Queer hero Jonathon Van Ness has just come out as H.I.V positive, in a powerful new interview with the New York Times.
The hair and makeup guru – and all-around human rainbow – sat down with the publication ahead of his memoir Over The Top, in which the reality TV star discusses topics such as addiction and abuse.
In the profile with the New York Times, Van Ness describes the moment he found out he was H.I.V positive at age 25, following a collapse at his salon while highlighting a clients hair.
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“That day was just as devastating as you would think it would be,” Van Ness said, before stating he has now embraced his status as a “member of the beautiful H.I.V.-positive community.”
Opening up to the publication, Jonathon revealed why he had previously refrained from speaking about his H.I.V positive status on the Netflix show Queer Eye:
“These are all difficult subjects to talk about on a makeover show about hair and makeup. That doesn’t mean Queer Eye is less valid, but I want people to realize you’re never too broken to be fixed.”
In his memoir, Jonathon also powerfully discusses how – after being abused by an older boy at a young age – a “seed for other self-destructive behaviours” had been planted.
Jonathon, we are forever thankful for your strong, inclusive and positive voice.
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