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Queer Eye Jonathan Van Ness
The cast of ‘Queer Eye’ | Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

After Jonathan Van Ness revealed he is HIV positive in an interview with The New York Times, his fellow cast members on Queer Eye shared their support. Van Ness chose to disclose his diagnosis in an attempt to fight the stigma surrounding those living with HIV. Other celebrities also shared their support of Van Ness and praised his vulnerability and bravery in sharing his diagnosis.

Jonathan Van Ness shared he is living with HIV in his memoir ‘Over the Top’

Van Ness’ memoir comes out on Sept. 24, 2019. Before the memoir’s release, Van Ness was interviewed by The New York Times. In the interview, Van Ness shared how apprehensive he was about sharing certain details of his life that the public did not know.

“It’s hard for me to be as open as I want to be when there are certain things I haven’t shared publicly,” he said.

Even though Van Ness felt apprehensive, he still felt like it was important for him to share his diagnosis.

“When ‘Queer Eye’ came out, 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 stigmatization of the L.G.B.T. community thrive around me,’” he said in the interview. “I do feel the need to talk about this.”

Some members of the ‘Queer Eye’ cast shared their support for Jonathan Van Ness

Before the release of his memoir, Van Ness posted on Instagram that he felt “relieved” about being able to fully share his story.

“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. The book speaks to some extremely difficult times but it’s also filled with my humor, joy and voice & I can’t wait to share it with you fully. Thanks so much for your support so far, it means the world…,” he wrote in the post.

After Van Ness posted on Instagram, some of the Queer Eye cast members commented.

Antoni Porowski wrote, “Love you proud of you.”

“Love you baby boy. So proud of you,” Bobby Berk commented.

Tan France wrote, “LOVE YOU, JACKI.” 

Other celebrities also shared their love and support

Van Ness’ Queer Eye cast members are not the only celebrities to share their support. After The New York Times article came out, social media flooded with kind-hearted messages for Van Ness.

“You are LOVED and APPRECIATED ⁦@jvn⁩! Thank you for your vulnerability. I stand in awe. Inspired,” Wilson Cruz tweeted.

Brené Brown tweeted, “Dear @jvn – you make the world a braver, kinder, and more gorgeous place.”

Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon commented on Van Ness’ Instagram post, “A hero… also, amazing article. So much love for you.”

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