The Positive Pitch http://www.thebody.com/content/art55245.html A blog by Robert Breining at TheBody.com. http://www.thebody.com/images/blog/robert_biobox.gif Robert Breining http://www.thebody.com/content/art55245.html 115 145 Alexander Smith -- Bless Your Virus http://www.thebody.com/content/70397/alexander-smith--bless-your-virus.html Alexander Smith is a teacher, licensed clinical social worker, coach, writer, speaker, actor, and artist. Living with HIV since 2003, he was diagnosed on St. Patrick's Day, and views that "lucky" day as the moment he began to live. In June of 2011, he was featured on CNN, commemorating 30 years of HIV/AIDS. Coming Out with his status has shifted the isolation, stigma, discrimination, and judgement that has accompanied his journey with the virus. Through this courageous and necessary action, more love, support, friendship, health, and abundance has graced his life. He is the vision behind Bless Your Virus, a movement and conversation aimed to inform and inspire. Its mission is to: Deconstruct shame, stigma and secrets, spread compassion, courage, connection, kindness and kinship and teach others a mindfulness as they learn to bless their fear, disease, and virus. 4.Speak the C Word (cure).

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70397/alexander-smith--bless-your-virus.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sat, 19 Jan 2013 17:16:00 GMT Josh Kruger Shares His Story http://www.thebody.com/content/70264/josh-kruger-shares-his-story.html Josh Kruger, a child of the nineties, grew up in a rural town in Pennsylvania. In 2002, he moved to Philadelphia where he attended the University of Pennsylvania studying political science and anthropology. For five years, he worked in community and LGBT non-profit development, fundraising, and marketing. Diagnosed as HIV positive in his late twenties, he left the non-profit industry and started Emapwerks, his company focusing on writing, editing, and marketing, in 2012.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70264/josh-kruger-shares-his-story.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sun, 13 Jan 2013 16:39:00 GMT James Breinig: The Power of Sharing Stories http://www.thebody.com/content/70250/james-breinig--the-power-of-sharing-stories.html On Sunday December 30th James Breinig shared his story for the first time on POZ I AM Radio. James Breinig lives in southern NJ. James is 29 years old and on November 2, 2010 He thought his life was over. He tested positive for HIV at the Washington West Project in Philadelphia. Not knowing a lot about the disease, He was convinced his life from that point on would be one of pain and suffering. A little over two years later his life has absolutely changed for the better! As time went on he felt that he really wanted to share his story. Not because it is Hollywood material but because it is very similar to a lot of other HIV positive individuals. His hope is that it will touch someone newly diagnosed or someone who has been living with it for years, who may be afraid to tell anyone, and to let them know they're going to be okay.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70250/james-breinig--the-power-of-sharing-stories.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 7 Jan 2013 15:03:00 GMT Ken Warnock: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" http://www.thebody.com/content/70249/ken-warnock--dont-ask-dont-tell.html On Sunday December 16th Ken Warnock shared his story on the POZ I AM Radio Show. Ken Warnock served three years in the Navy prior to being discharged for being gay before "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was even enacted. As a Navy Hospital corpsman, he was involved in the roll out of HIV testing of US military personnel in the mid-80's. After the Navy, Ken used his military training as a Surgical Technologist to gain employment upon his return home to Michigan. As a result of his experience with discrimination, he became an advocate for gay rights and became involved in a number of local organizations. When DADT was being discussed, Ken was a common local media presence.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70249/ken-warnock--dont-ask-dont-tell.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 7 Jan 2013 14:54:00 GMT Jason Villalobos: Greater Than AIDS http://www.thebody.com/content/70248/jason-villalobos--greater-than-aids.html On Sunday December 9th Jason Villalobos shared his story on the POZ I AM Radio Show. Jason Villalobos is an HIV/AIDS activist and national spokesperson for the Greater Than AIDS Campaign. Diagnosed with AIDS some 8 years ago, he has since dedicated his life to helping eradicate the shame and stigma associated with the disease.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70248/jason-villalobos--greater-than-aids.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 7 Jan 2013 14:38:00 GMT Jason King: AIDS Healthcare Foundation http://www.thebody.com/content/70247/jason-king--aids-healthcare-foundation.html On January 6th at 9pm EST Jason King shared his story and spoke about AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Jason King, a transplant from Los Angeles, California, lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with his partner. He started working for AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in 2010 in the organization's pharmacy division where he discovered his passion for patient advocacy.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70247/jason-king--aids-healthcare-foundation.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 7 Jan 2013 14:20:00 GMT Philip and Justin B. Terry-Smith: Positive Parents http://www.thebody.com/content/70096/philip-and-justin-b-terry-smith-positive-parents.html On Sunday, Dec. 2 at 9 p.m. EST, Philip and Justin B. Terry-Smith shared about the love they have for each other and what it is like to be parents.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/70096/philip-and-justin-b-terry-smith-positive-parents.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:53:00 GMT Kari Farmer-Coffman: Motherhood and HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/69994/kari-farmer-coffman-motherhood-and-hiv.html On Sunday, Nov. 25th at 9 p.m., Kari Farmer-Coffman shared her story. Kari lives near Fort Smith, Arkansas. She is the mother of a beautiful daughter. Kari was diagnosed with HIV on Nov. 4, 2010 and two days later was diagnosed with AIDS. She was told to make plans for her daughter and her funeral. Kari was not ready to quit. Two years later, she is still fighting and making a difference in the community. She is now undetectable. She is a full time student, an advocate and activist, and most importantly a better mother! She knows that she has a voice for this cause and she uses it to the best of her abilities.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/69994/kari-farmer-coffman-motherhood-and-hiv.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 7 Dec 2012 16:01:00 GMT Kathleen Gerus-Darbison: Stitches Doll Project http://www.thebody.com/content/69735/kathleen-gerus-darbison-stitches-doll-project.html Last week, Kathleen Gerus-Darbison shared her story and all about the Stitches Doll Project on the POZ I AM Radio show.

