British MP Reveals To Parliament He Is HIV-Positive
- By
- Carlos Santoscoy
- | December 02, 2018
During an emotional speech to parliament on Thursday, British MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle revealed he is HIV-positive.
The 32-year-old Russell-Moyle said that he received the diagnosis in 2009.
“Next year I will be marking an anniversary of my own, 10 years since I became HIV positive,” said Russell-Moyle.
“It has been a long journey from the fear of acceptance and, from today, advocacy, knowing my treatment keeps me healthy and that it protects any partner I have,” he said.
He described his HIV viral load as “undetectable.”
Russell-Moyle, a member of the opposition Labour Party, said that he decided to come out to help mark World AIDS Day on December 1.
“In two days time, on World AIDS Day, I will stand with my community to mourn the losses of those who have died of AIDS,” he said. “I will stand there in the knowledge that I will live a life so many couldn't.”
“We have the ability to end new HIV transmissions as well as end stigma and discrimination, not only here, but globally, and I hope we can all make that our mission,” he added.
Parliament members gave Russell-Moyle a standing ovation.
Russell-Moyle is the second MP to disclose that he's HIV-positive. In 2005, former Labour Cabinet minister Chris Smith announced he was HIV-positive.