Emma Cole 'Positive Voice' HIV+
@emmacolehiv.bsky.social
HIV+ 33 years.
'Positive Voice' talk for schools and businesses; TEDx speaker. ❤️QPR; LAMDA & Springsteen. London Marathon 2017.
Loved by and in love with B.
'Positive Voice' talk for schools and businesses; TEDx speaker. ❤️QPR; LAMDA & Springsteen. London Marathon 2017.
Loved by and in love with B.
First 4 Positive Voice talks in November delivered at
1) Sir Robert Woodard Academy
2) Oxford High School
3) The Grange School
4) New Hall School
Over 500 young people hearing up to date information about #HIV including the #UequalsU message. Sharing my experiences from 34 years living with #HIV.
1) Sir Robert Woodard Academy
2) Oxford High School
3) The Grange School
4) New Hall School
Over 500 young people hearing up to date information about #HIV including the #UequalsU message. Sharing my experiences from 34 years living with #HIV.
November 13, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Yesterday I returned to speak at Notting Hill and Ealing High School for the 29th year. I first spoke here in 1993, just a couple of years after my #HIV diagnosis. One of the pupils from those early years hearing me speak is now a teacher here and still remembers the impact my talk had.
September 23, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Yesterday I returned to speak at Notting Hill and Ealing High School for the 29th year. I first spoke here in 1993, just a couple of years after my #HIV diagnosis. One of the pupils from those early years hearing me speak is now a teacher here and still remembers the impact my talk had.
13.32pm, Windsor Great Park #adaywithhiv
During my 34 years of living with #HIV, it is taking time out in nature where I have been my happiest. Today's walk with my husband B to photograph fungi in Windsor Great Park.
#adaywithhiv
#hivpositive
#hivlongtermsurvivor
During my 34 years of living with #HIV, it is taking time out in nature where I have been my happiest. Today's walk with my husband B to photograph fungi in Windsor Great Park.
#adaywithhiv
#hivpositive
#hivlongtermsurvivor
September 22, 2025 at 12:38 PM
13.32pm, Windsor Great Park #adaywithhiv
During my 34 years of living with #HIV, it is taking time out in nature where I have been my happiest. Today's walk with my husband B to photograph fungi in Windsor Great Park.
#adaywithhiv
#hivpositive
#hivlongtermsurvivor
During my 34 years of living with #HIV, it is taking time out in nature where I have been my happiest. Today's walk with my husband B to photograph fungi in Windsor Great Park.
#adaywithhiv
#hivpositive
#hivlongtermsurvivor
Marking 34 years ago today that I received my #HIVpositive diagnosis by heading off to deliver a Positive Voice talk to pupils in High Wycombe. Eternally grateful to everyone in my life who has contributed to my survival since 1991. #longtermsurvivor #HIV
September 11, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Marking 34 years ago today that I received my #HIVpositive diagnosis by heading off to deliver a Positive Voice talk to pupils in High Wycombe. Eternally grateful to everyone in my life who has contributed to my survival since 1991. #longtermsurvivor #HIV
Day trip to Paris yesterday to see the David Hockney exhibition at Fondation Louis Vuitton, one of my favourite buildings. A joy to see over 400 pieces of work on display, lots of inspiration for my current creative burst. #davidhockney
August 14, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Day trip to Paris yesterday to see the David Hockney exhibition at Fondation Louis Vuitton, one of my favourite buildings. A joy to see over 400 pieces of work on display, lots of inspiration for my current creative burst. #davidhockney
With my school talks on summer break I get to fill my days with creative endeavours. Just finished this painting to sell at my friend's open studio later this month. It's mindfulness set loose with paints. Really enjoyed this one, mostly listening to @brucespringsteen.net while I worked.
August 6, 2025 at 9:44 PM
With my school talks on summer break I get to fill my days with creative endeavours. Just finished this painting to sell at my friend's open studio later this month. It's mindfulness set loose with paints. Really enjoyed this one, mostly listening to @brucespringsteen.net while I worked.
I cannot speak highly enough of all the wonderful NHS staff at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital who are currently treating B on the AAU. Triaged within 5 minutes of arriving at 4am Thursday, straight through to Resus, emergency endoscopy, CT scan all within 12 hours. Staying in until he's stable.
July 25, 2025 at 6:15 PM
I cannot speak highly enough of all the wonderful NHS staff at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital who are currently treating B on the AAU. Triaged within 5 minutes of arriving at 4am Thursday, straight through to Resus, emergency endoscopy, CT scan all within 12 hours. Staying in until he's stable.
Took advantage of the Members Early Morning @painshill.bsky.social, arrived just after 8am to enjoy nearly 3 hours of walking through the landscape before the rain. Some much needed time-out from caring for my partner who is in the midst of another mental health crisis.
#painshill #natureheals
#painshill #natureheals
July 22, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Took advantage of the Members Early Morning @painshill.bsky.social, arrived just after 8am to enjoy nearly 3 hours of walking through the landscape before the rain. Some much needed time-out from caring for my partner who is in the midst of another mental health crisis.