Kathleen is currently an adjunct professor in sociology at Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills, Michigan and Macomb Community College in Clinton Township, Michigan. She teaches intro classes as well in the sociology of sex roles, modern social problems, race and ethnicity and marriage and family.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/69735/kathleen-gerus-darbison-stitches-doll-project.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:17:00 GMT Jeff Allen: Positive Champions http://www.thebody.com/content/69843/jeff-allen-positive-champions.html On Sunday, Nov. 11 at 9 p.m. EST we spoke with activist Jeff Allen on the POZ I AM Radio Show. Jeff Allen tested positive in 1985. He was a drug addict using heroin and cocaine and was reckless in his behavior. Jeff was homeless and living in his car for more than two months. Jeff lived in Key West with his partner of 12 years where the HIV community was small and compact. When it came to the end of his partner's life, Jeff wanted to leave and go where he was not so well known. After his partner's passing Jeff moved to Deland, Fla. right outside the Daytona Beach area. He was very frail and weak, but needed a purpose in his life. This is when Jeff first started volunteering for HIV/AIDS organizations in 1995.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/69843/jeff-allen-positive-champions.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sun, 11 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT Sophie and Sarah Denison-Johnston: AIDS-Free Generation http://www.thebody.com/content/69527/sophie-and-sarah-denison-johnston-aids-free-genera.html On Sunday, Oct. 21, Robert and Jeromy spoke with Sarah and Sophie Denison-Johnston, the daughters of Rebecca Denison. Sophie and Sarah Denison-Johnston were born HIV negative at San Francisco General Hospital in March of 1996.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/69527/sophie-and-sarah-denison-johnston-aids-free-genera.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Thu, 25 Oct 2012 10:46:00 GMT Rebecca Denison: Founder of WORLD http://www.thebody.com/content/69425/rebecca-denison-founder-of-world.html On Sunday, October 14th at 9 p.m. EST, we spoke with Rebecca Denison the Founder of WORLD (Women Organized to Respond to Life-threatening Diseases). WORLD is an Oakland-based information, support and advocacy network for HIV-positive women and their loved ones.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/69425/rebecca-denison-founder-of-world.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 16 Oct 2012 08:46:00 GMT Danielle Rogers: Motivational Speaker and Mother http://www.thebody.com/content/69254/danielle-rogers--motivational-speaker-and-mother.html On Sunday September 30th at 9pm EST Danielle Rogers aka "Mama D" shared what it is like to be a parent of an HIV+ child.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/69254/danielle-rogers--motivational-speaker-and-mother.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 1 Oct 2012 14:16:00 GMT Timothy Ray Brown Returns: Timothy Ray Brown Foundation http://www.thebody.com/content/69216/timothy-ray-brown-returns--timothy-ray-brown-found.html On Sunday September 23rd at 9pm EST, Timothy Ray Brown returned to POZ I AM Radio to talk about the Timothy Ray Brown Foundation, the world's first AIDS foundation devoted exclusively to finding a cure for the disease.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/69216/timothy-ray-brown-returns--timothy-ray-brown-found.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:09:00 GMT Transwomen and HIV With Dee Borrego http://www.thebody.com/content/69081/transwomen-and-hiv-with-dee-borrego.html On Sunday, September 9, Robert and Jeromy spoke with Devarah "Dee" Borrego. Dee is a 28-year-old, HIV+ transwoman originally from Denver, Colorado, who grew up mostly in suburban Connecticut. She acquired HIV at age 20, the same year as she began her transition. She has been living in the Boston area since 2004 where she has worked with and at a number of different community organizations in the Boston area, including JRI Health, TransCEND, the Boston Living Center and Cambridge Cares About AIDS. She's also a polyglot who speaks Spanish, French, Norwegian, American Sign Language, and a variety of other languages to various degrees.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/69081/transwomen-and-hiv-with-dee-borrego.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Thu, 13 Sep 2012 06:11:00 GMT The Stigma Project: Live HIV Neutral http://www.thebody.com/content/68992/the-stigma-project-live-hiv-neutral.html On Sunday, August 26, the founders of The Stigma Project, Chris Richey and Scott McPherson, spoke with the POZ I AM Radio hosts. The Stigma Project is an up and coming grassroots organization that aims to lower the HIV infection rate and neutralize the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS through education and awareness via social media and advertising. The Stigma Project seeks to create an HIV neutral world, free of judgement and fear by working with both positive and negative individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, race or background. Social media has rapidly become one of today's largest mediums of news, culture and education. They hope to embrace that with effective campaigns each season that bring awareness to the current state of HIV.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/68992/the-stigma-project-live-hiv-neutral.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 5 Sep 2012 11:48:00 GMT Christopher Barnhill: POZitive Impact http://www.thebody.com/content/68779/christopher-barnhill--pozitive-impact.html On Sunday August 12th at 9 p.m. EST Robert and Jack spoke with Christopher Barnhill. Christopher Barnhill is an award-winning HIV/AIDS activist and Founder/CEO of POZitive Impact, LLC.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/68779/christopher-barnhill--pozitive-impact.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Thu, 16 Aug 2012 15:02:00 GMT POZ I AM Radio Broadcasting LIVE From IAC http://www.thebody.com/content/67958/poz-i-am-radio-broadcasting-live-from-iac.html For the first time in 22 years the International AIDS Conference is coming to the United States. Specifically Washington D.C.from Sunday July 22nd - Friday July 27th. To mark this special occasion Robert and Jeromy will be broadcasting live from Washington D.C. throughout the week of the International AIDS Conference. With so much to do this week we want to try out best to cover as much as possible for those who could not attend the conference in person.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67958/poz-i-am-radio-broadcasting-live-from-iac.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:10:00 GMT Timothy Brown: First Man Cured of HIV Talks to POZ I AM Radio http://www.thebody.com/content/67745/timothy-brown-first-man-cured-of-hiv-talks-to-poz-.html This Sunday July 8th at 9pm EST I will be speaking with Timothy Ray Brown, a.k.a. "The Berlin Patient." Timothy Brown is the man who once had HIV. Although American, he was living in Berlin and receiving treatment for HIV when he was diagnosed in 2006 with leukemia. He was treated by Dr. Gero Huetter who had a cutting-edge idea of treating his leukemia with a stem cell transplant from a person who was born immune to HIV infection. The rest is medical history.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67745/timothy-brown-first-man-cured-of-hiv-talks-to-poz-.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 6 Jul 2012 11:02:00 GMT Jump on Board With HashTagHIV -- Photo Challenge http://www.thebody.com/content/67862/jump-on-board-with-hashtaghiv--photo-challenge.html In the month of July we are asking you to jump on board with POZ I AM Radio & HashTagHIV and participate in another HIV/AIDS Awareness Photo Challenge. This month we are asking you to snap a photo of yourself and the #HIV Tweeter on Board sign.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67862/jump-on-board-with-hashtaghiv--photo-challenge.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 4 Jul 2012 15:16:00 GMT Shawn Decker: The Rebel Returns http://www.thebody.com/content/67687/shawn-decker-the-rebel-returns.html This Sunday July 1st at 9pm EST Robert and Jeromy will be speaking with the original "Positoid" Shawn Decker. Infected with HIV as a child through the contaminated blood products used to treat his hemophilia, Shawn learned early in life about discrimination. Within a month of testing positive for the virus, he was kicked out of the 6th grade. By all accounts, he wasn't expected to live five years.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67687/shawn-decker-the-rebel-returns.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:22:00 GMT Nick Rhoades: HIV Criminalization http://www.thebody.com/content/67643/nick-rhoades-hiv-criminalization.html On Sunday June 24th at 9pm, POZ I AM Radio spoke with Nick Rhoades. Nick Rhoades was convicted of "Criminal Transmission of HIV" in Iowa in 2008, even though his viral load was undetectable, he wore a condom and his accuser did not contract HIV. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. After a year of total incarceration, the judge reconsidered Nick's sentence and released him on five years probation, as well as the sex offender registration requirement. His case for post-conviction relief is still ongoing.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67643/nick-rhoades-hiv-criminalization.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 26 Jun 2012 09:54:00 GMT Michael Kearns: The Truth Is Bad Enough http://www.thebody.com/content/67544/michael-kearns-the-truth-is-bad-enough.html On Father's Day Sunday June 17th POZ I AM radio will be speaking with Michael Kearns, an HIV+ father. Michael Kearns is an American actor, author, director, teacher, producer and activist. Long before coming out of the closet was considered a career move in the entertainment industry, Kearns was the first Hollywood actor on record to come out in the mid-seventies, amidst a shocking amount of homophobia. He subsequently made television history in 1991 announcing on Entertainment Tonight that he was HIV positive.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67544/michael-kearns-the-truth-is-bad-enough.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sat, 16 Jun 2012 10:31:00 GMT Red Ribbon Photo Challenge http://www.thebody.com/content/67414/red-ribbon-photo-challenge.html I have been thinking of a cool and fun way to raise awareness that hasn't been done before. I recently came up with the Red Ribbon Photo Challenge. I have a friend who has done photo challenges and they are fun. So let the Red Ribbon Photo Challenge begin. After 30 years, this June being the first ever HIV/AIDS awareness month. So we at POZ I AM are asking you to put the red ribbon back on to educate others. We are asking you to post creative photos of yourself raising awareness using a red ribbon.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67414/red-ribbon-photo-challenge.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Thu, 31 May 2012 15:45:00 GMT Mary Bowman: Purpose Over Entertainment (P.O.E.T.) http://www.thebody.com/content/67307/mary-bowman-purpose-over-entertainment-poet.html On Sunday, May 20 at 9pm EST, Robert and Jeromy spoke with Mary Bowman. Timid and soft spoken off stage, Mary Bowman is known to be fearless as she shares her story with audiences around the Washington Metropolitan area. She is the published author of National Underground Spoken Word Poetry Awards 2011 Book of the Year Lotus. She is also nominated for National Poetry Awards "Poetry Author of The Year" 2011. Mary has been writing poetry for about eight years. She has been featured at Busboys & Poets (all locations), the legendary "Spit Dat" open mic (D.C.), Jus Words (Philadelphia, PA), Slam Charlotte (NC) and a host of other community events and venues on the East Coast.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67307/mary-bowman-purpose-over-entertainment-poet.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 28 May 2012 09:54:00 GMT Marvelyn Brown: Marvelous Connections http://www.thebody.com/content/67234/marvelyn-brown-marvelous-connections.html On Sunday, May 12, Robert Breining and Jeromy spoke with the marvelous Marvelyn Brown. Marvelyn, a 27-year-old native Tennessean, learned she was HIV-positive at age 19. Her autobiography, The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful and (HIV) Positive, was published by Amistad/HarperCollins in 2008.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67234/marvelyn-brown-marvelous-connections.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 22 May 2012 10:01:00 GMT Robert Suttle: HIV Criminalization http://www.thebody.com/content/67168/robert-suttle-hiv-criminalization.html On May 6, I spoke with Robert Suttle on POZ I AM Radio. Robert shared his experiences of being subject to HIV criminalization and how he is advocating for change. Robert Suttle was convicted under Louisiana's HIV-specific criminal statute after accepting a plea bargain and served six months in a Louisiana prison for HIV non-disclosure to a former partner, with whom he had a contentious relationship. Upon his release in January 2011, he has become engaged in anti-criminalization advocacy work.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67168/robert-suttle-hiv-criminalization.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 16 May 2012 10:58:00 GMT Jim Geary: Delicate Courage http://www.thebody.com/content/67067/jim-geary-delicate-courage.html This Sunday April 29th, I spoke with the Author of Delicate Courage, Jim Geary on POZ I AM Radio. I first met Jim Geary and his partner Jeff Allen at the PL14 Conference. I felt an instant connection with them. Sometimes you meet someone it feels like you met them before or knew them your whole life. This is how it felt for me. I was so happy to reconnect with them again this year at PL15 and I took it as a sign to have Jim on my show.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67067/jim-geary-delicate-courage.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Thu, 10 May 2012 22:01:00 GMT Jamar Rogers: After His Elimination http://www.thebody.com/content/67002/jamar-rogers-after-his-elimination.html Today, Friday May 4th at 12 p.m. EST the POZ I AM Radio show hosts Robert Breining and Jack Mackenroth will be speaking with Jamar Rogers about his time as a contestant on The Voice.

