figure now sits below the national average.
Residents are now being reminded tests are an integral first step of the recovery process.
Norah O'Brien, Sexual Health Facilitator for PHE South West, said: “We hope that following this HIV Testing Week, there will be a raised awareness of the need for people to book a test if they think they are at risk of developing HIV.
“Regular HIV testing ensures that people who are unaware of their infection are quickly diagnosed and start receiving safe and effective treatment.
"We urge those at risk of HIV to get tested regularly".