For the first time, Billy Porter reveals his 14-year diagnosis of being HIV positive, to the public.

He opens his story:
"February of 2007 I was diagnosed diabetic, type 2 hereditary. March I was signing bankruptcy papers and by June I was HIV positive."

"So 2007 was the worst year of my life."

That is what he said about the year, 2007. He saw 2007 as the destroyable year of his life. In addition to revealing his three diagnoses, he was caught in some bankruptcy papers that year.

However, for 14 years it has seemed very difficult to hide a diagnosis like HIV from everyone. 
For 14 years! it's not a short time period.

"There is a shame connected to it based on the world the stigma but also specifically for me"

He emphasizes shame as one of the reasons that make him hide his secret of HIV positivity. Billy spent most of his childhood around the religious nature of the Pentecostal church. He says that he was ashamed of his behaviour and attributes and was ashamed when others told him that he would never be blessed and that aid was God's punishment for gays. How unkind that was!!

"Shame is a silencer. Shame is destructive and I was silenced about it for a good 14 years."

The other reason to keep his HIV positivity a secret was his mother. He did not want to embarrass her.
His mother was a woman who lives in a religious community. It was very difficult for him to tell this to his mother as shame arose in front of his heart. Billy said that he doesn't care what anybody else thinks about him but he cares what his mother thinks.


"I would let her die before I told her" 
After saying this, he let out a sigh of sadness.

"That's not really so good. That's not really a good thing."

"I started trauma therapy to begin the process of healing" 
It is clear through his words that he has a real hope of recovery.

Also, Billy reveals his attempt to have a family. After getting heal from HIV he expects to live without shame. He says that he wants to experience freedom, peace, and intimacy.

Further, Billy said how his mother reacted when he revealed his difficult secret of HIV positivity to her.

"She said, 'I love you. I've always loved you that will never change and please stop doing this.' she's like 14 years. Please stop doing this."


Billy Porter is an American actor, singer, and style icon. He has given his contribution to more than 30 films and he is known in fashion as well. Acting as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella 2021 is considered one of his best efforts.

People react in various ways with Tweets about Billy's HIV positivity.