Conchita Wurst comes out as HIV positive after ex-boyfriend threatens to blackmail her

Austrian Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst has come out as HIV-positive in a moving post on Instagram. The famous drag queen said she was forced to make the revelation after an ex-boyfriend threatened to blackmail her. While she maintains her status is no one’s business except her family and sexual partners she wants to use this opportunity to help end the stigma against HIV.

Writing on Instagram she said: “I have been HIV-positive for many years. This is actually irrelevant to the public, but an ex-boyfriend is threatening to go public with this private information, and I will not give anyone the right to frighten me or affect my life… Since I received the diagnosis, I have been in medical treatment, and for many years without interruption I have been below the detection limit, which means I am unable to transmit the virus.”

She says that her family has supported her “unconditionally since day one”.

“I hope to build up courage and take another step against the stigmatization of people who have become infected by HIV, either through their own behaviour or through no fault of their own,” she continues.

“To my fans: the information about my HIV status may be new to you – my status is not! I’m well and well, and I’m stronger, more motivated and liberated than ever. Thank you for your support!”

Wurst shot to worldwide fame with Eurovision winning song Rise Like a Phoenix in 2014. Wurst is well known for performing in full drag with a beard.


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