LOGO TV'S "POSITIVE YOUTH" REVEALS THE NEW REALITY OF LIVING HIV+

HIV+ YOUTH WIN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE VIRUS IN LOGO TV'S "POSITIVE YOUTH"

Film Follows the Next Generation of Positive Youth as they Use Education and New Medical Science to Erase Antiquated 1980s Stigmas and Fears

First identified in the United States in 1981, HIV has become one of the world's most widespread pandemics. Wrongly labeled a "gay plague" in its early days, this non-discriminating virus affects more than 41 million people across the globe, regardless of their sex, orientation or socio- economic status.

Now, more than 30 years later, a cure for HIV still remains to be found. However, thanks to huge leaps in vaccine research and the creation of medications that significantly reduce viral load and the risk of transmission, there is now new hope for those living with HIV. Unfortunately, due to a lack of education and public awareness about these developments, HIV+ men and women still face an unwelcome environment shaped by the fears born in the AIDS panic of the 1980s.
Seeing a great need for change, LOGO TV paired up with four inspirational HIV infected or affected youth in their new documentary "Positive Youth" to shine a light on the hopeful reality of living HIV+ in 2012. Refusing to let the virus win, the young men and women featured in the film offer a raw, uncensored look into their daily lives: receiving an HIV diagnosis, positive/negative dating, the truth about medication, and gaining the realization that life is not over and there is a future.

"I felt there was a huge disconnect in public awareness about the advancements in HIV medication and research," said the film's director, Charlie David. "We made this documentary to educate those who know little of HIV, shed light on the rise of HIV infection among today's youth, give hope to people living with HIV and let them know that they are not alone."
Each of the four youth in the film feature a dynamic perspective on the reality of living positive today and show how a single person can change the world regardless of their environment. The cast includes a straight 18-year-old First Nations woman living in an impoverished rural town, a gay 25-year-old white urbanite, a spiritual 23-year-old African American YouTube activist and a 27-year-old club kid jet-setter. Medical and psychological experts also weigh in to provide up-to-date facts and a historical context to show how HIV has changed.

"We now have the tools to turn things around. Medication plays a key role in prevention and living a long life," said film subject Austin Head. "Medicine is the reason the virus in my system is at undetectable levels. This eliminates nearly all possibility of transmission to a loved one. There are still a lot of people who don't know they have options and I wanted to be a part of this film to help share that story."

"Positive Youth" will air in the United States on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. EST on the TV network LOGO TV.

Cast interviews, HD film clips and images, and online pre-release film screenings for members of the media are available by request.

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Interview Opportunities

Charlie David:

Director of "Positive Youth"

David appears worldwide as television host for E! Television, NBC, LOGO TV, and Fine Living for shows such as "FYE!," "SpyTV," "Crash Test Mommy" and his travel series "Bump!" He created "Positive Youth" to change perceptions about HIV and replace the stigma and fear born in the 1980s with the hope represented in medicine and the youth of today. His thought-provoking programs now air in over 50 million homes in 10 countries across the globe.


Austin Head:

Featured Cast Member in "Positive Youth"

As an entertainer, DJ and bi-coastal nightlife celebrity, Head provides a no-holds-barred look into the life of a public figure living with HIV in the film "Positive Youth." Through outrageous fashion, music and an outspoken personality, he uses his celebrity to both educate and prove that being positive does not have to stop one from living their dreams.


Media Contact - Neon PR
Jeff Lewis | jeff@neonpr.com | (917) 385-9701