Karl Schmid, a well-known Australian television host and reporter for ABC7 in Los Angeles, courageously shared his HIV-positive status with the world in March 2018. In a heartfelt social media post, Schmid revealed that he had been living with the diagnosis for about ten years, choosing to keep it private due to fears of professional and personal repercussions.
By coming forward, Karl aimed to break down the stigma surrounding HIV. He expressed his hope to inspire others living with the virus to be open about their status and to challenge the misconceptions that persist about HIV.
The response to Karl’s disclosure was overwhelmingly supportive, both from the public and his colleagues. His bravery in sharing his story marked a significant step in the ongoing dialogue about HIV awareness and acceptance.
Since his announcement, Karl has become a passionate advocate for HIV awareness. He leverages his platform to educate the public on the realities of living with HIV today. His advocacy efforts focus on promoting regular testing, fighting discrimination, and supporting medical advancements in HIV treatment and prevention.
Karl Schmid’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of openness and education in the fight against HIV stigma, and his continued efforts are making a meaningful impact in the lives of many