Queens to the Rescue featured four drag performers who spent a week with LGBTQ+ residents in a rural area, a concept that faced delays in the region. Jordi Jiménez, 34, from Benilloba, joined the second episode, which aired on August 21. In the episode, Jiménez shared that she is HIV positive, a revelation she believes helps normalize coexistence with the virus and people living with it.
How did the idea to appear on Queens to the Rescue come about, and why choose to publicly disclose being HIV-positive on television?
Initially, the production company reached out to Jiménez because they were seeking LGBTQ+ individuals living in rural communities. Jiménez recalls thinking her life was fairly ordinary, and that most people in her town already knew she was gay and that she even served as a local council member. Still, she saw value in using the platform to share her HIV status. The producer agreed, recognizing that such a personal disclosure could have meaningful implications both for her and for society at large.
Was it hard to decide to take this step and share such personal information publicly?
It felt like coming out of the closet again, she notes, but she believed it would help her and reach viewers who could identify with her experience. The decision was not easy, but the potential benefits seemed significant enough to take the leap.
Do you think sharing this can help normalize being an HIV carrier today?
Jiménez believes it can. Speaking about HIV on television could reduce stigma and show that people living with HIV can lead full, ordinary lives. She hoped that her transparency would resonate with others and perhaps inspire communities to view HIV through a more accepting lens, especially in smaller towns where fear and misinformation sometimes take root.
How is HIV perceived in today’s society?
There has been progress in recent years, particularly among LGBTQ+ individuals and younger people, aided by prevention tools like PrEP. Outside these groups, old stigmas persist, and negative stereotypes about HIV still surface in some places, including unfounded jokes and assumptions that contribute to stigma and discrimination.
What is the medical treatment like for HIV today?
The treatment Jiménez takes is a daily medication that is very potent. She undergoes regular medical checkups every two years to monitor health, and she emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong immune system and avoiding other illnesses that could compromise it. She describes living a normal life with careful management and periodic reviews. She also hopes the program will raise awareness among health professionals and lead to broader access to resources and services, noting that some care options are not available at her local hospital in Alcoy.
What was the reaction in Benilloba after the episode aired?
Anticipation was high before the broadcast, and Jiménez recalls that initial concerns about potential backlash. In the end, there was little to no negative response. Instead, the community offered strong support, and the town’s conversations around the episode were meaningful. The experience left her hopeful that she could serve as a positive example of what it means to live with HIV in a small town.
How did Jiménez’s family respond?
Her family responded with warmth and openness, especially her mother, who even appeared on the show in a light moment. Her brother, initially unsure, chose to participate once he understood the purpose of the interview. Overall, the experience reinforced Jiménez’s belief that sharing the reality of living with HIV can help normalize it and reduce stigma for others in similar situations.