Billy Porter Opens Up About His HIV Positive Diagnosis I THR Interview

Billy Porter breaks his fourteen year silence on his HIV positive diagnosis in an exclusive interview with the Hollywood Reporter.
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#BillyPorter #Pose #THRNews
Billy Porter Opens Up About His HIV Positive Diagnosis I THR Interview
The Hollywood Reporter / hollywoodreporter

[@MrDaydreamer64]

As someone who grew up with a mother who was HIV positive, i cannot begin to say how much I appreciate Billy Porter talking about this. There was so much stigma. There was so much fear. Him talking about it is opening so many eyes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this.

[@carringtonlefayette8644]

The universe was showing off when you were made. Sending smiles and hugs from Australia 💟

[@phylliscarter6215]

yes

[@00NishaLuvsMJ00]

@Erwin Lii There has been people who have already found a cure, but have come up dead. Unfortunately, our government is very greedy. They make more money off of the medication.

[@manuteemane2465]

There was? Lol there IS!

[@batirtzeurkiaga1716]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@randimarshals1259]

When I watched Pose I saw his pain when he played the role.

[@FlexNFly]

"At a certain point, the truth is the responsible road." -Billy Porter

[@jeremiahtray5621]

Nobody likes the truth

[@eduardochavacano]

especially when paid by Big Pharma to tell your truth

[@MasterChiefFloyd]

And the truth is 13 do 50

[@mufasa1794]

Nobody needed to know tho..

[@lennarthagen3638]

Billy Bush

[@alishahammersley6484]

These conversations need to happen more. ❤

[@nross940]

There is nothing radical about being sick with ANY disease. The world needs to wake up and dismiss its political, societal discrimination against illness and INVEST in the infrastructure of science and cures to maintain a safe and healthy environment.

[@JZidor]

I'm not understanding what u mean

[@eduardochavacano]

JZidor MUSIC That is the problem, people dont even understand a simple thought. He is hesitant to elaborate coz a mob can be vicious to anything that can be deemed unique of a thought. Think deeper and you’ll get his point.

[@dirtydan5399]

Lol who said it was?? Him speaking up and helping the younger generation (or his generation) is.

[@dirtydan5399]

@@eduardochavacano so what’s his point? Or are you going to just be condescending again?

[@dtrn254]

This by far is the most important moment on self acceptance I've seen in years. Billy's release is a master lesson for anyone who struggles with stigma and self love.

[@sunday6371]

I'm free from HIV permanently through Dr Abiola medication, thanks to #drabiolahome 😊🌙

[@robertmallo4503]

Wow the episode where praytell goes home to tell his mother he’s dying of aids he’s gone through all that.

[@bussi781]

Yea he has😥. I still love him

[@michaelcalhoun8764]

He didn't say he have AIDS

[@nalawms8767]

His not Dying he is living!

[@Leezy24]

@@michaelcalhoun8764 Pray Tell has aids, he has aids related lymphoma.

[@cakepudding3220]

Unfortunately he made poor life choices that caused his bankruptcy and hiv diagnosis. If he was only with one woman and she was with no one else he most likely wouldn’t of caught the virus. The root of catching it starts with sin whether through 💉💊 or 🍆🍑. It’s definitely a lesson for him sad

[@SimpleeDimplee]

This was bold, honest, transparent, therapeutic, and healing. Thank you. Seriously, thank you ❤️

[@Write662]

I am very glad he went to therapy, you can see the difference in him. I highly recommend it for anyone; it will be two years for me in a couple of months. What a difference it’s made in my life. I think he also has the title of his memoir. The Rebirth of Billy Porter.

[@ARMYSTRONG007]

I respectfully ask; how did you contract HIV?

[@dreamingoffall7694]

He’s such a beautiful human being. I, for one, will always support you ❤️

[@Makayl605]

When I thought I couldn’t have admired this man more. Mr. Porter is such an inspiration to so many.

