After wrestling with the decision for nearly a decade, Los Angeles-based ABC News correspondent Karl Schmid publicly announced that he is HIV-positive on Friday.

Schmid, 37, made the revelation in a touching Facebook post.

“I work in television. And on the side of the camera where, for better or worse it’s considered ‘taboo’ for people ‘like me’ to be ‘like me,’ ” said the Australia-born reporter, who is known for covering Hollywood events such as the Academy Awards and the Vanity FairOscars party for ABC7.

According to Schmid, who is openly gay, media industry professionals had advised him for years to keep his HIV status a secret.

“For 10 years I’ve struggled with ‘Do I or don’t I?’ “he said. “For ten years the stigma and industry professionals have said, ‘Don’t! It’ll ruin you.’ But here’s the thing. I’m me. I’m just like you. I have a big heart and I want to be loved and accepted. I may be on TV from time to time, but at the end of the day I’m just an average guy who wants want we all want. To be accepted and loved by our friends and family and to be encouraged by our peers.” Read more via ABC