Paul Fairweather, an LGBT campaigner, was awarded an MBE in the 2023 King’s New Year Honors List.
Paul, a well-known HIV campaigner, LGBT rights advocate, and justice ambassador for the George House Trust, has been awarded the MBE for his contributions to the north west’s disabled and transgender population.
His lifelong commitment to advancing participation, defending justice, and combating hatred is recognized in the award.
Paul, who resides in Crumpsall, organized meetings, wrote articles for the lesbian press, and advocated for much-needed support solutions for people diagnosed with HIV in the early 1980s. Paul was at the forefront of the community response to the growing HIV epidemic among gay men in Manchester and across the north west.
His work was entirely voluntary and inspired by the struggles of many of his friends and the larger LGBTQ+ community, who were terrified and in need of guidance and information as more lives were being lost.
Since 1985, when Paul was one of the six people who founded and established Manchester AIDS Line, the organization that changed its name to George House Trust in 1990, he has been a leading voice in the field of HIV.
(Image: Paul Fairweather) Paul in the 1980s
Since then, George House Trust has worked to ensure that HIV patients have access to the resources they require to lead healthier, more confident lives.
As the Positive Speakers project leader, Paul is also involved with George House Trust, encouraging HIV-positive individuals to speak out, share their experiences, and combat the pervasive HIV stigma.
He collaborates with many people who have gone through the harsh reality of HIV discrimination and helps them realize their ability to transform people’s hearts and minds by using their own storytelling to inspire growth and activism.
Paul, 67, expressed his happiness upon receiving the honor, saying: “I was absolutely delighted; it came as a huge surprise to me. Given that I’ve been involved in queer advocacy for 50 years, it’s quite significant.
“My HIV engagement started in 1984, and my gay engagement in 1974. I continue to be an advocate today, and I see this MBE as recognition of the contributions that thousands of people, including myself, have made to the development of a very different world.
“A world where nobody is held back by having HIV. A society where prejudice and discrimination are challenged. A society where LGBT persons and those with disabilities enjoy much greater justice.”
“I’ve known Paul for many years through his work to promote LGBTQ+ participation and combat HIV discrimination in Manchester, across the north west, and beyond,” said Darren Knight, CEO of George House Trust.
“Working alongside Paul, I’m motivated by his determination to do everything in his power to improve the lives of others. He is an absolute legend, and I don’t use these words lightly. Since I began working in the LGBTQ+ and HIV sector 17 years ago, he has continued to inspire me in my daily work. His MBE is well deserved.”
