We're looking to update the main website for Strength In Numbers (SIN) for the new year. And we'd like to feature the best part of our organization, YOU! If you'd like the chance to be featured on the website, please send me a photo of yourself that meets the exact specifications listed below:
Color photo
JPG or GIF format
At least 300 x 300 pixels (or higher quality digital format)
Photo must feature your face/torso only (Can't feature anyone else)
No full body or long distance shots (We need head shots - pardon the pun)
Nothing X rated
Provide your full name and city where you live
By submitting your photo you agree to it being used on our website and any other materials we desire for SIN organizational purposes. Remember, these will be publically viewable so you must be comfortable with be open about your HIV status. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
And thank you all in advance for submitting your photos. We really appreciate it and hope to get a good response. Our goal is to feature as many different types of guys who belong to SIN to show our immense diversity. Send your submissions to: bryan@...
This is the 6th year that SIN has celebrated the Holidays. And this year it seems particularly cold and unfortunately troubling in much of our nation as we collectively face uncertain times. But as I have found out time and time again since I launched Strength In Numbers in the Hollywood Hills at that small potluck party, some of the most amazing support I've ever found in my life came from the other poz guys that I've met on our network. You joined your local SIN chapter because you wanted to get connected to other gay men living with HIV/AIDS, whether for companionship, friendship or just to get some information from time to time.
We are all bound by some very profound common threads. Now in turbulent times, we can find out how strong those connections can be. As we are a grassroots organization, many times we start a SIN chapter when a poz guy reaches out to us and ask us for help in getting a poz social group started in his area. Usually we set some expectations from that original member to serve as a manager for their new group in their city, to promote that group and organize some initial social events. Sometimes this has worked out brilliantly and the chapter has grown organically and become very active. Other times it's proven too difficult for the manager to get the word out about the group, or that manager becomes busy with their own activities and doesn't continue to focus on the chapter as necessary.
Now, at this time though, I'd like to challenge every guy who has signed up to a SIN chapter to take a moment to help their group become more active, or to start volunteering now and then to help their chapter management. Strength In Numbers is run solely by volunteers, we fund all of our own events, and we manage ourselves, poz guy helping poz guy. So if you ever feel frustrated that you haven't been able to meet other quality HIV+ gay men in your city, or you have felt isolated by your HIV status, or just wanted some new friends and to go to some healthy life-affirming events, then now is the time to take a chance and post a message. Get to know other guys in your group.
CHALLENGE: I make a challenge to all of you guys on SIN to either attend any holidays events already planned for your local SIN chapter (like San Francisco or New York City for their annual holiday parties), or to suggest to your group a holiday outing in your local city. Plan a group trip to a movie matinee or to meet at a local gay restaurant. Just one group event could get the ball rolling for 2009! And if you need any help or have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me or David (david@...) about ideas.
We're working hard within SIN to improve our outreach and practices so that more guys can find out about us and join our chapters, and that guys can plan events easier and with more confidence. So please help spread some much needed holiday cheer!
Please respond to Lilly Colon from The Morgan Agency directly.
Also, know that we at SIN do not support any specific age restrictions in our own groups. But when an advertisting agency let's us know about potential job offers, we simply pass that information on to you. If you have concerns about their age restrictions, please contact them directly.
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Casting for Atripla & Reyataz!!! From: "Lilly Colon" <lilly@...> Date: Fri, December 05, 2008 10:25 am To: "Lilly Colon" <lilly@...>
Hello everyone!
We are casting for several models for 2 different shoots. 1 for Reyataz and 1 for Atripla. The specs are listed below.
**If you fall under the requirements and are interested in being considered, please reply ASAP answering ALL the questions below AND a recent photograph (preferably high resolution JPEG)
PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS:
· Full Name:
· Age:
· Ethnicity:
· Current Meds:
· Have you done any work for HIV print or commercial?
· If so, when and for which product?
· Which casting do you want to be submitted for?
· Reyataz, Atripla, or both? (Make sure you fall under the specs)
DO NOT FORGET TO REPLY WITH A CURRENT PHOTO!!!
REYATAZ 2009 BRANDED REFRESH CAMPAIGN
CASTING SPECS
9 MALES – shot in groups of 3
Group 1 – 3 Caucasian
Ages 25-35
Group 2 – 2 African American, 1 Caucasian
Ages 35-45
Group 3 – 2 Hispanic, 1 Caucasian
Ages 25-45
3 FEMALES – shot as a group
Group 4 – 3 African American Women
Ages late 20’s to mid-40’s
All models must be HIV positive. They do not have to be on Reyataz.
All Groups
Each grouping should appear as if they are best of friends. There is a great sense of camaraderie and they are comfortable with each other. They are posing together for a picture as if at a special event together. ( i.e. a birthday dinner, a vacation, a reunion, etc.)