This past Tuesday brought the end of the road for four contestants on The Voice, none more shocking to us than our friend Jamar Rogers. With only eight singers left in the competition heading into the elimination Tuesday, Jamar faced teammate Juliet Simms in a battle to represent Team Cee Lo in the finals. Cee Lo gave 60 points to Juliet Simms and 40 points to Jamar Rogers. When combined with America's vote, the final result of 121-79 in favor of Juliet. So our friend Jamar may not have won the title of the The Voice but he definitely won the hearts of America.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/67002/jamar-rogers-after-his-elimination.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 4 May 2012 08:52:00 GMT My Letter to HIV (Poem) http://www.thebody.com/content/66875/my-letter-to-hiv-poem.html Dear HIV,
Funny meeting you here
Since these are our first words spoken in over 10 years.

But listen to my words, because this is the truth.
I've had a love/hate relationship with you since my youth

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/66875/my-letter-to-hiv-poem.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:05:00 GMT Healthy Living Summit Recap With Robert and Jeromy http://www.thebody.com/content/66773/healthy-living-summit-recap-with-robert-and-jeromy.html This Thursday April 19th at 9pm EST Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn hosted the Healthy Living Summit Recap Show on POZ I AM Radio. The past week from April 10-13 Robert and Jeromy presented at NAPWA's National Healthy Living Summit in Dallas Texas. The Summit promotes healthy living for people living with HIV. The new National Healthy Living Expo continued the work of NAPWA's popular Staying Alive national conferences in a new environment of not just surviving with HIV but living productive and fulfilling lives. The conference consisted of a Men's, Women's and Youth Institute and tons of breakout sessions on relationships, hep C co-infections, HIV criminalization, HIV in the rural South and social media.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/66773/healthy-living-summit-recap-with-robert-and-jeromy.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:11:00 GMT Monique Moree: Living Inside My Skin of Silence http://www.thebody.com/content/66588/monique-moree-living-inside-my-skin-of-silence.html On Easter Sunday April 8th at 9pm EST, I had 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.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/66588/monique-moree-living-inside-my-skin-of-silence.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:48:00 GMT Amanda Brown: HIV Positively Positive http://www.thebody.com/content/66514/amanda-brown--hiv-positively-positive.html On Sunday April 1st at 9pm EST Robert and Jeromy spoke with Blogger Amanda Brown. Amanda was born in Hyannis, Massachusetts. In 1998 at the age of 18, she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints against her parents wishes, packed up and moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University. Not long after graduation in 2002 she left the Church, accepted the fact that she was gay and came out of the closet to her friends and family.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/66514/amanda-brown--hiv-positively-positive.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:33:00 GMT Dab Garner: 31 Years of Hope http://www.thebody.com/content/66402/dab-garner--31-years-of-hope.html This past Sunday March 25 at 9pm EST, Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn spoke with 31 year survivor Dab Garner. Dab Garner shared 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.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/66402/dab-garner--31-years-of-hope.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:02:00 GMT My Reflection of Positive Living 15 http://www.thebody.com/content/66328/my-reflection-of-positive-living-15.html This past week I had the opportunity to present and attend the Positive Living 15 Conference in Fort Walton Beach Florida. I arrived on Thursday night and found myself very excited. I was like a 6 year old on Christmas eve. You see when I attended this conference last year it unexpectedly changed my life. So this year I wasn't nervous. I knew I was about to have an amazing experience. Plus I knew more people attending the conference this year then I did the year before. So I didn't have to stay in my hotel room and be anti-social. I spoke there last year but this year it was going to be different. Since my friend Dab Garner wasn't able to make it this year. I promised to spread his 30+ year message and take plenty of pictures with my Dab the AIDS Bear. I and many other Ambassadors of Hope were there representing for Dab the AIDS Bear Project.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/66328/my-reflection-of-positive-living-15.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:15:00 GMT Josh Robbins: I'm Still Josh http://www.thebody.com/content/66289/josh-robbins--im-still-josh.html Sunday March 18th at 9pm EST I will be speaking with an amazing activist and Blogger Josh Robbins of Tennessee on POZ I AM Radio. Josh Robbins didn't know one person. Not even one person that was HIV Positive on Jan.23, 2012. On Jan. 24, 2012, he knew one -- himself. Living in the heart of the bible belt in Nashville, Josh was the poster boy for prevention. (LITERALLY on the poster for the HIV Vaccine Program at Vanderbilt)