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

Yes he really is, 💜🙏🏾🏳️‍🌈 a true inspiration.

[@rolando7183]

He is giving alot of men living with hiv courage..i have friends that have it and today's medicine has changed the game!!

[@kdeloris2225]

When Billy said he felt his heart releasing that's so beautiful I'm glad he told his mom 💝🤗💝🤗💝🤗

[@DesirBoyz]

Billy, anyone living in their truth is radical, but you KNOW you are paving the way for generations of us to come, who still need the guiding hands our community forged out of Fire & necessity to be free. Thank you for your work. You are our history.

[@VeeLondon1449]

I love this ♥️ Hearing Billy’s unique voice at his pace and in his own time talking to the camera. No constant interjection from an interviewer. This is all about HIM. Billy’s story. Wishing You Billy nothing but great health, joy and peace.. This man is truly inspiring & beautiful ♥️ x

[@francismotionless393]

His character in pose, was meant to speak for him in his personal life. I feel he was meant to play pray tell. The show even starts with him speaking. He's such an amazing actor/boardway performer.

[@genxer7766]

I agree completely.

[@16LilDip]

Why am I crying through this? So touching and self reflection. ❤️❤️

[@bahabaha6974]

maybe you have HIV too

[@cynthialockett3230]

That generation is and was my best friends in life. You give me JOY Mr Porter.. I love you and appreciate you. This is coming from a straight 60 year old white woman with two straight boys that have been raised to acknowledge and appreciate EVERYONE! You give me joy my luv.

[@tashaflip3980]

Billy is beyond brave for sharing his story to the entire world. Kudos to him!

[@jo.na.than333]

totally !

[@phylliscarter6215]

yes indeed

[@Lady41C]

Mr Porter definitely has purpose here on earth. It's awareness. #Message

[@kemicecormier5687]

Billy Porter is an ICON. I’m so happy that he is finally FREE.🤍✨

[@thebastardgift]

A brutal, beautiful, and brave conversation.

[@GETOSUPASTAR]

"You're either with me, or simply move out of the way...or i will move you out of the way!" WORK BILLY! As a gay Black man, that is the mantra we all strive to live by. Thank you for being a trailblazer & an inspiration! ❤🤗

[@renaldopierre1995]

Gay is not an African culture…..

[@Noor_Najeeb]

His telling is a prayer. How perfect was his character’s name then, “Praytell”.

[@SiNCERELYTAYY1]

He is very brave for coming out with this i love him even more

[@jenniferblake6354]

I am crying. Such a powerful interview. Billy you are a gift!

[@lindabuck2777]

Billy Porter is a TREASURE! Every single one of my gay friends were taken! And then it took my sister! I spent week after week at the hospital then week after week funerals. I still haven’t processed it all fully and Billy stating much the same, made me realize a few things. Never heard of trauma therapy, so I’ll be looking into it. I’ll NEVER forget how my family and I were treated as outcasts because of aids fears and they were great! It was horrible and I’m a white female, with a lot of black friends gay friends, different and unique friends rainbow hair friends, turns out they didn’t like my diversity and love of all and looking for an excuse to be rid of me, so when aids affected the family, we were ex communicated so to speak. I moved two states away to start over and remove myself from the toxicity. Strangely, most all my family is dead now, others in really bad shape. I and my son thrive in love and light and laughter now, well, till Rona came to visit 😳

[@missjaszmine1968]

Thrive on Mama with your son and your light love and laughter!!! Thrive on!!!

[@stefaniGee]

Absolutely beautiful! When he spoke about revealing his truth to his mother I cried.

[@Melly_Ville]

This was such a powerful interview. Thank you Billy Porter for your willingness to share your truth and be authentically you!

[@TheeBillyPorter]

Thank you everyone

[@michellebyrd9017]

I love your testimony, so pure hearted. I wish you even more success in the future.

