In this special live episode, I’m joined by Gareth Thomas - legendary rugby player, advocate, and trailblazer in the fight to break HIV stigma. Gareth shares his powerful journey from the rugby pitch to public speaking: finding acceptance, resilience, and purpose after a lifetime of feeling he couldn’t truly exist as himself. We talk about how community can create spaces for openness, the impact of stigma on mental health, and why sitting around a real campfire leads to the kind of honest conversations we all need. Gareth also opens up about the profound shift from wanting to disappear to embracing life fully - and how he’s using his experience to empower others. If you’re interested in stories of strength, vulnerability, and the quest for belonging, this episode will move and inspire you.
\nLINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS
\nIf the content around HIV stigma resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:
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Tackle HIV: https://tacklehiv.org/
\nThe Terence Higgins Trust: https://www.tht.org.uk/
\n\n\nWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
\n🗣️ Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB.
\n\n💬 Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB
\n📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk
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If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it — it really helps! Bryony xx
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Credits:
\nHost: Bryony Gordon
\nGuest: Gareth Thomas
\nProducer: Laura Elwood-Craig
\nAssistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun
\nStudio Manager: Sam Chisholm
\nEditor: Luke Shelley
\nExec Producer: Mike Wooller
\nSpecial Thanks: Newsworks
\nA Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.
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