NOTE: Locations TBD
ATRIPLA 2009 CAMPAIGN
Casting Breakdown
3 MALES – each shot individually.
1 – African American
1 – Caucasian
1 – Hispanic
Ages - between 25 and 45
1 FEMALE, African American
Ages - between 35 and 45
All models must be HIV positive and taking ATRIPLA.
Additionally, they should be warm, personable and feel comfortable being a face of ATRIPLA. They should be confident without being cocky.
Confidentiality Note: This e-mail and if any attachments is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed. It may contain information that is confidential, privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure. Distribution, copying or dissemination of this e-mail or the information contained herein by anyone other than the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify me immediately, destroy any and all copies of this e-mail along with any attachments. Thank you.
P Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to. Think Green and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Looking for HIV+ men and women for a photo shoot From: Martha Lazar <martha@...> Date: Tue, December 02, 2008 1:26 pm To: bryan@...
You once posted one of my castings a number of years ago. I was wondering if you could post this one as well.
Thanks for your help!
Martha
I am casting 2 ad campaigns for HIV medications. One is a testimonial for a drug called Atripla and the people I find MUST be currently taking Atripla. The other campaign doesn't have any requirements as to which medication/s the talent is taking.
WHO
I'm looking for men and women between the ages of 25-45 who are responsible and are comfortable with having their picture taken. EVERYONE MUST BE HIV+ to be in these ads. (We will need verification before we proceed with the shoot). No experience necessary, and in fact it is preferable that the person has NOT modeled for an HIV medication already.
Men- African America, Caucasian and Hispanic
Women- African American
PAYMENT
$6,000-$8,500 to participate in the shoot and have the photos run for 2 years. This is non-exclusive use
$7,500-$10,000 if the use is exclusive (meaning they can't model for anything in the HIV health industry)
The talent won't be compensated for coming to the casting, but it is the only way they will be considered for the job.
WHERE
I will hold my castings in NYC. Ideally anyone interested should be able to come to me. If someone is interested and cannot attend, they should send several very recent, photos of themselves so we get an idea of what they look like.
Anyone who is interested should email me a recent photo, their contact info and their current HIV medication/s. People should contact me before 12/15 so I can schedule them for my castings.
Check out www.SINCruise.com for details and prices to the first ever cruise retreat for HIV+ gay men and their friends. We'll be setting sail from Long Beach, California on May 3 (returning May 9) to visit Cabo San Lucas, Maztalan, and Puerta Vallarta.
Guys, the election is over, the economy is settling, 2009 is looking up! Now is the time to get your vacation settled as well and SIN has the best offer for you around. Join us for a week of sun, sizzle, and skin as we tour the Mexican Riveria. Book now to lock in lower prices before the cruise line increases rates after December 1st. And then you can also book your airfare sooner to get reduce prices. There are economical flights to LAX/Long Beach from all over the United States and beyond.
This is by far the most affordable vacation you can plan for all of next year, and best of all, you get to spend the week with other poz guys just like you. Make new friends, no need to ever feel uncomfortable disclosing your HIV status, bond with guys who understand everything you've ever gone through. And maybe even meet that special guy to share a lifetime of romantic sunsets with, or at least for 7 nights!
Trust me, the poz cruise I just did to the Caribbean was by far the best vacation I've ever had in my entire life and a big part of that was the fellowship I found with the other poz guys on the trip. For some of these guys, it was the first time they had really spent time with other gay men living with HIV/AIDS, and for everyone, it was life-affirming and for many it was life-changing.
You can see photos from my trip uploaded on our SIN Flickr site:
See the smiling faces, see the beautiful blue skies, see the tan skin, THAT COULD BE YOU!!! We'll also be meeting up in Long Beach (California) that weekend before the cruise for meet&greets and other social outings. Sign up today for the first ever SIN cruise.
Bryan
Paul's message (our poz travel agent):
Hey Guys,
I can't tell you how excited I am to be participating in the Annual Fall Men's Poz Cruise over Halloween, excited enough that I wanted to be able to offer to our SIN members and friends the chance to see how much fun and camaraderie it will be first hand.
I am so pleased to say that we have set up the first of what we hope will become an annual SIN Poz Cruise. This year will be sailing on the brand new Carnival Splendor which will not even be one year old when we sail her. We will depart from Long Beach, California on May 3, 2009 to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. We return on May 10th.
Our affordable rates begin at only $475 per person plus tax and fuel charges and will include all your meals, entertainment including our own private events, cocktail parties plus each cabin will receive a $100.00 ship board credit to be spent any way you want. We will also offer private shore excursions just for our guys (no blue haired ladies or kids).
