Gareth Thomas Speaks Out After Homophobic Abuse: Rugby Icon Spat On and Called ‘AIDS Spreader’

International rugby icon Gareth Thomas, who made history as the first openly gay professional rugby union player, has once again brought attention to the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people, particularly those living with HIV. In a recent interview on the Life of Bryony podcast with Bryony Gordon, Thomas described being spat at in public and called an “AIDS spreader” by two young men, an incident that underscores the persistence of both homophobia and HIV-related stigma in society .

Thomas’s remarks follow a long tradition of advocacy since his public coming out in 2009 and his later disclosure of his HIV status in 2019. While both milestones were widely celebrated, Thomas has consistently used his platform to draw attention to the forms of discrimination that persist. In the interview, he noted, “We’ve come a long way, but the reality is, we were in a really, really shit place and now we’re just in a really shit place,” highlighting that while progress has been made, significant barriers remain .

Thomas recounted not only overt hostility—such as being spat at on the street—but also the subtler, insidious forms of prejudice that LGBTQ+ people and those living with HIV continue to face. He described incidents where people expressed discomfort or avoided him after learning of his HIV status, such as refusing to use the same bathroom or glassware after him .

Discrimination has not been limited to Thomas himself. He revealed that his partner, Steve, is often subjected to backhanded comments, with people telling him, “You’re so brave, you deserve a medal for marrying Gareth,” simply because of Thomas’s medical history. These remarks, Thomas explained, are a reminder that stigma extends beyond individuals and can affect entire families and communities .

Thomas’s story is not unique; it reflects a broader societal issue. Despite significant advances in HIV treatment, including the scientific consensus that those with undetectable viral loads cannot transmit the virus, misconceptions and fears persist. Speaking at the 17th European AIDS Conference in 2019, Thomas emphasized the need to break down stigma through education and open discussion. He has made it a personal mission to show that people living with HIV can lead long, healthy, and fulfilling lives, and that knowledge is the key to combating prejudice .

“People can still be discriminatory without actually making a homophobic or racist slur,” Thomas said, illustrating how microaggressions and social exclusion continue to impact those living openly with HIV. He called for a shift in societal attitudes, urging that discrimination in any form be recognized and addressed .

Thomas’s willingness to speak out has been widely praised by LGBTQ+ and HIV advocacy organizations. His candor and visibility provide much-needed representation and help foster a more inclusive environment in the world of sports and beyond. Advocacy groups continue to call for increased education about HIV transmission, access to healthcare, and stronger anti-discrimination protections as vital steps toward ending stigma.

The abuse faced by Thomas serves as a powerful reminder that progress, while real, is incomplete. As Thomas himself has argued, the path toward a truly inclusive society requires both systemic change and individual empathy. Greater visibility, honest conversation, and public solidarity are crucial in the ongoing fight against both homophobia and HIV-related stigma.

For LGBTQ+ people, especially those living with HIV, stories like Thomas’s are a call to action—urging allies, institutions, and communities to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their identity or medical history.