Poz I Am Radio

Tracey is originally from NYC. He served in the USAF. He has a grown son, Jermaine, who is unfortunately an addict. Tracey came to California in 1996 for a relationship for "the one". Of course, that did not work out. He then met his present mate, and husband, Lenwood on June 8, 2007, in the midsts of getting ready to move to Texas , Tracey put those plans on hold since they both agreed they wanted to be together. In their discussions, Lenwood told Tracey that he always wanted to adopt - so they started the process with Allen. They adopted Allen in February of this year. Lenwood and Tracey were married on June 22, 2008, and had a very big ceremony in Palm Springs with their family in attendance December 13, 2008. Tracey was diagnosed in April 1993. He thanks his higher power and his family for his thriving and growing in this disease. It has never been a hindrance to him. In fact, Tracey believes his deal with GOD helped him with his disease and striving. Prior to his diagnoses Tracey has been and continue

Actor, playwright and poet, Brian E. Bengtson is a native of Omaha, and has been featured in many national Gay/Lesbian magazines and HIV/AIDS journals such as HURAKAN, DAVID'S PLACE, BAY WINDOWS, and POETRY MOTEL. The Crawlspace Theatre in New Orleans first produced his one-act play, entitled FAGS IN THE MALL, in 1991. He served four and a half years as Poetry Editor for THE NEW VOICE OF NEBRASKA (the state’s oldest and longest-running G/L/B/T magazines until it folded in 1998). His first chapbook, entitled "GAY . . .SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED" was published by Lone Willow Press in 1995. He currently has a new book of poetry, entitled FIRST CHILL (published through Publish America), available for sale from places like Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and etc. In the next two months, Brian's third collection, LEAVENWORTH STREET will be out from Backwater Press (Backwaterpress.com). He now lives in Omaha with his partner Chris, and his dog Lucy, who now must share her home with two new cats because she lacks an op

Multi-award winning producer/director John Rutherford, President and Creative Director of COLT Studio Group, has produced over 350+ man-on-man films in his career. The look of his films is unmistakable and has garnered him multiple awards and accolades, including a life-time achievement award from AVN in 2001, the Hall of Fame award from the Grabby's in 2002 and another life-time achievement award from the Free Speech Coalition in 2006 as well as winning numerous awards over the years as well as Best Director 5 times from the annual GayVN Awards Show. John will touch on what the requirements are on HIV testing in the Adult Film Industry and what precautions they take to protect the models.

"Michael Moniz has over 6 years in the field of coaching. Michael holds a Masters degree in the field of Communication from Rollins College. He started out working with many corporations and universities helping develop the next generation of leaders. He realized the needs for support in the gay and lesbian community and opened his own personal coaching practice soon after. He works with various clients from the gay and lesbian community but hosts groups for support to recently diagnosed and living with HIV. Helping HIV+ people move from merely just surviving to thriving in their lives with health, love, relationships, goals and adventures. Michael's life coaching practice is all about living life out loud. His energetic and dynamic personality helps clients take action in their lives and make their dreams into reality. Michael is an avid blogger and writes bi-monthly articles for PlanetOut and several regional papers. Michael speaks at many conferences and events all over the US working to help people g

Richard N. Schooping, a Certified Holistic Health Consultant, Author, Inspirational Speaker, Singer/Songwriter, and Artist has personally transcended AIDS. He is now living truth that we are more than AIDS, fear, death, diseases, suffering, or anything. He shares that we are always free in love, and that he may illumine this for us now. Richard is sharing that AIDS is not the end of hope or of a life but may be the most glorious opportunity to transcend all limitation when we shift our perception from the victim to the observer of our lives. After suffering with AIDS, cancer, countless diseases, and immeasurable depression on-and-off for more than twenty years he was shattered. He also experienced not only the death of one husband, but three husbands to AIDS in less than 10 years. Richard has experienced an unimaginable hell. The gift is instead of him succumbing and losing this life, he has transcended and is now here sharing that no matter the misery - the human heart may overcome any suffering with

