Queer Rapper Mykki Blanco Comes Out as HIV-Positive

Queer poet, artist and rapper Mykki Blanco revealed over the weekend that he has been living with HIV his entire career.

Blanco, who identifies as both transgender and multigender, made the announcement on Facebook Friday night:

Ive been HIV Positive since 2011, my entire career. fuck stigma and hiding in the dark, this is my real life. I'm healthy I've toured the world 3 times but ive been living in the dark, its time to actually be as punk as i say I am

Related | Out100: Mykki Blanco

The Harlem rapper, born Michael Quattlebaum Jr., added, "no more living a lie. HAPPY PRIDE," but contemplated quitting music all-together:

the music industry ain't gonna like i admitted this so if a curator could help me move more into the art world that would be awesome

Blanco, however, has received mostly support from fans, with replies such as, "Kick ass dude, good for you for having the courage to say it. Much love and respect. Silence = death." and "Mykki you are a hero and a warrior. Thanks for taking a step against #hivstigma"

As a black, genderqueer -- and now openly HIV-positive -- artist, Mykki Blanco has long flouted the music industry's expectations. His future as a musician may be up in the air, but he recently announced a new studio album so we'll see what Mother has in store.

Les Fabian Brathwaite -- gettin wavvy.