As part of National HIV Testing Week, stars of BBC Three’s Drag Race UK took HIV tests to help break the stigma around getting tested – and show their support for fellow contestant Charity Kase, who’s living with HIV.
Queens Elektra Fence and River Medway gave HIV the finger after being inspired by Charity Kase – real name Harry Whitfield – who used their platform on season three of the hit series to speak out about their experience of being diagnosed with HIV at just 18.
The queens tested at Terrence Higgins Trust using an HIV self-test, which is a simple finger prick test that gives you a result in minutes. It’s never been easier to get an HIV test and to get a result quickly — you can get a test in person or order tests online via It Starts With Me.
It was on the show that Charity first spoke publicly about living with HIV to fellow queen Kitty Scott-Claus. They spoke about the shock diagnosis at such a young age, the stigma on dating apps and that effective medication means they can’t pass on HIV to anyone else.
They also spoke about how drag helped in coping with the emotions brought on by their diagnosis, saying: 'Becoming Charity was definitely a sort of therapy to me and it was a way for me to express myself. And also celebrating the beauty of darkness. From it blossomed me and blossomed Charity. I wouldn’t change it because I’m really proud of who I am today.'
Charity’s work to raise awareness of all the progress in preventing, testing for and treating HIV has been widely praised – including by fellow queens. Now Charity has inspired others from the hit show to get tested, showing their huge social media followings how quick and easy it is.
Regular HIV testing is important for anyone who’s sexually active. People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms; testing is the only way to know your status. The sooner you know it, the sooner you can get on treatment if needed and avoid passing the virus on to anyone else. Most people will get a negative result but whatever happens, it’s important to know that anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support.
Our free advice line THT Direct is available for support on 0808 802 1221.
Charity Kase said: ‘When I was first diagnosed with HIV, I went through a very dark time and found it difficult to process. Stigma was the most damaging aspect of my diagnosis – and it hasn’t gone anywhere. Unless you have a personal connection with somebody who has that experience, you’re not educated around it.
'That’s why I’m thrilled that the girls have taken tests today to show that testing is easy, quick and painless. I want everyone to know that people living with HIV can live a fulfilling and happy life, but it all starts with an HIV test.’
River Medway said: ‘All of us on Drag Race couldn’t be prouder of Charity for using her platform to talk openly about the realities of living with HIV today and showing that there is no place for discrimination in 2022.
'There’s still an unacceptable amount of stigma associated with HIV that stops many people from getting tested, but it’s always better to know your status. Normalising testing is so important because anyone can get HIV, so everyone should get tested.’
Elektra Fence said: I’ve got so much admiration for Charity for talking about her experience of living with HIV on Drag Race and educating people across the world on the reality of living with HIV. I’m delighted to have tested alongside my sisters to show that that testing isn’t something that should be feared.
'HIV can affect anyone of any gender, sexuality, age and ethnicity. That’s why this National HIV Testing Week I want to encourage everyone to get tested, take control and know your status.’
Richard Angell, Campaigns Director, said: ‘The impact of Charity speaking publicly about living with HIV on Drag Race has been huge. It’s meant so many more people know you can live a long, healthy life with HIV and that effective treatment means the virus can’t be passed on to partners. Now that impact is continuing with the wider Drag Race community getting stuck in for National HIV Testing Week and showing how quick and easy it is to test yourself for HIV.
'Testing for HIV can be scary, but it’s important to know your HIV status. Most people will get a negative result but – as Charity shows – whatever happens, there’s a whole lot of life following a HIV diagnosis and we're here to support you every step of the way.’
