Podcast appearances and mentions of Jack Mackenroth

An ASS first, as gay porn power-couple Dolf Dietrich and Jack Mackenroth join us together in studio to talk about sex, porn, the current state of their relationship and which one of them is more likely to go without a shower for days. Scratch and sniff. Visit https://linktr.ee/AdamSank

After a very public meltdown this past spring, OnlyFans star Jack Mackenroth joins us in studio for a candid and honest discussion of his recovery from Xanax addiction. But first, breaking news on a possible HIV cure, and Adam celebrates key LGBTQ wins in the 2021 elections. Sissy that vote! Visit https://linktr.ee/AdamSank  

Grab your tissues and your lube – cuz we've got legendary gay porn star Dolf Dietrich in studio. From his first foray into adult entertainment to his messy public breakup from fellow porn star Jack Mackenroth, Dolf gives a no-holes-barred interview that will go down as an ASS for the ages. Adult supervision is advised. Visit https://linktr.ee/AdamSank 

In a new TAGS LIVE Host, Steve V. and Kodi Maurice Doggette are back celebrating Kodi's birthday with all new sex topics. Jack Mackenroth's public apology mess, Getting Caught having public sex, Hygiene do's and don'ts plus a new Thirsty Thursday! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/talk-about-gay-sex-tagspodcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On a new TAGS LIVE EP 269, Host, Steve V. and Co-host Kodi Maurice Doggette are live talking Steve V. recounting his 'Ask Wendy' question on "The Wendy Show", Pride Month is here! We discuss what 'Validation' means to us from relationships, being gay, our bodies and in the bedroom. Plus, former Project Runway's Jack Mackenroth is back in the news and its more drama! Get your Thursday Thirst Trap! Follow us and DM us @tagspodcast 

On a new TAGS LIVE, Host Steve V. and Co-host Kodi Maurice Doggette welcome Jay and Erikka to the show to discuss 'Disability and Sex' on a new 'Vulnerable Voices'. Plus, we're talking Grindr robberies in Atlanta and ways to stop them, Jack Mackenroth and porn star, Dolf Dietrich drama and play our Thirst Trap game with us. Follow us and reach out for sex advice @tagspodcast on IG

Original air date: April 1, 2018

Jack Mackenroth is most widely known for his participation as a fashion designer on season 4 of Project Runway. He became one of the nations most visible HIV activists when he disclosed his positive HIV status on the show. It was the first public television disclosure since Pedro Zamora in 1994. Jack currently works as a media strategist for Housing Works in New York. There he art directed the New York based #PrEPheroes campaign to promote PrEP and he is currently promoting the Housing Works fundraiser, Braking AIDS Ride. He also plans to personally raise $75,000 and participate in the 300 mile bike ride in September. (He raised $56,000 in 2014) In 2013 he was the creator of the multi-media anti-stigma and HIV testing initiative, “HIV Equal”. On World AIDS Day 2014, he conceptualized and launched the HIV Shower Selfie Challenge with the hashtag #weareALLclean, which went globally viral in multiple countries with over 26 million social media impressions and translations in over 10 languages. From 2014 to 2016, Jack was the Senior Communications Officer of MSMGF—The Global Forum On MSM and HIV.Jack has two bachelor’s degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and one from Parson School of Design. He has been HIV positive for 28 years, since the age of 20. 

Paul Richmond is an artist, activist, and storyteller. His work often incorporates elements of pop culture, politics, and his own experiences as a gay man. You can see all of his work, purchase some prints and more at http://paulrichmondstudio.com. His latest series, War Paint, explores ideas of identity and masculinity through expressive, figurative paintings of men covering their bodies with paint. He enjoys working with models who have made important or interesting contributions to LGBT culture, and he's painted everyone from Jack Mackenroth to Perez Hilton. Many of the "gaylebrity" models were a part of his Cheesecake Boys series, a gay/male spin on classic pin-up art from the 40's and 50's. When he's not painting, he is busy with a non-profit organization that he founded with his childhood art teacher called the You Will Rise Project. Their mission to empower young people who have experienced bullying to speak out through the creation of uncensored artworks. He was bullied horribly as a kid and having a creative outlet made all the difference. He does free workshops for young people, a mentorship program connecting college artists with bullied high school students, a special project last spring called Art For Michael in support of an 11 year old boy who attempted suicide after being bullied for his love of My Little Pony, and a new social media photo campaign called #SelfieRespect. Visit: http://youwillriseproject.com. Him and his husband  are involved with the fight for marriage equality as well. They were married a year and a half ago with a group of 24 other LGBT couples who rode a bus to Washington DC and had our ceremony in front of the Supreme Court building just days before DOMA was repealed. 

