Former pro-rugby player Gareth Thomas came out to the world as HIV-positive over the weekend, saying that he was forced to reveal his status after a British tabloid threatened to out him. And while the tabloid might be trash, at least he has the support of the British Royal Family.
“I am living with HIV,” the 45-year-old Welshman said in a video posted to social media over the weekend. “Now you have that information, that makes me extremely vulnerable, but it does not make me weak.”
Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, will talk more about his diagnosis in an upcoming BBC Wales documentary that airs later this week.
The BBC reports, “The documentary shows Thomas’s anxiety and having to consult legal representatives after a tabloid newspaper found out about his HIV status. It led to journalists going to his parents’ home.”
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Related: Tabloid ‘forces’ rugby player Gareth Thomas to come out as HIV-positive
Yesterday, Prince Harry took time away from his birthday celebration to voice his support for the rugby star to his 9 million Instagram followers.
“Gareth, you are an absolute legend!” Harry wrote. “In sharing your story of being HIV+, you are saving lives and shattering stigma, by showing you can be strong and resilient while living with HIV.”
The Duke of Sussex continued: “We should all be appalled by the way you were forced to speak your truth, it is yours and yours alone to share on your terms and I and millions stand with you.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2cVIyhF0GG/?utm_source=ig_embed
In less than 24 hours, the post has received nearly 200,000 likes and over 3,000 comments, the vast majority of which were supportive.
“Very honest and brave,” one commenter wrote. “Best wishes Gareth.”
“I support you Gareth!” another said. “Please remember that you have many loving and kind people hoping the best for you and your family. #NoStigma #NoShame.”
“Thank you for being so brave!” a third person commented. “#endthestigma.”
Prince Harry’s message came just a few hours after his older brother Prince William also spoke out in support of Thomas to his 10 million followers.
“Courageous as ever,” William wrote. “Legend on the pitch and legend off it. You have our support Gareth. -W.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2bjhbsFqHH/
Prince William’s post received a similar response, drawing over 150,000 likes and over 3,200 comments, most from people offering support.
After making the announcement, Thomas spent his weekend doing what anyone who recently came out at HIV-positive to the entire world might do… by completing the Ironman triathlon, which included a short 2.4-mile swim, a quick 112-mile bike ride, and a brisk 26.22-mile run. He was met at the finish line with cheers from thousands of supporters and a giant hug from his husband, Stephen.
Hours after revealing he has HIV, an emotional Gareth Thomas completes the Ironman triathlon and runs straight for a hug from husband Stephen. https://t.co/NiORdACDOk pic.twitter.com/8GBRtcOfIM
— ITV Wales News (@ITVWales) September 15, 2019
Related: Guinness Presents Out Rugby Star Gareth Thomas’ Creamy Welsh Accent In New Ad
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Did we enter a time warp and it’s 1981?
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Kangol2
He has nothing to feel ashamed about. Did we just chuck all of the empowering efforts of the 1990s and early 2000s out the window? No one should feel shame about being HIV+ in 2019. No one.
Smith David
Welp, he’s super masculine and macho so it’s that much harder. Oh we need to give Gareth a hug for his bravery. Even though the fem queens have paved the way. It’s still hard on Gareth. Lets give him our support.
dwes09
Excuse me?
Looks like what you meant to say was “I always speak without thinking, and assume that anything that springs into my imagination is magically made real”.
“Fem Queens” paved the way for people living with HIV?
What, are you 23 years old and assume HIV only began to exist when you became aware of it?
Are you actually a mean spirited, ignorant twit, or do you just get off on people thinking that?
Bob LaBlah
Not to go off topic but so help me if ever the term dickhead fit that useless Prince William fits it to a T. Why can’t those useless royals rally around Meghan when the press is attacking her?
darkanser
I wonder how long he knew this. Did he realize this BEFORE he came out, I wonder?
Rex Huskey
stupid fool… guessing that fat uncut d*ck f’ing his aZZ in a back room was more than he could refuse…. most probably hundreds of times….weak stupid man. “those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.”
Rex Huskey
facial fat is already diminishing. he’s been poz for some time. f’ck him and his ego!