Monique Moree - Living Inside My Skin of Silence

On Easter Sunday April 8th at 9pm EST, I will have the pleasure of speaking with Monique Howell-Moree. Monique was born in Oklahoma City, Ok. in April 1981. She is a 1999 graduate of Summerville High School and after graduation; Monique enlisted in the United States Army. As a member of the U.S. military, Monique worked as an Administrative Clerk assisting fellow soldiers to ensure that their personnel were maintained accurately and were always up to date. She completed four years of military service and during these four years, she traveled all over the world. During the cycle of her life, Monique has many experiences that have made a dramatic impact on her life today. During a low point in her life, Monique faced an experience that forever changed her life. This experience was in finding out that she was HIV positive. As a result, Monique had to learn how to gain the strength from God necessary for her to walk out of the valley and climb back to the mountaintop. She relied on God to take the pain away, and she began to work in the church that her father Bishop Howell founded, Solid Rock Outreach Ministry. Monique's story is told in "HIV is NOT a Crime" - A Film by Sean Strub, Edit by Leo Herrera/HomoChic

Monique is a new author, with her first book titles "Living Inside My Skin of Silence", which was released late in August 2010. This book is a leadership and self-reflection testimony. Her story is moving beyond her local community, and is now reaching out to the nation. Monique also host her own radio show "The Monique LIVE Show". Monique is also the Founder and CEO of Monique’s Hope for Cure Outreach Services" in Holly Hill, SC where her organization provides assistance to include food, clothing, counseling services, referral services, HIV/AIDS & STD testing, as well as providing outreach health education and promotion services to individuals to help stop the pandemic of HIV/AIDS.

Listen to the interview - Click Here

Dab Garner - 31 Years of Hope

Join Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn this Sunday March 25 at 9pm EST when they will be speaking with 31 year survivor Dab Garner. Dab Garner will be sharing about the 31 year message of DAB The AIDS Bear.  Join us for this special episode of POZ I AM RADIO when we celebrate 31 years of Dab the AIDS Bear. This is an episode you don't want to miss. Call in with comments for Dab Garner at 347-215-9442

The Story of Dab The AIDS Bear

Back in 1981 when Dab 1st had friends starting to die from AIDS, the hospitals wouldn't allow visitors into the patient's room unless you wore protective garments (gowns, masks etc.) because they were afraid of this new disease and were not sure how the virus was passed. Because of this, people were usually close to death and had at least one opportunistic infection when they were diagnosed and hospitalized. You could see even seasoned health care professional recoil in fear and not wanting to touch the patients. Even close friends were hesitant or scared to visit their friends in the hospital. Dab started buying Gund teddy bears and giving them to friends so they wouldn't have to feel so alone, abandoned and afraid. That is how Dab the AIDS Bear Project began.

Learn more at www.dabtheaidsbearproject.com

Listen to the interview live or archived - click here

Logan Voxx - Positive Young People Foundation

Sunday February 26th at 9pm EST we will be speaking with Logan Voxx on POZ I AM Radio. Logan Voxx is the president and CEO of the PYP foundation based in Los Angeles, CA. He is an award winning songwriter and aspiring music mogul. He is a small retail business owner also.

Logan Voxx has been distinguished as a 2011 OUT100 honoree. He has been involved in philanthropy since he was 21 using his success to give back to communities that need it most. He founded PYP Foundation at only 21.

The PYP Foundation is dedicated to decreasing the spread of HIV infections by encouraging the nation’s youth to make positive choices. PYP encourages HIV education and prevention to address some of the most intimate aspects of a young persons life during a critical stage of development. PYP believes that HIV prevention is fundamentally about communication, healthy choices, and self-awareness.

 Listen to the interview LIVE or archived

Bishop Joyce TurnerKeller - Where You At ?

This Sunday December 18th at 9pm EST, Robert and Jack will be speaking with Bishop Joyce Turner Keller on the POZ I AM Radio Show. 

Bishop Joyce has lofted the term “southern hospitality” to an entirely new level. She is not only the founder and CEO of Aspirations, a non-profit faith-based community service organization, but someone who is living with HIV/AIDS herself, and has dedicated herself to educating, supporting and inspiring others living with HIV/AIDS throughout the nation.

