Positive: Honey Boo Boo's Uncle Poodle (real name Lee Thompson) has revealed that he is HIV-positive

Honey Boo Boo's uncle Lee Thompson, known to her by the affectionate moniker, Uncle Poodle, has revealed that he is HIV-positive.

The openly gay brother of Honey's father Sugar Bear, made the brave admission about his health in the latest issue of Atlanta gay magazine Fenuxe.

The reality star revealed that he contracted the virus in an interview in which he promoted safe sex.

'I was adamant about getting my HIV status checked on a regular basis,' he explained. 'On March 16, 2012, I tested negative.'

Thompson, who says he regularly get STD tests, then revealed that a later test came up positive.

'Then, in May of 2012 my test results came back positive. I knew it had been my boyfriend who infected me,' he said.  

'I later learned he had been HIV positive and was not taking medication and had not bothered to tell me about it.

'I was advised that I should press charges and, hesitantly, I did. It was the right thing to do.'

In his brave interview, Thompson reiterated how irresponsible people are who don't practise safe sex are

'They are damn fools! They are playing Russian roulette; they are playing with their lives and that of their sexual partners,' he said.

Thompson has spoken out before about his sexuality, explaining what it is like to be gay in the South.

The reality star bravely shared his harrowing memories in a video for GLAAD's Spirit Day back in October last year.

Her favourite: Uncle 'Poodle' is seven-year-old Honey Boo Boo's undisputed favourite and is often seen going to pageants with the reality star

Lee said he had fallen victim to some horrible attacks at the hand of ignorant thugs, which had left him with broken ribs and a dislocated jaw.

Openly gay: Thompson has spoken openly about his sexuality in the past

Sugar Bear's brother made the horrifying reveal in a video for GLAAD - which was created to fight intolerance and violence against the LGBT community.

Poodle explained in the reel: 'Being gay in the South... people don't like it.'

'Growing up as a kid, I was bullied day in and day out ... broke ribs, dislocated jaw, cars vandalized ... I've had cars vandalized to this day.'

But Poodle said he was able to get through it all because of his family and friends who stood by him.

'But I have a family that stands by me, supports me,' he said. Adding, 'I'm wearing purple today to let every youngster and every teen know it is okay to be who you are. Don't let nobody change that.'

Honey Boo Boo herself, real name Alana Thompson, supports her uncle wholeheartedly.

On the season finale of her hit TV show, Alana voiced her pro-LGBT stance, saying 'ain't nothin' wrong with bein' a little gay.'

Uncle 'Poodle,' is the seven-year-old's undisputed favourite.

Thompson explained to the Georgia Voice how Alana came up with the Poodle nickname.

'We were at practice one day, getting ready for a pageant. Her coach was talking about her gay friends, and she said, ‘I love all my poodles,’' he told the Georgia Voice.

'Alana thought she was really talking about dogs. She wanted to know how many poodles she had, and what were their names. And I said, ‘No, Alana, she’s talking about gay people.’ Well, that did it. All gay people are poodles to her now, and I’m her number one poodle.'