Podcast appearances and mentions of jeromy dunn

Join us as we sadly say farewell to the fabulous Jeromy Dunn, Jeromy has been co hosting the show with Robert since its inception. They will be sharing memories about past guests and shows. Call into the show and show some love to Jeromy 347-215-9442

Fellow Blogger & Activist Aaron Laxton sits with Robert and Jeromy for a hour of Hot Topics. Call us with your thoughts at 347-215-9442

Tune in for our special 1 hour Mother's Day Show. We will be speaking with 3 HIV positive mothers. They will share how they shared their diagnosis with their children and how HIV has played a role in their role as a mother.

This Pretty Boy with HIV name is B. Styliz Ortiz. B. Styliz is a twenty-three year old Homosexual Brooklyn Native. Ortiz is also an Author (Pretty Boy with the House In Virginia), Motivational Speaker, Activist for HIV. Author B. Styliz Ortiz expresses his passion to speak out on HIV and its Stigma because he too is HIV POSITIVE. Mr. Ortiz book "Pretty Boy with the House In Virginia" discloses all the juicy, raw, real, and most in importantly the awareness of the risk that those who live a promiscuous lifestyle put themselves in. Which he speaks from experiences, after many tragic death he became numb, exploring the world with no care. When he contracted the virus in 2010 by his secretive ex boyfriend. Beside the book B. Styliz is a motivational speaker who has spoken at "El Puente for the Youth" for Latino AIDS Day 2012, also a Book Signing at Howard University in Washington D.C. (December 2012) B. Styliz also Hosted a HIV/AIDS Charity Event Fabulous Faces Foto Shoot (October 2012), he plans on spreading the word personally. B. Styliz has also addressed the Thomas Jefferson High School located in Brooklyn, NY about SAFE SEX, and the Stigma of HIV, living promiscuous lifestyle. Wanting all to get personal and become aware. When B. Styliz isn't spreading the word he is into Fashion Designing and Event Planning. *To purchase the book please visit: www.talkdatishbooks.com, www.bstylizortiz.com or you may download it via Barnes & Nobles | NOOK | Amazon | Kindle. **For Booking Contact: info@talkdatishbooks.com or info.hivbook@gmail.com ***Social Media Contact: Facebook Author B Styliz Ortiz Twitter/Instagram: @bstylizortiz @talkdatishbooks

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.

Kristopher Sharp, an openly gay student running for student body vice-president at University of Houston–Downtown, was the target of a horrific smear campaign last week when a flyer with Sharp's photo and the headline "WANT AIDS?" circulated around campus. Accusing Sharp of having a "homosexual agenda," the flyer's creator reached a new level of awful by also printing a copy of Sharp's confidential medical records containing his HIV-positive status on the back. Though he initially considered transferring schools, thanks to the support of his friends and the university, Sharp has decided to stay at UHD and continue his campaign. He is not planning to pursue any legal action: "I just want an apology. And I'm going to wait for that.

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 has stepped out of the box and was previously crowned  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.

Tonight Robert & Jeromy will be discussinga range of topic and news headlines. Call the show with your comments. 347-215-9442

Positive since 2005, Danny now is a staunch advocate/activist in the AIDS community. Working as as outreach supervisor and peer group facilitator he fights everyday to end stigma and AIDS related health disparities. He had recently been named chairperson for the Southern Maryland region for The HIV Planning Group, which has been newly created by the CDC.  Together with the amazing network of advocates/activists that are available to our community Danny can see the day when AIDS is no more.

At the age of 17, Jake was doing things that no 17 year old should be doing, and he was doing these things without any protection. On June 2nd 2012 Jake was told something no one wants to ever hear, He at the young age of 17 was HIV positive. Jake is open to his family and friends and has always been, this is one reason why he believes he’s come so far in so little time with coming to terms with his diagnosis. This was a Jake knew that this was going to be a life changing event and vowed from that day forward that he would do everything in his power to not let it happen to any other youth. Today, 9 months after his diagnosis, Jake is happy, healthy, and now fulfilling his vow he made to himself and doing everything in his power to prevent youth from contracting HIV. View Jakes Letter to HIV

 DISCLOSURE - STIGMA - DATING - STARTING MEDICATIONS ..Call us with your topics and comments at 347-215-9442

HIV/AIDS activist and "PozIAm: co-host Jeromy Dunn drops in on "Talking About:" for a chat with Cara Kilduff and JC Alvarez about his lifes journey so far. http://www.talkingabout.info