 In May 2006 she received proclamation from Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco of Louisiana for hosting the first Hepatitis Awareness Day, shortly after hosting the first National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in March of that year. Over the years, Bishop Joyce has incurred an extensive list of certifications, recognitions, and awards for her extensive work in community awareness and development in the HIV/AIDS arena. She is a certified HIV/AIDS – Hepatitis C Community Educator by the Louisiana State Office of Public Health and the Shreveport Office of Public Health through the Atlanta Center for Disease Control. Bishop Joyce  is also a board member for the ADAP Advocacy Association.

She has been an ordained minister for thirty five years, is matriculating in the field of Psychology at Southern University Baton Rouge, and is the proud grandmother of thirteen grandchildren.

Listen to the interview live or archived

Robert & Bishop Joyce at ADAP Summit in Washington D.C.

Chris Vucetic - FACTS Bucks County

This Sunday November 6th at 9pm EST Robert & Jeromy will be speaking with Chris Vucetic on POZIAM Radio . Chris is a 25 year old male, who has been diagnose with HIV since September 17, 2008 five days before his 22nd birthday. He had struggled with it from the moment he left that doctors office. He knew nothing about HIV except just the negative things.

The toughest decision for him to make was to discuss his diagnosis with his family. That being his mother and brother. This was not with fear they would shut him out or be upset with him, but the fact his father had taken his life in front of his mother May 2007. He waited 2 weeks to tell his family, and when he did his mother cried a little but said she would be by his side no matter what.

As of January 2010, he is the youngest person ever to be appointed as a board member at FACT Bucks County, a non-profit organization whose efforts are to raise awareness, and raise money that goes to assist those in need the are affected and infected with HIV/AIDS. He hopes his story reached people young and older, newly diagnosed, diagnosed for years, and those struggling with their status, and show that he did it and they can and will too. Life is a fabulous thing and show them that his success story accepting his status and you too can have that. He has always wanted to write a book to raise awareness, and help others struggling with life being HIV+ showing them he's done it and you can and will too! He is grateful for the support team he has, family and friends, and if it wasn't for them he wouldn't be where he is today.

Listen to Chris's interview live or archived

Meet Miracle Mike Hennessey

Sunday July 31st at 9pm EST

Listen Live - Click Here

This Sunday, July 31st at 6 pm PST/9 pm EST Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn will be speaking with Miracle Mike Hennessey. Mike is a writer, actor, comedian and children's entertainer. He moved to Los Angeles in 1993 from Boston after he was told in August of 1990 that he had potentially 7 to 9 years to live when he was diagnosed with HIV. He thought, “Since I'm going to die anyway, I might as well do it on stage.” And he put together a goofy comedy routine and his healing process began. Once in Los Angeles, he quickly became famous as a children's performer for thousands of families all over Southern California and is known as Mystery Mike. In 1997 after the death of his mother, Ellen Sue, Mike developed full blown AIDS for the first time and his health continued to decline over the years with 13 close calls with the Angel of Death.

In 2006 Mike, with only 4 “T-cells” launched the healing website “Mikes T Party” www.MikesTparty.com after being asked by others how they could help. People sent in “Ts” from all over the world that represent 'T-cells' (commonly known as CD4) for the immune system. He has collected over 3,000 “Ts” from all walks of life including 300 six graders in Glendale, CA and a soldier with a heart fighting in Iraq. In Dececmber of 2010 Mike took more positive control of his health surrounding himself with positive people and taking better care of himself physically and this past April he received the news that after 14 years he no longer had full blown AIDS and was upgraded up to HIV status when his T-cells soared from 149 to 330 in six months time.

He has since shared his story of hope many places to encourage others that they too have it within themselves to heal, including on FOX News. He continues to do share his story and works with amazing AIDS organizations like The Life Group LA (www.thelifegroupla.org ) who helped him facilitate a new lease on life. He is honored to host their annual fundraiser Saddle Up LA each year.

Watch Mike's interview on FOX News

 to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of AIDS .

David Bromstad - Know Yourself: Get HIV Tested.

David Bromstad, host of HGTV’s Color Splash and winner of the first season of HGTV’s Design Star, is teaming up with Janssen Therapeutics to raise awareness of the importance of HIV testing, particularly among gay men, for the Know Yourself: Get HIV Tested initiative. As part of this initiative, David, an accomplished artist and muralist and one of the most celebrated interior design personalities on television today, will be designing and painting a mural that will bring to life the importance of HIV testing and inspire people to take action. David will be hosting an exclusive soiree in September to unveil the mural in conjunction with Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

About David :
When David Bromstad was crowned the original HGTV Design Star in 2006, he was an accomplished artist and muralist and had spent years designing dream bedrooms for children across the Southeast US.
Today he is one of the most celebrated interior design personalities on television and the star of his very own design show, Color Splash, on HGTV. In 2011, he returned to HGTV Design Star as a mentor to the current crop of contestants. He is the first ever HGTV personality to be named to the OUT Magazine 100 list In 2011, he was given the prestigious HRC Visibility Award for living an out and proud lifestyle in the public eye.