Please note that the rates being quoted are valid for reservations made before December 1. After December 1 rates will increase as the cruise lines anticipate an increase in taxes and fuel charges. Once deposited, your price is locked in,
We promise a week and fun and sun and the chance to make close friendships and perhaps more.
I am working with Paul Stalbaum, a travel agent based in Florida who has coordinated Poz Cruises out of the East Coast for several years with great success. You can see the details of our cruise at www.gaytravelfl.com/springcruise.htm . As Paul is the travel expert, most questions should be directed to him at paul@... or 800 - 735 - 0401 ext 241.
We have a great week planned for you so why not join our crew of SIN members on our exciting cruise to the Mexican Riviera.
Over the summer one of our SIN members, Carl Frazier, was shot dead in cold blood during an apparent robbery in Denver. Carl had been an active member of various HIV social support groups in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Denver. He was an incredibly intelligent, sweet and handsome youthful man without a violent bone in his body. His sister Kathy has been kind enough to keep us updated on the murder investigation, to which there are few leads. Any support we can provide to the Andersons as a worldwide organization is incredibly important.
We will not forget you Carl and we certainly will not rest until your killer is behind bars.
Bryan
Founder, SIN
In my rush to get my email out, I miswrote Carl's last name, which is correctly Frazier.
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Update on Carl From: The Normal Andersons <normalandersons@...> Date: Mon, November 10, 2008 7:07 pm To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Sorry it's taken me so long to get an update out to you. It took me a while to get back into the swing again at work and to try to get caught up on everything. Carl's 42nd birthday has past and we still don't have any more answers than we did when we found out he was dead. I did want to let you know what I know about the investigation.
The good news is that the detectives have not given up working on Carl's case. The bad news/sad news is that every lead they get has taken them to a dead end or has created more unanswered questions. Because it's an ongoing investigation, the detectives have really stopped sharing anything that is still remotely a lead while they try to run it down. They know how frustrated we are and share our pain because they want to find justice for Carl, too. The sad reality is that it's looking more and more like they may not find the person responsible for this....at least not now. They recovered the bullets that killed Carl but won't tell me anything about them because of the investigation. There's always hope that the weapon will be used again sometime which could lead them to more information on Carl's murder. The district attorney's office won't even release any of Carl's things that they took into evidence until they've tracked down every last lead for fear of losing something that may provide them information.
I'm heading out to Denver on Friday, November 14th to do two television interviews with the lead detective on Carl's case -- one is a follow up for CrimeStoppers and one is for a Denver area unsolved crimes show. I'm also supposed to talk with the newspapers again for a follow-up story. We want to do whatever we can to keep Carl's name and face out there in the Denver-area community hoping it will cause someone to eventually come forward with information. Carl's friends have continued to put posters up about Carl's murder every week around town hoping someone will call in.
That's all I have for now. Please know that as soon as I know anything new, I promise to share it. There just haven't been any developments unfortunately. Maybe I'll find out more when I meet with the detectives in person this week.
The battle for same-sex marriage provides Strength In Numbers with a unique and challenging opportunity. Although our mission statement says that SIN will not take any political positions or allow directly partisan political commentary on our groups, the cause of allowing marriage to same-sex couples is, in my opinion, a civil rights matter rather than a simple political one (like supporting a particular candidate or party).
In this case, the very nature of social support for HIV+ gay men is put to the test as to whether we as a community will be able to fully explore the protections and liberties afforded with state sanctioned marriage. Marriage is an essential part of society itself. We as gay men not only find within our various social groups the ability to make new friendships, but to also meet potential romantic partners (and now potential legal spouses). The establishment of the essential human right to choose who we love and to have that relationship fully recognized and celebrated by our friends, family, and government is a core value and potential leading achievement of the entire LGBT movement and history.
Therefore the issue of Prop 8 transcends the typical political subject and should be expressed to some degree here on SIN. I do ask that any messages that relate to Prop 8 and efforts to overturn or protest it focus on how SIN members can be involved in those efforts rather than simply passing along political commentary on the issue. This will help keep our message boards focused on action rather than lengthy statements (better reserved for other message boards).
And to those outside of California who wonder how this same-sex marriage ban may affect them, all they have to consider is the amount of money and pressure that anti-gay marriage advocates poured into this ballot. They know, as we have all learned before, as goes California, so goes the United States, and even the world. If California succeeds in recognizing same-sex marriages forever, it will be the largest population and single economy to do so (as the state itself ranks in the top 10 economies in the world). With millions of same-sex couples returning married in California and then returning to their home states or moving to other states, they will then seek recognition of their marriages in those states or foreign nations, requiring at some point the US Supreme Court or other nations to determine the final status of same-sex marriages in order to create a uniform approach.