Robert Breining & Jeromy Dunn will be dicussing a range of hot topics this evening. DISCLOSURE - STIGMA - DATING - STARTING MEDICATIONS ETC...Call in and weigh in with your comments at 347-215-9442

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: 1.Deconstruct shame, stigma and secrets. 2.Spread compassion, courage, connection, kindness and kinship. 3.Teach others a mindfulness as they learn to bless their fear, disease, and virus. 4.Speak the C Word (cure). Alexander is a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, and is currently living in Southern California. He has studied film and theater, earned a bachelor’s degree in human development from Brigham Young University, and a master’s of social work from the University of Utah. Shortly after his diagnosis he started using crystal meth as a means to feel alive, invincible, and uninfected. Coming In to an awareness of divine self, primarily through meditation and yoga, Alexander has experienced years of sobriety. Alexander is passionate about people, theater, film, food, wine, travel, watercolors, cashmere, coffee, mornings and men. He is a gifted therapist and coach and his practice is primarily based online from the comfort and coziness of your couch (via SKYPE or FACETIME). For more information about Alexander and his work, to view the CNN interview, or read his monthly column, Cashmere Sex, visit www.blessyourvirus.com

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. Josh writes often utilizing his personal perspective with sero-discordant relationships, online sex and dating, alcoholism, homelessness, Philadelphia's street economy, and depression.  In particular, he writes on LGBT political issues, small business, HIV/AIDS, gay culture, bathhouses, sex, alcohol and drug abuse, and personal ethics.  His work has been produced predominantly for Philadelphia-based print publications and national blogs and his Myers-Briggs personality type indicator is ENTJ. Josh currently lives and writes in Philadelphia.

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. King now serves as Advocacy and Legislative Affairs Manager in AHF's Southern Bureau, where he leads local and nationwide advocacy efforts and maintains relations with state and federal officials. King has been HIV positive for 6 years and aims to have an active role in reducing stigma that revolves around HIV/AIDS especially in the gay community. As a former beneficiary of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, King seeks to preserve the program as he joins others in protecting and expanding its capacity to provide lifesaving therapy to those in need. In his free time, King is a runner, a Pride Center volunteer and a classical pianist.  

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. In the past two years James has learned a lot and he wants to continue educating himself so that he can share that with others. He has been lucky in that he has been showered with love and support, but he knows that not everyone out there is in the same boat. He thinks a big reason is that HIV is still a taboo subject. If more HIV positive people share their story, everyone they reach out to now knows someone who is living with it and hopefully they can see that HIV isn't WHO they are, only something they are living with. It is absolutely possible to lead a long, healthy life thanks to great strides in medicine. He believes that silence only fuels the stigma still surrounding HIV/AIDS, He would like to break that silence one person at a time.

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 Hospitalcorpsman, 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.  In 1988, he contracted Hepatitis B from a scalpel injury during a surgical procedure.  This did not preclude him from working in the OR, however, when he was diagnosed with HIV & AIDS in 2002, a routine test demonstrated the presence of the Hepatitis B E-antigen which meant that he could no longer perform invasive surgical procedures.  He has become an Adjunct Faculty member at Macomb Community College and at Oakland Community College where he teaches Surgical Technology and Central Services Technology.  He also works full-time as a shift supervisor in the Sterile Processing Department of a local hospital.  

On Sunday December 9th Jason Villalobos will be sharinghis 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.   Through public appearances, direct lobbying of elected officials, and partnering with local non-profits in San Francisco, Jason has advocated for more funding and charitable giving through his high profile in the HIV/AIDS activist world.   Last World AIDS Day Jason shared his story with www.edgeonthenet.com in the FACES of AIDS Video Series.

