成人论坛

Actor Matthew Cavan was diagnosed HIV positive ten years ago. Despite the hurtful abuse and negative comments he has received, he is determined to continue talking publicly about his experiences to help other people living with HIV in Northern Ireland.

Now Matthew is going on a journey to learn more about the condition that has changed his life, and which has also had a huge impact on his loved ones. He wants to see how much has changed since the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and to find out how far away a cure may be. He also wants to explode a few myths about HIV and help people understand that with the right medical help and support, men and women with HIV can expect to live a normal, healthy, happy life.

We follow Matthew in his quest to better understand the complexities of HIV, as he discovers what the future holds for him, and the estimated one thousand people living with HIV in Northern Ireland today.

At the start of the documentary, Matthew goes to visit his parents Terry and Kathryne, and they reflect on the impact of Matthew鈥檚 diagnosis on family life. He goes to the Royal Victoria Hospital, to discuss a change in his HIV medication with his consultant Dr Carol Emerson, and meets John O鈥橠oherty, director of The Rainbow Centre in Belfast, to find out why the stigma around HIV is so damaging. Matthew also travels to London to meet Professor Sarah Fidler, one of the world鈥檚 leading HIV experts, and he talks to Belfast man Greg Owen, who took on the NHS in a high-profile battle to have miracle drug PrEP made available. He also meets one of Northern Ireland鈥檚 most famous faces, broadcaster Wendy Austin, who tells Matthew about her only brother David, who died of AIDS in 1994.

Along the way we meet Matthew's absolutely-fabulous drag alter-ego - the irrepressible Cherrie Ontop, who brings colour, sparkle and fun into Matthew鈥檚 life and helps him cope with the pressure of living with HIV. Viewers get a front row seat at Cherrie's weekly cabaret performance, as Matthew tentatively reveals his HIV status to the audience.