7 HIV-positive celebrities and icons who are breaking down stigma
November 27, 2025Living with HIV can be a challenging journey, especially given the negative reputation stirred up by stereotypes and the press. However, these seven celebrities and icons have used their platform to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and inspire others around the world. By sharing their stories and advocating for change, they have shattered stereotypes and proved that HIV does not define a person's worth.
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1. Billy Porter
Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Billy Porter publicly disclosed his HIV positive status in 2007. In addition to his exceptional acting career, Porter has become an influential voice for the LGBTQ+ community and a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness. His groundbreaking series Pose deals with the threat of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, and Porter’s current advocacy indicates how much has changed since these days. Through his vulnerability and activism, he encourages conversations around the virus and promotes a more compassionate understanding of HIV.
2. Jonathan Van Ness
Jonathan Van Ness, known for his part on the Emmy-winning series Queer Eye, revealed his HIV positive status in his memoir Over the Top, released in 2019. As a hairdresser, podcaster, and activist, Van Ness has become an icon for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness. He is also an extremely positive role model, never shying away from his identity and his status. His candidness and support for a more inclusive society have helped reduce stigma and inspire conversations on HIV.
3. Gareth Thomas
Gareth Thomas is a former Welsh rugby player who broke barriers when he came out as gay in 2009, and then again later on when he revealed his HIV positive status in 2019. Known for his accomplishments on the field, Thomas has used his immense platform to challenge misconceptions about HIV and advocate for greater acceptance. His resilience and openness have inspired many, reinforcing the message that living with HIV does not mean the end of a fulfilling life.
4. Alexis Arquette
Alexis Arquette, a talented actor and transgender activist, went public with her HIV diagnosis in 2007. This personal revelation sparked conversations about HIV/AIDS awareness at a time when the conversation had quietened and has since served as a source of inspiration for many. Through her advocacy work, Alexis aimed to raise awareness, promote understanding, and encourage compassion for individuals affected by HIV.
5. Mykki Blanco
Michael David Quattlebaum Jr., better known as Mykki Blanco, is a multifaceted, genderqueer artist and musician. Blanco's powerful music and impactful performances explore themes of love, sexuality, and resilience. This powerful nature is also reflected in their activism for HIV charities and support, as they challenge societal norms and advocate for greater understanding and compassion towards individuals living with HIV.
6. Trinity K. Bonet
Trinity K. Bonet, a drag performer and reality television star, revealed her HIV positive status during her time as a contestant on the iconic LGBTQ+ show RuPaul's Drag Race in 2021. Bonet's openness and bravery have sparked conversations about HIV within the drag community and beyond. By sharing her journey, she aims to educate, uplift, and empower others, proving that a positive diagnosis does not define one's potential.
7. Magic Johnson
This legendary basketball player made headlines in 1991 when he announced that he was HIV positive. Magic's announcement became a turning point in the public's perception of HIV/AIDS. Instead of hiding from the diagnosis, Magic chose to go public and use his celebrity platform to raise awareness, fight stigma, and provide support to those affected by the virus. Since then, he has become an iconic figure in the fight against HIV/AIDS, even establishing the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote HIV education, prevention, and access to healthcare.
Through their artistic contributions, advocacy work, and outspokenness, these celebrities have all played a significant role in raising awareness and improving understanding about HIV/AIDS. Their courage and determination continue to make a positive impact, empowering others to live without fear and fighting for a future free from HIV discrimination.