Paul Richmond is an artist, activist, and storyteller. His work often incorporates elements of pop culture, politics, and his own experiences as a gay man. You can see all of his work, purchase some prints and more at http://paulrichmondstudio.com. His latest series, War Paint, explores ideas of identity and masculinity through expressive, figurative paintings of men covering their bodies with paint. He enjoys working with models who have made important or interesting contributions to LGBT culture, and he's painted everyone from Jack Mackenroth to Perez Hilton. Many of the "gaylebrity" models were a part of his Cheesecake Boys series, a gay/male spin on classic pin-up art from the 40's and 50's. When he's not painting, he is busy with a non-profit organization that he founded with his childhood art teacher called the You Will Rise Project. Their mission to empower young people who have experienced bullying to speak out through the creation of uncensored artworks. He was bullied horribly as a kid and having a creative outlet made all the difference. He does free workshops for young people, a mentorship program connecting college artists with bullied high school students, a special project last spring called Art For Michael in support of an 11 year old boy who attempted suicide after being bullied for his love of My Little Pony, and a new social media photo campaign called #SelfieRespect. Visit: http://youwillriseproject.com. Him and his husband  are involved with the fight for marriage equality as well. They were married a year and a half ago with a group of 24 other LGBT couples who rode a bus to Washington DC and had our ceremony in front of the Supreme Court building just days before DOMA was repealed. 

On this episode of Offlimits we talk to the fashion designer, model, actor and swimmer. He was formerly a contestant on the popular reality television series "Project Runway" and was featured in the blockbuster film "Sex and the City. Also, we talk about the shocking TRUTH of behind the scenes Project Runway! He's an HIV advocate and started the HIV+ dating website, Volttage as well as being an inspirational speaker and commentator on pop culture, fashion and more.

On this episode of Offlimits we talk to the fashion designer, model, actor and swimmer. He was formerly a contestant on the popular reality television series "Project Runway" and was featured in the blockbuster film "Sex and the City. Also, we talk about the shocking TRUTH of behind the scenes Project Runway! He's an HIV advocate and started the HIV+ dating website, Volttage as well as being an inspirational speaker and commentator on pop culture, fashion and more.

Tonight on Offlimits we talk to the fashion designer, model, actor and swimmer. He was formerly a contestant on the popular reality television series "Project Runway" and was featured in the blockbuster film "Sex and the City. Also, we talk about the shocking TRUTH of behind the scenes Project Runway! He's an HIV advocate and started the HIV+ dating website, Volttage as well as being an inspirational speaker and commentator on pop culture, fashion and more.

JZ was born in raised in Georgia by his mother. He grew up poor and didn’t have very man friends. This really messed with his self-esteem. He was always picked to play last when it came to sports. At 19 he left home, because living in the conservative south was too hard for him. At 24 he found out he was HIV+. He thought his life was over. Within the last eleven years, he has realized that life continues and is better than he ever thought it could ever be. He now plays softball, flag football, and basketball. In basketball, the sport he remembers being the most unfriendly as a kid, he recently won the coaches award.

The Needle Prick Project is an editorial and visual project with the mission of sparking a new conversation about HIV today.  The editorial project is a profile series featured in The Advocate online magazine that is intended to place a modern face on HIV. These profiles not only feature people who are positive but also those who have an experience with HIV - whether it be a partner, brother, mother or friend.  The visual project allows others to become involved in the project by taking a photo with a red band aid and the "get pricked" logo.  Each photo represents a commitment to having a conversation about HIV with friends and family. The project began with the initial article, "The Needle Prick" Reluctant Commentary from a Newly HIV Positive 20-Something."  The Needle Prick is a metaphor for being afraid of something that ultimately makes us feel better.  Most people are afraid of discussing HIV, but education through conversation is the best way to erase stigma, increase awareness and prevent transmission.

