Night of 1000 Stars promo Video. HOTTTTTTT

[LOS ANGELES – NOV. 18, 2011] – Leading AIDS activist and star of Project Runway Jack Mackenroth has been invited to host Nebraska AIDS Project’s ‘Night of a Thousand Stars’ Gala and brunch to be held at the Magnolia Hotel in downtown Omaha on Sat., Dec. 3, 2011 and Sun., Dec. 4, 2011, as part of the organization’s yearly Gala celebrating the support services, education and prevention of HIV/AIDS services they provide all year long.

As the first HIV-positive TV personality to come out since Pedro Zamora, Jack has fostered a solid reputation as someone who, despite having been infected with the virus for over 22 years, has still been able to lead a healthy and active life, and be in top-notch physical shape – which has helped to conquer the stigma of the disease. Since 2008, he has been invited to speak across the U.S. and abroad about awareness and prevention, as a featured presenter at HIV/AIDS events, colleges and high schools.

He also started a national HIV education campaign over three years ago, and just released his 2012 “Calendar for the Cure,” (www.jackmackeroth.com/2012calendar) with all proceeds going to amfAR, to help find a cure for HIV.

He is also currently writing a funny tell-all memoir, entitled Making Lemonaids, which will be out next year. Most recently, he won a 2011 National Lampoon Twitter Award, and was voted one of DNA Magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive,” along with celebrities such as Ryan Reynolds and Ricky Martin. As the only out HIV-positive member of the group, he continues to serve as a role model in the HIV community by speaking openly about his status.

Nebraska AIDS Project will be kicking off its 19th annual Gala event ‘Night of a Thousand Stars’ on Sat., Dec. 3, from 8 p.m. to Midnight at the Magnolia Hotel, 1615 Howard Street, Omaha. Tickets are $50. The event is described as a culmination of more than 20 pre-parties hosted by supporters of the Project throughout Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. Following the events, more than 800 guests are expected to convene at the Magnolia Hotel to continue with the festivities aimed at increasing awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention. Guests will be served hors d’oeuvres while enjoying a speech by Jack Mackenroth and entertainment provided by the Dueling Duo Piano show. There will also be a cash bar and a silent auction featuring works from local artists.

The brunch with Jack Mackenroth will be held on Sun., Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Magnolia Hotel. Tickets are $25.

For more information about Nebraska AIDS Project, or to purchase tickets to ‘Night of a Thousand Stars’ or its brunch with Jack Mackenroth, please visit: http://stage.nap.org. For more information on Jack Mackenroth, please visit: www.jackmackenroth.com. And follow him on Twitter @jackmackenroth

Designer, athlete and HIV/AIDS activist and educator Jack Mackenroth has had the priviledge of shooting with some of the best photographers in the business. He has taken the best of the best images and crated a 15-month calendar , and 100% of the proceeds will go to charity!

Photographers taking part in the project include Adam Bouska, Rick Day, Carsten Fleck, Frank Louis, James Franklin, Karl Giant, Tommy Synnamon, Mattheus Lian, Richard Gerst, Ray John Pila, Sonny Tong, Thomas Evans, Krys Fox and Preston Cros.

“I have amassed such an amazing collection of images that I wanted to put out a calendar that will help to combat the silence and stigma associated with being HIV-positive,” says Mackenroth. He adds, “If I can raise money for HIV/AIDS research, it’s even better.”

With Special guest Dallas DuBois.

Each month of the 15 month calendar will feature a different photographer with a very different style. It’s gorgeous!   Jack will be signing calendars  Nov. 16  at  Boxers NYC. 7-10pm and taking photos. Several of the photographers will be there as well to autograph their photos.

Hope to see you there!!!