[@tshedisetiloane1518]

Showing you love from South Africa 💕

[@BrotherEDEN]

ART imitating LIFE ... is no joke. Be careful what you pray for ... 'cause you never know HOW that blessing is gonna show up. Bless you, Billy.

[@3Bnannylounge]

You are set free Billy. I am sure a weight is lifted. So glad your mom is very supportive and has nothing but pure love to support and pray you through.

[@renny504]

No negative here, you’re a beautiful soul and I’m proud of you💞

[@tinarjackson9844]

I've always been a FAN of Billy Porter since I 1st heard him sing "Show Me!" I love his his honesty!💜💜💜

[@shornmkhumalo4535]

What a powerful interview.

[@MojenasWorld]

This was a powerful interview. Billy Potter is such a strong man. The day before he told his truth, I was raving about Pose to my friend that introduced me to it. I said that PrayTell that he is PERFECT because of depth, humor, fierceness, energy, and Vulnerability! I adore him! Now I see why. I think some roles require more than empathy but experience of some sort. He was really able to tap in. Billy, you are so important for our generation! I adore you.

[@martintrimmo4272]

Thank you Billy for always standing up and looking out for our community

[@hilaryhatch8729]

Pure power in your heartfelt words . The truth has set you free ❤

[@kimberlyirving6412]

This was so inspirational. I adore this human being so much and it broke my heart to see the pain of having to reveal the truth. I have no words to express how deeply the message effected me. Thank you Billy🤗😇

[@kmariamv]

Prayers up, keep Billy blessed and with us ❤️☀️

[@monaabdalla4461]

I love you Billy Porter... I pray for your healing and happiness and an amazing next chapter! The joy you deserve is endless!!!

[@Queen_EL11]

Damn, did they right his life into the series POSE? What he’s saying is exactly in the show.

[@mimij4660]

Forreal it's like wow

[@withlovesewa]

" All of the things can exist at once. We have to make room for all of them to exist "

[@maureenlayden3639]

I can’t find words.....many blessings Mr. Porter, to you and your loved ones...Thank you 1000x Thank you!❤️🌹❤️

[@beverlyblair1941]

This man has mad talent! I just can't pass judgement on the way others choose to live their lives.

[@craigwiggins8287]

Being gay is NOT a choice!!

[@rtroian83]

Billy is a pioneer for standing and living your true authentic self.

[@monoped8437]

what about all the pioneers before him?

[@renaldopierre1995]

@@monoped8437 they don’t count Cz they were straight 😭 they only love u if you’re gay..

[@cakepudding3220]

Unfortunately he made poor life choices that caused his bankruptcy and hiv diagnosis. If he was only with one woman and she was with no one else he most likely wouldn’t of caught the virus. The root of catching it starts with sin whether through 💉💊 or 🍆🍑. It’s definitely a lesson for him sad

[@kn7615]

Beautiful, beautiful Billy Porter ~ what a glorious Soul you are. Thank you so very much for sharing these vulnerable truths with us through the lens of your unique and astonishing brilliance. You are helping me with this interview...and SO many others, too. Thank you. May all who hear and feel you honor you.

[@javonezell]

Billy Porter is an ICON. PERIOD. He must be protected at all cost!

[@Forever_Nostalgic]

What an incredibly brave and courageous man.

[@rssperraz3793]

Oh Billy you are so brave! I admire you for speaking up

[@ayandasigxashe7198]

The truth has set you free Billy P!! You are an amazing soul!! Brilliant interview ❤️

[@stormborn8285]

Try but you can’t. This man is a beacon of light. Billy Porter will not be squelched, and I’m here for it.

[@justsayinit100]

Wow! This interview makes me love Billy Porter even more. What an awesome talent, and what an awesome man! And, his memoir was worth the wait.

