Andrew Keates: Real Stories from the AIDS Pandemic

Love, Loss & Life: Real Stories From The AIDS Pandemic

Andrew Keates grew up in Dorset and realized he was gay at 13. He loves the theater and is now an award-winning director. Some of his productions have been performed in the West End, including 'As Is', 'Dessa Rose', and 'Dark Sublime'. In 2018, he received the 'Young Achiever of the Year Award' for his success in theater and his work raising awareness about HIV and under-represented communities.

Andrew felt let down by the lack of education about HIV and the absence of gay role models when he was young. In 2013, he directed a revival of 'As Is' to honour those lost to the AIDS pandemic and raise awareness about HIV. He made a pact with his cast and crew to get tested for HIV. At the end of the production, he found out he was HIV positive.

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This podcast series features stories taken from our first book, a collection of essays, reflections, and testimonies also entitled ‘Love, Loss & Life’ which you can buy here.
An audiobook is also available here.

Visit the National HIV Story Trust website

Chapters

1. Introduction by Anita Dobson (00:00:00)

2. Andrew describes his HIV test and his shock at testing positive (00:02:34)

3. initial feelings of loneliness after being diagnosed HIV positive (00:02:58)

4. Realising he is not alone, and the necessity of being treated (00:04:06)

5. side effects of some HIV medication, and working with your doctor to find the right medication with least side effects (00:05:03)

6. fighting the temptation to keeping HIV diagnosis a secret, inspiring others to get tested and taking pride in encouraging others who are HIV positive to live a normal life (00:06:11)