Project Runway Stars to Celebrate Fourth Year of Living Positive By Design Campaign at USCA

 CHICAGO, Nov. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Mondo Guerra, a contestant in the upcoming “All Stars” season of the hit television show “Project Runway,” and fellow designer and “Project Runway” alum Jack Mackenroth, are bringing their HIV campaign, Living Positive By Design, to Chicago for the United States Conference on AIDS (USCA) this week. At USCA, the pair will be meeting with attendees to share their story, and encourage attendees to participate in activities at the conference that express how they each are Living Positive By Design. Guerra will also participate in the opening plenary session, which addresses HIV issues that are faced by gay men. Living Positive By Design is a partnership with Merck, and encourages people living with HIV to maintain a positive outlook on life while working with their doctor to manage their disease.

“Only one year after finding the courage to disclose my HIV-positive status on national television on ‘Project Runway,’ I am proud to be bringing Living Positive By Design to USCA, and fighting the stigma associated with HIV,” said Guerra. “I hid my HIV-positive status for ten years, but since my disclosure, I feel that the community has shown me incredible support. This will be my first time participating in the largest HIV gathering in the country, and I hope to encourage others living with HIV to maintain a positive outlook on life.”

USCA runs from November 10-13, and brings together over 2,500 workers from all fronts of the HIV epidemic. The conference is organized by the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), an organization which represents a coalition of 3,000 faith- and community-based organizations and AIDS service organizations (ASOs) nationwide. The Living Positive By Design campaign was originally launched at USCA in 2008.

“I am always inspired by the passion I see at USCA each year, and am proud to bring Living Positive By Design back to this event for the fourth consecutive year,” said Mackenroth. “I enjoy learning about people’s personal journeys with HIV and meeting with members of the community. Many of us have concerns beyond our HIV, so it’s important for people living with HIV to work closely with their doctor to discuss their overall health, as well as to find a treatment regimen that works best for them.”

About Living Positive By Design

Living Positive By Design is an HIV education campaign supported by Merck that encourages people living with the disease to maintain a positive outlook on life while working with their doctor to manage their disease. The campaign underscores the importance for people living with HIV to talk with their doctor about important goals of treatment, including achieving an undetectable viral load and increasing CD4 cell counts. It is also important to consider side effects from medications, as they may make staying on therapy more difficult. HIV-positive people should work with their doctor if they have any concerns to find options that work best for them. Because today many HIV-positive people may be dealing with a variety of health concerns beyond their HIV, it is important to discuss overall health and any health concerns when talking with doctors about HIV treatment options. For more information on Living Positive By Design, please visit www.LivingPositiveByDesign.com .

Prevalence of HIV and AIDS

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one million people are living with HIV in the United States and an estimated 56,300 Americans become infected every year. Since the beginning of the epidemic, there have been over 32,000 cases of HIV reported in Chicago, with over 20,000 people currently living with the disease in the city.

About Merck

Today’s Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

SOURCE Living Positive By Design

See the schedule here. It repeats all week.

Episode: SOUTHERN COMFORT
Thirty-nine year old Jennifer is sweeter than momma’s Pecan Pie, but her 1930s Southern Matron style is preventing her from ever finding a man, or moving up at work.

Jenny was SOOOOOO delightful.You will DIE when you see her after the makeover.

Here she is before:

AND JUST WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE THE AFTER!!!!!

WATCH HOW DO I LOOK? TONIGHT on Style tonight at 9 PST. and it repeats all week.

(MYRTLE BEACH, S. C. – OCT. 20, 2011) – Careteam, a Myrtle Beach, S.C.-based non-profit organization that assists those affected by HIV and AIDS, is excited to announce Project Runway star Jack Mackenroth, the first openly HIV-positive television personality since Pedro Zamora, as its Grand Marshall for this year’s Making a Difference 5K Run and AIDS Walk, on Sat., Nov. 5, 2011.

“As a public figure, Jack Mackenroth’s honesty and openness about living with a positive HIV status helps educate and dispel myths,” said Johanna Haynes, Careteam’s Executive Director. “We are honored to have such an inspiring role model as Jack leading the charge at this year’s 5K Run and AIDS Walk.”

Mackenroth has always been very open about his positive HIV status, since talking about the disease on Project Runway and beyond. Since his diagnosis in 1990, he has tried to combat the stigma associated with HIV by being a role model through his professional and athletic achievements. He believes that public visibility educates and eventually saves lives.

