RuPaul's Drag Race Contestant Comes Out as HIV-Positive

A contestant of RuPaul’s Drag Race has come out as HIV-positive.

Joshua Jones, a drag queen whose performer name is Trinity K. Bonet, revealed his status on Monday night’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race Untucked, a show following RuPaul’s Drag Race that features candid and often emotional interactions between the contestants while they wait backstage before the elimination portion of the competition.

“I am HIV-positive,” said the 23-year-old contestant on Drag Race season 6. “I was diagnosed in August 2012, and I have so much to live for. I have so many goals and aspirations that I want to conquer in my life, so I’m not going to let an obstacle get in the way. I wanted to come on this show, and I wanted to be that voice for people who are scared to speak out about that.”

“I’m hoping that by sharing this that I will be affecting somebody’s life,” Jones added. “And I’m hoping, by sharing my story, that I will inspire others and that they will take it and apply it to themselves.”

After Jones’s revelation, he was surprised when a video recording from his mother conveying her love and support appeared on a television backstage.

“I’m sending you this message to let you know that I miss you and I love you,” she said. “I’m happy. I’m your mother, and I love you no matter what.”

Jones is the second RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant to come out as HIV-positive. The first, Ryan Ong Paolo, whose drag name is Ongina, came out in season 1.