Today is the 25th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana. In honour of the occasion, we believe it’s important to look back at the momentous impact she had on public perceptions of HIV and celebrate her legacy. Because, with every gloveless handshake and every hug, she helped to challenge the hysteria and fear which was rife at the time. I truly believe we wouldn’t be where we are today without her. In April 1987, at the height of the AIDS epidemic, while many turned away and ignored what was happening, Princess Diana opened the UK’s first specialist HIV/AIDS unit at London’s Middlesex Hospital, a space that would exclusively care for patients with the virus. While visiting the unit, she famously noted, 'HIV does not make people dangerous to know. You can shake their hands and give them a hug. Heaven knows they need it. What's more, you can share their homes, their workplaces, and their playgrounds and toys.' For people living with HIV, her comments marked the start of her monumental efforts to see them treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. And, through her actions, she showed everyone else that HIV can’t be passed through day to day contact. Of course, it didn’t change everything overnight and abhorrent stigma and discrimination remain today, but the Princess’s impact was felt worldwide. ❤️ Words by Chief Executive Ian Green of the extraordinary HIV/AIDS charity @thtorguk Originally in honor of Diana’s 60th Birthday. #rememberingprincessdiana 🕯🥀🕯🥀🕯🥀🕯🥀🕯🥀🕯🥀🕯🥀🕯 • • • Photo📸credit: @thedrif From the LISA Collection • • • • • • • #princessdianamemorial #wearyourseatbelt #englishrose #hivaidsawareness #dignityandcompassion #lisaprojectnyc