Ladies and Gentlemen. . . it's that time of the month to JUST GET TESTED!! June 27, 2012 is National HIV Testing Awareness Day. There are a lot of people who might (in fact I know are. . .) afraid to ask their doctor to run STD Tests. . . so I have teamed up with JustGetTested.com to help you access a 100% confidential and affordable way to Get Tested.
The goal of Just Get Tested is to provide an affordable confidential way to order blood tests without having to visit a doctor’s office. With their easy-to-use system, you simply create an account, order whatever blood test you want, find the closest LabCorp location on their location page, have blood drawn, then log back into their secure password protected server to obtain your test results. Your results are yours to keep or share with your sexual partners, healthcare providers or anyone you want. It’s your information. No one else has access to your results unless you choose to share.
I wanted to magically make it even more affordable for anyone who might be interested in online testing. . . so if you do order your tests online with JustGetTested, be sure to use the promotional code: HOUDINI for an additional 5% off!
If you are having sex. . . you are at risk. . . so please get tested! Know your status!
These past few weeks I have received a lot of emails and private Facebook/Twitter messages with some pretty cool questions from folks asking for additional inside-look details about my new show Beyond Belief; so I thought I would take this moment to answer some of those questions. Here goes . . .
Why the name Beyond Belief?
Ever since I was a kid I was always fascinated (ya know the mouth-opened really wide kind of fascinated) by magic. Especially when the magic was done up close - like right in front of my eyes! Now combine my true love of life for magic and escape with all the blood, sweat and tears I endured to become the successor to Harry Houdini, touring the world - my dreams all coming true!! AND THEN. . . losing everything in the blink of an eye because I shockingly learned I am HIV positive which then became the "silent-reason" for a sponsor to back out of a commitment - I became a liability. Wanting nothing more than to die and everything in between and after. . . the only two words I knew that could sum all of this up are "Beyond Belief."
What makes Beyond Belief unique in the fight against HIV/AIDS?
I believe (don't quote me on this. . . ha!) I am the only openly gay, HIV positive escape artist and magician. There are some incredible warriors out there doing their thing. . . Jamar Rogers, Robert Breining, Dab Garner, Jeromy Dunn and Sean Strub to name a few. . . all whom I utterly look up to! How I differ. . . well we all have the same drive and passion to combat stigma, fight criminalisation, comfort newly diagnosed, and help drive the forces to finding a cure / vaccine. The more stories of success that go public for all to witness the better the world heals in our common fight! My difference is I am challenging my own physical and mental capabilities and putting it all out there with Beyond Belief. This is just the start. . . it is my unique way of telling ALL of my story and how I have been able to pull through the depths of hell to realize my life is sooooo worth fighting for. Oh yeah, and I don't think any of the warriors I mentioned get tied up and throw themselves in water tanks while in straight jackets! he-he! I think that's pretty unique!
What can people expect if they attend Beyond Belief?
Well anyone who buys tickets to attend the show can expect to be inspired (I hope) with stories of loss, survival and triumph about my life and those around me living with HIV/AIDS as I share a collection of short stories about overcoming some intense moments in life from laying eyes on my very first magic kit to nearly ending my life through addiction, suicide attempts and finally what it took to get where I am today. I am a 10 year warrior of HIV. . . trying to wrap up 39 years of life in a 90 minute experience! ha! It's gonna be a whirl wind of an emotional roller coaster all creatively weaved through the arts of magic and escape!
Is this a "Las Vegas" type magic act?
Nope! Beyond Belief is about the story, while I can assure you the magic I perform is pretty sick and there is one escape I will perform where death could be the outcome. . . there will be no smoke, no mirrors and no silly theatrical mechanics to wow ticket holders! The magic is real! And so are the escapes! The cool thing is I will engage the audience 150% throughout the show! "Two director's chairs, an old magic trunk and pure darn brilliant magic and escape. . . now that's real Houdini stuff!" (-me)
How do you train for Beyond Belief?
Most people may not know, but I am 100% self trained in the arts of magic and escape. Since I decided to get back on stage and live my life. . .and never give up on my dream of reclaiming the Houdini legacy ever again, I have been very anal retentive about taking my meds, strict exercise and strength building training, diet and overall healthy living. My muscles are not for show! (ha!) Getting tied up and getting out is no easy task - pure human cunning.
What are your plans after Beyond-Belief?
This show is just the start of what is to come. I am currently training to attempt Piranha Peril, the death-defying escape I was training for and going to debut 10 years ago. . . until 'they' labeled me a liability! Kind of ironic that I am going back into a pool of 'piranha' - but this time I [my dreams] will make it out alive and not be eaten up!. Ultimately I want to show everyone / anyone living with HIV that with the right diet, adherence and lifestyle you can . . . you will live a long and healthy life. Every year I hope to attempt a brand new totally original escape. . marking another year of success where I have escaped the stigma (and assumed physical limits) of living with HIV. Nothing is going to stop me this time - certainly not my HIV nor the the fear others still may have about HIV.
Will Beyond Belief appear anywhere else outside NYC?
My hope is that this show will run for sometime here in NYC. However I am thrilled that Beyond Belief is already slated as a marquee event at the International AIDS Conference - specifically for the AIDS 2012 REUNION program. Additionally, Beyond Belief will be touring to benefit other organizations. For example this August, Beyond Belief is heading to Jacksonville, FL for one night to benefit DAB the AIDS Bear Project!
Where can people go to buy tickets?
Simply visit www.livingpozitively.com for show dates, to buy tickets and much, much more.
Well, I think those are all the questions that came in. . . if anyone else has anymore questions about Beyond Belief, feel free to leave a comment here and I will happily reply!
I hope anyone living in the NYC area will come out to experience Beyond Belief! Together we will make a difference.
Thank you for following my blog! I am Daniel and I am livingpozitively.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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!
NAPWA announces the first annualNational Healthy Living Summit,April 10-14, 2012, inDallas-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.”
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.
