Jonathan Van Ness: Queer Eye star reveals he is living with HIV
22 September 2019, 17:41
Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness has said he is living with HIV.
The 32-year-old star of the makeover show said he was living with the condition in his new book, Over the Top.
He told the New York Times about his diagnosis, saying: "I've had nightmares every night for the past three months because I'm scared to be this vulnerable with people."
Jonathan discovered his status at the age of 25 after being checked at a Planned Parenthood clinic.
The Netflix star said he felt compelled to go public about HIV because of perceived LGBT discrimination in the US.
He said: "It was really difficult because I was like, 'do I want to talk about my status?
"And then I was like, 'the Trump administration has done everything they can do to have the stigmatisation of the LGBT community thrive around me.'"
Van Ness has described his experience in his book, saying he is a "member of the beautiful HIV positive community".
The hair stylist has been inundated with messages of support after sharing his HIV status.
In an Instagram post the TV star has said it is a relief to share his story with the world.
He wrote: "Having the opportunity to write my book and share my story with you is the most important opportunity I've ever had.
"The first article about the book came out today from the @nytimes & I'm relieved I can speak fully about the things that shape my experience in life."
He added: "Thanks so much for your support so far, it means the world."