He started a national HIV education campaign over three years ago, and he continues to be a featured presenter at HIV/AIDS events, colleges and high schools around the country, sharing his story of living with HIV. He just released his 2012 “Calendar for the Cure,” (www.jackmackeroth.com/2012calendar) with all proceeds going to amfAR, to help find a cure for HIV.

He is also currently writing a comedic tell-all memoir, entitled Making Lemonaids, which will be out next year. Most recently, he won a 2011 National Lampoon Twitter Award, and was voted one of DNA Magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive,” along with celebrities such as Ryan Reynolds and Ricky Martin. As the only out HIV-positive member of the group, he continues to serve as a role model in the HIV community by speaking openly about his status.   

 Careteam’s 5K Run and AIDS Walk will kick off at Plyer Park, Myrtle Beach (corner of N. Ocean Blvd. and 11th Ave. N.) at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sat., Nov. 5. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. ET. To register, visit www.careteamsc.org or call (843) 236-9000.

#  #  #

Visit BEST GAY CITIES HERE!!

OK, so this has nothing to do with Gay Travel or Gay Cities!  BUT, it is a very important cause, close to my heart and I wanted to share it with you.
EVERYONE needs a calendar, right? And they make great gifts! And who doesn’t want hottie, model and activist, Jack Mackenroth  hanging on their wall?
This AUTOGRAPHED, high-quality, glossy, 15-month calendar is available for sale now!

The calendar begins in January 2012 and continues through May 2013. Each month features a different photographer with a very different style.

Photographers taking part int the project include Adam Bouska (NOH8), Rick Day, Carsten Fleck, Frank Louis, James Franklin, Karl Giant, Tommy Synnamon, Mattheus Lian, Richard Gerst, Ray John Pila, Sonny Tong, Thomas Evans, Krys Fox and Preston Cros with over 17 amazing images in total.

The calendar’s dimensions are 8.5 x 11 inches, and are available online for $14.95 (plus tax and shipping). Please allow 2 weeks for shipping as Jack is signing and shipping them all personally.

100-percent of the proceeds from the calendar will go directly to amfAR, The American Foundation for AIDS Research (www.amfar.org) to help find a cure for AIDS.

Mackenroth has been living with the disease for 22 years. As the first television personality since Pedro Zamora to be vocal about his HIV status, Jack Mackenroth has quickly become the most visible, out HIV+ advocate and educator in the country… if not the world. With the release of his 2012 calendar, he hopes to raise both money and awareness for AIDS research, and to show through his photographs that a person living with HIV can be in top physical form, healthy and sexy.

The MUST HAVE Calendar 2012
$14.95  Autographed
100% proceeds for charity!
ORDER NOW

Photo by James Franklin

Date: 7-Sep-2011

He’s hot, gay, a gifted designer, accomplished athlete, has a heart of gold and wants to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS research. Perfect man much? Jack Mackenroth lent his beautifully sculpted body for a day to the guys at Ergowear Swimwear. We have no doubt their garments will now be flying out the door. Any label would be lucky to have Jack model for them.

By A&U | November 22nd, 2010 | Category: Cover Story | No Comments »

Jack Mackenroth—Designer, Swimmer, AIDS Advocate—Continues to Bring His Positive Message Out into the Open
by Angela Leroux-Lindsey

Jack Mackenroth, the designer, smiles big when I ask him about swimming. We’re meeting for the first time in an office tower in Chelsea, and I recognize him instantly from Season 4 of Project Runway. “I’ve been a competitive swimmer since I was six,” he says, his bright blue eyes keen and expressive. “I have a really hectic life, and swimming is an escape. It’s an hour-and-a-half a day when I can just think about nothing.” He’s being modest, because his time in the pool is about a lot more than distraction—his athletic accomplishments are phenomenal. He’s been ranked in the top 10 by the U.S. Masters twenty-two times; he’s been named All-American three times; he was part of a relay team that broke the national record in the 200-meter mixed medley in 2006; and most recently, he competed in eight races at the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany, and came home with seven medals.