On Sunday February 3rd Kevin Maloney the founder of RiseUpToHIV is going to be talking about his new Anti-Stigma Campaign - No SHame in Being HIV Positive. This is a Global public campaign inspired by Chelsea Clinton raising awareness by holding a simple sign for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Kevin's vision for this campaign is to mobilize people in places across the United States and the World willing to stand up to Stigma and Rise Up To HIV, all in an effort of realizing the UN Goals of getting to ZERO. The biggest barrier Kevin believes to realizing these goals is STIGMA.  

Would you deny your heart love if it meant you physically had a to take a risk? I recently went on a date with a man who is HIV+ and my inner circle all seemed to have differing opinions.   Join Project Runway megastar Jack Mackenroth, Xbix 2012 TS Entertainer of the Year Lexi Wade, Heather Benson and JJ Blade as we open the conversation to the benefits, the risks and  the ultimate rewards involved in aligning your heart and your head. You do NOT want to miss this conversation!

Would you deny your heart love if it meant you physically had a to take a risk? I recently went on a date with a man who is HIV+ and my inner circle all seemed to have differing opinions.   Join Project Runway megastar Jack Mackenroth, Xbix 2012 TS Entertainer of the Year Lexi Wade, Heather Benson and JJ Blade as we open the conversation to the benefits, the risks and  the ultimate rewards involved in aligning your heart and your head. You do NOT want to miss this conversation!

David Purdy is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of World AIDS Institute. David has dedicated the past 23 years to the education and destigmatization of AIDS to create an acute awareness of this growing problem facing the globe. Successfully battling his own fight with HIV, David has continued to champion for new science and technology that can one day lead to the eradication of this disease. Dave will be sharing his story and speaking about AIDS 2012 Reunion that will be taking place in Washington DC this July. AIDS 2012 Reunion is the one-stop resource for community events before, during and after the XIX International AIDS Conference (Washington, DC, July 20-28); for persons living with HIV and AIDS, the LGBTQ community and the general public.

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. After beating the odds and graduating from high school, Shawn opened up about his life, creating one of the first “poz blogs” in 1996 describing his life as a then twenty-year old dating with HIV. He penned a column for Poz Magazine, entitled “Positoid”, and his first book, My Pet Virus: The True Story of a Rebel Without a Cure, was published by the Penguin Group in 2006. He tours the United States with his wife partner, Gwenn Barringer, discussing sexual health and HIV issues and also fronts his band, Synthetic Division, giving out ONE Condoms at their live shows.

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 25years 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. Today he works as an Outreach and Event Specialist with The Center for HIV Law and Policy’s Positive Justice Project, which combats HIV criminalization. He spoke in Geneva, Switzerland, about HIV criminalization at the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board’s meeting in December, 2011, and as part of a panel discussion organized by the UN Human Rights Council meeting in March, 2012.  Rhoades has also volunteered with the Community HIV/Hepatitis Advocates of Iowa Network(CHAIN), Iowa Community Planning Group, Positive Iowans Taking Charge (PITCH)and as a board member with Community AIDS Assistance Project, in Waterloo, Iowa. Watch HIV is Not a Crim Trailer.

On Father's Day Sunday June 17th POZ I AM radio will be speaking with Michael Kearns a 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 1991 announcing on Entertainment Tonight that he was HIV positive. In 1992, as an openly HIV+ actor, Kearns starred in a segment of ABC's  Life Goes On in which he played a character who had the HIV virus. He also played Cleve Jones in the HBO adaptation of Randy Shilts' And the Band Played On, appeared in A Mother's Prayer, It's My Party and had a recurring role on Beverly Hills, 90210. Other television and film credits include Cheers, Murder, She Wrote, The Waltons, L.A. Tool & Die, Knots Landing, General Hospital, Days of our Lives, and Brian De Palma's Body Double. In 1995, Kearns began proceedings that resulted in his adoption in 1997 of a child. He presently lives in Los Angeles with his daughter who turned seventeen in August 2011. Kearns will be sharing about his new book  “The Truth is Bad Enough: What Became of the Happy Hustler” (now available on Amazon) and what it is like to be an HIV+ Father.

