History of the shop

Positive East launched its T-shirt Shop in 2020, commissioning 14 artists whose work addresses social injustice, LGBTQ+ equality, and HIV stigma. We wanted to demonstrate the powerful role of art in shaping the HIV narrative whilst we were living under the shadow of yet another global pandemic – COVID-19. The resulting collection showcased a range of artistic mediums and perspectives, reflecting the diverse experiences of our community.

In 2023, we integrated the shop with our annual queer makers market - Q-MART - further celebrating queer creativity and commissioning new designs (you can learn more about the 2023 Q-MART artists via the ‘artist’ page on this website.)

In 2025, we partnered with the David Wojnarowicz Foundation to feature his 1990 artwork, 'We Are Born into a Pre-Invented Existence,' on a limited-edition t-shirt. The flower's allusion to the AIDS crisis, his own illness, and the enduring nature of loss, resonates deeply with our mission to ‘leave no one behind’. This new t-shirt will be sold alongside three other beloved designs by Linder, Sunil Gupta and David Gwinnutt.

About Positive East

Working throughout East London, Positive East is a community-led HIV charity that has been at the forefront of HIV service and care for 30 years. Rooted in community collaboration, our projects and programmes are accessed by nearly 4,000 people per year. These include: Re:Assure Women’s Project (London’s only project for HIV positive female asylum seekers), community-specific support groups, individual peer support, skills-building workshops, volunteering opportunities, free rapid HIV/STI testing; counselling, information and advice around housing, welfare and immigration, and complementary therapies including yoga and mindfulness.

For nearly three decades, Positive East has borne witness to significant medical, social and political advancements; new HIV diagnosis are down, we've achieved the UNAIDS target of 90-90-90 and U=U and PrEP’s efficacy are scientific statements of fact. However, we know that not all people and not all communities are benefiting. HIV stigma is still all too common, with myths and misconceptions often guiding the narrative. 35,000,000 people around the world (50,000 in London) are currently living with HIV and we have mourned the loss of tens of millions of people worldwide whose fight against HIV ended too soon.

We are not done yet.

100% of the proceeds raised through this project will directly support our HIV support and prevention services.