Justin B. Terry-Smith, 32, has been an HIV and Gay Civil Rights activist in the Washington DC area since 1999.  An Air Force veteran, he was honorably discharged with awards and decorations in 2003.  Justin created ‘Justin’s HIV Journal’ to advocate for HIV/AIDS education, prevention and awareness.  In his journal he tells people about the trials and tribulations when it comes to living with HIV/AIDS. He is also the Author of “I Have A Secret”, which is a story about a young boy living with HIV.  Justin also presently writes an Advice Column called, ‘Just*in Time’ for A&U, America’s AIDS Magazine & is working on his HIV Campaign called, ‘Write A Letter to HIV Campaign’ He also is in Graduate School for his Master’s in Public Health Philip B. Terry-Smith, Ph.D., Th.D., LPC., is in private practice as an executive and personal coach, counselor and organizational consultant. He has worked with many diverse populations and settings, noted for using creative approaches to help organizations and individuals meet and overcome challenges and has thus made a career of human service management and consulting.  He has taught at all levels (graduate & undergraduate) for the many years in distance, “non- traditional” and “brick and mortar” schools including a 10 year stint in a high school.  He is on the Boards for the Atlas Performing Arts Center and is vice chair for APAC Manager. He is a commissioned officer in the Maryland Military Department, Md. Defense Force and is Sr. Clergy and a Chaplain for his Temple. His love for music and technical gadgetry presents an avocation for which he is quite fond and earned him the moniker “Dr. Gadget”.  He is an avid motorcyclist and is honored to ride with the Patriot Guard.  He currently resides in Maryland with his spouse Justin and their foster son.

On Sunday November 25th at 9pm, Kari Farmer-Coffman will be sharing her story. Kari lives near Fort Smith, AR. 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. Today she enjoys being a Girl Scout Leader, and is currently working on 2 grassroots organizations, AR HOPE is a prevention based program in the state of Arkansas. She is the leader of the River Valley branch (for her area in Arkansas) She has also helped start the C2EA(campaign to end AIDS) Arkansas branch. She is excited to see the growth in Arkansas. She has joined the PJP HIV Criminalization state task force to help change the HIV Criminalization laws in her state. She has also been invited to join the Arkansas HIV Minority Task Force that meets at the capital and works to change policeis and make life easier for those living with HIV. She is excited about her future as an activist and advocate. Working hard is one of the main things that keeps her motivated.

Chaz Howard is 19 years old and resides in Des Moines, Iowa. Howard was diagnosed fewer than nine months ago, yet he has made the choice to be completely transparent with regards to his HIV-positive status -- even with friends, family, fellow students and some acquaintances. Chaz has found care and support that was unexpected and he speaks from the perspective of a newly-diagnosed youth of a mixed ethnicity in a state where a harsh HIV criminalization law exists. Howard is a member/volunteer of Positive Iowans Taking Charge (PITCH), an emotional and social support group run by HIV+ for HIV+. Chaz also volunteers with an Iowa-based non-profit organization titled Community HIV/Hepatitis Advocates of Iowa Network (CHAIN); CHAIN is spearheading the effort in Iowa to repeal or "modernize" Iowa's Draconian HIV-specific criminalization statute.

On Sunday November 7th at 9pm EST we will be speaking 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 reckless in his behavior. Jeff was homeless and living in my 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 life he wanted to leave and go where he was not so well known. After his passing Jeff moved to Deland Florida 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 with HIV/AIDS in 1995. Living with no T-cells for 3 years and a viral load 1,650,000 Jeff contracted MAC (Mycobacterium avium complex) from potting plants in my yard. “MAC,” is the name of a group of germs. These germs can infect people who are living with HIV. Jeff had to go on an IV drip for 5 days. Then Jeff got involved with his local Ryan White consortium he ended up chairing the consortium for 7 years. He then decided he wanted to make a difference on the national level. Jeff knew he wanted to get involved with the homeless in some capacity since he was previous homeless. Jeff also knew that he wanted to help improve the quality of care that HIV/AIDS patients receive. So he applied and was accepted in several different positions Then in 2011 working with his consortium, they needed to address the out of care numbers of clients that they have in the local area. After conducting focus groups and soliciting surveys, it was decided that the real issue was the fear and stigma that is associated with HIV/AIDS. People did not want to get tested in areas know to treat or counsel HIV positive people for fear of being associate with having the disease or being gay. So Jeff created the Positive Champions Speakers Bureau to deal with fear and stigma. www.positivechampions.org

Kathleen Gerus-Darbison is currently an Adjunct Professor in Sociology at Oakland Community College  in Auburn Hills, Michigan and Macomb Community College in Clinton Twp, Michigan. She teaches Intro classes as well as the Sociology of Sex Roles, Modern Social Problems, Race & Ethnicity and Marriage and Family. Kathleen is probably best known as the Founder & Director of  Stitches Women’s Initiatives, an organization that offers doll making  workshops for women living with HIV infection and other health/life challenges. Stitches also provides a traveling exhibit of completed dolls to educate the larger community around issues of risk, stigma, and discrimination. For more info: www.stitchesdollproject.org  

