Luke underwent a sexual health checkup at the age of 19, only to receive a diagnosis of HIV. Following this revelation, Luke described the experience as surreal, akin to a scene from a Hollywood movie where everything seemed to slow down. Overwhelmed, he struggled to comprehend the situation and felt a profound sense of embarrassment.

Living in Ireland, Luke was initially unaware of the existence of HIV, which added to his feelings of isolation. He perceived HIV as a formidable barrier standing between him and the potential for love and happiness.

Despite these challenges, Luke became an active member of ACT UP Dublin, a diverse and non-partisan group of individuals united in anger and dedicated to direct action to address and ultimately end the HIV crisis.