“I was fearful of being tested positive, but I was fearful because I didn’t understand what being tested positive means,” the athlete tells Harry in their first-ever meeting.
Prince Harryadds everyone should know their HIV status to “normalize testing” and “make it easier for those that are fearful, that are scared to come forward.”
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Chris Jackson/Pool/Getty
Thomas explained to Harry that he was previously unaware of the advancements that had been made in the treatment of HIV — and he hopes that sharing his story will make others overcome their fear of being tested.
“We do so much around our health – going to the dentist, going to the doctor. But when it comes to sexual health testing there’s the stigma and fear around it,” said Thomas.
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Thomas has received the support of both the prince and his brotherPrince Williamfor opening up about his status and educating the public about his diagnosis.
Thomas, 45,told PEOPLE: “[Harry] knows the stigma that’s out there, he knows the fear of people not wanting to be tested because they’re so afraid of what they don’t know, and he understands the lack of education out there. So to stand up and actually take a test himself is a real sign of bravery, and a real sign of somebody who doesn’t want to just communicate to certain people, he wants to communicate to everybody.”
“That stigma is real, it’s not just a word but a real thing,” he continued. “William and Harry want to be part of helping everybody because they realize it’s everybody’s human right regardless of your sexual orientation or your status you’re allowed to be able to continue living your life.”
“It’s been a whirlwind but I’ve got along with it because I’ve had so much public support,” he says. “That’s been surprising as it’s something I wasn’t really expecting —but that’s been empowering. There are times when I’ve felt down but the overwhelming amount of support has meant that my life has been fulfilled from giving out this very private information than I thought it might have been.”
source: people.com