You can visit David online at www.bromstad.com or

 follow him on Twitter (@bromco)!

Listen LIVE  today at 2pm EST or listen to the archive here

My Positive Living Conference Experience

From March 10th -13th I had the pleasure of presenting a workshop at the Positive Living 14 Conference in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. I was very excited when my abstract was accepted by OASIS (Okaloosa AIDS Support & Informational Services) I was told all about this amazing conference before hand but what people told me about it, didn't hold a candle to what I experienced. There were 433 attendees and 206 of them were first time attendees. I was one of the first timers. I was never at a conference where most of those who attended were HIV positive. I was told out of the 433 attendees 95% or more of them were HIV positive. Just knowing that allowed you to let your guard down and just be yourself. When I arrived at my hotel and walked out my back door, I was blown away by the beautiful beach. It looked like a postcard. I knew from that moment that this conference was gonna be a great experience.

 

On Friday morning at 8am I attended the Activate U workshop led by Butch Mckay ,Jesse Fry and Rick Vitale. There was a feeling of magic in the air when I walked into the first workshop. The workshop began at 10am and started off my showing a film called Bloodlines. I have to say that seeing this  film was one of my favorite parts of the entire conference. The Activate U Advocacy Academy is a program funded by the National AIDS Fund to promote grassroots advocacy training in north Florida. Activate U under OASIS provides workshops throughout northern Florida that teaches the basics on how to effectively advocate on HIV/AIDS issues and how to locate, properly write, or contact elected officials for your district.With the ADAP crisis a huge issue in Florida this was a great workshop to start off with. Of course I was happy to see Dab Garner founder of Dab the AIDS Bear Project there spreading his 30 year message of Hope.

Since I passionate about the AIDS Drugs Assistance Programs waiting lists at 3:45pm I attended the ADAP Crisis workshop that was presented by my friend and fellow ADAP Advocacy Association  board member, Brandon Macsata. This workshop was amazing despite Brandon missing his flight and presenting it via telephone. I am not surprised at all. Brandon is such a great speaker. With the ADAP waiting lists reaching over 7,000 people this workshop brought out so much passion in those that attended. I think the one thing that shocked me was that the ADAP waiting list has grown over 900% in the last year. That is not a typo over 900%. At one point a woman stood up and shared her personal story of losing her husband to this disease and not having medications to save him. I think when she finished there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Everyone offered hugs to her when the workshop finished.

 

Next was a break followed by dinner and then some welcoming remarks from Butch Mckay the Executive Director of OASIS and then an update on HIV in the Southeast by Tom Liberti. We were then treated to some musical entertainment by the fabulous Redd.

Saturday Morning came early ... I woke up at 7am to get some breakfast before attending Mark King's workshop - My Fabulous Disease. I wasn't missing this workshop for anything. I knew it would be humorous, touching and educational throughout the 90 mins. Mark has an amazing way of connecting with people when he speaks. The man is a true advocate and is someone who I strive to be more like as I continue to get my feet wet in this whole speaking arena. There were times when people were falling out of their seat laughing and times when it was so emotional the room became silent. We could of heard a pin drop at points. Everyone was so captivated they were sitting on the edge of their seats and hanging on his every word. For some it was the first time they laughed in a long time. Humor helps people deal with difficult issues. Mark not only shared his story but also shared the history of HIV/AIDS with us all. If you have never visited My Fabulous Disease then I highly recommend that you do.

After that  there were two workshops I wanted to attend that started at 10:15am. I first sat in on Sean Strub's workshop on HIV Criminalization. Sean is the founder of  POZ magazine and is currently involved with the Positive Justice Project. This is a very important topic that all people living with HIV/AIDS should be concerned about. The laws are different from state to state and it makes it confusing for many HIV positive people. The worst part about it is that some HIV positive individuals are being sentenced to 20+ years in jail without even passing the virus to another person. They are being prosecuted for not disclosing their status or for spitting on someone. Even though HIV can not be transmitted through saliva. In 2011 people should be educated enough to know how the virus is transmitted and how to protect themselves.

