Reigniting the HIV/AIDS Conversation = TeamWork: @HashTagHIV Campaign

T-E-A-M-W-O-R-K!!! Yes that is what is going to create the most effective, super-global vaccine to END AIDS during this generation.

Listen, I get it! We are all doing our own thing. . . outreach, prevention, testing and much more. Kudos to all of you who are getting their hands in the mix of the work that is necessary to care for those living with HIV/AIDS and necessary to educate those not living with HIV/AIDS to prevent contracting this virus and other STI's / STD's as well as to combat stigma and to get tested!

On a serious note. . . I hear the following being repeated a lot (in fact I hear myself saying this too) . . . "UGH! Why, why, why is HIV/AIDS conversation swept under the rug? Why is no one talking about it anymore? Why has our nation. . . why has the world gone quiet on this epidemic?" And then we point the finger of blame. . .

So, rather than being one of the cooks in the kitchen complaining about the problem by pointing a finger, I have decided to team up with five other incredible HIV/AIDS activists/advocates to begin a global trend setting Twitter initiative and our vision is to reignite the conversation of HIV/AIDS: HashTag HIV: Let's Trend Until the End. Reality is, I need to point the finger back on myself, because I have not been much of a team player, because for too long I was doing my own thing. It is time for me to make a change and become a team player and that change starts right now and I hope you will follow.

(Top: Kevin, Mitch, Aaron; Bottom: Jeromy, Daniel, Robert)

Many of you probably know who we are: There is me - Daniel Bauer (escape artist and founder of LivingPozitively.com), Robert Breining (Founder and Host of Poz I Am Radio / Social Network), Jeromy Dunn (Founder of PozitivelySpeaking.com and Co-host, Poz I Am Radio), Mitch Knapp (HIV Activist in the rural south), Aaron Matthew Laxton (YouTube super-star and founder of My HIV Journey), and Kevin Maloney (Founder of Rise Up to HIV and an employee at Community Access National Network).

So what's #HIV: Let's Trend Until the End all about: We believe as a team that millions and millions of people are using Twitter to quickly disseminate information about the hottest topics people are talking about! We believe that together, as a community, we can set #HIV, #AIDS as a Twitter trend catapulting awareness back to the top of conversation around the world!

So here's where you come in. . . it's time to become a team player. During the week of the International AIDS Conference (July 22-27, 2012 in Washington, DC) we are asking everyone with a Twitter account to consistently and frequently use the hashtags: #HIV #AIDS, #AIDS2012 and #IAC in all your Tweets. If you do not have a Twitter account, maybe it's time to get one, even if it's just for the purpose of helping to set the trend. You can simply go to www.twitter.com and sign up!

The HashTagHIV Team will be Tweeting from now on (and forever) to help set this trend. . . so please follow @HashTagHIV to get the latest information, updates and stats about how we are doing! Also, please, please add yourself to the HashTag HIV Facebook event to let the world know you and/or your organization is signing up as a team player!

Reality is we [six guys] can't do this alone. YOU. . . YOUR ORGANIZATION. .. YOUR FRIENDS are going to be the key elements of making this CAMPAIGN A SUCCESS!

So TEAMWORK - ACTIVATE! Let's Set the Trend!!!!  Together we will reignite the conversation about #HIV #AIDS!

I am Daniel, and I am living pozitively! Thank you for following my blog.

Dear HIV,

Hi Everyone. In response to Justin B. Terry-Smith's "Write a Letter to HIV" campaign, I have uploaded a YouTube video.


I would like to encourage everyone who is living with HIV to find the courage to support this campaign. This letter was another healing step as I continue to grow and live with dignity.

(For those of you who want to read rather than listen, see the text letter below.)

Dear HIV,

After living together for more than a decade, I thought now would be a better time more than any to take the moment to check-in, become vulnerable and tell you what’s really on my mind.

There are more days than some that others think you are a weapon I carry in my pants. There are more days than some that others think because we ‘hang-out’ we should not be allowed to live with dignity. There are more days than some that people think I am less human because we have such a deep blond bond.  It’s on these days that I wish I could wave my magic wand to get you out of my life.

I won’t lie, living with you sucks. Taking all these medications; the frequent, unexpected marathons to pay homage to the porcelain god and the always necessary appointments to the doctors to make sure your fight to beat me up inside remains invisible has added more emotional worry to my mind and soul than I would have ever have liked to invite into my life.

I am not sure what you were thinking when you told me “I love you” so ever quietly in my ear. That whisper of romance while embraced in a bubbly stupor sounded so amazing and so real. Your passion was irresistible and blinded me to reject your invitation to bring you into my life. Accepting your invitation was the worst mistake I have ever made.