Michael Lloyd an outspoken young man, from Orlando, Florida, seems too young to be such a regarded leader when it comes to HIV/AIDS in the Orlando, and central florida area. For the past two and a half years and not only has he been an inspiration to others by fund raising for Hope and Help, a local HIV service organization but also through the efforts to share his story of his struggle after being diagnosed with HIV, on January 26, 2010. He simply presents himself as a confident man with the desire to improve the lives of all those dealing with the struggle of HIV. Michaels own struggle wasn't the easiest although after hard work, tough love, and a very strong support group, Lloyd says that he accounts everything to God and his family. "If it wasn't for them I'd have to say I wouldn't really be here today" Michaels battle with methamphetamine as a cloud to cover the inability to accept himself with HIV is the reason he's on the show today, it his mission to be an example to other gay men his age that they don't have to fall in step with the societal norm the gay community has set. 

Kevin Maloney, founder of Rise up to HIV. In March 2010, Kevin learned he had contracted HIV, and one month later with follow up labs was told he has also contracted Hepatitis C. Kevin was not an intravenous drug user. The hepatitis C piggy backed onto the HIV virus. Kevin was seroconverting at the time he found out of his HIV diagnosis, and fortunately caught his hepatitis C early too. That diagnosis was his rock bottom. He had been dealing with an addiction, and these diagnoses gave him reason to pause and reflect on his life. He set in motion a series of action plans to combat his HIV, his addiction, and his Hepatitis C. With treatment, Kevin cured hepatitis C. During the past 2 years he was laid off from his job in NYC, and his mother is currently connected to a respirator, it’s been 7 months now. He’s taken a job in Washington, DC where he has been the past 4 months working for a non-profit that advocates for people living with HIV/AIDS. It’s been a whirlwind of 2 years, but in hindsight he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Ryan Wilcox is a 50-year-old Denverite, who was born in Greeley and raised on a dairy farm in Ca on City. In 1979, he contracted HIV/AIDS before there even was the diagnosis of AIDS. Doctors initially diagnosed him with Cyclo Mega Virus (which was essentially an umbrella term to describe many viruses the doctors could not at the time identify). In 1981 his illness became GRID (Gay Related Immune Deficiency) and finally in 1984 he received the official prognosis of AIDS. Ryan has been living with AIDS for almost 31 one years, being one of the first to experience the struggles and stigmas that come with the disease. After losing his partner of many in years in 1989 due to AIDS, Ryan started a slow decline into depression and failing health. By 2006, Ryan was walking with a cane and his weight had fallen to 97 pounds. It was in 2006 that Ryan had first heard of the Gay Games, when he was invited by friends to participate and "flag" for the opening ceremonies in Chicago. Due to his health, he was not able to attend.. After learning about the Gay Games, Ryan was inspired to change his life. He wanted to participate in the 2010 Gay Games. He then returned to his childhood passion and sport of figure skating, which his grandmother had him involved in as a child in Colorado Springs. Ryan enrolled in a "Learn To Skate" program at Big Bear Ice Arena in Denver and also began taking private lessons. Slowly his strength and articulation came back to him. At the time, He didn't know how he would get there (Germany) but that was his dream,. That is how Ryan's dream started but it has transformed into something else entirely. Ryan's dream is far from over as he is now in the process of trying to raise money to send himself and his skating coach to Germany in August. Being on disability for so many years has prevented Ryan from being able to work a normal job because he would lose his health care benefits.

Marvelyn Brown, 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. Her humanitarian work earned her a 2007 Emmy Award for Outstanding National PSA, BET’s Rap It Up campaign named Brown one of the 25 "HEROES" in the HIV/AIDS epidemic, in 2009 she won the Do Something Award which resulted in her face and story on the back of millions of Nacho Cheese Doritos bags nationwide, and in 2010, she was inducted into The Heroes In The Struggle Photo Exhibit by The Magic Johnson Foundation and The Black AIDS Institute. Most recently she was named a Modern Day Black History month hero by BET and was honored by the New Jersey NETS as part of their Black History Month honoring influential people initiative. Brown has also appeared on CNN's Black in America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, America’s Next Top Model, America’s Best Dance Crew, CBS’s The Early Show, numerous BET’s Rap It Up episodes and MTV’s programming. She has also appeared on the Tavis Smiley Show, the Tom Joyner Morning Show, the Michael Baisden Show, Steve Wilko’s Show, as well as the Tyra Banks Show. Articles including her story have appeared in Newsweek, U.S. News and Report, Fortune 500, Ebony, Black Beat and ESSENCE magazine. Brown has also had a tremendous affect on print in the United Kingdom with feature stories in Cosmopolitan, Pride and Fabulous Magazine. Brown has also graced the covers A&U, POZ and The Ave. She is currently the CEO and an Independent HIV Consultant for, Marvelous Connections, which she founded in 2006. Brown now has an online boutique called, MARVSPIRATIONAL, with some of her own inspirational quotes, and she is a proud ambassador for the Greater Than AIDS Campaign.

