HIV The Naked Truth – a collective of “like-minded people with a mission to end HIV stigma through the arts” – is hosting HIV The Naked Truth 2025 Gala in honour of World AIDS Day.
Masterminded by founder Joshua Royal, the event also marks a personal milestone, as he reaches 10 years since his HIV diagnosis. Furthermore, it commemorates 20 years of Positive East.
The Gala will raise funds through ticket sales & an exclusive auction, supporting the impactful work of Positive East — the East London charity dedicated to improving the lives of people living with HIV. Their services range from counselling and peer support to HIV testing and prevention outreach.
Tuesday 2nd December 2025
Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church
235 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8EP
18.00pm - 18.30pm - VIP Invitation Only
19.00 pm - 21.00pm - Gala Performance
DRESS CODE IS BLACK TIE (DRESS TO IMPRESS)
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It is designed to be an intimate night of fine arts, inspirational stories, and educational endeavour, with performances by world class stars and speeches by esteemed advocates.
Asttina Mandella, British drag artist of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, will be hosting the gala.
The star-studded lineup includes Italian ballet dancer and actress Mara Galeazzi; internationally acclaimed pole artist Peter Holoda; West End star Cameron Bernard Jones, and Tiano, the iconic tenor and piano duo featuring Shimi Goodman and Chris Hamilton also introducing young talented artists Havannah and Jaimie
Among the evening’s distinguished guest speakers are Rebecca Tallon De Havilland, one of the first transgender women in Ireland to receive a female passport; British-Nigerian LGBTQ rights activist and Anglican minister Rev. Jide Macaulay; and Dr. Eduardo Peres, a Brazilian medical doctor and sexologist.
Meanwhile, a book signed by Elton John will be going under the hammer during a silent auction.
The gala has been sponsored by ViiV Healthcare, Gilead Sciences and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Joshua Royal, Founder, HIV The Naked Truth, shared,
“This gala has been a true labour of love, and a celebration of community in the face of stigma. My life completely changed when I was diagnosed 10 years ago, but it also ignited a determination to use my experience to inspire others and help break down barriers. Events like this remind us that together, we can transform lives and fight HIV stigma with compassion, education and art.”