The Views Room

The Views Room

The Views Room - A Queer Media Studio that archives and amplifies LGBTQ+ voices for long term cultural impact.We are a vibrant space for news, opinion, and debate centering LGBTQ+ lives and issues in both India, the UK and Globally.We spotlight diverse queer perspectives through thoughtful coverage and bold conversations. Tune into our Video's and Podcasts for powerful coming out stories from India and heartfelt narratives from older queer voices in the UK and amplifying experiences from LGBTQIA+ people often left unheard.We are affiliated with the OUTspoken Speakers Bureau, to engage any of our speakers please write to us at outspoken@outspokenspeakers.com To talk to us about appearing on one of our shows or to partner with us, please email theviewsroom@gmail.com 

  1. 2d ago

    Older Queer voices Ep 34: Matthew Hodson: HIV Then and Now

    Our host and Co-founder of Older Queer Voices, Raga D’Silva, spoke with HIV activist, campaigner and actor Matthew Hodson about a life shaped by activism, survival, visibility and extraordinary change. Born just days after the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales, Matthew takes us from discovering London’s gay scene at just 15, through the fear of the AIDS crisis and the fight against Section 28, to direct action, protest and decades of HIV advocacy. He reflects on his own HIV diagnosis, the stigma and secrecy that followed, and the extraordinary transformation in treatment that means people living with HIV on effective treatment can now have the same life expectancy as those without HIV. Matthew also speaks powerfully about why today’s attacks on trans people remind him of battles the LGBTQ+ community has fought before, and why solidarity, visibility and organising still matter. Now approaching 60, he has returned to acting, the career he stepped away from after his HIV diagnosis, and reflects beautifully on ageing, purpose and legacy. Perhaps the most powerful reminder from this conversation is a simple one: legacy does not have to mean being remembered forever. Sometimes changing one person's life is enough. And Matthew leaves us with a message that still needs to be heard: When someone living with HIV is on effective treatment, there is zero risk of sexual transmission. U=U A conversation about how far we have come, what we must never forget, and why our stories still matter. Follow us on You Tube  https://www.youtube.com/@theviewsroom Instagram @theviewsroom emailtheviewsroom@gmail.com

    Older Queer voices Ep 34: Matthew Hodson: HIV Then and Now
  2. Jun 15

    Bridging Generations: SPECIAL FESTIVAL EDITION

    Bridging Generations | Older Queer Voices Festival Special What happens when queer generations come together? In this special live edition of Older Queer Voices, host Raga D'silva is joined by four remarkable guests for an inspiring conversation about visibility, resilience, allyship, representation and the power of shared stories across generations. Guests include: Professor Sue Sanders;  Educator, activist, co-founder of LGBT+ History Month and one of the UK's most influential voices in LGBTQ+ education, history, and visibility. Dan Porter; Chair of Tesco's LGBTQ+ Network, Head of Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing at Tesco, inclusion champion and recipient of the British LGBT Inspirational Leader Award 2026, Finalist - Rainbow Honours 2026. Rosie Jones; Award-winning comedian, writer, broadcaster, and actor. Rosie has fronted her own Comedy Central series Out of Order, starred in Channel 4's documentary Am I A R*tard, led the BAFTA-nominated Trip Hazard and Mission: Accessible, and is the creator and star of the BAFTA-nominated comedy-drama Pushers. She is also a familiar face on shows including Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and The Last Leg. Jason Patel; One of the UK's most exciting emerging queer creatives. A double BIFA-nominated actor, Screen International Star of Tomorrow, British LGBT Awards Rising Star nominee and Rainbow Honours Musician of the Year nominee. Best known for his acclaimed performance in Unicorns, Jason champions authentic LGBTQIA+ storytelling across film, theatre, and music, and can next be heard in Russell Tovey's Audible Original Starlings alongside Andrew Scott and George MacKay Together, they explore what older and younger queer generations can learn from one another, the importance of visibility and representation, and why building stronger connections across generations has never been more important. Older Queer Voices celebrates older LGBTQ+ lives, stories, and experiences, creating conversations that ensure nobody feels unseen, unheard, or forgotten. Hosted by Raga D'silva; award-winning speaker, activist, and founder of Older Queer Voices. Follow us on You Tube  https://www.youtube.com/@theviewsroom Instagram @theviewsroom emailtheviewsroom@gmail.com

    Bridging Generations: SPECIAL FESTIVAL EDITION
  3. Apr 21

    Older Queer Voices E28 CRIMINALISED, NOT SILENCED

    In this episode of Older Queer Voices, host Raga D’silva is in conversation with Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, a pioneering lesbian activist from Sri Lanka and founder of Equal Ground. Rosanna shares her powerful journey from a young girl in Sri Lanka struggling with her identity, to finding freedom and belonging in San Francisco, and ultimately returning home to  Sri Lanka to challenge injustice. Her story is one of courage, clarity and deep purpose, shaped by acceptance from her parents and a lifelong commitment to human rights. The conversation explores the harsh realities of criminalisation in Sri Lanka, the impact of colonial laws, and the ongoing fight for dignity and equality for LGBTQ+ people. Rosanna speaks candidly about building movements from the ground up, creating safe spaces for queer women, and expanding that work into a national platform that includes advocacy, allyship and cultural change. There is also reflection on the documentary Outlaws, where Rosanna’s story forms part of a larger global narrative on how outdated laws continue to harm LGBTQ+ communities. She speaks about the emotional weight of that storytelling and the importance of visibility in shifting mindsets. Alongside the challenges, this episode holds space for hope. Rosanna highlights the growing number of allies, the importance of community, and the role each person can play in creating change. She speaks directly to parents about unconditional love, and to those struggling with their identity, reminding them that they are valid, worthy and not alone. This is a deeply honest and moving conversation about resilience, activism and what it means to live authentically while fighting for others. Follow us on You Tube  https://www.youtube.com/@theviewsroom Instagram @theviewsroom emailtheviewsroom@gmail.com

    Older Queer Voices E28 CRIMINALISED, NOT SILENCED

About

The Views Room - A Queer Media Studio that archives and amplifies LGBTQ+ voices for long term cultural impact.We are a vibrant space for news, opinion, and debate centering LGBTQ+ lives and issues in both India, the UK and Globally.We spotlight diverse queer perspectives through thoughtful coverage and bold conversations. Tune into our Video's and Podcasts for powerful coming out stories from India and heartfelt narratives from older queer voices in the UK and amplifying experiences from LGBTQIA+ people often left unheard.We are affiliated with the OUTspoken Speakers Bureau, to engage any of our speakers please write to us at outspoken@outspokenspeakers.com To talk to us about appearing on one of our shows or to partner with us, please email theviewsroom@gmail.com