Jonathan Van Ness honours Planned Parenthood following HIV diagnosis, saying they are under attack from ‘religious right’

‘Planned Parenthood is an organisation that has meant a lot to me’

(Getty Images)

Jonathan Van Ness has spoken about the significant impact Planned Parenthood has had on his life with his HIV diagnosis.

On Saturday, the resident grooming expert on Netflix makeover show Queer Eye revealed in an interview with The New York Times that he is living with HIV.

In extracts taken from his soon-to-be-released memoir Over the Top, Van Ness recalled how when he was 25, he was diagnosed with the condition at Planned Parenthood after fainting one day at a hairdressing salon.

The 32-year-old has further detailed in an interview with Refinery29 how grateful he feels towards the non-profit organisation for providing him with medication following his diagnosis seven years ago.

“The huge difference that Planned Parenthood made in my life and my health meant I wanted to do everything I could to shed light on what Planned Parenthood does, the unfair attacks that are being constantly levied on them, and the public health crisis that that could create,” he said.

Van Ness emphasised the importance of individuals undergoing tests for HIV and receiving treatment if they are diagnosed positive, stating: “Planned Parenthood is an organisation that has meant a lot to me.”

The hairdresser has teamed up with Planned Parenthood to create a video urging people to get tested for sexually transmitted infections.

The video will also shine a light on Title X, a US federal grant programme which provides affordable reproductive health care and contraceptives to people who may otherwise be unable to afford it.

On the Planned Parenthood website, the organisation outlines how the Trump-Pence administration has been “repeatedly attacking the programme” by proposing a “nationwide ‘gag’ rule”, which would make it illegal for medical health professionals working within the Title X programme to inform patients how to access safe and legal abortions.

“I wanted to work with Planned Parenthood because of the attacks on them from the religious right,” Van Ness said.

“The ultra-religious, radical, right-wing fundamentalists are dictating our public health policy right now, and it’s dangerous.

“You have the Trump administration with this gag rule that basically forces Planned Parenthood out of Title X.”

Van Ness also referenced how Trump previously instructed the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) not use the word “transgender” in its 2019 budget.

“To not be able to use the word ‘transgender’ from the Centres for Disease Control is such a danger, because trans people are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and STIs,” the Queer Eye star said.

Following the publication of his interview with The New York Times, Van Ness published a note on his Instagram Story thanking his fans for their “love and support”.

“Taking the next few days to rest up, spend time w my bittens [kittens] and mom before the book tour get going.. I know it’s going to be a lot of hard work but I’m ready [sic],” he wrote.

“Just want to say thank you all so much especially my Queer Eye family and countless other friends and family for reaching out today.”