The cast of Queer Eye showers their co-star Jonathan Van Ness in love and support after he comes out as HIV positive. Van Ness has decided to be completely vulnerable and transparent about his past drug abuse, being a sexual abuse survivor, and his HIV status in his new memoir, “Over the Top.”
Last year, Netflix debuted Queer Eye, a reboot of Bravo’s Queer Eye For The Straight Guy, where the Fab Five - including Van Ness, Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, and Bobby Berk - help people reinvent themselves - overhauling everything from their wardrobe to their apartment to their personal grooming habits. Van Ness’ specialty is hair, skin, and personal hygiene; Out of the five, Van Ness is hands down the most recognizable, and known for his over-the-top bubbly personality. He hasn’t always been the gown and heel wearing personification of confidence he is today, in his memoir “Over the Top” he’s revealed his dark past of drug abuse - being addicted to both cocaine and methamphetamine - as well as the trauma he faced after being molested as a boy. He then revealed hearing the most devastating news when he was only 25-years-old, that he was HIV positive.
After Van Ness posted about his new memoir on Instagram, he posted a picture of him wearing black against an all-black background, with the caption about his New York Times interview where he officially came out to the world as HIV positive. Van Ness wrote in the caption, “The first article about the book came out today from the @nytimes & I’m relieved I can speak fully about the things that shape my experience in life.” He then wrote, that although his books’ subject matter may be “extremely difficult times,” it’s also “filled with my humor, joy and voice.” He went on to express his gratitude to his fans, writing, “Thanks so much for your support so far, it means the world.” See the full Instagram post below:
After Van Ness chose to disclose his HIV status with the world, in an attempt to fight the stigma that surrounds those living with HIV, his Queer Eye costars shared their love and support for him. The fab five and plenty of other celebrities praised Van Ness’ bravery and vulnerability in sharing his diagnosis with the world. Porowski commented, “Love you proud of you.” Berk expressed his love and support by commenting, “Love you baby boy. So proud of you.” and France expressed his love by writing, “LOVE YOU, JACKI.” There was plenty of outpouring of love from other celebrities as well.
Van Ness bared his soul for the world to see, in the hopes that he could inspire people to do the same, and he was met with an outpouring of love. Even though it was painful for the Queer Eye’s “gay Jesus” to divulge the hardest and most shameful experiences in his life, he’s opened up a discussion about drug abuse, sexual abuse, and HIV in his new memoir and his co-stars are all definitely proud knowing such a brave and honest man.
Next: Karamo Brown On Leaving Social Media & Loved Ones Turning Their Backs On Him
Source: Jonathan Van Ness