Therefore Prop 8, the battle to overturn it and the collective efforts around the nation and beyond to affirm same-sex marriage in the State of California are extremely important matters that could impact all same-sex couples and could affect the future of gay relationships around the world. Gay marriage also is important in that with its recognition and legitimacy in the eyes of the government, homophobic individuals will (at least over time) lose that ability to denegrate and insult same-sex couples in public, much as such insults to inter-racial couples became unthinkable after those marriages were made legal.
Over the summer one of our SIN members, Carl Anderson, was shot dead in cold blood during an apparent robbery in Denver. Carl had been an active member of various HIV social support groups in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Denver. He was an incredibly intelligent, sweet and handsome youthful man without a violent bone in his body. His sister Kathy has been kind enough to keep us updated on the murder investigation, to which there are few leads. Any support we can provide to the Andersons as a worldwide organization is incredibly important.
We will not forget you Carl and we certainly will not rest until your killer is behind bars.
Bryan
Founder, SIN
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Update on Carl From: The Normal Andersons <normalandersons@...> Date: Mon, November 10, 2008 7:07 pm To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Sorry it's taken me so long to get an update out to you. It took me a while to get back into the swing again at work and to try to get caught up on everything. Carl's 42nd birthday has past and we still don't have any more answers than we did when we found out he was dead. I did want to let you know what I know about the investigation.
The good news is that the detectives have not given up working on Carl's case. The bad news/sad news is that every lead they get has taken them to a dead end or has created more unanswered questions. Because it's an ongoing investigation, the detectives have really stopped sharing anything that is still remotely a lead while they try to run it down. They know how frustrated we are and share our pain because they want to find justice for Carl, too. The sad reality is that it's looking more and more like they may not find the person responsible for this....at least not now. They recovered the bullets that killed Carl but won't tell me anything about them because of the investigation. There's always hope that the weapon will be used again sometime which could lead them to more information on Carl's murder. The district attorney's office won't even release any of Carl's things that they took into evidence until they've tracked down every last lead for fear of losing something that may provide them information.
I'm heading out to Denver on Friday, November 14th to do two television interviews with the lead detective on Carl's case -- one is a follow up for CrimeStoppers and one is for a Denver area unsolved crimes show. I'm also supposed to talk with the newspapers again for a follow-up story. We want to do whatever we can to keep Carl's name and face out there in the Denver-area community hoping it will cause someone to eventually come forward with information. Carl's friends have continued to put posters up about Carl's murder every week around town hoping someone will call in.
That's all I have for now. Please know that as soon as I know anything new, I promise to share it. There just haven't been any developments unfortunately. Maybe I'll find out more when I meet with the detectives in person this week.
Today is a wonderful day in the history of America and the world. We have elected a President who may change the face of world politics for the better. The spirit of hope, joy and unity is felt all around the globe.
We have also had four major losses in terms of equal rights and protections for all human beings here in the United States. The states of Arizona, California and Florida have written discrimination into their constitutions in forbidding same-sex marriages. The state of Arkansas has added the level of legal discrimination by voting for a ban on adoptions by gay people.
How could this happen in this day and age, and what can we do about it now?
First, we must reach out to those who voted, or would have voted, for these discriminatory measures and help them see who we are. We have to let them get to know us..
Statistics are very clear that many people still today believe they don’t know any gay people. We must not be invisible and we must make it easier for those who are in the closet to come out—even if it means pushing them out—gently and with compassion!
We must also be aware that just because someone voted differently than us, they are not a bad person. These are simply people who haven’t yet gotten to know us or who live in fear of change. That is the meaning of the word conservative—to resist change. It is an important and stabilizing force in society and we need it in order to make lasting progress. It is when we have won over the conservatives to our side that the battle is won—not when we have defeated the conservatives!
Bearing this in mind, I ask that you reach out to every conservative person you know and tell them who you are, and who your gay, lesbian and transgender friends are. Let them see all the good and bad sides
of you while telling them how you feel by not having the same rights that they do and ask them to support you. Ask them to give you the same dignity and respect that they enjoy.
I also ask that you remind your gay, lesbian, transgender and allied friends to do the same. We as a people have to make this change happen in society’s attitudes and general stance of the conservative population. And each one of us is needed to make this change.. Can we create enough change to reverse the ban in California already within two years? YES, WE CAN!
Set the ball in motion today and come out to those who don’t know you are gay at work. Tell your cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and everyone else what your sexual orientation is. Make an effort to let them know how you feel. Forward this letter to your GLBT and allied friends. This must be a grass-roots movement and it begins with you and me.
