Former Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst has revealed that she is HIV positive, and has been battling the virus for “several years”.
The drag-queen, who won the competition for Austria back in 2014, wanted to keep her diagnosis quiet, but she was forced to reveal the news after a former boyfriend “threatened to go public”.
Taking to Instagram, the 29-year-old wrote,”I will not give anyone the right to frighten me and influence my life. Coming out is better than being outed by a third party.”
As she’s been receiving regular treatment for “several years”, Conchita revealed that the virus is no longer detectable in her blood, and not capable of being passed on.
She continued, “I hope to encourage (others) and make a step against the stigmatisation of people who through their own behaviour or through no fault of their own were infected with HIV.”
“To my fans: the information about my hiv status may be new to you – my status is not! I’m well and… I’m stronger, more motivated and liberated than ever. Thank you for your support!”