This Friday May 4th at 12pm 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. We also want to encourage all of Jamars Family (He calls his fans his family) to call into  the live show at 347-215-9442 and share their feelings about Jamars journey.  You can also tweet us @POZIAM with your questions for Jamar. We may ask them on air.  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 ponts 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 of won the title of the The Voice but he definitely won the hearts of America. Listen to our first interview with Jamar after disclosing his HIV status on The Voice here or read the transcripts of that interview here. 

Our friend Justin B Terry Smith is introducing the "Write A Letter to HIV Campaign" Many of us that are infected with HIV often do not address HIV. I've decided that we need to whether you are HIV negative or positive; this letter is meant to encourage and empower. If you're infected or affected by HIV, I'm asking that you write a letter and then videotape yourself reading the letter aloud. If you don't want to video tape yourself you can send in a picture of yourself or something that represents you. It helps sometimes to get your feelings out, whether you've been recently diagnosed or have been living with HIV for a long period of time. Justin is asking everyone -- including his fellow bloggers and others that don't have a blog -- to join me in this campaign, You can view my letter to HIV by clicking here for an example of what I'm talking about. Like I stated above if you don't want to make a video you don't have to; a simple letter will suffice. You can also send a picture of yourself. Entries will be posted in a series on the www.body.com which will later on be put on my website www.justinbsmith.com. Send your letters and video embedded code/links to mylettertohiv@gmail.com.  PLEASE JOIN Justin IN EMPOWERING YOURSELVES IN THIS FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS!

Monique D. Howell-Moree, 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 travelled 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 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 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. 

Amanda Brown 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. A few months later she joined the U.S. Army with hopes of attending Medical School on their dime. She was raped nearing the end of Basic Training, tested HIV positive shortly after and was discharged. After being on the patient side of the fence, she decided a career in the medical field would not be in her future. She attended the University of Utah where she earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. In 2005 she succumbed to religious peer pressure that the rape happened because she wasn't living the "right" way. She decided to leave her gayness in the closet and go back to Church where she married a young Mormon man, only to come to her senses a year later and leave both the man and the Church for good. She decided that HIV would not prevent her from doing the things she loves and never has allowed it to get in the way of her ambitious dreams. In 2010 and 2011 she played for the Utah Jynx (a Women's full contact Semi-Pro Football team). If you ask her what her greatest accomplishment in life is... she will proudly say, "I ran a marathon in 2008, it took me six hours... but I did it." She recently has begun the process of adopting a three-year-old little girl, is currently writing a children's book called "The Monster Under My Bed." A story about an 11-year old boy with HIV/AIDS. Aside from maintaining her own website with a personal blog and a free text message service for individuals with questions related to HIV/AIDS, she  volunteers for her local AIDS Foundation.

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) He was active in the LGBT community raising awareness, funding and talking about prevention of the disease. But although it should have, the message didn't affect him. So he was infected with HIV by a beautiful young man that didn't realizehe was positive. Now less than a month after being told the heart-stopping result of -- "You're HIV Positive" -- Josh started a blog called imstilljosh.com promoting the need to begin dialogue in the South, where an epidemic of new infections are occurring, about prevention and a simple message to break down the stigma attached with HIV in Nashville.  "I'm still Josh. You still be YOU!"

Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn will be sharing thier expereinces at the Positive Living 15 Conference that takes place in Ft. Walton Beach Florida.. If you attended the PL15 conference call in and share your thoughts on the event at 347-215-9442. 

