American hairdresser, podcaster, and television personality Jonathan Van Ness has revealed in an interview with a New York publication on September 21 that he is HIV positive. Along with this, Van Ness also spoke about his past struggle with addiction and how he survived sexual abuse. The star said that he had been mentally preparing for the September 24 release of his memoir, “Over the Top” which has been giving him nightmares every night for the past three months because he is scared to be this vulnerable with people. Van Ness's revelation has earnt him a lot of support and accolades on social media. He currently stars as the grooming expert on the Netflix revival of Queer Eye. In 2013, he earned three Emmy nominations for his parody series, “Gay of Thrones”.

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Van Ness' confession

Jonathan said in his statement that he is part of the “beautiful HIV-positive community”.

He shared that he wasn't sure of being able to confess to his disease initially. Yet it was Trump administration's growing stigmatization for LGBT which led him to speak about it. To combat common misconceptions and stigmas about living with HIV, he considered it truly important to be part of the public voice.

Jonathan also shared that he was abused when he was much younger by an older boy at his church. He added that such traumas leave a lingering impact on a person. Jonathan also spoke about his high school days when he dealt with harassment, rumours, and humiliation for being the first male cheerleader in his school.

Van also reflected on his addiction to drugs. He said he did sex advertising post-high school to make money. During his struggling days, he once fell unconscious while he was to attend a client in salon. This was when he realized where he had reached in life. 

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Jonathan's Instagram post

On Instagram, Van Ness wrote that writing his book has been the biggest opportunity he ever had. He said he was relieved that he could speak about what shaped his experience in life. On his book, Jonathan said that it spoke of some extremely difficult times but it was also filled with humour, joy, and voice.

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Celebrities and organizations stand for Jonathan

Many celebrities and organizations which work for LGBT and AIDS have come forward in support of Jonathan. American actor Wilson Cruz wrote: "You are LOVED and APPRECIATED @jvn! Thank you for your vulnerability. I stand in awe. Inspired".

American film executive is best known for founding The Black List, Franklin Leonard also retweeted Vanes post.

Similarly, singer, songwriter, and pianist, Scott Hoying wrote: "Wow. Love you for being so brave and vulnerable, @jvn. Your honesty is inspiring and changing lives".

Others include social worker Brene Brown, American non-governmental media monitoring organization founded by LGBT people (GLAAD), AIDS Coalition ACT UP and French NGO AIDES.  

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