I then realized that my friend Cathy Robinson Pickett was also doing a workshop at the same time so I ran up 6 flights of stairs to catch the end of her presentation. Her workshop was on HIV and Domestic Violence. Cathy hosts a podcast called Straight Talk with Cathy. You all should check out her website and podcast.

At 1pm I had the privilege of presenting my own workshop "Finding HIV Social Support via POZIAM and other social networks". This was my first workshop ever. I was excited to be in front of an audience full of HIV positive people.  I shared my story which led to why I created POZIAM. I covered the use Facebook and Twitter to find HIV info and to reach those living with HIV. There were about 50 people present in the room during my presentation some of them were already POZIAMers and some of them never heard of POZIAM before the workshop. I was nervous and excited all at the same time. I loved being able to interact with others who understands what it is like to be positive. Knowing your not alone is big thing when your diagnosed. It was nice to meet POZIAMers face to face. Having online friendships with some of these individuals made me feel like I already knew them before meeting them. I had the honor of meeting fellow POZIAMer  Overall I think it went well. As I was cleaning up from my workshop, I also crossed paths with Jim Geary the Author of Delicate Courage - A Memoir of Jim Geary. Things happen for a reason so I felt I needed to purchase his book. You all know I am a slow reader. I look forward to reading it.

  

 

After my workshop I then went to Larry Frampton's workshop on HIV and Aging. It was packed with people and great information. Half way through I went back up stairs and attended Scott Boots workshop on Healthy Relationships which was also very informative and eye opening.

 

We were all invited by Michael Rajner to attend a memorial service on the beach at 6pm for fellow activist, Randy Allgaier. I only met Randy once before at the ADAP summit in Washington D.C. and felt compelled to attend. I am glad that I did. Randy touched many with his friendship and it was shown through the words of those who knew him. Some prayers were said and then we were led into a short meditation by Dr David Fawcett. We then all took sparklers and spread rose petals into the waves. The memorial service was beautiful and was a moment I will never forget. Standing in a circle holding hands on the beach with people who understood you, it was powerful. It moved me in a way that I can't even put it into words. I know Randy is looking down and watching over his friends who continue the fight.

  

 

Then there was a short break and then we all returned for dinner around 7pm. During the dinner they presented  2 awards. First they surprised Butch Mckay with the Host with a Heart Award and then presented  Jesse Fry, with the Power of One Annual Award. Congratulations to Butch & Jesse ! They are both amazing guys. The dinner closed with an awesome speech from Paul Kawata, the Executive Director at National Minority AIDS Council. He was hilarious and inspiring. Paul was amazing and had the whole room captivated by his message.I could of listened to him all night. The National Minority AIDS Council is having their 15th Annual United States Conference on AIDS, November 10-13th in Chicago. So start saving your money now to attend. I am hoping to attend this year.

 

After dinner we moved downstairs to the Ambassador room to enjoy the rest of the evening dancing and singing karaoke. There were a lot more dancing then singing. It was great to be able to let you hair down and socialize with everyone. I will tell you this I met many new friends on this trip and that alone is worth attending this conference. Overall it was a great experience and I highly recommend that you try to make next years Positive Living Conference 15. It is something I will never forget. I love that there was such a diversity of  people and workshops. There were so many great people that I wish I had more time to meet. Well there is always next year. I wanted to send a special thank you to Butch Mckay and Rachel Bauer for organizing the entire conference and allowing me to come and present a workshop. You both did an excellent job and helped many including myself while doing it.

 

Photo Credit - Jt Talley

There is a FB group that was created to offer feedback about the Positive Living Conference. Here are some feedback from other attendees of the conference. Of course I have their permission to share them.

Visit OASIS (Okaloosa AIDS Support & Informational Services) for their upcoming events and conferences.

POZ-I-AMers Standing Up

Who are POZ-I-AMers ?
Members of the POZ-I-AM network

What is POZ-I-AM ?
POZ-I-AM is a social support network for people living with HIV/AIDS. POZIAM is an assortment of family, friends, newbies and long-term survivors; specifically founded to benefit both those infected and affected. POZ-I-AM offers a safe place to ask questions, share experiences, find support and build new friendships. Join Today

Over the last year I asked my fellow POZ-I-AMers to make videos testimonials to use in a POZ-I-AM video montage. I wanted to create a video to offer hope to those living with the disease. I wanted people who are newly diagnosed HIV+ to be aware that there is a place for them to talk and meet others in the same boat.

