"A Day with HIV in America" Take Your Best Shot!

via PRNewswire

Positively Aware magazine sponsors 2nd annual photo essay to be published in Nov/Dec 2011 issue

Whether you're HIV negative or positive, live with HIV or care for someone with HIV, Positively Aware, is asking people to share their stories through the lens of a camera on one, single day, September 21.

The second annual A Day with HIV in America will capture the collective portrait of those living with HIV to help remove the stigma of HIV and to advance a community of care and support.

Positively Aware, a leading magazine devoted to HIV treatment, is inviting people across America to snap a digital photograph at any time over the course of Wednesday, September 21.

Participants can record a portrait, time with friends and family at work or play, or any moment in the day that helps the world better understand how HIV affects their lives. Photos are to be submitted by September 26 on the A Day with HIV in America web site.

Follow A Day with HIV in America's Facebook page or on Twitter @A_Day_With_HIV to see updates and selected photographs, and to share the site and its vision with friends to help spread the word.

"We're asking all Americans affected by HIV to share with all of us an image of their life living with HIV," said Jeff Berry, editor of Positively Aware.

"Their vantage points captured over a single day will create a rich photographic tapestry of hope, strength and support that will help tear away the stigma of living with HIV in America today."

The final photos selected for the photo essay of A Day with HIV in America will be announced in October 2011 and will be published in the November/December issue of Positively Aware magazine.

 Positively Aware will also premiere the photos at the U.S. Conference on AIDS, November 10-13 in Chicago, Ill.

To learn more about this year's project, see last year's winners and to make your photo submission, visit, A Day with HIV in America.
Read the rest.

Why Shannon Cunningham Rides [a "How are you healthy?" special feature]

Does riding 200-miles in two-days make you a healthier person? Perhaps. Does riding 200-miles in two-days to improve someone else’s life make you a healthier person? Maybe. Health is so much more than physical. Mental, spiritual, and emotional health is a part of staying “healthy”.  The choices we make in our lives contribute to the overall health and happiness we experience. Below is one of several stories from participants of an annual event called the Ride for AIDS Chicago. The Ride for AIDS Chicago is a two-day, 200-mile charity cycling event that raises money for Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) and partner agencies. TPAN and the partner agencies that benefit from the Ride for AIDS Chicago provide direct service to those living with HIV and help prevent the spread of the virus through information dissemination, HIV testing, and education.

Why I ride? Great question.

If you asked me ”why I ride” when I signed up in January, I would have said that I’m committed to being a better steward to my community.

If you asked me”why I ride” when I got my first donation, I would have said, because I can make a difference $25 at a time.

If you asked me ”why I ride” when I got to know the great people of TPAN I would have said, because this organization is amazing and I want to help make a difference.

If you asked me ”why I ride” when I when I went to my first PFLAG meeting and got to listen to Richard speak, I would have said, “For you, Richard.”

If you asked my “why I ride” after this past Sunday, I would have say, “I ride because I’ve come to the realization this Cause needs me as much I need this Cause. “ I needed support on the course after a fall and suddenly felt an overwhelming sense that my fall somehow equated to me being a burden as a result of my own actions.

Then it hit me: I wonder how many diagnosed with HIV/AIDS feel like a burden? How can I help change that?

This is more than just a physical challenge of the Ride, or the financial commitment to raise money.

I want to help change the way people see themselves and help guide them to their own greatness.

That’s why I ride today.

-- Shannon Cunningham
Chicago

How are you healthy?
Please join the hundreds who have shared their tips.
Tell us HERE. Send a pic to the same place.
And we'll blog it, right here on LifeLube.
Gay men and all allies welcome to participate.
Read past posts.
Learn more about the campaign

Why Shaine Wynsma Rides [a "How are you healthy?" special feature]

Does riding 200-miles in two-days make you a healthier person? Perhaps. Does riding 200-miles in two-days to improve someone else’s life make you a healthier person? Maybe. Health is so much more than physical. Mental, spiritual, and emotional health is a part of staying “healthy”.  The choices we make in our lives contribute to the overall health and happiness we experience. Below is one of several stories from participants of an annual event called the Ride for AIDS Chicago. The Ride for AIDS Chicago is a two-day, 200-mile charity cycling event that raises money for Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) and partner agencies. TPAN and the partner agencies that benefit from the Ride for AIDS Chicago provide direct service to those living with HIV and help prevent the spread of the virus through information dissemination, HIV testing, and education.