Some of you may have heard of the annual poz cruise to the Caribbean organized by Paul Stalbaum out of Fort Lauderdale. Well, this was my first time going on that cruise and my first cruise ever in fact. I had the best vacation of my life, without a doubt. We were on the Crown Princess ship which holds about 3100 passengers although I never felt crowded or lacking in space. There were about 200 of us in our group (including 40 or so heterosexuals living with HIV/AIDS), which was part of a standard cruise (not a totally gay ship like Atlantis). This had it's good and not so good points, but for the most part it was almost entirely good.
Because we were a group on a regular cruise, we bonded together much more than I think we would have if we had been part of a larger all gay cruise (where guys from our group may have found too many "distractions" shall we say). That doesn't mean that there weren't plenty of romances or hookups happening, I mean they don't call it the "Love Boat" for nothing. In fact, quite a number of guys seem to have found the man of their dreams during the voyage. We had excellent presentations on medical updates and fun ice breaker events like a rather twisted version of "The Dating Game". And we joined up with 2 other gay groups who were on the ship to take over entire ship bars and the disco every night. Heck, by the end of the week, we had made the smaller pool on the back of the liner our own semi-private gay resort!
I'm still getting over jet lag, but I hope to write more about the journey soon. Again, as I said, it was definitely one of the best things I've ever done in my entire life. I never thought I'd be the kind of guy who would like a cruise, but I loved it. The rooms were comfortable, the international staff was incredibly friendly (and some of them totally hot), the food was very good and plentiful, and the ship itself made relaxing very easy since everything you wanted to do was all within a 5 minute walk or less. The islands, the warm tropical breezes and the crystal blue waters were stunning.
The highlights of the trip for me were snorkeling with 50 other poz guys off the reef at St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands) with sea turtles comfortably swimming around us, and jet skiing of St. Maarten, an island controlled on one half by the Netherlands and the other half by France. I also made dozens of new close friends, including a very special guy who made my trip very memorable. Even our unintended taxi bus trip that should have been 1/2 mile turned into a 1 hour mis-adventure to the other side of St. Thomas, but our bus if mostly rum-drunk funsters turned hungry frustration into a hilarious chance to sing theme songs from 70s/80s TV shows while we raced like a rollercoaster up and down narrow winding streets past stunning vistas and bright blue bays.
I'm uploading photos & videos now but since I took almost 800, it will be awhile until they are all ready on our Flickr account for SIN:
Next year's cruise sounds even better with more islands to visit. And I'm now more excited than ever about our first ever Strength In Numbers cruise for HIV+ gay men and their friends to the west coast of Mexico the first week of May, 2009. We'll have 3 days at sea and be visiting fantastic ports like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and the gay capitol of Mexico, Puerta Vallarta. This trip is filling up fast though so please move now to register and get your small initial deposit down before Dec. 1st, when the deposit amount will go up. Check out our website for all the details:
And help us spread the word about the cruise so we can have as many guys join us as possible by adding the following to your personal ads on HIV/poz dating sites and other message boards:
Join me on SIN Cruise (a poz social event to the Mexican Riviera on Carnival Fun Ships, May 3-10, 2009). More info at: www.SINCRUISE.com
Trust me, if you join us on either of these cruises, you will have a great time, make a lot of incredible new friends, and quite possibly meet the love of your life. Thanks to Paul for organizing a great voyage, and in particular to David and his crew from SIN NYC for being the life of the party!
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Dates for next International Poz Brotherhood Retreat From: Brotherhood Retreats <brotherhoodretreats@...> Date: Thu, October 30, 2008 1:45 pm To: undisclosed recipients: ;
Hello everyone!
We had an amazing experience at the First International Poz Brotherhood Retreat in the Poconos in October. 22 amazing men bonded and experienced a level of intimacy and authenticity that is rarely, if ever, experienced in daily life. For some it was a life-changing experience.
We decided to hold our next retreat in July 2009. The dates have been set to July 16-20, making it a 5-day retreat. Due to the added day, the fees are slightly higher this time, but we are hoping that those who can afford a little more will volunteer to off-set the cost for those who live with limited financial means. Please see our website for info on our scholarship fund.
Registration fees include room and board with 3 meals per day and some light snacks available throughout the day. Full cost is $695, but if you register early the cost will be less. For registrations postmarked by December 1, 2008, the total fee is only $495. This discounted rate is not publicly advertised or marked on the registration form, but just make a note on the form about it and you will get the lower price. To register, send in a $200 deposit (non-refundable) along with the registration form.
Visit our website at www.pozretreat.com for more information.
I look forward to getting to know more of you in July next year!
We had an amazing experience at the First International Poz Brotherhood Retreat in the Poconos in October. 22 amazing men bonded and experienced a level of intimacy and authenticity that is rarely, if ever, experienced in daily life. For some it was a life-changing experience.