Paul Stalbaum was born and raised in suburban Philadelphia and attended Penn State with a BS in psychology. He went to Villanova law school and discovered after 1 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 7 offices and 175 employees. Paul has been poz for 30 years and remains healthy and asymptomatic. He uses both a western medical approach combined along with alternative methods and maintains a positive attitude towards HIV. In fact while in Philly he became and HIV counsellor and founded what became the most well attended peer led support which he called Positive Attitudes. After selling his business he moved to sunny Ft Lauderdale and was surprised to find that no support group existed in a community with such a large HIV population. So he volunteered to start up a new Positive Attitudes support group at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center. As word spread once again it was overwhelmingly successful with as many as 60 - 70 showing up on any given night. In 2005 he decide to combine his two passions, travel and supporting the HIV community by founding what has become an annual GLBT Poz Cruise. The cruise grows larger each year with many who have attend virtually every year. The cruise offers an opportunity to participate in a relaxing and affordable vacation while having the chance to attend workshops led by HIV experts such as Nelson Vergel, Dr. Michael Wohlfieler, Dr Charles Steinberg, and Mark King.  

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 to ABC to extend an invitation to Louganis, and the campaign is getting some attention. Greg is a five time World Champion and holds 47 National Championship titles. At the Pan Am Games, he earned six Gold Medals, and in 1985, he was awarded the Sullivan Award as the “Nation’s most outstanding amateur athlete.”However, what most people remember about Greg is that he went on to win Olympic Gold at the 1988 Games despite striking the back of his head on the springboard during the preliminaries. He attempted a reverse 2½ somersault pike in the ninth round of the prelims, and he hit his head on the board and fell into the water. Thirty-five minutes later, after receiving stitches to his scalp wound, he resumed diving. The following day, he hit all 11 dives and easily won the Olympic Gold Medal. After he tested positive for HIV in 1988,he recounted his story in a best-selling book Breaking the Surface. The book spent five weeks at number one on the New York Times Best Seller list. His story was also documented in the 1996 Showtime movie Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story with Mario Lopez playing the lead and Louganis narrating. Greg has worn many hats, Actor, Dancer, Olympian, Diver, Dog Trainer, Speaker, AIDS Activist, Equality and Diversity Activist, and yes he would love to be on Dancing With The Stars in honor of his Mom’s memory, Frances Louganis, “My Mom would have loved to see me on that show” says Greg.

On Sunday January 15th at 9pm EST, Greg Halpen will be sharing he 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.   You see, the virus didn’t make him sick or devour his immune system. It was his emotional reaction that devoured his soul for the next 12 years. Allowing the idea of being HIV positive consume his life, his dreams…he didn’t know realize it, but he lived everyday as though he was going to die. Then he awakened. After some pretty intense soul-searching, he began to realize that August day in 1997, was the FIRST day of the rest of his life. Even though he would like to see a cure in his lifetime, and end taking the medication, he views being HIV as a gift… Visit Greg's website at www.greghalpen.com 

Bishop Joyce Turner Keller 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.  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

Aaron Stella was raised in Augusta, GA and Cullman, AL. After moving to Philadelphia when he was 19-years-old, he attended Temple university and Graduated with a Degree in English and Business. After college, he became a journalist and wrote for several publications in Philadelphia; and, on July 1st, 2010,  he was diagnosed with HIV just days after he commenced preparations to open his own publication called Philly Broadcaster. Now, Aaron lives in Nashville with his boyfriend and is the webmaster and ad writer for a company called Two Old Hippies. 

    Bob Skinner is a 61 year old young man, at 25 he moved to San Francisco where his life revolved around the gay life style 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.  In 2000 he had finally had his first HIV test, it was on his 50th Birthday, when he got the results of his test, he heard three words that would change his life forever " YOU HAVE AIDS " Bob is not your normal person, he was relieved even when he was told he had 6 months to live. 11 years after his diagnosis of death within 6 months, he is healthier and happier than ever before.  Bob’s life is now devoted to the cause, pretty much 24/7.   He is now an HIV/AIDS Community Health Educator where he speaks at community events to our local schools and local colleges. He is also the President and CEO of Valley AIDS Information Network Inc. a small ASO in Corvallis Oregon.  He is also the first regional director for the board of directors for HIV Alliance in Eugene Oregon.  He is a Master Trainer with the “PSMP” Positive Self-Management Program. He feels he has been given a second chance, and as a result he has dealt with his addictions, he has been clean and sober since his diagnosis, and he says he has found love and he loves where he is at, both in body and mind and soul. 

