She is known for her career in theatre as well as her contributions to HIV/AIDS activism. The character of Jill Baxter in
It's a Sin (2021) is based on her and her experiences during the period depicted.
Russell T. Davies, the writer and producer, and her met aged 14 while performing in youth theater, and they remained friends. Her life stories aided Davies develop the script. While the character based on her is played by
Lydia West, she plays the character's mother, Christine Baxter.