Ji Wallace, a much loved Olympian, has been inspired to reveal his HIV status and hopes it will bring hope to others.
Wallace, who came out as gay in 2005 was one of the stars of Sydney’s 2000 Olympic Games, earning a silver medal for his prowess on the trampoline.
Wallace reports that he was inspired to go public with his HIV status after watching a CNN interview with out US diver Greg Louganis, who talked about his experiences of living with HIV.
In the letter to the Star Observer Wallace commented:
“I felt inspired to write. I too am an Olympic medal winner living with HIV. I have never publicly disclosed this before but felt inspired by [the] interview… and by Anderson Cooper’s ‘coming out’ letter last month describing ‘value in being seen and heard’ in the face of disturbing violence, bullying, persecution and condemnation by peers, colleagues, government officials and worst of all family and friends.
“I too have been that victim of these atrocious behaviours. Luckily I managed to come through.”
“Being seen does have value,” he adds. “A voice does have value. I have the support of my boyfriend, my great friends and my loving parents. Many do not and this is, in part, for them.”