Gareth Thomas, oval star, in the Nice fan zone to talk about HIV
2023-09-20 20:00:00
Is will never be silent. If they want to silence me, then I will be even louder. I would have reasons to stop my fight but I won’t, because it is important, because there is still so much to do. HIV is a reality. It has existed for 40 years but the public still lacks information. So I continue. »
Gareth Thomas, former star rugby player, 100-cap player and captain of the Welsh XV, has lost none of his determination. And now, it is against the disease that he is fighting. He revealed his homosexuality in 2009, then his HIV status ten years later. He is present until this evening in the fan zone of the Albert I garden for Operation Tackle HIV.
“This campaign aims to raise awareness because many still do not know how HIV is transmittednotes Gareth Thomas. Having the opportunity to talk about this within the framework of the Rugby World Cup, an event which attracts a lot of people, is fundamental because it allows us to reach as many people as possible. Some supporters come to see me because they recognize me, so much the better: it’s a way of starting a conversation.”
Still a lot of prejudices
Gareth Thomas, former captain of the Welsh XV, is very involved in HIV information and prevention. (Photo Ax.T.)AXELLE TRUQUET / Nice Morning.
And indeed, when he walks through the fan zone, the supporters recognize him in the blink of an eye and rush to talk to him. The opportunity is great. He always responds with a smile and is happy to take photos. However, things have not always been simple. “There is still a lot of prejudice and discrimination around HIV. Talking about it in the world of sport, particularly in rugby which is seen as a very virile environment, helps to fight against stigma. But we must communicate again and again .”
When asked how he thinks he can move the lines, he replies bluntly: “When I’m on the Tackle HIV bus, I’ll maybe talk to a hundred people during the day. But you, when you write an article, you’ll speak to thousands of people. Journalists have to relay these messages, present the facts, talk about therapeutic advances. There is still too much ignorance on the subject.”
Gareth Thomas will be present at the fan zone until this evening. He takes the time to respond to everyone who is curious. This is also an opportunity to address the subject of screening, Prep (pre-exposure prophylaxis, preventive treatment to avoid contamination), the fact that an HIV-positive person under treatment with an undetectable load does not transmit the viruses, etc.