What The Pox?

Mpox (Monkeypox) stories and resources without shame or stigma - It's what I wish I'd had

Mpox (Monkeypox). That’s what we’re here to talk about. Many people have got it or had it at this point. I’m one of them. And it was not fun.

When I was home alone with Mpox in all kinds of pain, feeling scared and alone I had very little information. So I went online to find help.

And guess what? There wasn’t much official advice.

But I did start talking to all kinds of people: experts, people who’ve had the virus, and to those who see this outbreak as part of a much bigger picture.

Mpox has spread worldwide - and for many of us queer people, the response has felt bit too familiar. You see history rarely repeats - but it often rhymes.

Tune in to steal our insight on this virus, what it means for our community and how we should handle it. Together, let's work out just What The Pox? is going on?

Trailer: Just What The Pox is going on?

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Listen to understand:

• What we know about the virus, and how it spreads
• Why we feel shame and stigma about catching it
• What the parallels are with the HIV outbreak in the 80s
• Why this sits in a bigger picture with conversations about queer sex and health inequalities
• And crucially, we answer: What can we do next?

"I felt so alone"

What the Pox? Is the information and support I wish I had at my disposal when I was going through Monkeypox. If you think what we've done counts, will you take a look at how you can support our podcast?

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What The Pox? recognised by WHO

The World Health Organisation recognises the "crucial" role of journalism like our documentary series What The Pox? As host Martin Joeseph explains, thanks to resources like it "people did change sexual behaviour and had honest conversations about sex."

Read the interview

Look out for our cards

We've sent What the Pox? QR code cards to sexual health centres in the UK's 20 biggest cities and to venues where sexually active gay, bi and queer men who have sex with men go. All to get this resource in front of those people who need it most.

Help us get the word out

Matthew Hodson NAM Aidsmap

"What The Pox? both documents and was a part of the Mpox response, demonstrating the vital role that community involvement and leadership plays in meeting any public health challenge."

Will Nutland The Love Tank CIC

"What The Pox? provided a real-time, real-world analysis of the MPOX outbreak as it took place over the summer of 2022. The voices of those on the front-line, and those most impacted by MPOX, makes for a must-listen-to podcast series that is relevant, educational, and probes in all the right places."

Dr Chloe Orkin Professor of HIV Medicine, Centre for Immunobiology, QMUL

"What The Pox? was an innovative and supportive resource for people going through Mpox."