Now that I have no choice but to live with you, I want you to know that I have the choice to choose life with dignity even with you at my side. I want to remind you that I am HUMAN and that you, VIRUS won’t defy my IMMUNE SYSTEM any longer.

I have finally broken free of your dark magic spell which made me feel worthless for many years, tricking me into thinking I am going to die! Well no more dark magic will be conjured upon my soul. Today my dreams are filled with hope. I live today as if you never came into my life a decade ago. Go ahead and follow me everywhere I go, just know you won’t control me anymore. LIVING trumps you, HIV! LIVING DOESN’T SUCK ANYMORE!

With life,

Daniel

I am Daniel, and I am living pozitively. Thank you for following my blog.

p.s. consider following me on Twitter or adding me as a friend on Facebook.

NAPWA's Healthy Living Summit 2012 Changed Lives! It was Beyond Belief!!

Duane Cramer, Robert Breining, Miss Plus America, Me, Jeromy Dunn

'Knock-Knock-Knock' . . . as I had just settled into my hotel room, I answer the door and there it began! Co-host Jeromy Dunn (Poz I Am Radio and my specially trained magical assistant), appeared at my door! "Give me a hug!!! OMG it is sooooooooo wonderful to finally meet you in person."

I knew at that moment, NAPWA's National Healthy Living Summit was going to be life changing for me and for many others!

Robert Breining & Me

I admit I was nervous as heck to deliver a magical spectacular for the conference attendees. Getting back on stage and talking is one thing, but to produce a creative piece incorporating my story while showcasing my talents of magic and escape is a whole other ball park! As I managed to make it out alive of a very painful escape, where that big muscle guy tied me up pretty darn good, my hands bleeding. . . my eyes fell into shock as the audience stood on their feet screaming and yelling. . . a standing ovation that moved my soul. . . my heart. . . my spirit which I thought would never come back to life. . .

Me & Kevin Maloney

That moment was one of many that made me realize how proud of myself I am for never letting go of my dreams. Proud that I, no matter the struggle, no matter the pain, held on to every fiber of life that today guides me to stand tall with dignity while inspiring others who are living with HIV/AIDS to do the same.

When Kevin Maloney, of Rise Up To HIV tweeted "AMAZING STORY of loss, survival and, triumph! AMAZING SHOW! - 5 THUMBS UP!!  I CRIED, I LAUGHED! Such an inspiration!"  I did all I could to hold back the emotions as best I could. I never felt so ALIVE!

Now some of you may (or may not) know, but I have had the luxury of working on some pretty impressive national conferences (in the background) during my professional career. With that said, it is without hesitation that I tell you, "NAPWA pulled off an extra-ordinary life changing experience." With a thought provoking day of Men's, Women's and Youth Institutes followed by a full day of workshops lead by a stellar line up of speakers, I was engaged with not only changing my life and how to take greater action in living well, but I was engaged with so many others who were seeking the same thing! So NAPWA, I give you a standing ovation for delivering a 5-star conference!! Word to the wise, if you missed this year's event, I suggest putting this event in your planning for next year!

Jeromy Dunn, Me, Robert Breining

Now, I could go on and on about this event, however I think it is best left to talk about it, so I am inviting all of you to join in this Thursday night to a special edition of Poz I Am Talk Radio, with Host Robert Breining and Co-Host Jeromy Dunn to reflect on the conference. I am encouraging all those who attended to please chime in, and please call in and share your experiences! Let's let NAPWA know how this conference changed our lives, and why this event must happen again next year!



Here are the details:

NAPWA: HEALTHY LIVING SUMMIT 2012 - RECAP
DATE: Thursday, April 19  TIME: 9 PM (EST)

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN IN LIVE






Once again, I realize how important it is to live well, not just exist, but truly live well! NAPWA, thank you for making this possible!

I am Daniel and I am living pozitively! Thank you for following my blog!

p.s. please consider following me on Twitter or becoming a friend on Facebook.

"Yes we distribute condoms, but just not to you." (WTF?!?)

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend an informative panel discussion on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, presented by an evangelist congregation held at their house of worship in Brooklyn. I thought to myself, as I walked in, "How cool is it that this religious institution is offering this kind of information and taking a role in building awareness to their communities!" But boy oh boy did I not have a clue of what I was about to walk into.

