[1] Born in Liverpool, he was known largely for his involvement in Matt Black: Charcoal, Strip AIDS, Heartbreak Hotel, and Buddies, comic series that helped uplift the gay community, bring attention to and educate the public about the AIDS crisis, and helped create a gay community in the comics industry.
[2][3] In his early life, before beginning his comics career, Don Melia worked in the film industry which was his start in media.
[1] As a gay cartoonist and media personality, Don Melia always hoped that Britain could develop an LGBTQ+ comic community which was a large reason behind his activism.
[2] The book was also meant as a fundraiser to support the London Lighthouse, an organization hoping to build a living community for those affected by AIDS, but it met with little success.
[2][4] Some of the notable cartoonists involved with Strip AIDS include Melinda Gebbie, Dave Gibbons, Alan Moore, and Posy Simmonds.