It started with a Life List.

One of the items on that list I put down was to do a ride or marathon. I am not much of a runner, but I love, love, love to bike. So a ride it had to be. I had only heard about the ride in California and that is what I had set my sights on. I was at the doctors for a routine check up and my doctor told me about the TPAN ride and said that I would have no problem doing it.

I got a bike from Ebay. Raised some money and learned more about TPAN and their programs. The Ride at that time was roughly 180 miles. I managed to do it with no clips, on a heavy mountain bike. I don’t even think I had padded shorts.

“All you have to do is pedal,” is what I kept on telling myself. 

Mile after mile, hill after hill and the second I crossed the finish line, I wanted to do it again.

A couple of months before that ride, I found out a really good friend of mine, Greg Fanning, had passed away. He was found in his apartment alone. Greg had a great soul, provided lots of laughs and had an amazing talent of rehabbing wood furniture.

He had his share of demons he was dealing with. He wasn’t very familiar with TPAN's support programs for those dealing with HIV. I was one of a few people that he could relate too. From then on, there was/is an additional element to the Ride, other than the personal and physical challenge.

I can’t help to wonder that if Greg was more aware of TPAN and what they could have provided him, if he would still be around today, making me laugh uncontrollably and amazing me with his ability to magically turn an old rocking chair or nicked up table into a stunning piece of art. For that year, 2007, I rode in his name.

That is why Shaine rides, to make sure the doors stay open at TPAN and people are aware of the programs there, so the art and laughter stay alive, which is tops on my Life List.

-- Shaine Wynsma
Chicago

How are you healthy?
Please join the hundreds who have shared their tips.
Tell us HERE. Send a pic to the same place.
And we'll blog it, right here on LifeLube.
Gay men and all allies welcome to participate.
Read past posts.
Learn more about the campaign

Why Richard Cordova Rides [a "How are you healthy?" special feature]

Does riding 200-miles in two-days make you a healthier person? Perhaps. Does riding 200-miles in two-days to improve someone else’s life make you a healthier person? Maybe. Health is so much more than physical. Mental, spiritual, and emotional health is a part of staying “healthy”.  The choices we make in our lives contribute to the overall health and happiness we experience. The following stories show that sometimes, you have to give, to get. Below is one of several stories from participants of an annual event called the Ride for AIDS Chicago. The Ride for AIDS Chicago is a two-day, 200-mile charity cycling event that raises money for Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) and partner agencies. TPAN and the partner agencies that benefit from the Ride for AIDS Chicago provide direct service to those living with HIV and help prevent the spread of the virus through information dissemination, HIV testing, and education.

Why I Ride/Crew/Produce

I did my first Ride for AIDS Chicago in 2008. I didn't know anyone on the Ride, and I donated the entire $1,000 myself. I had just got done fundraising for my first AIDS marathon and I didn't want to burden my friends with another fundraising request.

In the beginning, these events - marathons and 200-mile bike rides were all about me. I had been HIV positive for about six years, was a pack a day smoker, and led a "party" lifestyle that was surely going to see me to an early grave if I continued doing what I was doing.

When I found out I was HIV positive, I had 123 T-cells, I was in fact not just living with HIV but technically someone living with AIDS. I spent a good portion of my 20's believing that my life had a short shelf life. I thought that I wouldn't live to see 30.

By the grace of modern medicine my immune system recovered. My immune system recovered while my mindset stayed the same. It was only when I had the realization that it was my behaviors that were going to kill me, not my HIV that I started to make any real change.

In the spring of 2007, in an effort to ditch my destructive habits I started to train for my first marathon. This led to being a running Coach for the National AIDS Marathon training program, then my first Ride for AIDS Chicago which led to my Riding for the past three years, captaining a team of 25, and now helping produce the event itself.

Somewhere along the way I realized that I'm going to live a long and healthy life with this disease. 

The coolest thing for me was as a Captain in 2009 and as a running Coach for the AIDS marathon I realized that I had the power to help people have their own trans-formative experience by participating in events like the Ride.

