London: G-A-Y to stage HIV testing event for World AIDS Day

G-A-Y on London’s Old Compton Street will once again be providing free HIV tests during next month’s World AIDS Day, and campaigners hope to break another world record in the process.

Last December’s event at the bar officially broke a Guinness World Record for the number of HIV tests conducted in an eight hour period.

A total of 467 tests were carried out and around £13,000 was raised for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Staff from 56 Dean Street, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s HIV and sexual health centre in Soho, are repeating the challenge in order to promote HIV awareness and “make history” again during next month’s World AIDS Day.

Jake Jenkins of 56 Dean Street said: “Come along to G-A-Y on World AIDS Day to get a free instant and confidential HIV test and support our attempts to promote HIV awareness, reduce stigma and make history.

“The testing will be provided by the friendly, expert team from 56 Dean Street using the world’s fastest antibody test which provides a result in just 60 seconds. Testing early can add, on average, 16 years to someone’s life.”

Earlier this week, London Mayor Boris Johnson announced his support for England’s first ever National HIV Testing Week.

It launches on Friday 23 November and carries through until the start of World AIDS Day on Saturday 1 December.

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