The first openly gay MP has recounted how he faced abuse in the street in the 1980s and how Nelson Mandela inspired him to tackle HIV stigma.
Over the years, Chris, who served in Tony’s Blair’s government, has continued to fight against dangerous prejudice and became the first MP to announce he was living with HIV in 2005.
The right moment ‘had never presented itself’ – and the fear homophobia would lose him votes lingered uncomfortably in the back of his mind.Former Prime Minister Tony Blair appointed Chris as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport ‘The wonderful thing though was that the audience got to their feet and gave me a five-minute standing ovation on the spot. It made me rather proud.’
A few years after Chris came out, he was diagnosed with HIV, a virus haunted by misunderstanding and homophobia. ‘He made a very moving speech saying “we mustn’t hide it. We will only tackle this if we are open about it”. I just thought, perhaps now is the time to say something’, says Chris, who announced his diagnosis in a front-page Sunday Times spread.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
An “unknown” STI that can increase HIV risk is surging among women of colourHere’s everything you need to know about trichomonas vaginalis, from the key symptoms to the treatments available.
Read more »
Unknown STI that raises HIV risk is surging in ethnic minority womenA relatively unknown sexually transmitted infection has found to be disproportionately affecting women from racially minoritised and deprived communities.
Read more »
Protocol may not be reason for NI economy growth, Tory MP saysEurope Minister James Cleverly says it is not yet clear what is causing NI's 'outperformance'.
Read more »
London Stansted Airport defends queues after MP tweets photoStansted's response is prompted after an MP tweets an image of passport security queues.
Read more »
Love Island viewers threaten to report to Ofcom after 'unsettling' momentLove Island viewers were left feeling 'unsettled' during one moment in Monday night's episode and threatened to complain to Ofcom…
Read more »