[@RavenBallerina7]

Billy you are amazing, beautiful, and so loved. Thank you for sharing not only your artistry, but also your story. Both of which we are not entitled to.. but you have graciously shared with us. Your authenticity is inspiring, and empowering to many in so many ways. Thank you.. you are a beautiful soul.💖

[@hollywoodman4]

This was an amazing interview. I never really knew Billy Porter that well, but what he says about shame being destructive resonates quite deeply in me. I’ve said many times in my own life that the closet is a destructive place. Thank you again for this wonderful interview it has helped an old old closet queen.💜💜💜

[@josiecardenas4440]

Thank you for sharing I have lost so many loved ones in the 80's from Aids

[@sonad1213]

🧡

[@francismotionless393]

He said quote "he got a pimple on his butt, that was very little." He saw it get bigger and starting being painful. He went into the emergency room, to go get it checked and drained. The man behind the desk asked him quote "do you want an HIV test, it's only $10!". Billy said "yes, it's time I know!".

[@cathymyricks9629]

Billy is amazing. He is so open and why not be? There should not be any shame. Thank you.

[@sharonisaac445]

,Mr Porter, Continue God's Blessings in your life, you are an Inspiration.to us all.❤️♥️♥️♥️👑

[@perrismcknight3067]

By His Stipes We Are HEALED! We are FREE!

[@alfredolopez4092]

No one is perfect and coming out as HIV positive is the best thing u did

[@johntirado-glover3574]

Much respect to Billy Porter. Living our Truth is everything. Hiding, Lying, and feeling Shame is exhausting. Once you live your Truth you are really living. Thank you, Mr. Billy Porter. You are loved.

[@msadviceisnice]

Billy, you are amazing! You are truly loved and appreciated! Your beauty, your story and talent makes it possible for all of us to draw from your story, regardless of any differences, as we are all having a human experience riffled with many of the same adjectives you have used in this interview ✌🏽❤️

[@kraceynuemann8533]

I grew up in the 80s / 90s and I knew so many ppl. Thank you for ur story

[@evelynj.amponsah8417]

I love Billy Porter he reminds me so much of my Brother Melvin. Kudos Billy for living your truth.

[@randimarshals1259]

His Mother always knew but him not telling her allowed her a chance to believe he would change and not be Gay but when he finally told her she too could breathe

[@daniellefisher6704]

What a light. Amazing soul -the honesty and Intimacy. Love everything about this

[@iliyabadev3179]

so brave, love him even more

[@butterflydi2001]

What a beautiful, moving interview. He has so much to teach this world about acceptance and love. ❤️❤️❤️

[@bahabaha6974]

talking about HIV? what is this a beautiful?

[@nolusizodlalisa5573]

Love him for speaking about it....the more people speak the less power the stigma will have💜💜

[@jlly16]

Wow! It really is life imitating art. Who would have thunk that he would get a role in such a breakout show playing a character that had similarly the same background. Especially when the writers had no idea that this was his truth.

[@klm1446]

Talk about alignment!

[@Queen_EL11]

Right!!!!

[@khutsochoma4672]

Two chronics and being a black gay man, pushing the envelope still? If that's not an inspiration then I don't know. Bravo Monsieur Potter

[@boyroyboy226]

Thank you for your candor Billy Porter. Your words will bring so much light and healing to others also holding this “secret”. We stand for you. We love you! We thank you! Keep pouring from your vessel.

[@Teecoy1]

You are beautiful. It takes a lot of courage to do what you’re doing. I love your spirit, keep holding on ❤

[@Ray12475]

Raw and honest.... this is rear... I admire this man

[@diamondjohnson4181]

I love you for being honest and being you

[@epona9166]