Maybe they do it for the cause, maybe they do it for themselves, maybe they do it for a friend...

It doesn't matter why people do the Ride for AIDS Chicago. The fact is, they are doing it. Not only are they doing it, but they are committed to raising money to support people living with this disease. That means something to me, because everyone should feel as comfortable with their disease as I do.
So the reason I have ridden, why I crew, and why I produce the Ride for AIDS Chicago is to make a difference. A difference in the lives of those participating and a difference in the lives of the people supported by the programs that the Ride helps support.

-- Richard Cordova
Chicago

How are you healthy?
Please join the hundreds who have shared their tips.
Tell us HERE. Send a pic to the same place.
And we'll blog it, right here on LifeLube.
Gay men and all allies welcome to participate.
Read past posts.
Learn more about the campaign

Positively Aware Releases 15th Annual HIV Drug Guide

Positively Aware's 15th annual HIV Drug Guide is out. Containing information about each HIV medication currently available, the issue also includes information on side effects and drug interactions. Also, learn how to get assistance in paying for HIV meds.

It's a must have.

We like to tear out the super-hot drug centerfold and tack it to the wall ---- it's so hard to remember which drugs we're currently hooked on :) You too can get a hard copy from the publishers, Test Positive Aware Network.

Live your best life with HIV - via TEAM at TPAN (Chicago)

TEAM, (Treatment Education Adherence Management) is Test Positive Aware Network's (TPAN) free peer-led education class for HIV+ individuals that teaches "how to live your best life with HIV".

TEAM is led by other HIV+ individuals and is taught on a level that patients easily understand. Since 1996, 500 HIV+ men, women, straight, gay and transgender individuals of all demographic backgrounds have completed the course.

Sponsored by Pfizer and IL Dept. of Public Health, TEAM is designed to teach you everything you need to know, but unfortunately, don't have enough time with your docs to ask. Classes are small (10-12) and all members are positive.

The benefit of the training is learning HIV biology, HIV Lifecycle, History of HIV, Adherence to Meds, Resistance, the Doctor/Patient Relationship, etc. TEAM is a very interactive casual classroom setting. Complimentary meals are served. CTA passes are also offered for those in need.

Interested?

Both fun and educational. Consider joining us!

All TEAM client names and info is absolutely discrete. TEAM consists of 18 hours and is offered throughout the year in both daytime and nighttime formats. Next TEAM begins March 10(scroll halfway down.)

Call Derek, Louis, or Billy at TPAN for further information and enrollment. 773-989-9400.

How is Anthony Galloway healthy?

Last year, I decided that I wanted the Barack Obama-style smile so I decided to go back to the dentist for the first time in three years.

To my horror, I discovered that I had 4 cavities and my wisdom teeth had to be taken out. It was at that moment when the dentist turned to me to say that my teeth were not getting the proper care that I decided to make some changes.

The first thing, I did was go to an oral surgeon and had all four of my wisdom teeth removed. I had to do this because both of teeth were impacted to the point that I was having headaches all the time and the orthodontist strongly recommended it before I had braces put in. Then I got all the cavities filled. About two months ago, I had my first set of braces put in. Although, I do not like the look of braces, I understand that if I want to have the Barack smile, I have to pay the cost both financially and physically. By getting braces, I have elected to have better oral hygiene, straight teeth and less bad breath when I wake up in the mornings. My oral health is important to me as when I get older I want to still look my best.

Having beautiful teeth is important for me as I believe it is directly related to my mental health. How I feel about myself is extremely important and before the braces were put in, I was very critical of myself. Getting braces at 27 is an adventure but it is fun.

By going to the orthodontist every six weeks, I choose to stay healthy!

-- Anthony Galloway
Chicago

How are you healthy?
Join in the conversation.
Tell us HERE. Send a pic to the same place.
And we'll blog it, right here.
Read past posts.
Learn more about the campaign.

Boriqua

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smartsex via tpan

Truth

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smartsex courtesy of tpan

Be still....

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STILLNESS SPEAKS, a weekly meditation group, takes place Thursday evenings at TPAN.

Are you TWENTY-SOMETHING?

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TWENTY-SOMETHING: A twice-monthly support and discussion group for gay and bisexual, HIV-positive men in their twenties, at TPAN.