Have I mentioned that Mackenroth just turned forty-one, and that he’s been HIV-positive since 1989?

“When I get to these big meets, I’m so focused, and I’m just a swimmer, a competitor. But when I sit back and think about it, two of the members of the team [in the 2006 record-setting relay] were HIV-positive. That kind of stuff is really cool. And to have this gay visibility in sports, it sets a great example for gay youth. Hopefully I can be a positive role model and say, ‘Look, I won seven medals in this international sporting event,’ despite the challenges I had as a teenager.”

Despite the fact that an MRSA infection (unrelated to HIV) forced him to withdraw from Project Runway early, Mackenroth’s talent, likability and charming good looks earned him a ton of fans and emerging fame. Like many before him, Mackenroth capitalized on this newfound visibility, but not in the way you might expect—he directed his energy to a selfless cause, launching a national HIV education campaign called Living Positive by Design (in partnership with the pharmaceutical company Merck & Co., which manufactures several antiretroviral drugs). Through this venture, Mackenroth travels the country to speak about the importance of having an open discourse about HIV, especially with a doctor, but also with friends and family. Combating stigma is also a big part of his messaging, an issue that looms large over our discussion in the wake of a horrifying spate of homophobia-induced teenage suicides. “It’s heartbreaking,” Mackenroth says. “When you’re a teenager, when you’re [being bullied], it’s really hard to see that there’s a future. For me, swimming really saved me. I went to a really small high school, and everyone knew who I was, I was the gay one in my class, I was an effeminate boy, and I was the punching bag. So the only thing that kept me from losing it was that I was good at swimming.” Now, years later, Mackenroth’s incredible success as a designer and athlete sets an outstanding example for young people and is living proof that HIV doesn’t have to limit physical or creative potential.

As part of Living Positive by Design, Mackenroth visits American cities that are hardest hit by the HIV epidemic, which, according to the CDC, affects more than one million people in the U.S. These areas are often less progressive on social issues, and may not be exposed to the kind of fundamental information that Living Positive by Design emphasizes: have an open dialogue with a doctor, make sure you’re on appropriate treatment, get your viral load to an undetectable level. Mackenroth’s honesty with his own disease management touches people in every city. “I got a message from someone who said, ‘Thank you so much for what you do, you’ve inspired me to tell my family, to move forward and be honest.’ Hopefully I can be an example of someone who has maintained a healthy lifestyle, and proof that HIV can be a manageable illness—if you know. It’s when you don’t know that your T cells drop and you get the really high viral load. Knowledge is totally power.”

Another recent statistic released by the CDC estimates that one in five gay men are HIV-positive, but only half of that number have been tested and know their status. The negative associations surrounding HIV still exist, are still pervasive, and at times prevent education that could save thousands of lives. “Coming out as gay or lesbian or bisexual or transgender, we’ve made a lot of progress in those arenas,” Mackenroth says. “If everyone got tested [for HIV], found out their status, and knew, it would start to normalize, a ripple effect would kick in. People would not fear being judged, and would be honest with their partners, their families. I can count on one hand the number of public figures who are out about their HIV status. I’m glad there are people who are making a statement now to gay youth, but I just wish it was every day, that it didn’t take teen suicide to get celebrities out there with positive messaging.”

When Mackenroth was in his early twenties and starting school at Parsons School of Design, as it was called then, there wasn’t really a positive role model for him to look up to. Instead, there was a lot of mystery and misinformation about HIV and its treatments, and it was a tragic time for the HIV community. “I was sort of lost,” Mackenroth says of the year after his diagnosis. “I mean, statistically I knew I’d be dead in five years. I’d just moved to New York, I was poor, I was in one of the hardest schools in the world…for a while I was just treading water. And then I had a lot of friends who died. It’s weird how your brain copes, it sort of normalizes in this gross way that should never happen. After you go to your twentieth funeral, you’re just numb.”

