Gareth Thomas, the former Welsh rugby player, opened up about the horrific abuse he has faced due to his sexual orientation and HIV status on a recent episode of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
The show, which took place in Vietnam, featured a group of celebrities pushing themselves to their limits on a challenging course. In the second episode, Gareth had a one-on-one chat with the course instructors.
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During the interview, Gareth shared how he has been subjected to constant abuse throughout his life but refuses to let it define him. He said, "I struggle with myself. In my life I have been subject to so much s**t, but I refuse to be the victim."
Emotional: Gareth Thomas detailed the horrific abuse he has been subject to for being gay and having HIV on Sunday night's episode of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins
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Gareth shared his experiences of facing derogatory slurs from rugby fans, being labeled as a "f****t," as well as people avoiding him in restaurants due to the misconception of HIV transmission. He revealed, "HIV is not a limit to my physical and mental capabilities, but people move away from me in a restaurant, they think that is where transmission comes from. They go to shake my hand and then stop."
Coming out as gay in 2009, Gareth initially kept his HIV diagnosis a secret from family and friends, fearing discrimination and isolation. However, he emphasized that with modern medicine, HIV can be controlled through medication, preventing the development of AIDS.
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Supporting Cast
Gareth was joined by 15 other stars on this year's Celebrity SAS series, including MP Matt Hancock, TOWIE stars Amber Turner and James Argent, singer Siva Kaneswaran, Liberty X star Michelle Heaton, and athlete Perri Shakes-Drayton.
The show also focused on reality star Amber Turner, who faced criticism and negative opinions for her appearance on The Only Way Is Essex. She tearfully explained, "'I am an emotional person. With what I do, every move I make is judged and commented on. I'm called this and that about everything. I put a lot of pressure on myself."
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The emotional journey of Gareth Thomas and his fellow celebrities can be watched on Channel 4's Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, airing on Sundays at 9pm.
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