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/66289/josh-robbins--im-still-josh.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:50:00 GMT Logan Voxx: Positive Young People Foundation http://www.thebody.com/content/66041/logan-voxx-positive-young-people-foundation.html Sunday February 26th at 9pm EST, we spoke 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.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/66041/logan-voxx-positive-young-people-foundation.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 6 Mar 2012 11:27:00 GMT An Interview With Paul Stalbaum: HIV Cruises http://www.thebody.com/content/65959/an-interview-with-paul-stalbaum-hiv-cruises.html On Sunday, Feb. 19, Robert and Jeromy spoke with HIVCruises.com founder Paul Stalbaum. Paul was born and raised in suburban Philadelphia and attended Penn State with a B.S. in psychology. He went to Villanova law school and discovered after one year he hated Torts so he left school to join the family business, a travel agency. Through his and his bother's efforts his agency grew to be the 11th largest in the country with seven offices and 175 employees.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65959/an-interview-with-paul-stalbaum-hiv-cruises.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT Jamar Rogers: The Story Behind the Voice http://www.thebody.com/content/65702/jamar-rogers-the-story-behind-the-voice.html This past Monday my partner and I were excited to watch the premiere of The Voice. We love this show in particular because the auditions are blind. Which makes the judges focus on the voice of the contestant instead of their image. This is truly a way to find talented singers. I am happy to announce this Sunday February 12th at 9 p.m. EST, I will be speaking with Jamar Rogers, an HIV-positive contestant on the second season of The Voice If you watched The Voice this week then you were probably moved by Jamar Rogers' story and his talent. I was completely blown away by his honesty. I immediately jumped on Facebook after his audition and tried to contact him about being interviewed on POZ I AM Radio. I was super excited to get a email response the next morning from him agreeing to be on the show. It was surreal.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65702/jamar-rogers-the-story-behind-the-voice.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:12:00 GMT Sean Strub: HIV Is Not a Crime -- HIV Criminalization http://www.thebody.com/content/65672/sean-strub-hiv-is-not-a-crime--hiv-criminalization.html On Sunday January 29th, Jeromy and I spoke with filmmaker and activist Sean Strub. Sean is a leading voice for the people with HIV self-empowerment movement and is the founder of POZ Magazine. Sean is the senior advisor to the Center for HIV Law & Policy's Positive Justice Project (combating HIV criminalization) and serves on the board of directors of the North American regional affiliate of the Global Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65672/sean-strub-hiv-is-not-a-crime--hiv-criminalization.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 8 Feb 2012 09:02:00 GMT Greg Louganis: Olympic Gold Medalist Wants to Dance With the Stars http://www.thebody.com/content/65590/greg-louganis--olympic-gold-medalist-wants-to-danc.html This Sunday February 5th at 9pm EST Robert will be speaking with Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Louganis. Openly gay and HIV-positive Olympic diving legend Greg Louganis wants to show off his moves on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" next season. Louganis fans have created a Facebook campaign asking ABC to extend an invitation to Louganis, and the campaign is getting some attention with over 1,800 people supporting it. Show your support.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65590/greg-louganis--olympic-gold-medalist-wants-to-danc.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT Greg Halpen: Self-Mastery Coach and Healer http://www.thebody.com/content/65504/greg-halpen-self-mastery-coach-and-healer.html On Sunday January 15th at 9pm EST, Greg Halpen shared his story on POZIAM RADIO. Greg is a self-mastery coach and healer. It was a late summer day in August of 1997 when Greg Halpen went to his follow up HIV test appointment. It was result time. He had met someone new, and thought he would FINALLY get tested. But he wasn't ready for what was in store for him. The news? He tested positive for HIV. That day felt like the last day of the rest of his life.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65504/greg-halpen-self-mastery-coach-and-healer.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:01:00 GMT An Interview With Butch Mckay -- Positive Living 15 Conference http://www.thebody.com/content/65570/an-interview-with-butch-mckay--positive-living-15-.html Butch McKay is currently Executive Director of Okaloosa AIDS Support and Informational Services, Inc. (OASIS), a position he has held since 1996. He founded the Positive Living Conference Series in 1997. Butch has been involved in the AIDS arena for 24 years, starting his career as a volunteer with Birmingham AIDS Outreach and UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) AIDS Clinic and Research Center.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65570/an-interview-with-butch-mckay--positive-living-15-.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:25:00 GMT Bishop Joyce Turner Keller: Where You At? http://www.thebody.com/content/65450/bishop-joyce-turner-keller--where-you-at.html On Sunday December 18th at 9pm EST, Robert and Jack spoke 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.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65450/bishop-joyce-turner-keller--where-you-at.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:03:00 GMT Bob Skinner Shares His Story http://www.thebody.com/content/65050/bob-skinner-shares-his-story.html This Sunday December 4th at 9pm EST Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn spoke with Bob Skinner on POZ I AM RADIO. Bob is a 61 year old young man, at 25 he moved to San Francisco where his life revolved around the gay lifestyle that SF had to offer. He calls them his three D years; Drugs, Drink and Disco. He moved back to Florida in 1980 where he pursued his love of horses and became a successful professional horse trainer. Around 1998 he started to have health issues, night sweats, shingles, thrush, yellow nail syndrome; yes these were all symptoms of HIV infection, did he know this? No, or just maybe he didn't want to know what these meant and how high risk he really was.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/65050/bob-skinner-shares-his-story.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 6 Dec 2011 11:32:00 GMT Aaron Laxton: My HIV Journey http://www.thebody.com/content/64858/aaron-laxton-my-hiv-journey.html On Sunday November 13th, Robert and Jeromy spoke with Aaron Laxton. Aaron is a 32-year-old graduate student from St. Louis, Missouri with a passion to help others. On June 6, 2011, he got news that would forever change his life:prior to this he was HIV positive. Prior to this, Aaron was a national youth speaker who spoke all over the United States. It was looking into the face of this diagnosis that he knew what he had to do.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64858/aaron-laxton-my-hiv-journey.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:20:00 GMT Coming Out HIV+: A Day With HIV in America http://www.thebody.com/content/64919/coming-out-hiv-a-day-with-hiv-in-america.html Robert and Jack will be discussing "Coming Out HIV+" and why people choose to come out publicly as someone living with HIV/AIDS. Call in and share why you choose to or choose not to be public about your HIV status. Jeff Berry will also be coming on POZIAM RADIO to speak about the photos that were submitted for this year's "A Day With HIV in America."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64919/coming-out-hiv-a-day-with-hiv-in-america.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:02:00 GMT Chris Vucetic: FACTS Bucks County http://www.thebody.com/content/64814/chris-vucetic-facts-bucks-county.html On Sunday November 6th, Robert and Jeromy spoke with Chris Vucetic on POZIAM Radio. Chris is a 25 year old male, who has been diagnosed with HIV since September 17, 2008, five days before his 22nd birthday. He had struggled with it from the moment he left that doctor's office. He knew nothing about HIV, except just the negative things.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64814/chris-vucetic-facts-bucks-county.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:20:00 GMT Betsy Yung Shares Her Story http://www.thebody.com/content/64675/betsy-yung-shares-her-story.html On Sunday October 22nd, Robert and Jack spoke with Betsy Yung. After her divorce was final in 1996, Betsy Yung began a relationship with a man a few years younger than herself. In 2000 She discovered that he was exploring the trans-gendered community outside of the relationship. Ultimately, it caused their breakup. Shortly thereafter, Betsy began her most current relationship which came to an end shortly before her diagnosis.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64675/betsy-yung-shares-her-story.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 8 Nov 2011 09:54:00 GMT Still Kicking HIV in Philly http://www.thebody.com/content/64648/still-kicking-hiv-in-philly.html On Saturday October 15th I volunteered and participated at the Kick HIV -- Patea el VIH soccer tournament that takes place every National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). This was my second year helping out and participating in the tournament. You can read my blog from last years event here. Again this year my fellow Philadelphia Falcons Ed and Greg put this amazing event together. So kudos to them for making the event a success. I was honored to be a part of it in some way.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64648/still-kicking-hiv-in-philly.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Thu, 3 Nov 2011 16:34:00 GMT Daniel Bauer: Living Pozitively http://www.thebody.com/content/64583/daniel-bauer-living-pozitively.html On Sunday October 30th Robert and Jeromy will be speaking with Daniel Bauer. Daniel Bauer is the official successor to the legendary Harry Houdini, and was on the climb to becoming one of the world's most successful magicians and escape artists since the Houdini era. He has appeared on NBC, FOX and WB networks; commanded stages across the globe at sold out venues and has appeared on the cover of many magazines and is most popularly described as "one of the most soul piercing performers of our time" by HX Magazine.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64583/daniel-bauer-living-pozitively.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:32:00 GMT Ken Howard: Self-Empowerment -- Have the Life You Want http://www.thebody.com/content/64570/ken-howard-self-empowerment--have-the-life-you-wan.html Ken Howard, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., is the author of the self-help book, Self-Empowerment: Have the Life You Want!: "How to close the gap between how life is, and how you would like it to be, in important areas of life such as mental health, health, career, finances, family, community and spirituality, based on his 18 years as a licensed psychotherapist and life/business coach."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64570/ken-howard-self-empowerment--have-the-life-you-wan.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:21:00 GMT Catching Up With Janine Brignola http://www.thebody.com/content/64537/catching-up-with-janine-brignola.html On Sunday October 9th at 9pm EST Robert Breining and Jack Mackenroth caught up with Janine Brignola.