We decided to hold our next retreat in July 2009. The dates have been set to July 16-20, making it a 5-day retreat. Due to the added day, the fees are slightly higher this time, but we are hoping that those who can afford a little more will volunteer to off-set the cost for those who live with limited financial means. Please see our website for info on our scholarship fund.
Registration fees include room and board with 3 meals per day and some light snacks available throughout the day. Full cost is $695, but if you register early the cost will be
less. For registrations postmarked by December 1, 2008, the total fee is only $495. This discounted rate is not publicly advertised or marked on the registration form, but just make a note on the form about it and you will get the lower price. To register, send in a $200 deposit (non-refundable) along with the registration form.
Visit our website at www.pozretreat.com for more information.
I look forward to getting to know more of you in July next year!
VACATION: I will be unable to respond to emails/calls from Sunday, Oct. 27th to Sunday, Nov. 2nd as I will be on a cruise. Please know that if you need to contact me, I will try to get back to you as soon as I return. For more information on our Strength In Numbers cruise in May 2009, go to: www.SINCRUISE.com
This conference is considered one of the best in the nation.
Bryan
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: AIDS, Medicine & Miracles 20th Anniversary Conference From: <bryan@...> Date: Mon, October 20, 2008 10:59 am To: "SIN San Francisco" <SINSanFrancisco@yahoogroups.com> Cc: amminfo@...
AIDS, Medicine & Miracles 20th Anniversary Conference November 21-23, 2008
Asilomar Conference Center Monterey, CA
For over 20 years AIDS, Medicine and Miracles has been providing life-changing empowerment programs for ALL people with HIV/AIDS including their loved ones and service providers. Our annual retreats offer powerful experiential programs that build community and empower people to live healthy and responsible lives filled with hope. We provide a safe, nurturing, empowering environment for people to address the profound impact that HIV has on one's life.
Please join us at the beautiful Asilomar Conference Center for an inspirational life-enhancing experience. Lectures, discussion, ritual, meditation, yoga, support groups and experiential workshops that cover a broad base of topics are only a few of the experiences you will take home. AM&M retreats are a welcoming and affirming place where people living with and affected by HIV receive support, community, rejuvenation, and share knowledge and understanding. Some of this year's invited speakers are* National AIDS Quilt founder - Cleve Jones, comic/HIV activist-Karen Williams, Comedienne/Playwrite/Poet-River Huston, Ryan Kennedy, Mary Caston, Daniel Ramos, Gregg Cassin and many more.*
The retreat begins with on Friday with Day-long Institutes and continues through lunch on Sunday. Some scholarships are available for people with low-income. Registration information will be available on our website or by contacting us.
I can't tell you how excited I am to be participating in the Annual Fall Men's Poz Cruise over Halloween, excited enough that I wanted to be able to offer to our SIN members and friends the chance to see how much fun and camaraderie it will be first hand.
I am so pleased to say that we have set up the first of what we hope will become an annual SIN Poz Cruise (specifically for HIV+ gay men). This year will be sailing on the brand new Carnival Splendor which will not even be one year old when we sail her. We will depart from Long Beach, California on May 3, 2009 to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. We return on May 10th.
Our affordable rates begin at only $475 per person plus tax and fuel charges and will include all your meals, entertainment including our own private events, cocktail parties plus each cabin will receive a $100.00 ship board credit to be spent any way you want. We will also offer private shore excursions just for our guys (no blue haired ladies or kids).
Please note that the rates being quoted are valid for reservations made before December 1. After December 1 rates will increase as the cruise lines anticipate an increase in taxes and fuel charges. Once deposited, your price is locked in,
We promise a week and fun and sun and the chance to make close friendships and perhaps more.
I am working with Paul Stalbaum, a travel agent based in Florida who has coordinated Poz Cruises out of the East Coast for several years with great success. You can see the details of our cruise at www.gaytravelfl.com/springcruise.htm . As Paul is the travel expert, most questions should be directed to him at paul@... or 800 - 735 - 0401 ext 241.
We have a great week planned for you so why not join our crew of SIN members on our exciting cruise to the Mexican Riviera. Ever wanted to meet the poz man of your dreams in a romantic setting, well this is a fantastic chance for that. This is also one of the most affordable vacations you can take next year, and there are always deeply discounted flights from all over the country into Los Angeles area airports. Book now to secure yourself a very reasonable trip especially during unpredictable times. Don't let your vacation lose out!
Sincerely,
Bryan Levinson Founder/Executive Director, Strength In Numbers International www.sincruise.com
Let me know if you use a social networking program that allows you communicate via your mobile phone with your friends/others via their mobile phones. Such programs could include Tatango or Dodgeball. Mainly I'm interested in how many guys use these sites to contact friends who are in a specific geographic area near them. And if you do use such a service, what has been your impression of it? Thanks.