When Clint Walters was only 17 years old, He suddenly became struck down with a range of illnesses after completing my first year of A-Levels. Clint went into the hospital for what he was told was just some “routine tests”. His mum was sitting right next to me when the doctor told me the news “He was diagnosed HIV positive.” He knew his life would never be the same again, with no preparation whatsoever and very little information on HIV/AIDS – He honestly believed I was just given a death sentence. At that point in time, He did not have anyone or anywhere to turn to. He found a support group in London and traveled alone for the two-hour round trip every week. Even though he was the only young person to attend the group - the group members were older gay men - He kept going. It was all he had. Health Initiatives was founded in April 1999, as his answer to the lack in peer support services for HIV positive youth in this country. Young people living with HIV/AIDS are in desperate need of services encouraging th

Nate Klarfeld is a retired dentist from the Kansas City area now living in Florida. After retiring from dentistry in 1996 with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis he went into teaching biology and sex education in an inner city school. From there he moved to Ft. Lauderdale and became involved in an HIV support group at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center. One of the group leaders, Paul Stalbaum had been organizing hetero POZ cruises for an ASO there and was interested in starting a gay POZ men's cruise. Nate and his partner, Grover Lawlis, MD a psychiatrist from Dallas,TX were asked to co-host the cruise; planning activities, giving lectures and making sure the men were made to feel comfortable. Besides having fun and learning, the cruises have become a 'safe place' for POZ men to meet and relax. The stigmas, stereotypes and drama of gay life seem suspended as soon as we leave shore. Many of our men return year after year renewing friendships and making new ones. This year's cruise is Oct 10-18th 2009 leaving and returnin

"Egypt" lost his mother, father and family in just one week. Imagine being too sad to cry. At the age of twelve, his father told him: "I do not want you boy", and then proceeded to cancel child support a day after his mother died. "Egypt" lived with his older sister, Chastity, who made a living as a beautician by day and at night a stripper. Living in cars, selling drugs, fighting, stealing clothes and being arrested on multiple occasions became his life. Yet, despite all these hardships, "Egypt” received his first degree while being on the "Dean's list", graduated with Phi Theta Kappa Honors, was the 147lbs Florida State boxing champion, and is an award winning actor. Egypt took his anger and channeled it into a passion to improve others: much like his sister Chastity helped him. In less than three years, "Egypt" has appeared on Apollo twice, BET’ 106 & Park, MTV, UPN, NBC, National Public Radio, SEVENTEEN Magazine, HIV PLUS magazine, POZ magazine, New York Daily News, Madison's Who's Who of business exe

Born and raised in rural South, Georgia, Travis A. Scott discovered his gift of creation at an early age. He is currently writing his debut novel, which is a loose adaptation of the trials & tribulations he encountered as a young, gay man in his early twenties. He has also embraced the mantle of HIV and AIDS activist, as he has recently gone public about living with HIV virus. He looks forward to what the future holds, as he embarks on his journey as an up & coming author, as well as an educator to those who are ignorant of how HIV and AIDS is a very real issue.

Robert Breining and Jack Mackenroth will be discussing how to over come Depression and Suicidal thoughts after a HIV diagnosis. If you deal with these issues or have recovered from them please call in and share your story on the radio show. Sharing your personal story may help someone else who is going through this situation and is feeling alone..Call in and share at 347-215-9442 Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But when emptiness and despair take hold and won't go away, it may be depression. More than just the temporary "blues," the lows of depression make it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Hobbies and friends don’t interest you like they used to; you’re exhausted all the time; and just getting through the day can be overwhelming. When you’re depressed, things may feel hopeless, but with help and support you can get better.

Open Mic ... We touched on the National AIDS Memorial Grove , Universal Healthcare , Coming out as a person with HIV and upcoming POZIAM RADIO guests.