On Sunday October 21st we will be speaking with Sarah and Sophie Denis-Johnston on, the daughters of Rebecca Denison. Sophie and Sarah Denison-Johnston were born at San Francisco General Hospital in March of 1996. Their mother, Rebecca Denison, founder of WORLD (Women Organized to Respond to Life-threatening Diseases) participated in the phase 1 trial of nevirapine that led to our negative status. Their mother wrote an article about her decision here: http://www.thebody.com/content/art12663.html  Sophie and Sarah feel so honored to have been a part of this monumental step in approaching an AIDS free generation in that they know it's possible to stop mother-daughter transmission of HIV. Their only question is why should we be called fortunate. It's their hope that in the future having access to these types of drugs isn't a privilege. It should be accessible to everyone, no matter who and where they are.

On Sunday October 14th at 9pm EST we will be speaking with Rebecca Denison  the Founder of WORLD (Women Organized to Respond to Life-threatening Diseeases). Rebecca is an Oakland-based information, support and advocacy network for HIV-positive women and their loved ones. In 1990, a month before she was scheduled to begin law school, Rebecca was diagnosed with HIV. In 1991, with support from her husband Daniel, Rebecca started the WORLD newsletter in her living room with a mailing list of 200. Six months later WORLD held their first retreat for HIV+ women, and a year later Rebecca helped start the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS.  In 1995, Rebecca and Daniel decided to become parents, and in March 1996 their twin girls, Sophia and Sarah were born, both HIV-free. . Her children are now 16 years old and thriving, having recently attended the International AIDS Conference in Washington DC, while she stayed home to work in Oakland. Her husband remains HIV-negative. She has been living with HIV for 29 years.

On Sunday September  30th at 9pm EST Danielle Rogers aka “Mama D” will be sharing what it is like to be a parent of an HIV+ child. Danielle embraced the “learning how to make lemonade from lemons” mentality very early in life. As a child she endured a turbulent household and parental instability which meant little encouragement; while emotional abuse defined her daily life. She therefore, developed an inferiority complex and a sense of worthlessness. As an adult she conceded estrangement from her adult child (Jamar Rogers) who suffered through the self-destructive pain of a six year drug addiction and reckless living. He ultimately contracted HIV. Her son, Jamar Rogers was a recent contestant on The Voice and publicly broke down barriers of stigma by revealing his HIV status on national television. Danielle supported him by showing unconditional love through out his reign on the show. Danielle is an inspirational speaker, writer, mentor, parent-coach and motivator. However, her greatest love and achievement to date, is her cherished role as the mother of two vivacious, gifted, well-respected adult children and “GrandDiva” to two little princesses! We will be taking your questions for Danielle at 347-215-9442 throughout the show.  

Timothy Ray Brown is returning 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 Timothy Ray Brown is “The Berlin patient”, 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. Timothy is recognized by international researchers as the first and only documented case of a person being cured of HIV. Now, almost 20 years after he was diagnosed, the 45-year-old is, essentially, cured. He now lives in San Francisco and since he decided to out himself as the person who had been known only as “The Berlin Patient”, he has become a bit of a celebrity at various AIDS functions. His most important goal is to assist in making his cure provide an impetus for creating a universal cure for HIV which will be accessible and available to everyone regardless of their economic means or background. He believes that this is one of the most important challenges to medical scientists of our time. He is counting on your support in assisting the achievement of this goal.

Each day across the globe almost 7,000 people, including 900 children, will contract HIV, joining an estimated 34.2 million people already living with HIV. During any 24 hours more than 4,600 people around the world will die of an AIDS-related cause.But on one day, Friday, September 21, people everywhere, both HIV positive and negative, can share an image of coping and care through the lens of a camera. On that day, Positively Aware (www.positivelyaware.com), is asking people to take a digital photograph to record a moment of their day that will focus the world’s attention on the daily trials and triumphs of people living with HIV. For the third year A Day with HIV (www.adaywithhiv.com) will help remove the stigma of HIV and to advance an international community of care through this collective photographic portrait. On Friday, September 21 anyone can record a special image, a time with friends and family, at work or play, or any moment in the day that helps people better understand how HIV impacts people, loved ones, colleagues and communities. Photos need to be submitted by Tuesday, September 25 on the A Day with HIV web site. People can follow A Day with HIV’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ADayWithHIV)) or on Twitter @A_Day_With_HIV (https://twitter.com/a_day_with_hiv to see updates and selected photographs, and to share the site and its vision with friends to help spread the word.

