Drag Race UK stars ‘give HIV the finger’ for National HIV Testing Week
Queens Elektra Fence and River Medway tested at the Terrence Higgins Trust, using a HIV self-test. This is a simple finger prick test that will give a user results within 15 minutes.
Charity, who was diagnosed with HIV at 18, was praised for speaking openly about her experience with the condition on season three of Drag Race UK last year.
Now the drag star works to raise awareness of the progress in preventing, testing for and treating HIV.
Specialist sexual heatlh nurse and National Testing Week Ambassador, Sarah Mulindwa, carried out the tests on Elektra and River.
She said: “it’s never been easier to test for HIV. You’ve got so many options now, whether you can go into a clinic or you can order a test to do in the comfort of your own home.”
Keen to show how easy an HIV test is, Elektra said: “I’m delighted to have tested alongside my sisters to show that that testing isn’t something that should be feared. HIV can affect anyone of any gender, sexuality, age, and ethnicity.”
Charity said, “I’m thrilled that the girls have taken tests today to show that testing is easy, quick and painless.
“I want everyone to know that people living with HIV can live a fulfilling and happy life, but it all starts with an HIV test.”
National HIV Testing Week, co-ordinated by the Terrence Higgins Trust, aims to promote the benefits of regular testing and reduce stigma around the condition.
