This trans beauty queen is using her platform to raise awareness of HIV
Jazell Barbie Royale seen waving after winning the annual Miss International Queen 2019 in Pattaya, Thailand. (Chaiwat Subprasom/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
A trans beauty queen is using her platform to education others about HIV, PEP and PrEP.
Jazell Barbie Royale, 31, made history as the first woman of African descent to win the 2019 crown at the Miss International Queen in Thailand earlier this year, which is considered as one of the most prestigious beauty pageants for trans people in the world.
Since bagging the accolade, Royale has been using her increased prominence to raise awareness of HIV.
Trans beauty pageant winner wants to educate people all over the world about HIV.
Speaking to The Advocate at the pageant, Royale said: “Now my platform will be even larger and I’ll be able to educate people from around the world about HIV, PEP, PrEP, and how they can apply the facts to their lives.”
She added: “HIV is really rampant, especially among trans people. I most wanted to spread the word about PrEP and PEP.”
The rising star has seen a surge in popularity after winning the award and currently has more than 30,000 followers on Instagram.
Jazell Barbie Royale seen performing during the annual Miss International Queen 2019 transvestite contest in the beach resort town of Pattaya, Thailand. (Chaiwat Subprasom/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The model explained that she has been personally affected by HIV, having had friends who have died from the virus.
“I’ve had many friends pass away from complications from HIV and many that I’ve assisted and helped get into treatment,” she said.
HIV is really rampant, especially among trans people.
With HIV treatment you can “live a long life”, says trans beauty queen Jazell Barbie Royale.
She added: “If you’re HIV-negative and [at risk], you need to be taking PrEP to keep yourself that way. If you’re positive, get into treatment – if your viral load is undetectable, you can’t pass the virus.
“If you’re undetectable, you can live a long life. You don’t have to go through complications if you take this one pill.”
The model also works for HIV and sexually transmitted disease organisation Bliss Healthcare Services in greater Orlando, Florida, where she lives.
