Press Coverage, UK AIDS Quilt & Manchester Pride
First of all, I would like to thank you for signing the petition and showing your support for an apology to Roger Youd and the Youd family. I estimate that two social media posts sharing insight into Roger’s story, while encouraging others to sign the petition, could have translated into almost 2,000 signatures — but this is the modern world we live in, where social media 'likes' don’t always become action. Therefore I and the Youd family truly appreciate every bit of support, especially you, for putting your name to this campaign; your commitment helps keep the push for justice and acknowledgement alive.
Press & Media
On Sunday 9th August 2026, Manchester Evening News reported on this campaign where they received a statement from Manchester City Council who stated “Mr Youd's treatment was unacceptable and is something we profoundly regret.” While the Youd family find the councils words encouraging, it fell short of the apology being called for.
Richard Angell, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said in a statement: "Our charity condemned the detainment of Roger Youd as outrageous 40 years ago and appointed legal counsel to successfully fight it. Today we stand by this characterisation of the order and support calls for the Council to finally apologise to Roger's loved ones for his forced detainment after a decades' long wait.”
Also in the article Labour Councilor, Pat Karney stated “I am sorry Roger and his family had to endure this ordeal.” along with Human Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell who told Manchester Evening News "The expression of 'regret' by Manchester City Council is not enough. It should make a full apology…”
Roger's brother Carlton who liaised with Roger's consultant at Monsall Hospital told the Manchester Evening News “National and international newspapers, including gutter tabloids, splashed his situation across their pages, stripping him of any control to tell our mother about his diagnosis and exposing her and the entire family to needless distress, prejudice and stigma from voices in the local community.
An apology for my brother is long overdue, his memory will forever be framed by the way he was treated, and that stain on his name and on our lives demands rectification and acknowledgement.”
There was also an unsolicited, but much welcomed apology from Manchester Evening News, who acknowledged their own framing and reporting on Roger’s detainment at the time in 1985.
You can read the full article here: He was locked away for having AIDS, Manchester still hasn't said sorry - Manchester Evening News
Scene Magazine also published an article on our calls for an apology which you can read here.
Brighton Pride - 3 August 2026
A massive thank you to the people of Brighton and to my colleague and friend Mel, who helped distribute leaflets and engage with revelers during the Pride celebrations — your warmth and curiosity were overwhelming. We were struck by how many people already knew about the detainment of Roger in 1985, with numerous conversations referencing the case depicted in It’s a Sin; and the word “disgusting” being repeated when people learnt the council has never apologised.
Beacon of Hope AIDS Memorial - Manchester
On the 3 July 2026, the George House Trust unveiled a plaque on the Beacon of Hope AIDS Memorial in Sackville Gardens, Manchester. A 'timeline' plaque for 2025 cites the 40th Anniversary of the detainment of Roger Youd at Monsall Hospital and the significance and impact of his case. I am assured a personal plaque at the memorial commemorating Roger Youd has been secured and will be unveiled in due course.
UK AIDS Memorial Quilt & Manchester Village Pride
Separate to our campaign, the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt will be displaying the 12ft x 12ft Quilt block 47, home to the memorial panel of Roger Youd. The quilt block will be exhibited at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel from Monday 24 August - Monday 31 August 2026; exact viewing times will be confirmed. This presentation offers a quiet, powerful moment of remembrance within the fabric of the city, inviting visitors to reflect on lives lost to HIV/AIDS and to honour Roger Youd’s memory as part of the enduring national memorial.
Manchester Pride
Our campaign for an apology will continue until we secure what we all know is long overdue. Next stop: Manchester Pride — the perfect place to canvass for support while raising a glass in Roger’s memory. Roger was a young man who had a detainment order unjustly thrust upon him, yet he should be remembered not for the sensational headlines written about him but for his courage: a man who faced AIDS to the end and who, despite the fear and prejudice of those charged with his care, fought back with dignity and strength. We will keep pressing for accountability and recognition until the apology Roger and the Youd family deserve is finally delivered.
Where possible, please continue to share this petition and Roger's story.
Thank You