On the panel were two incredible plwha (people living with HIV/AIDS); a heterosexual female and a heterosexual male (who was prenatally infected). Their messages were strong and dynamic! Also sitting on the panel was a holistic nutritionist, who was quite boring and didn't make much sense to me about diet and HIV (but that's a whole other blog post); an infectious disease doctor who ran  through current stats and information, and a guy who just pissed me off - the church's Minister /Pastor (not sure what the correct title is so excuse my ignorance hoping I don't offend anyone).

Before I get into my rant, I want to make clear that I respect all religions, all lifestyles and all beliefs. Everyone is entitled to his/her own path in life no matter one's faith or other spiritual beliefs (or maybe none at all).

Moving on, the communities that this church serves, from my first initial glance which was then confirmed by the panelists, are high-risk for HIV infection. So, as the panel discussion continued on the Minister made an announcement that their church will begin to distribute condoms. Now thinking to myself, "Wow, this is pretty cool to hear!" Then I simply gasped . . . STUNNED at what came out of this Minister's mouth next.

"We will be selective to whom we choose to give a condom. If you do not follow our congregation's beliefs or meet our religious criteria we may choose not to give you a condom if you ask us for one."

"WTF?!"

Can someone please help me to understand why this community serving institution would make this kind of policy. Let's say an adolescent, or young adult or even senior walked in off the street, wanting to protect his/her own life knowing this church has condoms, but then is turned away. . . because he/she does not meet the religious criteria for the condom distribution program. Am I missing something here??!!??

I am at a loss for words. . . please share your thoughts on this. .  what is your take on this Minister / Church's condom distribution program?

I am Daniel and I am living pozitively. Thank you for following my blog.

p.s. please consider following me on Twitter or adding me as a friend on Facebook.

The National Healthy Living Summit & "Beyond-Belief": Don't miss out!!!

Dallas, TX here I come!! If there is one conference, anyone living with HIV/AIDS, or anyone wanting to play a greater role in HIV/AIDS advocacy absolutely should attend in 2012, it is the first annual National Healthy Living Summit, presented by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) to be held at the Award-winning American Airlines Conference Center in Dallas, TX; April 10-14.

I am honored to officially announce that my new off-Broadway, magical spectacular about living with HIV/AIDS, Beyond-Belief, will be presented at this week-long, life changing event before it opens on stage in New York City. 

Do not miss out on this conference! Register today!!! Below, is some information about the conference and information about Beyond-Belief. If you plan on attending, leave a comment here and let me know! Also, be sure to come up and say hello to me during the conference. I am excited to learn, to make friends and to absorb a greater sense of hope in my own life.

I look forward to seeing you there!!

I am Daniel and I am living pozitively! Thank you for following my blog!

Follow me on Twitter or Friend me on Facebook.

National Healthy Living Summit

NAPWA announces the first annual National Healthy Living Summit, April 10-14, 2012, in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Originally scheduled August 7–10, 2011, 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.


For more than 25 years NAPWA has been the oldest, most trusted voice for saving and improving the lives of people impacted by HIV/AIDS and this year’s event looks to build upon that tradition.


The Healthy Living Summit will be held in the award-winning American Airlines Training & Conference Center in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area. People living with HIV/AIDS are encouraged to attend the event to learn how to become involved in advocacy work in their respective regions and receive useful information about government subsidized housing and medication.


“The Healthy Living Summit welcomes all who are interested in improving quality of life for and addressing issues that affect people living with HIV/AIDS,” said Stephen Bailous, Senior Vice President for Treatment Advocacy and Community Affairs. “Sponsors, including pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and supplement manufacturers are offered a unique opportunity for visibility among hundreds of leaders in the HIV/AIDS community.”

REGISTER TODAY!!

Beyond-Belief
In a world where life sometimes is masked with smoke and mirrors for many to hide; and secrets to linger, Daniel Bauer, the successor to the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini brings to life a collection of short stories about living with HIV/AIDS.  There are no big props! There is no smoke! And the only mirror used in this show is in a dressing room! Touch, listen, taste and see!! Your senses will come alive in this suspenseful, humorous and emotional thrill of a production that takes you behind the success, the fall and the rise of Daniel Bauer’s life. Prepare to witness the arts of magic and escape up-close and personal. Prepare to be inspired by stories of triumph. Prepare to be captivated Beyond Belief. Following the performance, Daniel will return to the stage for a Q/A session with audience members allowing for a deeper perspective on the experience and his life.

Double D's go head to head in the fight against HIV/AIDS!

A perfect recipe in the fight against HIV/AIDS you ask?  Two guys named Daniel in a virtual space, East Coast meets West Coast, give them some recording technology and when you Put It Together you now have one hell of a talk show interview that does not sugar coat their quest in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

You already know who I am . . . so let me introduce the other Daniel! Daniel Garza is a 41 year old gay man who was diagnosed with AIDS back in 2000 and who continues to live a life in recovery since June 21, 2007. 


