unclepoodle230.jpg We applaud him for speaking publicly about it!

Honey Boo Boo's uncle Lee Thompson, who is affectionately known as Uncle Poodle, has revealed he's HIV-positive.

The reality star opens up about contracting the virus in a new interview with Atlanta gay magazine Fenuxe.

"I was adamant about getting my HIV status checked on a regular basis. On March 16, 2012, I tested negative. Then, in May of 2012 my test results came back positive. I knew it had been my boyfriend who infected me," he explained.

Apparently his partner was aware he carried the disease and didn't tell Thompson, nor did he take any precautions to prevent transmitting it.

"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," he added.

Poor Uncle Poodle!