Janine is a twenty nine year old HIV+ woman, mother, college student, activist and advocate. Janine has spent the last five years years since she was diagnosed learning what she could about HIV itself, the stigma attached to the disease, and how HIV affects the lives of those living with the disease in America as well as abroad.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64537/catching-up-with-janine-brignola.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:30:00 GMT Listen to Donald's Story on POZIAM Radio http://www.thebody.com/content/64533/listen-to-donalds-story-on-poziam-radio.html On October 1, 2011 Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn spoke with 27 year old Donald P., who shared his personal story with HIV/AIDS.

Working in pre-hospital care for ten years, the first thing you learn is to expect the unexpected. That statement never held more truth to Donald than it did in the fall of 2005. Donald's shift ended early because the trauma patient he had later died. Donald was exposed to this patient's virus ... HIV. Every healthcare provider's worse fear came true that night. That is contracting an infectious disease from their patient. His goal no longer was to be a trauma surgeon. It was now going into infectious diseases and epidemiology. He wants to be on the front lines of this pandemic and change the face of HIV every way that he possibly can.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64533/listen-to-donalds-story-on-poziam-radio.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:15:00 GMT Making "e-Patient Connections" http://www.thebody.com/content/64232/making-e-patient-connections.html This past week I spent three days in Center City Philadelphia, where I attended the e-Patient Connections 2011 Conference. When I was asked by TheBody.com and HealthCentral to attend this conference as an e-Patient and blogger I just had to say yes. This conference was bringing attention to important issues that all patients deal with despite the disease that they are living with. Like I said I had no choice but to say yes.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64232/making-e-patient-connections.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 4 Oct 2011 12:06:00 GMT Paul Gallegos: The Intersection Project http://www.thebody.com/content/64165/paul-gallegos--the-intersection-project.html Sunday September 25th Paul Gallegos, a 42 years old HIV positive husband and father of 5 HIV negative children shared his story on POZIAM Radio.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/64165/paul-gallegos--the-intersection-project.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sat, 24 Sep 2011 10:53:00 GMT Obama-ADAP Twitter Day: Tweet With Me http://www.thebody.com/content/63884/obama-adap-twitter-day-tweet-with-me.html The ADAP Advocacy Association, also known as aaa+, today announced that it is spearheading a national "Obama-ADAP Twitter Day," which will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011. The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness about the growing waiting lists under the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs by leveraging one of the leading social media outlets. Twitter users are asked to direct their hashtag #ObamaADAP Tweets at President Obama using handle @whitehouse.

"President Obama recently said that his Administration is committed to hearing from the American people, and we plan to make our voice heard on the ADAP crisis using Twitter," said Brandon M. Macsata, CEO of the ADAP Advocacy Association.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63884/obama-adap-twitter-day-tweet-with-me.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 9 Sep 2011 15:50:00 GMT Why I Blog -- Vote for Me http://www.thebody.com/content/63778/why-i-blog--vote-for-me.html I decided to start blogging because I wanted to share my experience of living with HIV/AIDS with others. The Positive Pitch allows me to do just that. I felt so alone when I was first diagnosed and reading blogs of others living with the disease gave me courage. The reason I share my story publicly is because I feel it is my duty. As a person living with HIV/AIDS it is my duty to stand up and be heard. So many of us living with the disease stay silent due to stigma. I understand that everyone can not be as open as I and I respect that. I blog to inspire those who may find themselves silent to find the strength they possess to become more open, more accepting of their status. My goal in all the work I do is to help those who are newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS adjust to the news and move past the shock and realize that they can not only survive with HIV but thrive.

I was recently nominated and was informed that I was named as a finalist for this year's CBS Philly Most Valuable Blogger award in the Local Affairs category.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63778/why-i-blog--vote-for-me.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sat, 27 Aug 2011 12:02:00 GMT Are You Surviving or Thriving With HIV? http://www.thebody.com/content/63713/are-you-surviving-or-thriving-with-hiv.html My friend Michael Moniz wrote this article and I thought it would make a great conversation for my readers. Check out Michael's website for more information and to schedule private consultations. Check out the original post on Gay.com.

