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Russell-Moyle is the second British MP to have been diagnosed with HIV
A man shows a work of art at a conceptual art exhibition on HIV / AIDS in Tehran – PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON: A British lawmaker revealed that he was HIV positive during an emotional speech delivered in Parliament on Thursday to mark the upcoming World AIDS Day.
Lloyd Russell-Moyle, 32, told fellow lawmakers that he had been diagnosed HIV-positive at the age of 22.
"Next year, I will mark a birthday, 10 years after becoming HIV positive," said Russell-Moyle, who represents the opposition Labor Party of Brighton Kemptown on the south coast of England. .
"The fear of acceptance and advocacy has been long, knowing that my treatment allows me to stay healthy and to protect any partner I may have."
He said that he decided to speak to help others get treatment, to fight the shame surrounding the disease and because Saturday marked the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day.
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"My name … could appear in the papers tomorrow, being the first MP to declare himself HIV positive in the Senate," he said. "No one diagnosed with HIV today should feel less able to flourish and enjoy life than anyone because of their status."
Russell-Moyle is the second British MP to have been diagnosed with HIV. Chris Smith, former Labor Minister and the first openly gay British lawmaker, revealed that he was HIV-positive in 2005.
"In two days on World AIDS Day, I will join my community in mourning the loss of those who have died of AIDS. I will stay there, knowing that I will lead such a difficult life, "said Russell-Moyle.
"We have the capacity to stop new HIV transmissions and stigma and discrimination, not only here, but around the world, and I hope we can all do this mission," he said. he told his fellow legislators, who praised him in front of the committee. end of his speech, something hardly ever seen in parliament.
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