"POZ-I-AMers are individuals reclaiming their statuses with PRIDE."

POZ-I-AMers Standing Up

I want to personally thank the following people- Mark S. King, Brian Finch, Christopher Myron & Janine Brignola for submitting their videos. 

Thanks to Bob Bowers, Marvelyn Brown, Justin B. Smith, Jeromy Dunn, Jack Mackenroth, Dab Garner, Scott Kramer and Johnathan Shaw for allowing their images to be used. 

I want send a BIG thank you to Akin Salawu for creating and editing this amazing video for me. 

I also want to thank Justin Utley for allowing us to use his awesome song "Stand for Something" 

Brandy - Tells Her Story

Sunday January 2nd at 9pm EST

Listen Live

On January 2, 2011 Robert and Jeromy will be speaking with Brandy aka Lady Positive. Brandy contracted HIV in 1997 diagnosed in 1999 she became addicted to meth and locked herself away in her "HIV CLOSET"  for 6 years. Waking up one day realizing HIV wasnt killing her, the drugs were. checking herself into recovery and going back to college to get a Psychology degree. her goal is to be there for others so no one has to go through this alone.. She believes that one person can make a difference but together we can change the World.

Philadelphia AIDS Walk 2010

This past Sunday I walked in the Philadelphia AIDS Walk. This is something that I have been committed to doing since I launched POZIAM in 2007. So this walk was my 4th AIDS Walk ever. The night before my team the Philadelphia Falcons had a scrimmage soccer game with the New York Ramblers at Rutgers University in Camden ,NJ. It was great to get out on a full field and play. We played for about 3 hours and had a blast with the Ramblers. I am only telling you about the scrimmage because you would think after playing soccer for 3 hours I would have no energy to walk 8.4 miles the following morning. Well nothing would of stopped me from walking. Not only does it help other living with HIV/AIDS in Philadelphia  but it is a great way to meet local ASO's and get some life saving information.

I got up early on Sunday, I am talking 6am. I took the train into the city with Greg, a fellow POZIAMer. The train ride down to the city we talked and shared stories. It was a great way to start the day of the AIDS walk.  Once we arrived at the Philadelphia Art Museum, where the walk took place we met up with Robert, another POZIAMer and then headed over to the AIDS Quilt. They display panels of the AIDS Quilt every year at the walk. A panel is created in honor of a family member or loved one that have lost their battle with AIDS. 




I love that they alternate the panels around the US so you get to see different ones every year. When I viewed the panels this year I did a lot of thinking. I asked myself a few questions in my head. -Would someone create a panel for me? What would it look like ? Who would create it? I instantly thought of  a family member that passed of AIDS. A 2nd or 3rd cousin of mine. I believe I met him once or twice but I was just a little kid but, I don't really remember it at all. I wish I knew more about him. Maybe one day I will find the courage to ask my family more about him.

          


We started walking around 9am. The complete 8.4 mile walk took us about 2 1/2 hours. It was great to walk with Greg and Robert. We had some great discussions and laughed the whole way. It felt like I hanging with old friends and not 2 people I just met. The 3 of us just clicked. While we were walking and talking I discovered that we had a lot things in common in regards to our pasts.  Good people make good conversations.

Greg - Robert B. - Robert

After the walk the 3 of us were interviewed by Logo about living healthy with HIV. We had planned to do the interviews before the walk so we were all excited about it. We were interviewed by the beautiful Alesha Renee from BET and the fabulous Adam Abernathy ,producer of Logotv.com's HIV+ME, was also producing these interviews. It is alway an honor to be apart of anything media wise that will promote awareness and education. I will do anything to help end the stigma surrounding people with HIV/AIDS. While on the walk I was also able to share the message of Dab the AIDS Bears with others and take some great photos.

 

Every year at the finish line Donna May is there to congratulate all the walkers. Every year I must take a photo with her.  I wanted to personally thank all of the walkers,runner,volunteers and those who donated this past Sunday. The Philadelphia AIDS Walk raised over $350,000 for over 30,000 people in the Delaware Valley living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS AND PHILADELPHIA

• Since 1981, over 600,000 Americans have died of AIDS.

• Every 9 1/2 minutes, someone in the U.S becomes infected with HIV.

• Approximately 20% of people infected with HIV do not know it.

• According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphians are being infected with HIV at a rate MORE THAN 50% higher than residents of New York City.

• The rate of infection in Philadelphia is FIVE times the national average.

• About half of the 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S are not receiving medical care.