“I didn’t even know HIV existed in Ireland”
Robbie Lawlor appeared on last night's 'The Late Late Show' with Ryan Tubridy.
Robbie Lawlor is the co-founder of Access To Medicines Ireland, and a HIV advocate for Act Up Dublin. He and Shaun Dunne both appeared on the sofa with Ryan last night, to talk about HIV and to get rid of the stigma associated with the disease. They are both working on a theatre project 'Rapids' which will be about the pair's experience of HIV in Ireland.
Robbie was diagnosed with HIV in 2001, at the age of 21. Here's a clip of Robbie on last night's show, explaining what went through his mind when he was told by the doctor he was HIV-positive.
Following his appearance on the show, there was a lot of love online for Robbie Lawlor not being afraid to speak out about his illness.
Absolutely well done on an articulate interview, very well needed in ireland. @Robbie_Lawlor https://t.co/g4C9XJTTra
— Anita Ghafoor-Butt (@indiebrit) February 16, 2019
"They don't realise just how many people they are helping."
I swear we need more people like Robbie in this world. Breaking stigma surrounding illness is tough, I’m testament to that but my god how these type of people change things for the better. They don’t realise just how many people they are helping ❤️
— APalerShadeOfBeauty (@APSOB) February 16, 2019
Well done lads, you should both be extremely proud of yourselves
— Emlyn Cardiff (@I_AM_EMLYN) February 16, 2019
Only watched snippets of it but well done @Robbie_Lawlor ? #latelateshow
— Keith Kelly (@Keith_el) February 16, 2019
"It takes bravery and real courage..."
It takes bravery and real courage to go on national IRISH tv and talk so openly about #HIV @Robbie_Lawlor @ActUpDublin with my brother @SeanieLove are doing truly amazing important work
We need a Re-Education in this country where shame and Catholic guilt is rampant. #EndStigma https://t.co/u3RfJebu5V— Claire Dunne (@ClaireDunne2) February 16, 2019
"... will educate countless people."
Absolutely. The openness and personal courage with intelligence will, in itself, educate countless people.
— paul colton (@ThePaulColton) February 15, 2019
Well done to @Robbie_Lawlor and @SeanieLove on a brilliant interview raising awareness of #hiv #UequalsU https://t.co/YKHvCWVNwo
— Martin Davoren (@MartinDavoren) February 15, 2019
"I applaud you're honesty."
@Robbie_Lawlor @SeanieLove
Thanks for sharing in the hope of educating others. I thought you both were very brave & spoke so well, I applaud your honesty ❤❤ #HIV#LateLateShow— Wellbeing Matters (@WellbeingMattrs) February 15, 2019
"... it will raise awareness for many..."
Agree Paddy it will raise awareness for many about life with HIV.
— Dr Denise Proudfoot (@Denproud) February 15, 2019
"He's the most inspiring person I know."
The first time I heard @Robbie_Lawlor speak about HIV was at a university in Edinburgh about 3 years ago, the talk he gave that night really opened my eyes. he’s the most inspiring person I know ❤️ Absolutely killed it tonight! #LateLateShow pic.twitter.com/wGLo2WKx0h
— Aisling H (@Aisling_H) February 15, 2019
"I have learned more about HIV in those few mins than 20 years in health care."
I have learned more about HIV in those few mins , than 20 years in health care .. fair play to the lads .. hight of respect for ye ♥️
— niall hayden (@hayden_niall) February 15, 2019
Robbie Lawlor and Shaun Dunne's play 'Rapids' is currently touring the country. For the full interview, head over to the RTE Player website.