Mackenroth just returned from the United States Conference on AIDS (USCA), the largest AIDS-related gathering in the country, where he represented Living Positive by Design. (This year, Orlando hosted the event; Florida has the third-highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the U.S.) He and Merck set up a booth that encouraged attendees to design a six-inch fabric square as part of a Living Positive by Design panel for the legendary NAMES Quilt. “It was amazing—people were really into it, they wanted to express themselves, and maybe hadn’t had a chance to say what HIV means to them, the reasons they attend this conference, why they want to be a part of the AIDS quilt. The final piece turned out amazing.” Mackenroth also meets with members of local AIDS service organizations in all of the cities he visits, continuing to tell his story and inspire others to be visible, to fight the uninformed discrimination that still affects many parts of the U.S. “Don’t own the stigma. Don’t take blame for that,” he says. “Be proud of all aspects of yourself. It may not be your favorite trait, but be proud. I’m proud of how I deal with my HIV, and I’ve been living with it for twenty-one years. By telling my story and showing people how comfortable I am, and to talk about how this is a really hopeful time in terms of all the treatment options that are available, I hope that people will work up the courage to find a support system and get the help they need.”

I ask him about Mondo Guerra, the Project Runway contestant in the current season who recently revealed his HIV-positive status during a challenge. Mackenroth largely paved the way for this kind of disclosure, as he was one of the very first reality show contestants on any program to be open about his diagnosis from the beginning of taping. “I was really proud of him,” he says. “It was great for me to watch, to be in the place of the viewer…it was a really moving moment. For people to relate to that, for someone to identify with what he’s going through, is great.”

Mackenroth’s own career as a designer is essentially on hold while he commits himself full-time to Living Positive by Design and other media ventures, including a Sunday-night internet radio show for POZIAM and a Webisode series on Gay.com called The Queens of Drag: NYC, which is about the daily lives of ten top New York City drag queens. “Right now we’re just introducing the characters,” Mackenroth explains, clearly excited about the project. “We film them in and out of drag, and we go into the mentality behind it—I mean that’s a whole other kind of coming out, and dating, what that’s like. Our ultimate goal is to have a Real Housewives series.” I tell him I would totally watch this and he grins, his enthusiasm infectious. “Their lives are truly interesting! It’s a real art form.” Mackenroth was also recently featured in a GLAAD Award-nominated PSA titled “Healthy with HIV,” which features him swimming, running, and proudly wearing his Gay Games medals while emphasizing the importance of a regimen including daily medication and a healthy diet. It’s inspiring to see someone utilize a modicum of fame as an opportunity to spread awareness about an important issue, and not just seek any excuse to get attention. Mackenroth could easily be pitching a dating reality show (right now he’s single) or banking on his Project Runway recognition to design for as many celebrities as would have him (as other contestants have done). But, he says, even though his schedule is insane, the feeling he gets makes it worth it. “Oh, I think I have to,” he replies when I ask him if he’ll remain a public advocate. “I know I’m making a difference in people’s lives. I was making a good living as a designer before Project Runway, and I’m sure I’ll go back to it. But I’ve always lived my life in terms of, ‘This is an adventure, let’s see where this goes.’ I’m so happy to be participating in this program, because if even one person can see me or visit the Living Positive by Design Web site and decide to share his story with his family, to change his life, that’s really powerful.”

Need more proof of Mackenroth’s dedicated altruism? He told me that he responds to every single e-mail he gets, even if it’s just to say, “Be brave” or “It gets better.” Even before Dan Savage’s Internet video campaign, Mackenroth had written a piece for Out.com’s National Coming Out Day that reiterated the powerful mantra in the form of a letter to his teenage self: “I know right now sucks for you, and it’s really hard, but just know there’s a place for you and you can make a family for yourself, you can choose a family for yourself. There are places like San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, where whole communities are thriving and will embrace you for your individuality, and will actually celebrate it.”

