Labour MP Comes Out As HIV-Positive in Speech to Parliament

Ahead of Worlds AIDS Day, openly gay Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle has come out as HIV-positive, reports the Guardian.

“Next year it will be 10 years since I became HIV-positive,” he said in a speech on the floor of the House of Commons last Thursday.

“I was 22 years old, and diagnosed early. Since then I have been on world-class treatment provided by the NHS – so I have not only survived, I’ve prospered, and any partner I have is safe and protected.”

“The disease is still deeply misunderstood. Etched into much of the public’s memory as a death sentence, HIV conjures images of gravestones and a life marked by tragedy.

“The reality is that today, the prognosis is wildly different to what it was when it was bought to the public’s attention. If treated, someone who is HIV-positive, like myself, can expect to live a long and full life with little to no side effects from the drugs regime.

“I hope that my coming out serves to defy the stigma around the disease. I hope that more people will understand that effective treatment keeps people who are HIV-positive healthy, and it protects their partners. That my story might encourage others to get tested and ultimately begin their treatment earlier on.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn praised Lloyd: “(He) has shown enormous courage today. I know the whole Labour Party is proud of him.”

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