For many years I have been thankful for the opportunity to work with the POZ community. I have worked with individuals and groups of men who were recently diagnosed as well as members of the community who were were living with HIV for over 15 years. I was invited to speak at a recent event where I talked about the fact that people are no longer SURVIVING with HIV but THRIVING with HIV.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63713/are-you-surviving-or-thriving-with-hiv.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:28:00 GMT Meet Miracle Mike Hennessey http://www.thebody.com/content/63546/meet-miracle-mike-hennessey.html On Sunday, July 31st at 6 pm PST/9 pm EST Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn spoke 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.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63546/meet-miracle-mike-hennessey.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:01:00 GMT Melissa Baker: HIV-Positive Mother of Four http://www.thebody.com/content/63338/melissa-baker-hiv-positive-mother-of-four.html Have you ever wondered how to tell your child/children that you are HIV+ or living with HIV/AIDS? or How an HIV-positive woman can have an HIV-negative child?

Melissa Baker learned that she was HIV positive in August 2007, three days before her 28th birthday. Her diagnosis was a surprise, since she had tested negative for HIV only the year before while in what she thought to be a monogamous relationship. Melissa quickly realized that life does not stop with HIV and educated herself, her three teen daughters and the rest of her family and friends about the disease.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63338/melissa-baker-hiv-positive-mother-of-four.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sun, 24 Jul 2011 11:50:00 GMT Michelle Anderson, 2011 Ms. Plus America http://www.thebody.com/content/63117/michelle-anderson-2011-ms-plus-america.html I am very excited to have Michelle Anderson as our guest on tonight's POZIAM RADIO show. Michelle was just crowned 2011 Ms. Plus America. Michelle will discuss what it felt like to be the first openly HIV-positive woman to win a national pageant title!

About Michelle: Michelle is an African-American woman who has been living for HIV since 1999. She currently resides in Dallas, Texas and is very active in her community as co-chair of Campaign to End AIDS Texas, The Afiya Center peer educator, public speaker, as well as a board member for AIDS Services of Dallas, and ADAP Advocacy Association where she is the treasurer.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/63117/michelle-anderson-2011-ms-plus-america.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sun, 17 Jul 2011 14:03:00 GMT Where You At? The ADAP Crisis in America http://www.thebody.com/content/62893/where-you-at-the-adap-crisis-in-america.html Some of you may be familiar with and may of read my previous posts -- here, here, and here -- about the ever growing AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) waiting list in the United States. Well it is that time of year again when the ADAP Advocacy Association (aaa+) holds it annual ADAP Conference. aaa+ strives to promote and enhance the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) and improve access to care for persons living with HIV/AIDS. aaa+ works with advocates, community, health care, government, patients, pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders to assure that access to services recognize and afford persons living with HIV/AIDS to enjoy a healthy life. As always I have to applaud and say THANK YOU to Brandon Macsata for organizing this whole thing and Amanda,Christopher,Joey and Regine and all the volunteers for making the conference a success.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62893/where-you-at-the-adap-crisis-in-america.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:08:00 GMT 32 Facts About Me http://www.thebody.com/content/62851/32-facts-about-me.html Since I recently turned 32 years old, I thought it would be fun to just post a blog with 32 facts about myself. Some of them you may already know and others may be a surprise. They are in random order. Lets begin.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/62851/32-facts-about-me.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 7 Jun 2011 13:53:00 GMT A Decade Dadless http://www.thebody.com/content/art61731.html Today marks the 10-year anniversary of my father's passing. It is very hard to imagine that a decade has passed. It feels like it all happened yesterday. During the final months of my father's life, I was going through a range of emotions. I remember spending most of my time away from my house and my family. I was really unable to deal with the fact that he was sick. It was a reality that I didn't want to face and honestly I couldn't face it. I have only lost a few people in my life before my father, but nothing could have ever prepared me for losing my dad.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art61731.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sun, 17 Apr 2011 14:42:00 GMT April POZIAM Radio Shows http://www.thebody.com/content/art61635.html Anthony Johnson is a 16-year survivor of HIV and the creator and organizer of an HIV-centric but non-exclusive social group called BOLT (Bringing Our Lives Together). He is also the creator of an HIV social/support network and the co-creator of The Calendar of Gay/Bi Social and Support Groups. The Calendar lists the social and support groups in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties as well as special community events that pertain to the HIV positive gay/bi man with full contact information, addresses, phone numbers and connects to locator map. The goal of The Calendar is to make support more accessible to the HIV-positive individual.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art61635.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 29 Mar 2011 21:26:00 GMT My Positive Living Conference Experience http://www.thebody.com/content/art61334.html From March 10-13, 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 beforehand 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 have never been 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.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art61334.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:12:00 GMT Three Incredible Interviews http://www.thebody.com/content/art61025.html On Sunday March 14th Jeromy Dunn shared his personal story for the first time. Jeromy's mission is eliminate the stigma that people with HIV/AIDS face, through education, community involvement and the collaboration with local businesses and personal testimony through out the Carolinas and around the world. Jeromy has been cohosting POZIAM Radio for the past 2-1/2 years. Jeromy's unique hosting style brings his quick wit and humor to a cause that not to many people can laugh about. Jeromy shares his personal experiences through his Web site and blog, www.pozitivelyspeaking.com. For the first time Jeromy will be sharing his own personal story on POZIAM Radio.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art61025.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:32:00 GMT Addressing America's ADAP Crisis http://www.thebody.com/content/art60455.html Five months ago I blogged about participating in a PSA that the ADAP Advocacy Association (aaa+) was creating to bring attention to ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Programs) waiting lists. Well, today the aaa+ released the 2 Public Service Announcements with hopes of brining this issue to the national level. As a board member of aaa+, I take the ADAP issue very seriously.We at aaa+ work very hard to bring attention to the ever growing ADAP waiting list and hope that one day soon their won't be any waiting lists at all.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art60455.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 9 Feb 2011 13:55:00 GMT My Message to the Newly Diagnosed http://www.thebody.com/content/art60308.html I wanted to wish you all Happy and Healthy New Year. I have some big plans for the upcoming year, I know 2011 will be an amazing year for POZIAM and I hope for all of you too. I know 2010 was exciting at times and a struggle at times myself. I started off 2010 just starting to take HIV medications and ended it with me getting engaged. So the last year was a roller coaster of sorts.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art60308.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sat, 15 Jan 2011 15:26:00 GMT Kevin Maloney: A Co-Infection Story http://www.thebody.com/content/art60261.html Kevin Maloney was diagnosed HIV+ on March 3, 2010. Since then Kevin has been advocating and educating the public through his personal blog. It can be found at www.kevincaresusa.blogspot.com. He has recently enrolled back in school to get his Masters degree in Public Health and starts classes in January. Kevin was actually co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C due to unprotected sex. He has just finished six months of hep C treatments, which have eradicated the virus.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art60261.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:00:00 GMT POZIAM's Top 10 Most Popular Interviews of All Time http://www.thebody.com/content/art60211.html We are fast approaching our 155th episode of POZIAM Radio. So I have compiled a list of the TOP 10 Guests of all time. These episodes have been downloaded and listened to the most out of all our past shows. Click on the guest names to listen to their POZIAM Radio interview.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art60211.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:47:00 GMT Top 10 POZIAM Radio Shows of 2010 http://www.thebody.com/content/art60094.html In August we entered our third year broadcasting the POZIAM Radio Show. It has been so much fun talking to so many different people living with HIV/AIDS. Our guests over the years have been celebrities, authors, activists and everyday people living with the disease who wanted to share their story for the first time in a public forum. I compiled a lists of the top 10 downloaded and listened to POZIAM radio shows/episodes of 2010. Click the link below the guests photo to listen to the archive of each episode.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art60094.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:47:00 GMT My Christmas Proposal http://www.thebody.com/content/art60029.html This Holiday season was one for the record books and is one I will never forget. Joe made his famous Christmas cookies. He made Chocolate chip with walnuts, White & Milk Chocolate Macadamia Nut and Sugar cookies.While Making the sugar cookies I asked Joe to make a red ribbon for me. It came out great. I still haven't eaten it yet. LOL For the last 2 years spent we have spent Christmas eve night at my older sisters house. This is when we exchange gifts with my family and spend some quality time with them. Since the passing of my Dad, which feels like yesterday, but has been 10 years, I come to cherish the moments spent with my family members. From weddings, birthdays, holidays, driving them to a Dr. appointment or Black Friday shopping.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art60029.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:22:00 GMT Jennifer Price: One Story of a Positive Mother -- On POZIAM Radio Sunday, Dec. 19 http://www.thebody.com/content/art59925.html On Sunday December 19th at 9pm EST POZIAM Radio will be speaking with Jennifer Price,an HIV positive mother, who will be sharing insight on motherhood, her marriage to an HIV negative man and her will to educate others living with the disease.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art59925.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 17 Dec 2010 21:26:00 GMT Larry Bryant of Housing Works Live on POZIAM Radio Sunday, Dec. 12 http://www.thebody.com/content/art59835.html This Sunday at 9pm EST Jeromy Dunn and I will be speaking with Larry Bryant. On this episode Larry will be sharing his story and talking about the work he does to combat HIV and Homelessness through Housing Works.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art59835.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Mon, 6 Dec 2010 19:39:00 GMT 10 Holiday Gifts for Anyone HIV-Positive http://www.thebody.com/content/art59573.html I wanted to share with you 10 things that I would recommend getting an HIV+ friend or family member for the upcoming holidays.The things I am going to mention are items that have helped me move past my diagnosis and shifted me from living with HIV to thriving with HIV. These items will not only help those living with HIV but also support some amazing causes & people.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art59573.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:56:00 GMT Billboards -- Awareness or Stigma? http://www.thebody.com/content/art59489.html One of the reasons I decided to become so vocal about living with HIV is because in my neighborhood of Levittown, PA I don't see any HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns. I would only see billboards on 95 when I would travel to the city for my Dr. appointment or for soccer practice but not in my own neighborhood. I have lived here for a little over 5 years and I never seen an AIDS awareness billboard. Until one day this past July I was driving in the car with my partner on RT 413 on the way to my mothers house and caught the word HIV out of the corner of my eye on a billboard. We drove past it too quick for me to read it. I was super excited to see this. I knew we would be passing it again on the way home and all I had to do was remember to look at it. So when we did pass it on the way home I read the following words.