Align your body and spirit at TPAN

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Contact Elise at 773-989-9400 or elise@tpan.com with questions. Click here to find out more about what's happening at TPAN.

Positively Aware's HIV Drug Guide for 2009 is available!

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Chicago Takes Off - March 7 - Get Your Tix

Chicago Takes Off is the annual burlesque revue-style show where talented male and female dancers donate their time and energy to strut their stuff in support of TPAN. Colorful and energetic choreographed performances and entertainment engage audiences in this sexy celebration of life. Image and video above are from last year's event.

Purchase your tickets NOW!
March 7, 2009 | Park West

Bar-lesque and the Magical Kinky Kingdom

Dear Friends of TPAN and Chicago Takes Off

With just two weeks to go in our competition, our Top 5 contestants are going all out to raise money for TPAN.

If you think they look good with their clothes on, check them out with their clothes off at the links below!

Rick from the Glenwood (left), our leader for the entire competition, has raised almost $4,000 for TPAN. Check him out.

Matt from Mary's Attic has raised nearly $2,000. Take a closer look.

Chad from The NorthEnd (pictured above) jumped into third this week after his successful fundraising event at The North End last Friday. See more of Chad.

Brad from Hydrate had his fundraiser this Wednesday, Feb 18th Hydrate. The staff of Hydrate did their Turnabout Drag Show with all tips given to Brad's cause. Special guests included Tajma Hall and Aurora Sexton. See Brad's latest photos.

Jason from Scarlet is in his second week in the Top 5 and moving up quickly. You definitely don't want to miss Jason's latest photo.

Can Tim or John from Jackhammer pull into the top 5 before the end of the competition? Join them this Saturday, February 21 from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. for the "Mardi Gras Underwear Party!"

Of course, if you'd like to see more of these guys or any of our other 12 contestants, please consider making a donation to TPAN. See your favorite go from fully clothed to "fig leaf" for TPAN!

Just a reminder, Chicago Takes Off: Once Upon A Time In The Magical Kinky Kingdom will be held on Saturday, March 7, with TWO shows (7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.) at the Park West. Miss Coco Peru will be our official host for the evening!

To purchase tickets, please call Rhett at (773) 989-9400 ext. 233 or go online to the OFFICIAL Chicago Takes Off Web site.

What is Bar-lesque?

We canvassed the city far and wide to find Chicago's sexiest, charity-minded bar staff. Seventeen of the sexiest bar staff from The Glenwood, Hydrate, Jackhammer, Mary's Attic, The NorthEnd, Scarlet, Sidetrack, and Underground Wonderbar are taking it off for charity...online! You participate by donating to your favorite girl or guy at www.chicagotakesoff.org/bar-lesque.html. As the donations come in, the clothes come off. All donations benefit TPAN.

About Chicago Takes Off

Chicago Takes Off is the annual burlesque revue-style show where talented male and female dancers donate their time and energy to strut their stuff in support of TPAN. Colorful and energetic choreographed performances and entertainment engage audiences in this sexy celebration of life. Saturday, March 7, with two performances, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. at the Park West! www.chicagotakesoff.org

Sweeeeet Charity

March 7, 2009 - Park West - Chicago
[click to enlarge poster]

Chicago Takes Off is the annual burlesque revue-style show where talented male and female dancers donate their time and energy to strut their stuff in support of TPAN. Colorful and energetic choreographed performances and entertainment engage.

Click here to get your tix.

image from last year's event see more

My Name is Bear Abbott

Collecting Smiles and Counting Blessings
by Bear Abbott

I volunteer at Test Positive Aware Network where I work as a receptionist. I also do testing and counseling in one of the local bathhouses for TPAN. Through this wonderful facility, I was certified in HIV Testing and HIV Prevention and Partner Counseling. I also do speaking engagements about living with HIV and the importance of knowing your status. I’m also the office manager for one of the hottest salons/spas in Chicago - Toujours.

I'm from Texas. When the Gay Marriage Bill was defeated our governor actually stated, on the air, that “if you are gay and don't like it, you can move to another state that would better suit you and your needs.” I was appalled. But, what’s worse, he got away with it and the state rallied around him over the statement. So I took his advice, left friends and family, and moved to Chicago!

