MTV today announced that the network will air "I'm Positive," a 60-minute special produced by DrDrew Productions and Octagon Entertainment on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT, with a simulcast on MTV Tr3s. "I'm Positive" goes inside the lives of three young people from around the country who are HIV positive. Although each faces struggles that are part of living with this virus, they all work to maintain a positive outlook on life, while taking steps to remain healthy and to stop the spread of HIV. Click here to watch a sneak peek scene of the special.
Presented under the "GYT: Get Yourself Tested" campaign, which is part of MTV's 15-year public information partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation, "I'm Positive" dispels common myths and stereotypes associated with HIV.
"I'm honored to team with MTV to shine a spotlight on the important topic of young people living with HIV/AIDS," said Dr. Drew. "Through accurate portrayals and powerful storytelling, 'I'm Positive' will raise awareness, decrease stigma and hopefully enhance healthy behaviors."
"If an AIDS free future is to be achieved, as many experts now say is possible, this generation of young people must be involved," said Tina Hoff, Senior Vice President and Director, Health Communication & Media Partnerships, Kaiser Family Foundation. "'I'm Positive' builds on our partnership with MTV to engage and inform young people on the critical issues in their lives, which includes preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS."
"I'm Positive" will document the powerful stories of Kelly from California, Otis from Texas and Stephanie from North Carolina:
Kelly is a true California girl - she's laid-back, funny, artsy, and loves hanging out with her friends. Kelly is also HIV positive. For six months now, she's been dating Aaron, who is HIV negative. Their relationship moved fast, and has been increasingly rocky. They are now trying to figure out the next step - whether that's breaking up or staying together.
Stephanie is a confident, single Southern belle who found out that she was HIV positive when she was just 19 years old. She contracted the virus after having unprotected sex just once with a partner. While HIV is a part of her daily life, it doesn't define who she is - she still struggles with the everyday challenges of relationships with family and friends.
As the oldest child in a large, close-knit family, Otis feels like he has to set an example for his younger siblings. That's why it was hard for him to tell his family he is HIV positive, after having just come out as gay the year before. Currently, Otis is in a serious relationship with his boyfriend, Kanjhe, and they are both committed to making sure that he stays HIV negative.
"I'm Positive" will be followed by an After-Show special hosted by Dr. Drew, which will air exclusively on MTV.com. In the special, Dr. Drew will sit down with Kelly, Otis and Stephanie in front of a small studio audience to discuss their experiences living with HIV and dive deeper into how young people can protect themselves.
Two in five new HIV infections occurring in the U.S. each year are among people ages 13-29. Of the more than 1.1 million Americans living with HIV today, one in five is unaware that they are infected. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control also reports that only one in four of those who are positive in the U.S. has their virus "under control." Early diagnosis and treatment saves lives and helps to prevent the spread of HIV. To take action, young people can head to GYTNOW.org or text their zip code to GYTNOW (498669) to locate a local testing center near them.
"I'm Positive" encourages all young people - whether HIV positive or HIV negative - to consider their role in ending HIV in the U.S. An extensive complementary social media campaign from MTV and its partners in the lead up to and during the show encourages young people to consider what they can do to promote change in their lives, specifically emphasizing five core actions: being informed; speaking out; using protection; getting tested; and getting into care and staying on treatment for those who are positive. Throughout the special, MTV will continue the conversation by promoting the hashtag "#positivetalk," which is meant to ignite a dialogue around the role that young people can play in an AIDS free future. "I'm Positive" will be promoted on MTV's Twitter, tumblr and Instagram pages.
GYT was launched in April 2009 as part of a longstanding partnership between MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation on sexual health issues, "It's Your (Sex) Life," which was created in response to the staggering rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among young people in the U.S. Through a cross-platform national media campaign and community outreach, GYT seeks to reduce the spread of STD's among those under 25 by providing information, encouraging more open communication, and promoting testing and treatment as needed. GYT is conducted together with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Gilead Sciences, Inc. provides additional financial support.
For more on "I'm Positive," as well as information about HIV/AIDS, and to find local testing services, go to ImPositive.mtv.com. The show and a complementary viewing guide, in addition to other resources, will be made available after air for educational use.
Additionally, "I'm Positive" will feature the song "Can't Hold Us" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. The duo's music is distinct for channeling cultural moments and refreshingly self-aware testimony through candid lyricism and expertly crafted production. Their work has captivated listeners around the world, with a combined total of 20 million views on YouTube and a passionate fan following on social media.
"I'm Positive," is executive produced by
Dr. Drew Pinsky, Howard Lapides, David Stanley, John Ferriter Siobhan Walshe and
Lauren Bosworth. Lauren Dolgen, James DeSimas and Jennifer Russakoff are the MTV executives in charge. The concept is by
Lauren Bosworth, John Ferriter and David Stanley.
The Kaiser Family Foundation provided substantive guidance. Funding for "I'm Positive" and related elements is provided by Gilead Sciences, Inc.
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