Billy Porter was barely on my radar until the Vogue cover controversy hit the news. Now I've read his memoir, binge watched Pose and caught a number of his interviews on KZbin. I'm completely blown away by this guy. He's talented, smart, educated, honest, loving, charitable, thoughtful, big-hearted... I could go on and on. All the more remarkable when considering the numerous major difficulties he has had to overcome over the course of his decades in the business. Sorry but Harry Styles is very young, and rose to fame very quickly and easily following his appearances on X-Factor. And when he didn't win the solo competition, the show teamed him up with other contestants to form a group that then continued to compete on the show. He has overcome nothing and doesn't yet stand for much in this world. So having done some homework I totally agree that if Vogue was going to put a man in a dress on its cover, it should have been Billy. I cannot fathom HS ever being as important, culturally, as Billy Porter. He certainly isn't now. I know BP apologized for having Harry Styles' name on his lips when he was taking issue with Vogue 's cover decision, but Billy was totally right. XXOXO

[@withlovesewa]

"Shame is destructive "

[@dorothy3586]

Billy I m so sorry you are not alone when you say “ I will let my mom die before I tell her “ ain’t we all have secrets that we scared to tell our parents I do✋🏾 Black parents all over the world make us difficult to open up to them but Why???

[@artheaux666]

Generational trauma :(

[@erichavnen3727]

So you are saying black parents are bad parents... GOT IT!!!

[@brendablu88]

I'm not black (I'm a white Latina) but I used to think the same thing but one day I couldn't hold back the pain and the tears and I just told her. It was really therapeutic and I feel like a weight has been pulled off my chest. You should do it for your mental peace when you're ready.

[@dorothy3586]

@@erichavnen3727 that’s ur words not mine

[@dorothy3586]

@@brendablu88 wow it’s sad isn’t I m glad n proud of you

[@scorpio54williams96]

It's sad that you had to hide your diagnosis because of the stigma. I lost a lot of friends and even family due to the ignorance that goes along with the HIV virus. In 1983, I had to have blood transfusion with an s, which means I had a few transfusions. The doctors scared me so bad. They looked at me as if I already had it. I'm a heterosexual women and I was afraid so I truly understand why you kept it a secret until now.

[@CT-od5dl]

We love you, Billy!

[@florencekimondo1681]

He's still hurting

[@Highheel-shoe-review]

Yep

[@SundayBoy72]

Stay strong porter. Love from Singapore 🇸🇬 🏳️‍🌈❤️

[@oraaarunance]

I love you so much, Billy! Blessings on you 💖🌈🙏🏾🔥

[@SabzeeS]

Raw, honest beautiful

[@NycReina]

2007 was tragic I couldn't endure being diabetic filling for bankruptcy and HIV Positive to top it off glad he's in a better space

[@lynnwarburton2417]

My respect and love for Mr Porter just grows daily as a human a performer and activist and i know that the love and respect i have for him will never lessen. Much love 🧡💙❤🌈

[@louiseturner9811]

Sending my love to Billy Porter. You a brave soul.❤️❤️❤️

[@BriaBarrows]

His book was one of the most powerful books I’ve read

[@BlessedBeyondLex]

I adore Billy he is fearless and I commend him for coming out publicly about his status that’s not ever easy🤎🤎🤎🤎🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@lydsantanafamily4052]

I knew it watching POSE I could just feel it thru the screen it was just too real .

[@Taino07272002]

Very inciteful. He seems to have experienced life at its best and worst and learned. I can relate to that.

[@jamesmccrory1828]

I love you BILLY PORTER...continue to speak your truth, oh what a difference it will make

[@elgingersnap2444]

Please edit out the superfluous narrations. They really take away from the interview.

[@carladw3380]

Right. She’s only repeating what he already said.

[@dorisallen7600]

I love Billy Potter so much... when he speaks the world needs to listen and really hear what he is saying.

[@embracenreborns6997]

Love you Billy keep up the great work

[@jorgeroca1019]

You are so courageous man! Embrace life :)

[@Aakwaa4USA]

Billy you are a gift & a blessing to this world. 💝

[@genxer7766]

Bravo Mr Porter. You are an inspiration!

[@classicdamo6042]

I respect what him to the fullest for being real and truthful.