TL;DR
- Jacob Tierney discusses living with HIV in a resurfaced podcast.
- He emphasizes the importance of staying on medication.
- Tierney shares his health struggles and triumphs.
- Viewers praise his candidness and positivity.
- The episode highlights the ongoing stigma around HIV.
In a candid moment that’s got everyone talking, Jacob Tierney, the creative mind behind the hit series Heated Rivalry, opened up about his journey living with HIV during a recent resurfaced podcast episode of Good Morning, Sodomites!. Tierney’s honesty about his diagnosis and the challenges he faced is nothing short of inspiring.
During his chat with comedian Zach Noe Towers, Tierney declared, “As you know, I am undetectable, I’m HIV-positive undetectable,” a phrase that resonates with many in the LGBTQ+ community. He didn’t shy away from discussing the stigma that still looms over those living with HIV, a conversation that is desperately needed in today’s world.
Reflecting on his diagnosis at the age of 34, Tierney recounted the harrowing experience of getting sick, losing weight, and facing severe medical complications that many might not understand. “I got very, very, very sick, lost a lot of weight, had a lot of bad medical complications that a lot of people don’t,” he said, shedding light on the reality of living with this condition.
He also shared a crucial reminder for everyone: the importance of adhering to medication. The person who transmitted HIV to him was “off their meds” and had a “very high viral load,” which Tierney highlighted by urging listeners, “So please stay on your meds.” It’s a straightforward message, but one that can save lives.
But the journey didn’t stop there. Tierney revealed that he developed Type 1 diabetes, which went undiagnosed for months. It was only when he saw an HIV specialist that the truth came to light. He was “only two weeks away from complete kidney failure” or worse. “There was like a year and a half where I just was basically dying all the time,” he recalled, a stark reminder of the fragility of health and the importance of proper medical care.
Tierney’s openness about his life as a “full disclosure person” also touched on the legal implications of HIV non-disclosure in Canada, where laws have yet to catch up with medical advancements. He pointed out that even if someone is undetectable, non-disclosure can still be treated as a criminal offense, a reality that many in the community face.
The response to Tierney’s revelations has been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans expressing gratitude for his willingness to discuss HIV openly. One viewer commented, “Truly heartening that we can now discuss this horrible disease without complete pessimism. So glad he’s still with us and creating beautiful things.” Another added, “How beautiful that he centers sexual queer joy and freedom with Heated Rivalry, and has not allowed his diagnosis to turn him bitter.” It’s clear that Tierney’s story is not just about struggle; it’s about resilience and hope.
As his profile continues to rise with the success of Heated Rivalry, Tierney remains a beacon of light for many, proving that living with HIV doesn’t define who you are. His journey is a powerful reminder that we can talk about these issues openly and positively, paving the way for more discussions about health, stigma, and the vibrant lives of those in the LGBTQ+ community. So, let’s celebrate Jacob Tierney, not just for his talent but for his bravery in sharing his story.
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