"You don't have to use IV drugs.
You could be injecting HIV."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art59489.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sun, 14 Nov 2010 19:27:00 GMT My "Does HIV Look Like Me?" Video http://www.thebody.com/content/art59424.html Three years ago I came to a cross roads in my life. I am not sure if it was a mid-life crisis or just me coming to the realization that all human beings have a purpose. At first I wanted to start sharing my story as a speaker. When I was looking for HIV/AIDS organizations to get involved with a google search returned Hope's Voice. I saw that the speakers toured the United States and spoke to high schools and colleges. I instantly thought to myself "that is what I want to do" I saw they were taking video submissions for a campaign called Does HIV Look Like Me ? Below is the video I sent in and was chosen as a part of the campaign..I don' think I would be where I am today if I didn't take part in this campaign. Filming this video was my first step towards excepting my status and moving passed the shock of my diagnosis.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art59424.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 12 Nov 2010 23:10:00 GMT First-Ever ADAP Public Service Announcement http://www.thebody.com/content/art59332.html About a month ago I participated in the first-ever public service announcement on the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP). The PSA was directed by an Emmy-winning producer who filmed the first-ever AIDS PSA in the 1980s and Nancy Reagan's "Just Say NO to Drugs" Campaign.ADAP provides life saving medications for uninsured and under-insured people living with HIV/AIDS. As you may of read in a previous blog post,I am a board member for the ADAP Advocacy Association. We work very hard to bring attention to the ever growing ADAP waiting list and hope that one day soon their won't be any waiting lists at all.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art59332.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sun, 7 Nov 2010 12:08:00 GMT November Shows and Guests http://www.thebody.com/content/art59277.html November 7th at 9pm EST
Michelle Anderson: One Positive Beauty Queen
Listen LIVE -- Click Here

Michelle Anderson is an African-American woman who has been living for HIV since 1999. She currently resides in Dallas, Texas and is very active in her community as Co-Chair of Campaign to End AIDS Texas, The Afiya Center Peer Educator, Public Speaker, as well as a board member for AIDS Services of Dallas, and ADAP Advocacy Association where she is the Treasurer. Michelle has dedicated much of her personal life to educating others on HIV/AIDS throughout the greater Dallas area and beyond. She plans to finish her degree in Social Work where she will be able to continue to spread the message, and educate people regarding HIV/AIDS. Michelle is has stepped out of the box and is currently Ms. Duncanville Plus America 2010 and 2011. She plans to use her title to become the voice of positive women of color. Michelle has experience as a group facilitator and has attended many conferences where she received training in Advocacy, Project LEAP (Learning, Empowerment, Advocacy, Participation), and Common Threads.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art59277.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sat, 30 Oct 2010 14:09:00 GMT Philadelphia AIDS Walk 2010 http://www.thebody.com/content/art59334.html 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.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art59334.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:43:00 GMT Awareness and Awards -- Kick HIV Tournament http://www.thebody.com/content/art59333.html This past weekend I participated in and volunteered to help with the Kick HIV/Patae el VIH soccer tournament. As I may of mentioned I was really excited to be a part of this tournament. It brings two things that I hold near and dear to my heart (Soccer & HIV Awareness) together in one event. The tournament was on Saturday October 9th which was National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. Since it was NLAAD The event was completely ran in Spanish. It was great even though I don't speak much Spanish. It all took place in South Philly right next to Geno's Steaks. I was craving a cheese steak all day but refuse to stand in a line of 50 people to get one.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art59333.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:33:00 GMT My Take on Condoms http://www.thebody.com/content/art59159.html What can we do to encourage our peers to wear condoms? We can remind them that HIV doesn't discriminate, along with other STDs and pregnancy. We must continue to speak on HIV and AIDS and share our stories so others can be educated and not make the same mistakes we did. Social and cultural factors, not just unavailability or ignorance, influence why young people do not use condoms.

Some sexually active people under 25 years of age associate condoms with a lack of trust, while others believe carrying them could imply sexual experience, which might be a plus for men but not necessarily for women. Young people assess a potential partner's disease risk, and the need for a condom, by their appearance and how well they know them socially.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art59159.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:15:00 GMT "Project Runway's" Mondo Talks to POZIAM Radio http://www.thebody.com/content/art58959.html Mondo Guerra, the rocking 32-year-old breakout star from the 8th season of "Project Runway," turned tear ducts to geysers during a past episode, when he revealed his HIV-positive status. Which was a secret he'd been hiding from his deeply religious family for ten years. Once the sobbing subsided, and Mondo laid claim to his much deserved third win in a row (the first turkey in "Project Runway" history!), a bigger question loomed in the minds of viewers: How did his deeply religious family take the news when they saw it? And did they watch the big reveal live with the rest of America, or were they prepped beforehand?