My life is obviously very different than it was even a few months ago. Where I came from being gay meant you stayed in the closet. You could “come out” to your family and friends, but as a society you had to keep your mouth shut. Walking hand in hand down a street anywhere outside of the gay neighborhood was unheard of! They carry guns down there! In Chicago I'm accepted by gay and straight people alike. Here in Chicago the majority of my friends are of the hetero persuasion. They all know I'm gay and they all know I have HIV. No one is bothered. I get to be myself! I have walked hand in hand with a man in Millennium Park and in my neighborhood and kissed a man in a very busy public area in O’Hare and no one batted an eye!

As far as life-changing experiences go let me first make this clear: I don’t do drugs and I’m as sane as you. Due to HIV, I contracted spinal meningitis and was hospitalized. On my first night home following my release I had a very different experience. As my partner slept in the next room, I "crossed over”. I was met by my Spirit Guides and all the excruciating pain I was in disappeared. I was traveling with them in a vessel that sounded like the EL when pulling up to a station. I saw many things from inside the vessel: suns, moons, stars, and solar systems. My brain contained the knowledge of the universe just like my old preacher said would happen when I die. Then there was nothing, just a black void in space. But in this void was a white shining light that didn't hurt to look at. It was calling my name.

My Spirit Guide told me not to look at the light as “it was not my time”. She concluded by saying that my reason for being in this space was to end my constant fear of dying. I had something very important left to do. I was to go back as a "healer”. Then suddenly I was back in my bed and the pain started to gradually return. I relayed this to my partner in incredible detail. From that point, doors started opening up for me in a new profession. I wanted to make a difference in the HIV community. I started training and studied Shamanism from a Practitioner. Now I am studying Buddhism.

I’d like to say to younger gay men, you are NOT "superman." AIDS is not an old gay man's disease. Most of the men who test positive in my outreach settings are in the early twenties. HIV knows no barriers. No race, creed, culture, or age. It is a human disease, affecting everyone it comes in contact with. Don't just use condoms, use your brains when you're having sex. You are not only sleeping with that one person, you are sleeping with everyone he has slept with. Just as he is sleeping with everyone you have slept with! And if you are having regular sex with numerous partners get yourself tested every 6 months. You can get it done in many places for free.

I wear my HIV status like a banner. I call it, “blessing”, not "my curse”!. I talk about living with HIV whenever I have an audience. For some reason, people listen to me and have respect for the things I talk about. I use this gift to the advantage of saving lives.

I also talk to men who are already infected. We all want to feel better. When going to your physician, make sure you write down your questions for your doctor before you see him. All of us have questions, but they’re easily forgotten when visiting the doc. Have crib notes for you visit. What good is taking meds if you don't take them as prescribed? Find a way to remind yourself. If it's a string around your finger or an alarm that goes off on your cell phone, I can't stress enough how important it is to take your meds on time.

I lived my life very recklessly before becoming positive. After having seen the "light”, I've come back as a practicing pagan with a gift of knowledge on how this world works. I truly believe that this is in all of us. Just some of us ignore the calling when the door is knocked.

My "family" is my support system. My family consists of not only my parents, but my friends and loved ones all across this country! They are always there when I need a shoulder, advice, or just someone to talk to. I am never alone. And for this, I feel truly blessed!

Motivation? Some days I don't feel like crawling out of bed. My motivation is the feeling that if I stay in bed I will miss some wonderful experience, wonderful person or a truly awesome adventure.

What makes me happy? I go out each day doing what I call "Collecting Smiles”. For example, I’m walking down the street and this seemingly angry person is walking towards me. Instead of clearing a path, I stay on the same side of the walkway. I engage this angry person with a heart felt smile or a “Good Morning!” or even a “Howdy”. This action is usually always returned with the same. I notice that the colors around this person have shifted and now they a smile. I pray that this good feeling is passed on. Pay it forward!

Simply put, this person is a metaphorical pond and I am a stone that's been dropped in it. Notice how the ripples spread out and then return to you?

It is returned to the sender. When that happens, being happy is an understatement.

Under A Big Top

Sexy charity good time...

For ticket info

www.tpan.com

TPA Network
5537 North Broadway
Chicago, Illinois 60640
773-989-9400