#painshill #natureheals
#painshill #natureheals
Today marks #ZeroHIVStigmaDay. I chose to live openly as a woman with #HIV within weeks of my diagnosis in 1991 and have continued to educate about HIV for over 30 years to help tackle stigma, raise awareness and challenge stereotypes.
#hivpositive
#zerohivstigmaday
#hivstigma
#tacklinghivstigma
#hivpositive
#zerohivstigmaday
#hivstigma
#tacklinghivstigma
July 21, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Today marks #ZeroHIVStigmaDay. I chose to live openly as a woman with #HIV within weeks of my diagnosis in 1991 and have continued to educate about HIV for over 30 years to help tackle stigma, raise awareness and challenge stereotypes.
#hivpositive
#zerohivstigmaday
#hivstigma
#tacklinghivstigma
#hivpositive
#zerohivstigmaday
#hivstigma
#tacklinghivstigma
56th birthday. Never expected to be here when diagnosed #HIVpositive in 1991 aged 22. Originally told 8-10 years to live, so every extra birthday is testament to the amazing NHS care, HIV meds and most importantly the love of my inner circle, including B and my sisters. #birthday #longtermsurvivor
June 20, 2025 at 11:28 AM
56th birthday. Never expected to be here when diagnosed #HIVpositive in 1991 aged 22. Originally told 8-10 years to live, so every extra birthday is testament to the amazing NHS care, HIV meds and most importantly the love of my inner circle, including B and my sisters. #birthday #longtermsurvivor
Participated in the priority setting workshop led by @richard-ma.bsky.social yesterday. Looking at research ideas for older people with HIV. Very interesting to see the variety of topics suggested. Grateful that as a long-term survivor I am facing older age, never expected to when diagnosed in 1991.
June 20, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Participated in the priority setting workshop led by @richard-ma.bsky.social yesterday. Looking at research ideas for older people with HIV. Very interesting to see the variety of topics suggested. Grateful that as a long-term survivor I am facing older age, never expected to when diagnosed in 1991.
Very poignant to see the #aidsquiltuk this afternoon at Tate Modern. Seeing names of people I knew from the early years of my diagnosis remembered in their quilts. We must never forget the past and all those people we lost to AIDS.
June 14, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Very poignant to see the #aidsquiltuk this afternoon at Tate Modern. Seeing names of people I knew from the early years of my diagnosis remembered in their quilts. We must never forget the past and all those people we lost to AIDS.
Today, June 5th, is HIV Long-term Survivors Awareness Day, largely a US event but I want to acknowledge all of us in the UK who've been living with HIV for decades and live with the battle scars of life before treatment. 34 years since my diagnosis, living a life I never expected to have. #HLTSAD
June 5, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Today, June 5th, is HIV Long-term Survivors Awareness Day, largely a US event but I want to acknowledge all of us in the UK who've been living with HIV for decades and live with the battle scars of life before treatment. 34 years since my diagnosis, living a life I never expected to have. #HLTSAD
B and I attended the Governor's Review at the Royal Hospital this morning. Wearing my late father's military medals for the occasion. Wonderful to see the #ChelseaPensioners parade and hear the military band perform.
June 3, 2025 at 6:07 PM
B and I attended the Governor's Review at the Royal Hospital this morning. Wearing my late father's military medals for the occasion. Wonderful to see the #ChelseaPensioners parade and hear the military band perform.
At Highgate cemetery to visit Ian's grave, 32 years ago today he died from an #AIDS related illness at Patrick House hospice in Hammersmith. Place a yellow rose on his grave so his spirit knows he is still remembered with love. #whatisrememberedlives
May 22, 2025 at 12:19 PM
At Highgate cemetery to visit Ian's grave, 32 years ago today he died from an #AIDS related illness at Patrick House hospice in Hammersmith. Place a yellow rose on his grave so his spirit knows he is still remembered with love. #whatisrememberedlives
A day of self care yesterday as I took a train out to spend the afternoon @rspb.bsky.social Rye Meads before walking back along the canal for a couple of miles to Broxbourne. A day for quiet contemplation in nature, just listening to birdsong for a few hours.
May 3, 2025 at 4:30 PM
A day of self care yesterday as I took a train out to spend the afternoon @rspb.bsky.social Rye Meads before walking back along the canal for a couple of miles to Broxbourne. A day for quiet contemplation in nature, just listening to birdsong for a few hours.
23rd April 2017...8 years ago today I was running the London Marathon, marking what was then my 26th year of living with #HIV, hence 26 Red Ribbons sewn onto my running vest. Finished in under 6 hours which was my target time, having only done 150 miles in training runs!
April 23, 2025 at 5:58 PM
23rd April 2017...8 years ago today I was running the London Marathon, marking what was then my 26th year of living with #HIV, hence 26 Red Ribbons sewn onto my running vest. Finished in under 6 hours which was my target time, having only done 150 miles in training runs!
