We first became aware of Northern Ireland actor Matthew Cavan whose alter-ego Cherrie OnTop when BECOMING CHERRIE a documentary on his life caused a sensation at the Iris Prize Festival . As well as being a very charismatic performer, Cavan who was diagnosed HIV+ 10 years ago, is also an outspoken activist determined to continue talking publicly about his experiences to help other people living with HIV in Northern Ireland.
N.Ireland is technically part of the UK BUT still lags behind in its attitude to the LGBTQ community, like dragging their heels for years and they only just approved same-sex marriages last week. So going public about HIV status in this conservative region where organized religion holds too tight a grasp on society, takes a big set of balls amongst other things.
Cavan has now teamed up again with documentarian Nicky Larkin as he continues his quest to better understand the complexities of HIV, and discovers what the future holds for him, and the estimated one thousand people living with HIV in Northern Ireland today.
Cavan goes 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.
Cherrie, Me and HIV is being broadcast on BBC Northern Ireland on November 4th 2019 and then will be available on the BBCI IPlayer. However we are have an interview planned with Matthew/Cherrie Pop next week (currently he is rehearsing Abomination: an riotously high-camp opera about DUP homophobia) and one of the questions we will ask is when can the rest of the world see his new film. We cannot wait. Watch this space.
Labels: 2019, HIV, Northern Ireland, TV program
