Join Dan Glass for a tour of our current exhibition Flare-Up. Glass is an activist for AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP). He is also an award-winning human rights activist, performer, presenter and writer. Glass will offer readings of the art works included in the exhibition through the lens of his practice, anchored by the work of Derek Jarman and Felix Gonzalez-Torres, both AIDS activists in their lifetimes.
This event is free and open to all. For more information on accessibility please click here.
ABOUT AIDS COALITION TO UNLEASH POWER (ACT UP) LONDON
Reformed in 2014, the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) London chapter is a diverse, non-partisan group united in anger and committed to direct action to end the HIV pandemic and the wider inequalities that sustain it through collectivising strategic, revolutionary joy.
In the fifth decade of this crisis, they fight to ensure comprehensive and easily accessible treatment for all people, in all countries. This includes not only medications but also mental and social health services, as well as housing and economic equality. In the UK, they are united with the coalition of activists fighting to keep the National Health Service free, publicly run, and fully funded.
In a time of rising infection rates, they challenge anyone who would hinder or cut back on life-saving services around safer sex, education, clean needles, and all other HIV prevention measures. And in a time of continuing stigma, silence, and isolation, they combat discrimination against, and promote the visibility and leadership of, those living with HIV and AIDS.
Remembering that HIV and AIDS is foremost a political crisis, as well as a medical emergency, they use every means possible to call out and contain this pandemic.
BIOGRAPHY
Depending on who you ask Dan Glass is an Activist of the Year, a campaigning role model or ‘scum’ (Nigel Farage) after organising the Beyond UKIP Cabaret in his pub. Named a ‘furious gay activist’ (Daily Mail) after last year’s infamous Sodomites Walk protest in Hampstead Heath.
Dan re-formed AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) in London, helping win access to PrEP in the UK; building international healthcare coalitions in Uganda, Russia, Poland; presenting Death by a Thousand Cuts: The Great NHS Sell-Off which won Award of Excellence at the DOCS Without Borders Film Festival; producing HIV / HEP Blind Date, theatre dating-show for people living with HIV, and ALL ABOARD ACT UP – Pride Celebration of AIDS Activism Boat Protest-Party; and founding the legendary This is My Culture annual sexual freedom party in honour of George Michael, now in its tenth year.
Dan founded Queer Tours of London – A Mince Through Time, Queer Night Pride, and queer and trans Muay Thai and self defence movement Bender Defenders. His books United Queerdom from the Legends of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) to the Queers of Tomorrow and Queer Footprints – A Guide to Uncovering London’s Fierce History are used as roadmaps for freedom across the world. Dan is on the international committee of Training for Transformation, and an artist with In Place of War and Beautiful Trouble.