Eric Paulukonis manages outreach for the Get REAL Philly program which is collaboration between Mazzoni Center and PHMC (Public Health Management Corporation). This community intervention uses the stories from the real lives of real men across Philadelphia in order to promote discussion and awareness in regards to safer sex, HIV/AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse as well as an assortment of other topics that may compromise the health and well being of men who have sex with men. After receiving is his BA from West Chester University of Pennsylvania he lived in NYC volunteering for various LGBT organizations which eventually lead him to Mazzoni Center allowing him to work with other local community organizations in order to continue to empower and educate our community. Learn more at - www.getrealphilly.org

Felicia Elizondo aka Felica Flames - A Screaming Queen, A Pioneer, A Legend, Icon and Diva. Felicia is also is HIV+ Transgender woman who performs Drag. A tireless fundraiser for the LGBT and AIDS community. Her website was created to educate the younger generations, of her struggles and achievements through out the decades f her life, from the Turk street riots, to her transition from Man to Woman and up to the Modern day. Like many single seniors, Felicia Elizondo faces the reality of aging alone. Felicia’s limited income has left her with little more than what she plans to use toward her burial. Despite the future unknown, Felicia remains positive by connecting with others who are in similar positions. Felicia was featured in The critically acclaimed documentary "Felicia" by Tim O'Hara. Premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival, 2008. and at SF LGBT Frameline Film Festival in 2007.

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. His freshman year of high school, he met his favorite band, Depeche Mode, albeit through the The Make-A-Wish Foundation. After beating the odds and graduating from high school, Shawn opened up about his life with HIV after a decade of silence by creating one of the first “poz blogs”, humorously describing his life as a twenty-year old dating with HIV as a third wheel. He caught the attention of Poz magazine and was invited to the White House under the Clinton Administration on World AIDS Day, 1997. Today Shawn has happily found his wife partner in life, Gwenn Barringer, and the two speak together as a couple, educating about how they keep Gwenn, who is HIV negative, safe in their relationship. Since 1997, Shawn has penned

Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn will be taking your calls all hour long. Open MIC Night allows our listeners to call in and ask questions, share stories or vent about living with HIV/AIDS. Robert and Jeromy will touch a variety of topics during the show such as Acceptance and Disclosure .Call in and share your story on air at 347-215-9442.

Theresa is a 52 year old woman. She has 3 children and 4 grandchildren.She is a LPN, working at a nursing home/Rehab. She has been a nurse for 15yrs. She was diagnosed with AIDS in 2004 at the age of 48. She had no idea she had HIV until her diagnosis. She was diagnosed in the hospital with PCP. Her family is very supportive and had no problems accepting her HIV status. Theresa will share her story of being diagnosed later in life.

Lonny LeFever is a GWM who has been Poz since early 80"s, actually had KS at that time. Lonny had a life partner who lost the battle against HIV/AIDS in April of 1989 and have been single ever since. Not all by choice, but more location and the battle against hate, stigma's and discrimination. Lonny has always been out about his status, there is good that came from that, but also grief. He was charged with 2 degree attempted murder for being accused of intentionally infected a young man. Was sentence to prison for 5-25 years, the young man came forward a year into his sentence, but the State of Ohio refused to release Lonny. He served 3 and half years before released. Lonny is co-infected with Hep C and he refused treatment until May of 1996 after seeing all the horrors his friends and partner went though in the early days. He is a out spoken advocate for issues around HIV/AIDS and still spend much time speaking anywhere he can.

Shirley Jaglowski has been raising awareness and funds within the HIV community since 2000, just two years after she was diagnosed. She has felt the shame that is related to this disease firsthand; and She is committed to doing her part to remove stigma and fear. Shirley was introduced to Positive Pedalers while training for AIDS/LifeCycle 7 and she immediately joined the organization. Why? Because their mission aligned with her personal goal and there is power in numbers. She is honored and proud to join the Board of Directors and look forward to impacting our communities. She hopes to encourage other HIV-positive women and men to come experience Pos Peds.

Robert Breining and Jack Mackenroth talk about living with HIV/AIDS and touched on the ADAP Early Treatment for HIV Summit that was held in Washington DC.