Eurovision Champ Conchita Wurst Comes Out As HIV Positive

Eurovision 2014 winner Conchita Wurst has publicly announced she has been receiving HIV treatment for some time now in an Instagram post today.

Conchita says she was forced to come out with her diagnosis because a frankly shitty ex-boyfriend threatened to out her to the world.

Though initially reluctant, Conchita used today’s Instagram post to help end the stigma surrounding HIV.

“Today is the day to free me from the sword of Damocles for the rest of my life: I have been HIV-positive for many years. This is actually irrelevant to the public, but an ex-boyfriend threatened me to go public with this private information, and I will not give anyone the right to frighten me and influence my life in the future. Since I received the diagnosis, I have been in medical treatment and for many years without interruption I have been below the detection limit so I am not able to pass on the virus.” 

Conchita goes on to admit she did not initially want to go public with her HIV status because of the negative attention her family could receive from trolls as well as the fact that it just isn’t anybody’s business but Conchita’s and her sexual partners.

“…Coming out is better than being outed by third. I hope to build up courage and take another step against the stigmatisation of people who have become infected by HIV, either through their own behaviour or through no fault of their own.” 

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

The Austrian singer rose to international fame after spectacularly performing Rise Like A Phoenix at the 2014 Eurovision. A performance, which as you know, earned her first place.

Since posting to her social media, Conchita’s fans have shown immense love and support with one user writing, “What your ex-boyfriend does not realise: This act would have said a lot about him and very little about you… Sad, though, that you were forced to take such a step – but a huge role model in terms of the only possible way to deal with such blackmail. Go your way, I am your fan.” 

Conchita is set to host the Amadeus Austrian Music Award this year.

More Stuff From PEDESTRIAN.TV