After years of searching for a light at the end of the tunnel Daniel G. is finally making it into the light with the help of a Spiritual Guide. He indulges his creative intuitive gifts through the use of Oracle Cards and the energy in people to help them out of their own tunnels.

Daniel Garza

Daniel Garza is the host of Put It Together from Abnormal Entertainment, an online talk show made out of life experiences, bringing to listeners a powerful variety of discussion through personal sharing of life stories that boldly unveils the many hard lessons, the battle scars, the knowledge, and wisdom of life. And when it's all put together, using all this 'powerful-stuff' to help others become better people.


I had the pleasure and honor of being asked onto Daniel Garza's show and we kicked out one hell of an interview: Magic is in the Air. Take a listen and hopefully there is some 'good-stuff' that might help you to put it all together! Daniel Garza really knows how to draw out and get real about the heavy topics of life. 


Hopefully what we talk about will help you to put some things together in your life!


LISTEN NOW: Put It Together - Magic is in the Air

I am Daniel and I am living pozitively! Thank you for following my blog.

Continue to follow my journey by following me on Twitter or becoming a friend on Facebook.

Setbacks and restarts over and over again: Never give up!

Yesterday was my first day back at the gym since my nasty fall, last month, that resulted in broken ribs. I must admit that grabbing hold of a twenty-pound dumbbell to warm up my biceps felt really really good!

Honestly, though, I never thought I would make it! I mean, five weeks without the gym seemed like an eternity to me. The old wise saying, 'patience is a virtue' was not sitting well with me several weeks into healing. The injury was a pretty unexpected setback not only to getting closer to staying on task to achieving my personal fitness goals, but also a setback which smacked me in the gut professionally, forcing escape practice to be put on hold. I was getting itchy and restless, cursing the world for having put the debris on the sidewalk and cursing myself for tripping over it! Like a broken record in my head, I kept thinking what if, what if, what if. . .

At the gym, I took one look in the mirror and thought to myself, ugh it's going to take forever to get back what I put so much work into! Part of me was like, maybe I should just forget it and leave the gym. Well this 'funky' mindset, and maybe you can relate, enters my mind more often than probably should, especially when I get blind-sided by unexpected detours in life. Not a good place for me to be mentally, because I start believing that maybe the universe doesn't want me to succeed.

Then, reality checks in. . . and I remind myself that, Shit! I have been through a lot in my life! I can't let this setback screw with my focus, determination and passion to live life and fight for my success; achieving my personal and professional goals. I guess what I am trying to say is I have to be careful that I do not start to categorize setbacks as failure.

I really had my hopes set high that I would have achieved my fitness goals by mid-April and have my new show "Beyond-Belief" ready to debut in May. Very likely that both will not happen in time as I planned. It has me in a bit of a funk.

Here's the thing, just because I took a detour, does not mean I failed nor does it mean I won't ever achieve these goals! I am simply delayed. And that's okay, because all I have each day I wake is time (and lots of it!!) to make 'em happen. In the past, I tried using HIV as an excuse to want to hurry and get things accomplished in a jiffy. . . well 10 years later that excuse is pretty lame. . . since I know I am going to live a very long healthy life! So I guess the delay, or being detoured is not such a big deal at all. It's just a disappointment; and definitely by no means have I failed!

What I need to continue to work on is how to deal with the unexpected bumps in the road of life a bit more gracefully (if there is such a thing); learning to jump over the hurdles rather than block my mindset telling myself I will never get there. That kind of thinking will just drown me in depression and then what!?! I don't want to live like that! I don't ever want to think that I will never make it or succeed in life, just because something is not happening when I want it to or isn't on schedule as I perfectly planned out in my head because some unexpected splash-of-wacky interrupted my focus and course of path.  I know that if I stop, take a deep breath and refocus I will be back on track in no-time. I will jump over this hurdle! Actually, now that I think about it, I already have by picking up that twenty-pound dumbbell.  . . a light, but damn good start in the right direction of getting back on track! It's all about how I pick myself up today. . .

Without a doubt there will be more setbacks to come my way and who knows when they will blind-side me; taking me on all sorts of whacked-out detours and windy roads in life. Today, setbacks just make me more determined to stay strong, to think positively and to forge ahead with limitless determination! Setbacks fuel my creativity. Setbacks will shape my success!

I am Daniel and I am living pozitively. Thank you for following my blog.

Please consider following me on Twitter or adding me as a friend on Facebook.