Contestant Myx Chanel revealed her HIV-positive status during an emotional segment on the ‘Drag Race Philippines’s’ main stage in a moment on the latest episode.
The revelation followed praise from the judges for her performance in a Wicked-themed musical challenge.
Myx opened up about her diagnosis, sharing that she tested positive for HIV in 2021 and that only a few people in her life were aware of it.
“One of the reasons I went into the competition is because I want to show the world how strong and beautiful people living with HIV can be,” she said. “I was diagnosed in 2021 and very few people in my life know. My family doesn’t even know.”
The drag performer credited her work with HIV awareness organizations for helping her cope with the diagnosis. “When I was first diagnosed, I had been working with a lot of HIV awareness campaigns and organizations at that time so hindi ako natakot kasi alam kong my medicine na for it. Alam ko it’s not the death sentence that it was many decades ago,” Myx explained.
Myx also disclosed that she has been undetectable since six months after her diagnosis, meaning her viral load is so low that she cannot transmit the virus to others. However, she has yet to share the news with her family, fearing they might worry. “I’ve been undetectable since six months after my diagnosis,” she added.
“It’s not the disease that’s killing anymore, its the fear of people to come out about it” #DragRacePH pic.twitter.com/tJWblKQbub
— Kieran Tiu (@imkierantiu) September 11, 2024
In a powerful call to action, Myx urged the public to stop stigmatizing people living with HIV. “I’ve been living happily, strong, beautiful, and stop the stigma. It’s not the disease that’s killing anymore. It’s the fear of people to come out about it and I just want to inspire people like me,” she emphasized. “You can also get through it. You can also become a strong, beautiful, resilient person and that does not change one bit about who you are.”
The revelation is part of the ongoing rise of drag culture in the Philippines, with the success of ‘Drag Race Philippines’ bringing the art form into the spotlight. Season 1 alum Marina Summers recently made waves in ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World,’ while fellow contestant Eva Le Queen has competed in ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars.’
