'Drag Race Philippines' queen Myx Chanel opens up on HIV diagnosis

Myx Chanel, one of the competing queens in "Drag Race Philippines" Season 3, just revealed her positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

In Episode 5 of the drag reality pageant, Myx said she was diagnosed in 2021, but her viral load had become undetectable six months after her diagnosis thanks to medications.

Viral load refers to the amount of HIV in the blood.

"When I was first diagnosed, I had been working with a lot of HIV awareness campaigns and organizations at that time, so I wasn't scared because I [knew] there is medicine for it now," she said.

"I know that it's not the death sentence that it was many decades ago," she added.

Myx said she has been living "happily, strong, and beautiful" since her viral load became undetectable.

"One of the reasons why I went to this competition is because I want to show to the world how strong and beautiful people living with HIV can be," she said.

"I just want to inspire people like me that you can also get through it," she added.

After the episode aired, Myx took to X to share her thoughts about sharing her status.

"I'm still trying to process having my story out in the world now, and I'm overwhelmed in the best way from all the kind and positive words you all are sending me," she said.

But in all seriousness, I'm still trying to process having my story out in the world now, and I'm overwhelmed in the best way from all the kind and positive (no pun intended ????) words you are all sending me. Love and light always. Thank you ????

— Myx "Bounceback Ulit" Chanel ????? (@myxchanel) September 11, 2024

Myx's fellow drag queens sent love her way on social media following her revelation, including NAIA, O-A, M1ss Jade So, and Eva Le Queen.

"Myx's coming out about her status came as a shock to me at first," Eva said on X. "I've known her, and I never knew that about her until today."

"My child. I have never been prouder. You are a gift to this world and an inspiration to many," she added.

Myx’s coming out about her status came as a shock to me at first. Ive known her and I never knew that about her until today. But maybe bec I need not to. All I really need to know is have met a young dreamer with beautiful and amazing things to offer every lucky soul she met. She… https://t.co/EFXyinxiWG

— Ms. Eva (@eva_lequeen) September 11, 2024

In May, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said new cases of HIV in the Philippines have been increasing.

"We have about 59,000 people living with HIV. That's still low for a country with 110 million. But ang ating mataas is new cases, 55 new cases a day, [the] highest in the world. That's why we need to stop," Herbosa said.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV attacks the body's immune system. It can be transmitted through body fluid exchange with an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids.

However, kissing, hugging, or sharing food with an HIV-positive person won't get you infected.

WHO also clarified that people with HIV who maintain an undetectable status "will not transmit HIV to their sexual partners."

—Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News