Queer Eye's Jonathan Van Ness reveals he's HIV positive

Jonathan Van Ness of Netflix's Queer Eye. Photo / Getty Images

Queer Eye fan favourite Jonathan Van Ness has revealed everything from issues with substance abuse, suffering sexual abuse and his HIV status in a tell-all memoir.

A New York Times article reveals details from Van Ness' upcoming book Over The Top, in which Ness opens up about his childhood, struggling to fit in, struggling with his weight and binge eating and with homophobic bullying.

He also reveals he was sexually abused as a child by an older boy, and before the age of 20, developed issues with substance abuse, including advertising sex for money to pay for his cocaine habit and becoming addicted to methamphetamine in his 20s, for which he underwent two stints in rehab.

He also details how, at just 25 years old he received the diagnosis that he is HIV-positive; it was a day which, he writes in his book, was "just as devastating as you'd think it would be".

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Having the opportunity to write my book and share my story with you is the most important opportunity I’ve ever had. The first article about the book came out today from the @nytimes & I’m relieved I can speak fully about the things that shape my experience in life. The book speaks to some extremely difficult times but it’s also filled with my humor, joy and voice & I can’t wait to share it with you fully. Thanks so much for your support so far, it means the world. Article link in bio 🏳️‍🌈 📸 Isak Tiner words by Alex Hawgood

A post shared by Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) on Sep 21, 2019 at 8:23am PDT

However he tells the Times he is now healthy, no longer using hard drugs and is a "proud member of the beautiful HIV-positive community."

He says in the interview the memoir is a rare chance for him to be open and honest.

"I've had nightmares every night for the past three months because I'm scared to be this vulnerable with people," he says.

"It's hard for me to be as open as I want to be when there are certain things I haven't shared publicly... these are issues that need to be talked about."

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Put a bow on that ass. gown @csiriano styled by @alibstyle HMU by me & @pattymacaker

A post shared by Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) on Sep 14, 2019 at 5:02pm PDT

He said one of the reasons he hadn't been able to be as open is because people only want to see his happy side.

"If you're having a terrible moment or in the middle of a conversation about something serious, people don't care. They want their bubbly J.V.N. and to get that major selfie."

This news comes after another interview with Out, in which Van Ness came out as gender-nonconforming and nonbinary.

Over The Top is due for release on September 24.