Austria’s Conchita, winner of Eurovision in 2014, has revealed she has been HIV Positive for several years, and was forced to reveal this information after an ex-boyfriend threatened to go public with her diagnosis.
Formerly known as Conchita Wurst, the 29-year-old took to Instagram to reveal she’s been HIV positive for several years, and refuses to let anyone frighten her.
She says that the diagnosis is of no relevance to her followers or the public, but the threats of her ex-boyfriend made her feel like she had no choice. However, she says she’s been in medical treatment and is now below the detection limit.
“Since I received the diagnosis, I have been in medical treatment,” she said, “and for many years without interruption I have been below the detection limit, which means I am unable to transmit the virus.”
She also went on to say that she hopes this lessens the stigmatisation around HIV that’s existed for decades.
“Coming out is better than being outed by someone else,” she said.
“[By] taking this step, I hope to encourage others and help lessen the stigmatisation of people who have become infected with HIV through their own behaviour or innocently through that of others. To my fans: the information about my HIV-status may be new to you – but nothing about me has changed! I’m healthy and well, and I’m stronger, more motivated and liberated than ever. Thank you for your support!”