Robert and Jack will be dicuss  coming out as someone living with HIV/AIDS and all tha tgoes with telling others you are HIV positive. Call in and share your experience with"telli your partner,parents,family,friend or boss. 347-215-9442 Jeff Berry will  also be coming on POZIAM RADIO to speak about the photos that were submitted for this years A Day With HIV in America. Jeff Berry is the editor of Positively Aware, an AIDS advocate, HIV+ for 20+ years and a member of the AIDS Treatment Activists Coalition & Fair Pricing Coalition. Positively Aware published a few photos in their magazine and all of them on the website at www.adaywithhivinamerica.com    

PositivelyFrisky.com is an invite-only site that gives a fun and lighthearted community forum to those living with HIV. It strives to create a stigma-free environment and build a strong community of those who may have been struggling with their status in the gay community as a whole. PositivelyFrisky.com will virtually unite the millions of HIV-positive men, women, and their friends across the English-speaking world. Members can interact through live chat and rich web messaging, enjoy a multiple-photo upload function, and create profiles that are protected from standard Internet search engines, adding yet another unique level of privacy for members. The forum will also only be accessible by members personally inviting other members, or from an invite from their trusted physician.

Aaron Laxton is a 32 y/o 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, he was HIV positive. Aaron prior to this was a national youth speaker that spoke all over the United States. It was looked into the face of this diagnosis that he knew what he had to do. Almost instantly Aaron started to blog each day about his journey with HIV and now has quite a following from around the world on YOUTUBE. Aaron also works locally in St. Louis, Missouri to educate others about HIV as well as letting his story help others. Aaron is currently in school for his Masters of Social Work and he plans on specializing to work with HIV/AIDS outreach and education. This week an interview featuring Aaron is being released on positivelite.com.Additionally Aaron is also in the midst of raising over 20,000 dollars for teh AIDS Lifecycle in which he will ride next summer. The Aids Lifecycle is a 545 mile bike ride over 7 days from San Francisco to LA. Visit Aaron Youtube Channel My HIV Journey

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 transgendered 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.  On July 15 of last year Betsy was admitted to the hospital because she couldn't breathe. They didn't diagnose her until they had cut me open and scraped her lungs. When they discovered it was PCP, they tested her and she was given an AIDS diagnosis with 27 CD4 cells. She spent eight days on life support hovering near death.Hindsight being what it is, she realized that she had numerous warning signs over the previous few years... Shingles, thrush, UC and swollen glands. None of her doctors ever even suggested that she get tested. After all, She didn't fit the "at risk" demographic at all.Betsy discloses freely to anyone who expresses any interest and have been surprised by how supportive people can be when you share yourself honestly with them. She also believes that disclosing is a great opportunity for teaching people that anyone can be at risk.

Jane  is a twenty nine year old woman, mother, college student, HIV activist and advocate, and she is herself positive. Jane has spent the last five years years since she was diagnosed learning what she could about HIV itself, the stigma attached to HIV, and how HIV affects the lives of those living withthe disease in America as well as abroad. After attending her first conference she decided to dedicate as much of her time and energy as possible to being a part of the solution. She has done advocacy campaigning both on the local, state level as well as the national level. Jane is an activist who speaks to educate, as well as by blogging both with written word and with video blogging, utilizing youtube with blogs on several sites including MTV Staying Alive, she participated in an anti-stigma campaign, by being in commercials and on billboards.She currently is employed at Hope's Voice as a speaker for the Does HIV Look Like Me lecture series and she sits on the board for The ADAP Advocacy Association. Janine enjoys to spend as much time possible just being mommy to her four year old son and she believes that it is her privilege and honor to be his mother and to be the activist she has became.

Johnny Kashmere sat down with Jack Mackenroth, who is an American swimmer, model, and fashion designer who competed in the fourth season of Project Runway. Mackenroth was the first openly HIV-positive contestant in the show's history.Mackenroth has been very open about his positive HIV status. He will also be marching at the AIDS walk in Philadelphia this year.