 Devarah 'Dee' Borrego 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. On the national scene, Dee was also a founding member of the US Positive Women’s Network (US PWN), an organization led by and for HIV+ American women to address the way HIV disproportionately affects women in the US. She currently serves as a Steering Committee member of the US PWN, as well as a member of their Strategic Communications Action Team. She's also a member of the Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+) North America's Young Leaders Caucus, and the co-chair of the Economic Justice Working Group for the HIV Prevention Justice Alliance (HIV PJA). In 2010, Dee was chosen to speak at the Opening Plenary of the US Conference on AIDS (USCA) to discuss how HIV affects transgender youth. Dee attended the International AIDS Conference in Washington, DC during the summer of 2012. At the Conference, she gave presentations along with colleagues for AIDS Alliance for Youth, Families, and Children - now a part of AIDS United - geared at HIV+ youth and their providers on the topic of disclosure. Dee is passionate about the issues surrounding young, HIV+ people, especially transgender women, HIV prevention, HIV criminalization, and youth outreach and education around HIV.

The founder of The Stigma Project Chris Richey and Scott McPherson will join 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.

 Dab Garner and William Herndon will be sitting in with the POZ I AM Radio hosts to discuss some hot topics and about his recent Teddy Bear Touchdown fundraiser featuring HIV+ Escape Artist Daniel Bauer - Beyond Belief Call in with questions and comments at 347-215-9442  

Christopher Barnhill is an award-winning HIV/AIDS activist and Founder/CEO of POZitive Impact, LLC. At 16 he discovered that he was infected at birth with HIV, which inspired him to dedicate his life to promote the awareness of knowing one’s status. For the past 8 years he has been speaking publicly about being positive and has been featured on numerous media outlets such as NPR, BET's 106 & Park, LOGO, MTV, ABC Nightline, Black Enterprise Magazine, and profiled in the book “Travels of a Gay Nation” by Phil Gambone. His goal is to be the hope for other young HIV-positive people, by demonstrating that you can live a productive life. In addition to his many accomplishments, he also has worked on the Obama Administration’s National HIV Strategy in regards to HIV and Youth and a licensed youth minister for The Community Church of Washington DC 2012 has been a wonderful year for Christopher as he was the National Spokesmodel for The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Organization (NBHAAD), featured in the International AIDS Society Documentary "Passing the Torch", and received "The Next Generation Award" from Metro Weekly. Call the show with your questions at 347-215-9442  

On Sunday August 5th at 9pm EST Maria Mejia will be talking with Robert & Jeromy on the POZ I AM Radio Show. Maria Mejia is a a 39-year-old Colombian female who lives in Miami, Florida. She has been positive for 20 years. Although almost all my life she has been in long-term relationships with HIV-negative men,She is happily married to a woman who is wonderful and caring. We have been together almost three years and she is HIV negative. Maria is a activist, a peer educator, a caregiver. She volunteered for the Red Cross in education for the Hispanic HIV community and also the American community. She was a pre- and post-test counselor. She has spoke at many conferences and done a lot of outreach in the community, especially in the schools for prevention and education. It is part of her everyday life to educate everyone she can on this subject. Maria also blogs for TheBody.com - Check out her blog here " Being HIV positive is nothing to be ashamed about! We are strong women, and we will take away all the stigmas slowly but we have to open up." - Maria Mejia

This past week Robert and Jeromy attended the International AIDS Conference in Washington D.C. During tonights live show they will be sharing what it was like attending the conference and meeting people from around the world who were either living with HIV or working to end HIV. Our special guest is the amazing Aaron Laxton If you attended the IAC  we want you to call into the show at 347-215-9442 and share what your expereince was like.  

During tonight's show Robert and Jeromy will be broadcasting live from the International AIDS Conference in Washington DC. The Official Sucessor to Harry Houdini Daniel Bauer will be sitting in to share about his World Wide Debut of "Beyond Belief " that will be happening on Thursday evening as a part of AIDS 2012 Reunion and sponsored by Just Get Tested. Dr Salko will be  joining the host live to talk about Just Get Tested. JustGetTested.com is a safe place to find out what you need to know when it comes to HIV and STDs.  

During tonighs show Robert and Jeromy will be broadcasting live from the International AIDS Conference in Washington DC. Mondo Guerra  will be sittng in with the POZ I AM Radio Show hosts to dicuss his new projects and life after winning Project Runway All Stars.

