Channel 4 dating show Naked Attraction featured an HIV-positive contestant in Wednesday night’s episode, who spoke candidly about how the stigma around the disease had affected his romantic life.
The episode introduced viewers to 30-year-old Pablo, who was diagnosed with HIV when he was 19, and said he hoped his appearance on the show would debunk a few misconceptions around the condition.He explained to presenter Anna Richardson: “I find that it’s difficult to meet people. I like to be open about people. When you bring [being HIV-positive] up it kills things off. There’s a lot of fear out there.”
Pablo continued: “It’s perfectly fine to date someone who is HIV-positive, to have sex with someone who is HIV-positive. This is a good way to have it all in the open even before they see me.”
Over the course of the show, Pablo whittled the six naked strangers looking for love down to just one, eventually picking 26-year-old admin assistant Matt to go on a date with.The pair eventually decided to have a second meeting without the cameras present.
Before meeting his date, Pablo suggested his HIV status often sent prospective romantic interests “running for the hills”, adding: “The positive thing about Naked Attraction is that, we see each other naked before we go on a date. There will be no awkward conversations.”
Pablo’s appearance on the show was met with praise from viewers on Twitter…Naked Attraction providing HIV Education. I’m currently shocked and impressed.— Gustavo Pedro (@GEBP1988) September 4, 2019Some excellent #HIV#Stigma#Busting on Channel 4’s #NakedAttraction@C4Naked@AnnaRichardso Well done Pablo!!!— Stuart (@newlypositive) September 5, 2019Well done #nakedattraction for HIV positive outlook.— Michael [BALI] (@Balihorizon) September 4, 2019Proud of u @C4Naked to actually talk about HIV not many people know about the drug PREP #nakedattraction 🌈— stevenlewisbarrett (@Stevenbarrett41) September 4, 2019i applaud #nakedattraction for this hiv narrative. thank you.— ℙ 𝕝 ā 𝕥 𝕥 𝕤 🇪🇺🏳️🌈 (@IAmPlatts) September 4, 2019@Channel4 takes on being HIV+ & dating in #NakedAttraction. Un-shaking the taboo!— CJD (@441_Man) September 4, 2019I love #NakedAttraction generally & Anna Richardson especially, but tonight's episode featuring an HIV+ man talking frankly about the challenges & stigma positive people face when dating was really powerful & important telly. Bravo @Channel4 & all involved, most of all Pedro.— Hugh Smithson-Wright (@HRWright) September 4, 2019Pablos honesty about being HIV positive coupled with his lust for life and the fact he had everyone dancing to Mi Chico Latino, completely starkers, makes him hands down my favourite #NakedAttraction person EVER @Channel4pic.twitter.com/webdvw6KDP— Lucy Horobin (@LucyHorobin) September 4, 2019Naked Attraction is now into its fifth series, and the current run has been as eventful as ever.
In addition to Batman tattoos and a naked serenade of a popular hymn, the show also featured its first celebrity contestant in reality star Lauren Harries.
Naked Attraction airs on Wednesdays at 10pm on Channel 4. READ MORE... 10 X-Rated Things You Didn’t Know About Naked Attraction Naked Attraction Host Anna Richardson Defends Controversial Show From Complaints I Found Love On Naked Attraction