Jeff Berry, is editor of Positively Aware, an AIDS advocate, HIV+ for 20+ years and a member of the AIDS Treatment Activists Coalition & Fair Pricing Coalition. His latest project is the second annual A Day with HIV in America, which will capture the collective portrait of those living with HIV, to help remove the stigma of HIV and to advance a community of care and support. Positively Aware is inviting people across America to snap a digital photograph at any time over the course of September 21.  Participants can record a portrait, time with friends and family at work or play, or any moment in the day that helps the world better understand life with HIV. Photos are to be submitted by September 26 on the A Day with HIV in America web site.  People can also follow A Day with HIV in America’s Facebook page or on Twitter @A_Day_With_HIV to see updates and selected photographs.  

Larry Estrada was diagnosed with HIV on August 5th 1998. He has volunteered at the Billy De Frank center teaching and educating youth about HIV/AIDS. In 1998 Larry has earned his 13.2 CEU credits with the state of Kansas in August of 2006 after earning his LPN nursing degree from the state of Kansas in 03. He has worked in the Nursing field and HIV/AIDs prevention field in his spare time for numerous years.Has always been an HIV/AIDS advocate teaching Community classes to youth and adults alike since his diagnosis. He Has worked with Hunter Health Clinic and other native organizations around Kansas since he moved to Kansas in 02. Has taken Classes to further his education to help Native and non native youth alike and has Volunteered at Wichita's River View Retreat and helped with Any town USA to help build tolerance and education with the LGBTQI community as well as his Native Community he is an enrolled member of the Anishnabe Nation and speaks his language. Mr Estrada partakes in Native ceremony and holds classes with the native youth, as well as sits a drum and is a drum keeper himself. Has been given the right to be firekeeper through ceremony and is a Native American Traditionalist. H e continues to volunteer his time educating at gatherings and speaking on reservations to elders and youth alike about the Dangers and prevention of HIVAIDS and other STI's as well As hep-c infection. Mr. Estrada currently lives in Wichita KS and plans to move to the Tulsa Oklahoma area in the next year or so. Check out Larry's Blog 

Writer, actor, comedian and children's entertainer, Miracle Mike Hennessey 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 send 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.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 which can be seen on his channel www.youtube.com/IamMiracleMike.  

  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 now teen daughters, and the rest of her family and friends about the disease. Thanks to early diagnosis, She is  healthy today. She recently had a baby girl a year ago -her fourth daughter – who is HIV-negative. She works as aoncology receptionist.  She has chosen to speak out about her HIV status in order to dispel stigma and encourage other women to protect themselves and get tested for HIV. Melissa has volunteered on a committee with her state health department and enjoys working with incarcerated women on another volunteer project to help empower and educate. She has been featured in HIV Positive! magazine and the Southern AIDS Living Quilt video project.

  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.  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 and follow him on Twitter (@bromco)!   

The Queenz of media is THRILLED to announce that Designer, Celebrity, Aids Activist, and Athlete Extraordinaire Jack Mackenroth will be our celebrity guest on Thursday's show at 12:30 midnight eastern. The World came to know Jack Mackenroth when he was one of the leading contenders on Bravo Network's "Project Runway" season four. Jack has also appeared on the cover of many magazines , including..Paper, DNR, Men's Fitness, Men's Journal, Genre, Blue and several others. In 2008 Jack had a cameo in the blockbuster hit movie "Sex and The City" as "hot guy #17". Next week Jack will be hosting The Logo Channels coverage of New York Fashion Week. Jack is also working with fellow "Project Runway" Alumni, Kevin Christiana and a major television network to develop a new design show, that will be announced this spring. Jack's most important work is on behalf of HIV and AIDS awareness. MERCK Pharmaceuticals has signed Jack on to develop a national HIV educational campaign called "Living Positive By Design" (livingpositivebydesign.com) , where he will be touring the nation giving motivational speeches about his LIVING with hiv for the past 20 years. Jack is also an accomplished International Athlete, he has 3 All-American titles to his name and set a national record in the summer of 2006 in the breaststroke leg of the 4 x 50 meter medley relay (swimming). The same summer he finished 12th in the 50 meter breaststroke at the Masters World Championships in Stanford California, and is training for the 2009 Outgames in Copenhagen. Why WE LOVE JACK???? He took the bold step of hiring his good friend and Transsexual Ground Breaker Candis Cayne as his model for his clothing line! in addition to the