Hi guys, our friends at POZ Magazine need some feedback for one of the regular articles. Please take a moment to read the email below and send in your response to:
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Fwd: POZ Magazine, I need your help From: "Kellee Terrell" <kelleent@...> Date: Tue, October 14, 2008 7:31 am To: bryan@...
Hi Bryan,
I need your help for another story I am working on. Can you please please please help me find 3 men who would like to be in the magazine. I need this ASAP if possible. Whatever you can do I would be grateful. Thanks, K
Here are the details: *************************************************
My name is Kellee Terrell and I am the assistant editor for POZ. Every month, we have a sound off section where we ask our readers about one question. This month's is the following:
A new global initiative AIDS2031 has been created to not only deal with the present pandemic, but to focus on how we are going to make a huge impact by the year 2031--the 50th anniversary of the first documented case of HIV.
What do you believe doctors, activists, scientists and the AIDS community needs to be doing more of and less of in hopes to deal with epidemic by 2031?
What would you want to see change by the year 2031?
Please send the following: The answer to the question, 1 paragraphs tops Your full name Where you live And what year you were diagnosed
If you are interested, please let me know as soon as possible because spaces are limited and I need to have this done by tomorrow night. I look forward to hearing from you.
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Spring Poz Cruise From: "Paul Stalbaum" <Paul@...> Date: Mon, September 29, 2008 11:07 am To: <bryan@...>
For those of you who were not able to make reservations for our annual Fall Poz Cruise Retreat I wanted to be sure to let you know that we are now offering a Spring Poz Cruise hosted by Strength In Numbers (SIN). Our first SIN cruise will sail from Long Beach, California the very brand new Carnival Splendor. Our sailing dates are May 3 – 10, 2009. We are really excited to be offering not only our first West Coast sailing but the first of what should be an Annual SIN Poz Cruise hosted by founder Bryan Levinson!!
While on our cruise we will stop in hip Cabo San Lucas with its magnificent azure blue waters fronting dramatic desert scenery plus Colonial Puerto Vallarta (one of the top Gay resort destinations), and the laid back, up and coming Mazatlan.
Our rates start at only $475.00 per person plus taxes and we include a $100.00 per cabin, private parties and lots of fun and games exclusively for our group. All meals and entertainment are included as well.
You are encouraged to sign up before November 15 as rates are expected to increase at that time.
I'm getting ready for next month's annual HIV+ cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, and it's SOLD OUT! But now is your chance to get signed up for next year's cruise to Mexico from Southern California, joining up to 100 (or more) other poz guys just like you for a magical week for friendship, fun and perhaps even some friskiness!
We have chosen the week of May 3 - 10, 2009 on the brand new Carnival Splendor. The ship will not even be one year old when we sail. This brand new ship will offer large cabins, several restaurants and bars, exciting Las Vegas style shows and so much more. Let's not forget that we have planned many private events such as cocktail parties, fun "R" rated games, and our own private shore excursions.
Our cruise will sail from Long Beach , California with stops in colonial Puerto Vallarta ( Mexico 's most gay friendly town), quaint and laid back Mazatlan , and the town of Cabo San Lucas (known for it's dramatic dessert scenery and beaches). Our group rate begins at $475.00 per person for an interior cabin plus port charges and fuel surcharges ($276.76). All meals and entertainment are included. As a special bonus we will be offering a $100.00 per cabin ship board credit.
Please visit http://www.gaytravelfl.com/ for information on our Spring Poz Cruise. To contact our travel agent, Paul Stalbaum, feel free to email him at mailto:paul@... or 800 - 735 - 0401 ext 241.
We are genuinely excited about the very special SIN Cruise and hope to see you onboard for all the festivities. These cruises sell out so PLEASE BOOK NOW! This is a great way to have a fun vacation at an affordable cost, since you don't pay for food onboard, no rental car charges, no high gas prices, no hotel taxes, it's ALL-INCLUDED!
