POZ I AM Radio

Richard Berkowitz was born in Newark, New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers University in 1977. An author and activist, he is probably best known for two landmark writings, which he co-authored along with Dr. Joseph Sonnabend and the late Michael Callen. First, the controversial 1982 New York Native article, "We Know Who We Are: Two Gay Men Declare War on Promiscuity" and second, the self-published 40 page manual, How to Have Sex in an Epidemic: One Approach, in May 1983, which has been hailed as the invention of safe sex and has served as the framework for safe sex campaigns ever since.

His 2003 book, Stayin' Alive: The Invention of Safe Sex (Westview Press) tells the story of his life as a sex worker in New York City before and after AIDS. He is the last surviving co-founder of the People with AIDS self-empowerment movement, which helped sparked patient advocacy groups and breast cancer activism. His writing has appeared in dozens of publications and has been quoted, attacked, misrepresented and occasionally praised in scores of books, journals and on-line magazines

www.sexpositive-themovie.com

Shawn Henderson is 35 years old, and has been the moderator for the DC Young Poz Socials (DCYPS) since 2004. Formed in 2003 as a response to the growing need for social support for newly diagnosed gay men in their 20’s and 30’s,

DCYPS is a grass-roots, member sponsored social group.

As a founding member, Shawn was asked to take lead of the group shortly before the founder relocated to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Immediately Shawn became a vocal and visible leader as he promoted the group through flyers, palm cards, and the creation of the group’s website (www.dcyngpozsocials.com). Online membership more than doubled in a year and today boasts over 700 members.

Back in 1981 when Dab1st had friends starting to die from AIDS, the hospitals wouldn't allow visitors into the patient's room unless you wore protective garments (gowns, masks etc.) because they were afraid of this new disease and were not sure how the virus was passed. Because of this, people were usually close to death and had at least one opportunistic infection when they were diagnosed and hospitalized. You could see even seasoned health care professional recoil in fear and not wanting to touch the patients. Even close friends were hesitant or scared to visit their friends in the hospital.

Dab started buying Gund teddy bears and giving them to friends so they wouldn't have to feel so alone, abandoned and afraid. That is how Dab the AIDS Bear Project began,

Learn more at www.dabtheaidsbearproject.com

Robert Breining and Jack Mackenroth will be speaking with Jesse Sanchez. Jesse is a 21 year old HIV+ Associate Producer. Only 19 when he was featured on the cover of POZ, Miami-born Cuban-American Jesse Sanchez quit his behind-the-scenes TV job when he tested HIV positive. However, he didn’t quit on his future. Jesse is back in TV news production and was even a guest on The Cristina Show on Univision. Hosted by Cristina Saralegui, considered the Oprah Winfrey of Spanish-language media, the episode discussed HIV/AIDS in the Latino community.

At the age of 21 Jesse has shown that HIV/AIDS will not stop him from pursuing his dreams.

Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn will be speaking with Michael Mancilla is an openly HIV+ therapist and author of Love in the Time of HIV: Gay Men’s Guide to Sex, Dating and Relationships He has been profiled in front page stories of both The New York Times and The Washington Post and a CNN Documentary

Robert Breining and Jack Mackenroth will be speaking with Mark S. King . Mark is the Author of the memoir "A Place Like This " . Mark also have a Vlog on The Body.com learn more about Mark at www.marksking.com

Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn will be sitting down with Brian Morgan "Little Guy with a Big Heart"

Brian was a guest on Jenny Jones to speak with "Out of control Gay Teens" Brian will share his story live...

Robert Breining and Jack Mackenroth will be speaking with "The One and Only Ongina" from Rupaul's Drag Race. They will speak about Ongina's time on the show here coming out as a person with HIV/AIDS.

Robert Breining and Jeromy Dunn will be speaking with Jeff - The founder of the HIV Campground Project. They will touch on Why Jeff created the Project and what his goals are for the future.

http://www.hiv-campground-project.org

Robert and Jack will speak with long term survivor Sherri Lewis AKA Sherri Beachfront from the 80's hit band GET WET , turned Activist , about women and HIV/AIDS then and now.