Role Model

Jack Mackenroth of Project Runway season 4 unveiled his new HIV/AIDS education campaign Monday night at the Gay Men's Health Crisis Fashion Forward benefit in New York City. Called "Living Positive by Design" and sponsored by Merck and Co., the initiative seeks to combat the stigmatization of people living with HIV, while encouraging them to have a positive outlook on life and manage their disease effectively. And Mackenroth, who's been HIV-positive for almost 20 years, is a well-suited spokesman for that message.

"I'm happy to use the little bit of celebrity that I have to be a role model and show people that you can be infected and still have a successful life," he told The Advocate before the event, which was hosted by Tim Gunn and took place at Manhattan's Skylight Studios. Later, in remarks before the crowd, he said, "I'm a living testament that you can do it."

"Today, there are more and more treatments that can significantly minimize side effects," Mackenroth said in the interview. "People infected need to see a good doctor, get on medication that's right for them, and not hesitate to really ask questions and communicate with their doctors. It has to be a proactive relationship. Talking is key in that situation."

And he cautioned that as HIV has become more manageable, people tend to take it less seriously, especially gay men. Indeed, the statistics remain alarming: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 50% of new HIV diagnoses were among gay men in 2006, and approximately 55,000 people become infected every year. More than 1 million Americans are living with HIV.

As part of the "Living Positive By Design" campaign, Mackenroth designed a special scarf that will be available for free at his upcoming promotional appearances in cities including San Francisco, Houston, and Atlanta. Bright red, the scarf is "my take on the classic red ribbon and therefore a way to revive that symbol and the issue of HIV in our society," he said.

Gunn, the host of Project Runway, offered his own words on the subject of HIV and AIDS. "I remember what AIDS did in the 1980s, especially in the world of fashion," he told The Advocate. "We lost so many great designers to this disease. People are still dying. We need to be careful."

For more info on "Living Positive By Design" and Mackenroth's schedule of appearances, visit www.LivingPositiveByDesign.com.