Response to problems with website HIV Campground Project
I noticed there was several "Warnings about my site" posted on some
Yahoo groups and am responding to them! I just got off the phone
with GoDaddy.com (sponsors million dollar ads on SuperBowl) and they
assured me the "phishing" or "spamming" going on has nothing to do
with our site hosted by GoDaddy.com! In fact they said I don't have
to have a secure site SSL unless I am transaction credit card or
personal information! I also notice a "broken" link in some of the
post i.e. www.hiv-campground-project.com that when clicked on will
lead you to another site! I did not intentionally break the website
link! I am a real guy from Indiana that works 40 hours a week and is
HIV poz and was told June 2006. I am on the med Atripla and do host
campouts for hiv poz and friendly. I have helped people that are hiv
poz and some from committing suicide. I host a MySpace, Facebook,
Yahoo, BeOneCity, and am active in my local AIDS task force
community. I have over 22,000 friends on MySpace and over 51,000
hits worldwide. I think those that spread false rumors need to not
jump to conclusions and "calling out" people trying to do good -
"bad" In fact I am working on making this a non-profit
organization - 501c3 We in the poz community do need to stick
together and be supportive of others instead of tearing each other
apart! If anyone wants to talk with me on the phone or find out if I
am really "real" email me instead of trying to tear the work to do
apart! Have a good week!
hiv.campground.project@...
www.hiv-campground-project.com (should be no space in address)
Hugs,
Jeff
Hello everyone! This is the last mass email before our retreat in the Poconos on October 13-16. (I hope!!) We are almost at full capacity so if you want to attend, please register right away or contact us to make sure there is space available. You can check our website at www.pozretreat.com for details on how to register and to get more specific information about our program. We have people attending from many different countries and we are hoping to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood among poz gay and bi men everywhere! We hope you will find a way of participating in this.
The retreat kick-off in New York City on October 12th will be open to all retreat participants, local volunteer hosts and a limited number of local poz guys as well (depending on the capacity of our venue). More details on this will be sent
to the SIN lists in the NY area closer to the date.
We also have some sponsorship opportunities for companies that want to contribute to our group. We welcome items for the "Gift Welcome Bag" that all participants will receive upon arrival. Please contact me directly if you want to add something to this.
If you live in the New York area and want to host an out-of-towner for a night or two prior to the retreat, please send me an email. We could still use one or two more couches.
All scholarship funds have been awarded at this time, but if you are under financial hardship and can't afford the full fee, email me to be placed on a waiting list for any additional funding we may receive.
As always, feel free to email me directly with any questions that I can answer for you.
Congrats to SIN NYC crew and to hard work of their manager, David, for the first ever SIN pride contingent. If SIN can make it in New York, we can make it anywhere!
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: SIN NYC Featured in HIV PLUS online article! From: david@... Date: Thu, August 07, 2008 6:34 pm To: SINHQ@yahoogroups.com Cc: bryan@...
Hey Guys!
Our first march in this year's Gay Pride March has been HIV Plus online! They've included a few shots from Tom and David G. of our march and my write-up of the day'sevents. You can check it out at:
(if the full line doesn't link up, please cut & paste the full text)
Thanks to Bob Adams from HIV Plus magazine for shining for spotlighting our group. You can also check out the article at www.sinnyc.org. Congrats again to everyone who participated in the march!
We're very close to get the restrictions on HIV+ travelers to the United States dropped, but pressure must be put on Secretary of Health and Human Services to not list HIV as a disease barring entry to the US. Please read the message below for information on what you can do to help get this ban lifted!
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: So close From: "Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign" <hrc@...> Date: Thu, July 31, 2008 11:16 am
Congress and the President have finally acted to repeal a law that punishes individuals for being HIV-positive.
Yesterday, President Bush signed a law that finally repeals the decades-old ban preventing nearly every foreign national with HIV from entering the United States!
While this is a tremendous victory, there is still one more barrier for HIV-positive visitors and immigrants that must be removed. U.S. immigration laws require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to maintain a list of diseases that render people unable to enter the United States. HIV remains on that list.
With the help of activists like you and the leadership of Senators Kerry (D-MA) and Smith (R-OR) language to repeal this discriminatory law was successfully added to legislation reauthorizing efforts to fight HIV across the globe, commonly known as the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
With the President's signature, this discriminatory law has been repealed and the authority to determine whether HIV should remain a reason to exclude people from the country has been given back to the medical and public health experts at HHS.
Now, all that remains is removing HIV from the Health and Human Services list of conditions barring people from entering the country.
Back in 1991, President Bush's HHS Secretary, Dr. Louis Sullivan, supported removing HIV from this list and told the New York Times, "AIDS evokes an emotional response from many – and that's understandable – but we have been virtually the only major country to try to bar HIV-infected travelers. This policy will bring us in line with the best medical thinking, here and abroad."
Until the Secretary takes HIV off that list, the status of HIV-positive visitors and immigrants will not change – the vast majority will still be excluded from our country, without any public health justification. We're so close to changing that, but we need your help!
With your help, I know we can take this final step and eliminate a discriminatory policy that has harmed HIV-positive people, and our country, for far too long. Click here to learn more about this important issue, and thank you for taking action today.
There's a new gay travel social networking site that includes a group for HIV+ gay men and travel. Join up today for updates on travel related issues for HIV/AIDS.