‘I Kissed a Boy’ star praised for coming out as HIV positive

Adam, star of ‘I Kissed a Boy,’ has been commended for his openness about living with HIV.

In the third episode of the BBC series, Adam, a marketing and brand manager, felt encouraged to disclose his status after Lars shared his experiences as a trans man and highlighted the biases the LGBTQ+ community sometimes holds against trans individuals, according to ‘Gay Times’.

“You've just inspired me to say it,” Adam began. “I’m feeling anxious right now. Four years back, I was diagnosed with HIV. Receiving that diagnosis almost ended me.

“My body basically shut down until it recovered once I started the medication.”

In a personal reflection, Adam admitted he lacked knowledge about HIV and the concept of ‘Undetectable = Untransmittable,’ which signifies that an individual on antiretroviral drugs with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus sexually.

“I'm in a good place now,” Adam assured his colleagues. “The experience has made me incredibly empathetic toward others. It has heightened my awareness of people's feelings.”

Adam stressed the impact of language during a recent visit to a sexual health clinic, where he was questioned if he was “clean”—a term that creates stigma by insinuating that someone with HIV is “dirty” or “contaminated.”

“I used to use that term too,” Adam noted. “But does that make me dirty because I have HIV and am undetectable? No, it doesn’t.”

Following the episode, Adam posted a heartfelt letter to his 2020 self on Instagram, acknowledging the internal struggles he faced with his identity and purpose.

“You will feel less than, disgusting, and despise who you are. People will reject you, call you names, and you will prioritize their opinions over your own,” he expressed.

“You will seek current representations of people with HIV and find only historical accounts of people fighting for survival, making you feel isolated.”

However, he predicted he would eventually “fall in love” with himself, become “strong, fierce, and unique," and use his experience to “empathize with others' stories” and “assist them.”

“You will regain your confidence, build a career you adore, and demonstrate that having HIV doesn't mean you can't be successful or need to hide from society,” he added.

“You will form connections that allow you to engage with others.”

Adam concluded his message by emphasising advances in HIV medications and antiretroviral treatment, and by appreciating the efforts of LGBTQ+ organisations like Terrence Higgins Trust, George House Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Positively UK, and Positive East.

The post received an outpouring of support from friends and followers. Drag Race UK star A’Whora expressed being moved to tears, while Dan Harry, from ‘I Kissed a Boy’ season one, expressed his pride.

Adam’s season two co-star Hugh Brien praised him, saying, “So beyond proud, Adam! You illuminate everyone’s life.” Jack also commended Adam as a “role model for many” who will inspire viewers living with HIV.