Jonathan Grimshaw MBE
Master of Laws

Jonathan Grimshaw has made a significant contribution in developing support for HIV-positive individuals and challenging the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. Jonathan co-founded Body Positive in 1985, one of the earliest support groups for HIV-positive individuals. He became considered as the UK’s most visible HIV-positive man and sought to challenge the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS.

His work expanded beyond Body Positive into counselling and education consultancy for many AIDS organisations. He also sat on the first committee responsible for planning the Conservative government’s public health campaigns, advising ministers on the most effective language to persuade gay men to protect themselves.

His counselling work culminated in the establishment of Landmark in 1989, a day centre in south London. It was opened by Princess Diana; a year later, Grimshaw was awarded an MBE, the first such honour for someone in the HIV sector.