Regarding his own future, Mackenroth plans to keep swimming with the group he’s been with since 1991, Team New York Aquatics, and to keep spreading the message of positivity, responsibility, and pride to other members of the HIV-positive community through Living Positive by Design. He describes a moment at a U.S. Nationals, where he saw two octogenarians swim a 100-meter freestyle in under two minutes. “That blows me away—I think it’s just the fact that someone’s doing something they’re really passionate about that moved me.” Clearly, he’s passionate about advocacy, and we’re lucky for it; and we’ll be even luckier if, thanks in part to his hard work, we’re soon able to witness a country that truly accepts the HIV-positive community.

“At the end of my life,” Mackenroth says, “what’s more important—making pretty dresses or helping someone get by?”

Learn more about Jack Mackenroth by logging on to www.jackmackenroth.com.

Learn more about Living Positive by Design by logging on to www.livingpositivebydesign.com.

Visit photographer Francis Hills’ Web site by logging on to www.figjamstudios.com.

Angela Leroux-Lindsey is a Manhattan-based freelance writer.

Finally after MONTHS of hard work, our little FABULOUS web series “The Queens of Drag: NYC” launches today on Gay.com. It’s been a crazy labor of love and the cast is amazing!

From the official press release: New original docu series focuses on the lives of New York City’s most fabulous and ferociously funny drag queen divas. Gay.com (www.gay.com), the world’s leading gay social networking site, has teamed up with film and television producer Larry Kennar (The L Word, Barbershop, 50 First Dates), designer and reality TV veteran Jack Mackenroth (Project Runway: Season 4), and award-winning producer/director John Rutherford (eXposed) to air the original web series The Queens of Drag: NYC. The 8-episode series, which explores the audacious New York drag scene, debuts exclusively on Gay.com on September 8, 2010.

“The fascinating part is how they all lead dual lives, both of which are incredibly challenging.  Most people think of drag as glamorous, fun fluff.  But it’s actually an underappreciated art form that requires an enormous amount of talents and guts.  These queens are at the top of their game in the most competitive city in the world and each has a unique story to reveal underneath the wigs and makeup.”

Legendary drag diva Lady Bunny leads the all-star Queens of Drag: NYC cast, which includes the ageless and evergreen Hedda Lettuce, uber-glam Sherry Vine, the vivacious Bianca Del Rio, sexpot songstress Peppermint, and the classless and campy Mimi Imfurst. Breakout performers Epiphany, Logan Hardcore, Dallas DuBois, and Acid Betty join the divas for their outrageous adventures.

Each Queens of Drag: NYC webisode on Gay.com focuses on an individual diva as she navigates life as a drag superstar in the world’s most amazing and unforgiving city, New York.  The series shows the real grit of the drag queens’ lives – both in and out of makeup – as they struggle to conquer the New York nightlife scene.

Watch episode 1, which features the flawless Sherry Vine, here.

Check back every week for new episodes. Next week Lady Bunny……

Thomas Synnamon is an emerging New York based photographer with a passion for simple, yet bold, photography.  Inspired by some of the greats, such as Richard Avedon, Robert Mapplethorpe, Paolo Roversi, and Steven Klein, Thomas Synnamon challenges himself to let his imagination prevail in the balance between creativity and technique.

His main work is fitness and fashion, with a slightly edgy aspect. He enjoys experimenting with lighting to create some drama. A self-taught photographer, Thomas approaches every project with the same objective: to create something beautiful. Check out his website www.thomassynnamon.com and a link for SLEEPLESS his book here.  

“With Jack, I wanted to create a sexy vintage look with him as the classic male. The photos are subtle and simple, but hopefully emit a serene beauty,” said Synnamon.
See 6th NSFW shot here.

Jack Mackenroth has been a fashion and fitness model for over 15 years and  mainly does photo shoots now just for fun. He enjoys being part of anything artistically expressive. “I’ve shot with Tommy before and we had a great time, and I feel completely at ease with him. I think the shots are stunning.” Known best for appearing as a designer on Season 4 of Project Runway, Jack is currently co-producing a web series called The Queens of Drag: NYC (http://www.gay.com/queensofdragnyc/) which launches September 8th on Gay.com. He is covering New York Fashion Week for the LOGO network, and a commercial he shot earlier this year for “Healthy with HIV” was just nominated for a GLAAD Media Award.