Philip Baldwin (he/him/his) is a human rights activist. Philip was born in 1985 and is 37 years old. He was diagnosed with HIV in 2010, at the age of 24. Philip is healthy, happy and successful. Christianity is an important part of his life. Philip is best known for his campaigning around LGBTQ issues, HIV, homelessness, asylum and faith inclusion.

“Equality and diversity constitute a fundamental part of my ethos.”

From 2009 to 2015 Philip worked in financial services in London and New York. His career in the City followed on from an undergraduate degree in Modern History from Oriel College, Oxford, an M.Phil in History of Art and Architecture from Peterhouse College, Cambridge and a law conversion in London. Philip’s activism, charitable work and faith are now the main focus of his life.

“I am proud to describe myself as an LGBTQ rights and HIV activist. Helping others is the most wonderful and empowering feeling in the world. My HIV does not hold me back. I progress ever forwards, my life improving as I become more confident in who I am. I have taken ownership of my HIV status, incorporating this into my identity. My HIV has made me a stronger person and I do not believe that I would be the person I am today had it not been for my diagnosis. I went through a process of becoming more open, allowing myself to be reborn. I forged a new identity, enabling me to become a different person from either a high-flying gay lawyer or a terrified patient. My humanity and humility was deepened through the experience of being made vulnerable and humbled. A weakness became a strength. It is our flaws which make us beautiful. My HIV undermined me, leaving me vulnerable. Now it is a core part of who I am. I would like every person to know that they can overcome the uncertainty of an HIV diagnosis, that those living with HIV can live an incredible life, full of hope and that, like me, HIV need not curtail their aspirations.”

Charities Philip supports and campaigns for include Stonewall, Albert Kennedy Trust, Terrence Higgins Trust, Positively UK and Rainbow Migration. Philip is a trustee of the Ozanne Foundation. Philip is a Stonewall Role Model. He has a column in Gay Times. He is currently finalising a semi-autobiographical book on stigma called Positive Damage. Everyone has the right to live with dignity, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, disability, age or creed.