During the challenge the contestants were asked to create a textile pattern inspired by old family photos, evoking "something deeply personal." Guerra created black, yellow and magenta plus-sign print pants, explaining, "The symbolism in the pants are these pluses are positive signs and I've been HIV positive for ten years. When I saw these pictures of my family, it brought back a lot of emotion, so I wanted to pull from the past but also give something back of who I am now."

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art58959.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Fri, 8 Oct 2010 20:47:00 GMT Kicking HIV in Philly on National Latino AIDS Awareness Day http://www.thebody.com/content/art58770.html Many of you all may have heard about Grassroot Soccer before. They use the power of soccer to empower and educate African youth. It would be a dream job for someone like myself. I currently play for the Philadelphia Falcons soccer club and have been playing soccer for over 20+ years. The cool thing about playing soccer with the Philadelphia Falcons is that they are very active with social issues like HIV/AIDS.

A few weeks ago I went to my soccer practice and happened to see that there were representatives from Philly Vax who handed out water bottles and other cool merchandise promoting safe sex and information informing us about the trials they are running. It is an amazing feeling to know that my teammates and team are so supportive in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art58770.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 5 Oct 2010 01:43:00 GMT My ADAP Crisis Summit Experience http://www.thebody.com/content/art58033.html In a previous blog I spoke about becoming a board member of the ADAP Advocacy Association (aaa+). In July we held our ADAP Crisis Summit. I have to give props to Brandon Macsata for organizing this whole thing. He did a fantastic job.

With over 2,000 people who are not getting their life-saving medication, this year's summit was extremely important. The best part about the summit is that you meet people from all walks of life who are all about helping those with HIV/AIDS. The topics at the summit were all very interesting. They ranged from the waiting lists to housing to health care. With so much information, I was glad to hear we (aaa+) would provide a zip drive with all the slides from the speakers' presentations. It was a great to take home and review anything I may have missed or didn't understand.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art58033.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Sun, 11 Jul 2010 05:54:00 GMT Sports and Support: An Entry From an HIV-Positive Athlete http://www.thebody.com/content/art57399.html You may have read in my previous blogs that I have been playing soccer for over 20 years. I have always enjoyed soccer since I was 6 years old. So of course I have come down with a case of World Cup Fever. It is very exciting since the World Cup is only every four years. With the arrival of David Beckham a few years ago to the L.A. Galaxy, major league team soccer (MLS ) in America has become more popular.

I currently play for Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club. Since I have been so involved with POZIAM and my work in the HIV/AIDS community, I took time off from playing soccer and before I knew it, 3 years had passed. I started seeing my body change. I started seeing some roundness setting in since I stopped playing for a long time. So I decided to start practicing again in May of 2010 to get back in shape. I was never really into working out at the gym and playing soccer allowed me to work out and have fun at the same time.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art57399.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:25:00 GMT My Stages of PRIDE http://www.thebody.com/content/art56835.html So this month is Pride Month on TheBody.com and, after thinking about the topic, I realized that I went through many stages of Pride in my 31 years.

Stage 1. NO PRIDE

Like many young, gay men, I was teased in school all the time. I was called fag, faggot, queer and so on. So I always viewed being gay as a negative thing. Something people wouldn't accept. It was something I thought I couldn't accept either.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art56835.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 1 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT ADAP Saves Lives -- President Obama, End the Wait! http://www.thebody.com/content/art56401.html As you may of read in a previous blog that I just started taking HIV/AIDS meds in December of 2009. My counts are undetectable for the first time and I owe this change to ADAP -- AIDS Drugs Assistance Programs. ADAP provides HIV/AIDS related prescription drugs to uninsured and underinsured individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

ADAP Saves Lives. End the Wait.Since I am fairly new to the HIV/AIDS community, I haven't had the chance to speak publicly as often as I would like. Last year I was invited to speak at the ADAP Advocacy Association's Early Treatment for HIV Summit by their CEO, Brandon Macsata. I was asked to speak on the topic of using social networking websites to reach people living with HIV/AIDS.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art56401.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:01:00 GMT Reality Check -- Stigma Stinks http://www.thebody.com/content/art56220.html Today I am going to blog about a situation that happened on a reality show called Big Brother in Germany. I was totally shocked about this when I read it. I personally love Big Brother. It is my favorite reality show. Here is a little bit about the show for people who are not familiar with it. Big Brother challenges a group of strangers (houseguests) to live under one roof. They're cut off from the outside world, while cameras catch their every move 24 hours a day, for 3 months, all for the chance at winning $500,000.

Now to the story I wanted to talk about. The German version of the reality show Big Brother has seen the early exit of one contestant, Horst, a 41 year old tattoo artist from Otzberg, after a gay couple, Carlos and Harald, entered the house.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art56220.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 7 Apr 2010 10:05:00 GMT HIV Meds and Hospital Beds http://www.thebody.com/content/art56006.html "Going on meds doesn't mean I am going to die. It means that I am not letting the virus attack my immune system without a weapon to defend itself. I am going to try to control it and not let HIV run free inside of me." -- Robert

I wanted my third blog to be about my experience starting HIV/AIDS medication. When I was first diagnosed I was told time and time again that my counts were always good and I didn't need to start taking medication right away. This helped feed the denial of my HIV status. Not having to take medicine on a daily basis and keeping busy made it easy to sweep my diagnosis under the rug.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art56006.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:40:00 GMT HIV Is My Reality http://www.thebody.com/content/art55768.html Something you may not know about me is that I am a reality show junkie. I watch all kinds of shows, from Survivor and Hell's Kitchen to Solitary. I find watching everyday people put into stressful situations makes for great television.

I think the first show I was hooked on was MTV's Real World. Real World was one of the first reality shows. Total strangers agree to live in a house in a specific city all while being filmed. They of course find people from all different walks of life and with different views. It is pure genius. The San Francisco season was the one season that hit home with me. When I first saw Pedro Zamora, I felt an instant connection. He was the first person on television that I could relate to as a gay male. He was open and honest about who he was from the beginning. I remember seeing him and having an overwhelming desire for his bravery. I was just a freshman in high school when the show premiered in June of 1994. I had been wanting to "come out of the closet" so to speak for a long time, but I was still young and wasn't ready. Pedro opened my eyes and made me realize that who I am is who I am and I needed to accept it in order to move forward and live a productive life.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art55768.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:54:00 GMT Evolution of a Cyber-Activist http://www.thebody.com/content/art55244.html I wanted my first blog to be about how I got to where I am today. I wasn't always as open about my HIV status. It took me about five years to accept it myself and move forward. I want to take you back about nine years ago.

I can't tell you how many times I'd go to a bathhouse for what I convinced myself was "just for a couple of hours." But then I'd return home tweaked out three days later. I called those times tweakends. All I'd have to do while at the bathhouse is walk by somebody's room and hear them sniff; it meant I could get a bump of crystal meth or cocaine from them. It is a known code in those places.

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]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/art55244.html Robert@poziam.com (Robert Breining) Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:48:00 GMT