Day trip to Hastings with B today, beautifully sunny day to explore the seafront and castle, enjoyed best fish 'n' chips at Maggie's. Enjoyed visiting the Fishermen's and Shipwrecks Museums, and discovering the unique Net Stores.
March 18, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Day trip to Hastings with B today, beautifully sunny day to explore the seafront and castle, enjoyed best fish 'n' chips at Maggie's. Enjoyed visiting the Fishermen's and Shipwrecks Museums, and discovering the unique Net Stores.
In 1993, the late Sr Dorothy Bell took me with her to #Woldingham School to speak to pupils about living with #HIV. It was the start of more than 3 decades of visits to educate pupils.
Today I returned for my 31st visit to speak with a fantastic Year 11 audience as part of their Thrive programme.
Today I returned for my 31st visit to speak with a fantastic Year 11 audience as part of their Thrive programme.
March 4, 2025 at 6:52 PM
In 1993, the late Sr Dorothy Bell took me with her to #Woldingham School to speak to pupils about living with #HIV. It was the start of more than 3 decades of visits to educate pupils.
Today I returned for my 31st visit to speak with a fantastic Year 11 audience as part of their Thrive programme.
Today I returned for my 31st visit to speak with a fantastic Year 11 audience as part of their Thrive programme.
It's #nationalhivtestingweek
I contracted #HIV when a condom failed, my boyfriend at the time then told me he was HIV+
If he'd said nothing, I would never have thought someone like me should take an #hivtest and I'd be undiagnosed.
If you’ve EVER had unprotected sex, take a test #knowyourstatus.
I contracted #HIV when a condom failed, my boyfriend at the time then told me he was HIV+
If he'd said nothing, I would never have thought someone like me should take an #hivtest and I'd be undiagnosed.
If you’ve EVER had unprotected sex, take a test #knowyourstatus.
February 10, 2025 at 11:54 PM
It's #nationalhivtestingweek
I contracted #HIV when a condom failed, my boyfriend at the time then told me he was HIV+
If he'd said nothing, I would never have thought someone like me should take an #hivtest and I'd be undiagnosed.
If you’ve EVER had unprotected sex, take a test #knowyourstatus.
I contracted #HIV when a condom failed, my boyfriend at the time then told me he was HIV+
If he'd said nothing, I would never have thought someone like me should take an #hivtest and I'd be undiagnosed.
If you’ve EVER had unprotected sex, take a test #knowyourstatus.
Yesterday marked 23 years since I established Positive Voice to deliver #HIV education to schools and businesses across the UK. Since then over 360,000 pupils, staff and parents have listened to my story of #HIVpositive diagnosis in 1991 to long-term survivor today.
Photo: TEDx Guildford
Photo: TEDx Guildford
January 15, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Yesterday marked 23 years since I established Positive Voice to deliver #HIV education to schools and businesses across the UK. Since then over 360,000 pupils, staff and parents have listened to my story of #HIVpositive diagnosis in 1991 to long-term survivor today.
Photo: TEDx Guildford
Photo: TEDx Guildford
Using my festive break from school talks to be creative. Hand sewing the weaved strips and circles I've created on my looms onto blank canvas cushion covers to make a bright addition for my sofa. #creativity #weaving
December 22, 2024 at 6:51 PM
Using my festive break from school talks to be creative. Hand sewing the weaved strips and circles I've created on my looms onto blank canvas cushion covers to make a bright addition for my sofa. #creativity #weaving
Over 35 weeks of 2024, I've given 87 talks in 76 different schools, travelling just under 13,000 miles around the UK.
Approx. 16,500 pupils hearing about living with #HIV including the vital #uequalsu message.
Thank you to all the teachers who continue to support my work in their schools.
Approx. 16,500 pupils hearing about living with #HIV including the vital #uequalsu message.
Thank you to all the teachers who continue to support my work in their schools.
December 10, 2024 at 6:29 PM
Remembering my Dad who died on this day 49 years ago when I was just 6 years old. Very proud to be a Sapper's daughter. #RoyalEngineers
December 6, 2024 at 8:53 AM
Remembering my Dad who died on this day 49 years ago when I was just 6 years old. Very proud to be a Sapper's daughter. #RoyalEngineers
At the launch event tonight of HIVstory, the HIV Story Trust's National Lottery Heritage funded project.
I'm honoured that my story is one of 44 selected from over 120 interviews to be included in the exhibition which will be touring the UK and available on the website.
www.hivstory.org.uk/about/
I'm honoured that my story is one of 44 selected from over 120 interviews to be included in the exhibition which will be touring the UK and available on the website.
www.hivstory.org.uk/about/
December 5, 2024 at 11:29 PM
At the launch event tonight of HIVstory, the HIV Story Trust's National Lottery Heritage funded project.
I'm honoured that my story is one of 44 selected from over 120 interviews to be included in the exhibition which will be touring the UK and available on the website.
www.hivstory.org.uk/about/
I'm honoured that my story is one of 44 selected from over 120 interviews to be included in the exhibition which will be touring the UK and available on the website.
www.hivstory.org.uk/about/