POZ I AM Radio will be Broadcasting live from Washington D.C. right after the march on washington and a few hours before the opening ceromonies of the International AIDS Conference. Call in and share what you hope to get out the conference ? 347-215-9442

Timothy Ray Brown is “The Berlin patient”, 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. Timothy is recognized by international researchers as the first and only documented case of a person being cured of HIV. Now, almost 20 years after he was diagnosed, the 45-year-old is, essentially, cured. He now lives in San Francisco and since he decided to out himself as the person who had been known only as “The Berlin Patient”, he has become a bit of a celebrity at various AIDS functions. His most important goal is to assist in making his cure provide an impetus for creating a universal cure for HIV which will be accessible and available to everyone regardless of their economic means or background. He believes that this is one of the most important challenges to medical scientists of our time. He is counting on your support in assisting the achievement of this goal.

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.

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.

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 8 years. She has been featured at Busboys & Poets (all locations), The Legendary 'Spit Dat' open mic (DC), Jus Words (Philadelphia, PA), Slam Charlotte (NC) and a host of other community events and venues on the East Coast. In the March 2011 'AIDS Issue' Street Sense, a local newspaper published a 3 page article about Mary. "Be The Change You Wish To See In The World" is a quote that she lives by, organizing community events to raise money for HIV/AIDS awareness, facilitating support groups for HIV positive youth, and sharing her personal experiences being born HIV Positive through the art of spoken word. Through poetry she will continue serving selflessly, starting a Non-Profit Organization centered around support for individuals living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.  Purpose Over Entertainment (P.O.E.T.) is dedicated to using social media, visual and performing arts to foster holistic conversations regarding those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in the Greater Washington, DC area in an effort to eliminate the stigmas surrounding HIV/AIDS and individuals living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. P.O.E.T. is filimg a documentary entitled "I Know What HIV Looks Like"!!! Essentially the film will be comprised of interviews of random individuals, people living with and those affected by HIV/AIDS, and my story.

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.

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. Today he is now assistant director of The SERO Project, a new nonprofit initiative combating HIV criminalization, stigma, and discrimination, promoting the empowerment of people with HIV, providing support to those charged or at risk of being prosecuted. Prior to joining, SERO in March 2012, Suttle was a case manager and prevention specialist at the Philadelphia Center, a local AIDS service organization in Shreveport, Louisiana, working with other positive young African American men who have sex with men. Robert is also featured in the documentary film HIV is Not A Crime, has traveled abroad to Geneva, Switzerland to speak at the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board’s meeting in December, 2011, and Oslo, Norway for UNAIDS High Level Consultation on HIV criminalization in February, 2012, sharing his story. Robert is active with the Positive Justice Project and the HIV Justice Network. 

Jim Geary moved to San Francisco in 1974 and began working as a nurse's aide on an oncology floor. Because of his reputation and ability to provide compassionate interaction and nurturing touch he was frequently assigned to patients who were in the process of dying.During this period Jim also continued his political activism in San Francisco working with Supervisor Harvey Milk and others to defeat the anti-gay Briggs Initiative, which sought to fire all gay and lesbians teachers in the state, as well as non-gay teachers who associated with them. Jim volunteered for Shanti Project in 1978 as an emotional support counselor working with people and loved ones who were facing a life-threatening illness. In a few months he became director of volunteer/client services.In October 1981 he formed what was to be the first support group for individuals with AIDS in the world. When Shanti Project lost its funding in 1982, Jim volunteered to work for no money to keep the organization afloat while he sought funding for the AIDS services that were so desperately needed. Serving as executive director for seven years he oversaw and developed this premier agency into an internationally acclaimed model of AIDS services which included: an emotional support program, practical support program, residential program, San Francisco General Hospital AIDS unit counseling program, AIDS information and referral program and the recreational activities program. He is recognized internationally as a respected trainer on the psychosocial issues of people with AIDS, grief counselor, and leader in the development of AIDS services. Jim has been a resident of Ormond Beach since 1989 where he has continued to provide training and service to local AIDS organizations. Jim shares his life with his lover, Jeff Allen, and their two Pomeranians Jasper and Benji. Learn more :  www.delicatecourage.com 

This past week APril 10th - 13th  Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn presented at the National Healthy Living Summit  in Dallas Texas. The Summit promotes healthy living for people living with HIV. The new National Healthy Living Expo continues 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. If you attended the Healthy Living Summit and want to share your expereince please call 347-215-9442.

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.