When Zach Willmore, a popular TikTok creator with nearly 2 million followers, revealed in a video that he had been diagnosed with HIV, he worried that he would be ostracized or treated as “untouchable.” However, the majority of the comments he received were supportive, and he decided to use his platform to break down the stigma surrounding the disease.
After receiving his diagnosis, Willmore initially struggled with feelings of isolation and anxiety about disclosing his status to others. However, he soon realized that his experiences could help others living with HIV feel less alone. He began creating daily video updates to document his journey living with the virus, from his diagnosis to his daily medication regimen.
Despite some negative comments on social media, Willmore’s followers have overwhelmingly expressed support and admiration for his courage in speaking out. “You are so amazing for posting this,” wrote one commenter, while another noted that “people died and fought for this person to be able to speak openly about it and end the stigma.”
Willmore’s videos have not only offered support to those living with HIV but also helped educate others about the disease. He has shared information about HIV transmission, the effects of medication, and the importance of reducing stigma. By offering candid and relatable insights into his daily life, Willmore has shown that an HIV diagnosis does not have to mean the end of a fulfilling life.
“Information is power, so I really wanted to help people understand,” Willmore said in an interview with NBC News. “The stigma around HIV is so bad that people are afraid to even mention that they have it.”
While the AIDS epidemic has taken many lives, advances in treatment mean that a significant number of people living with HIV can access medication. As of 2021, almost 40 million people were recorded as living with HIV, with 75% accessing antiretroviral therapy. Willmore’s videos serve as a reminder that HIV is a manageable disease and that reducing stigma is essential for those living with the virus to live full and healthy lives.
While Willmore plans to continue sharing his experiences living with HIV, he also emphasizes the importance of living life beyond his diagnosis. “This has been a healing process for me. It’s how I’ve been coping with it, and just talking through it has been really helpful,” he said. After a week of daily updates, Willmore plans to transition to weekly updates, but his message of hope and education will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift others.
In a world where HIV remains stigmatized and misunderstood, Zach Willmore’s candid and informative videos offer a powerful reminder of the importance of breaking down barriers and offering support and empathy to those living with the virus.
