Fans rally around 'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Q after she breaks down in tears over HIV-positive diagnosis
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a heartfelt moment during Friday, March 15 episode of 'RuPaul's Drag Race', contestant Q bravely shared her HIV-positive diagnosis with her fellow competitors.
The 26-year-old entertainer from Kansas City, Missouri, known for her stunning fashion sense on the show, revealed the news while preparing for the runway.
'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Q opens up about HIV-positive diagnosis
In an exclusive clip from the episode obtained by People, Q explained the inspiration behind her runway look, which paid homage to the generation of gay individuals lost to the AIDS epidemic in the '80s.
"I am doing something very sentimental for the runway today," she shared. "It's inspired by the generation of gay people that we lost to the AIDS epidemic in the '80s. So it's really, really special to me," Q said.
Q opened up to fellow queen Plane Jane about her journey since receiving the diagnosis two years earlier at the age of 24. "When I first got my diagnosis I felt like really lost and I felt, like, super alone," she admitted. "I was mostly scared about how I was going to be treated by family and people around me who don't understand it because it is so stigmatized," she added.
Sadly, Q's fears were not unfounded. "You know, people have said really awful and nasty things to me and almost de-humanizing me," she recalled.
Reflecting on the discrimination she's faced, Q highlighted the importance of having queer individuals in healthcare. "It's crazy how much people with HIV have to deal with. I've been treated differently by like, healthcare providers," she shared. "You really feel that difference in care between those providers," Q said.
Despite the challenges, Q emphasized her resilience and gratitude for the support she has received, "I'm here, I'm on Drag Race, I know I'm living my dreams," she expressed. "I know I have a loving husband that really supports and loves me, no matter what," she said.
Internet rallies in support as 'RuPaul's Drag Race' contestant Q amid HIV-positive diagnosis
The internet has been flooded with messages of support for RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Q after she bravely shared her HIV-positive status during an emotional episode of the show.
One user emphasized the importance of discussing HIV openly, stating, "It needs to be talked about more again."
It needs to be talked about more again.
— Hope Browning Living Life (@HopeBrowningLL) March 16, 2024
Expressing empathy and concern for Q, another user wrote, "my heartttt. Q must be protected at all costs."
Others expressed their love and admiration for Q, with one user simply stating, "Omg Q. We love you."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
