Issuu

When people hear the words “you need therapy,” it can sound more like a criticism than an offer of help. Yet for many people living with HIV, mental-health support is not just helpful it’s often a crucial part of living well. While not everyone with HIV seeks talk therapy, many find that having a safe space to process emotions, confront stigma, and build coping skills can make a significant difference. And as HIV continues to affect young people globally, the need for accessible psychological care for children/teenagers has become increasingly urgent.

A Lifeline in Support Groups and Talk Therapy

Support groups remain one of the most common forms of psychosocial care. The image is familiar: a circle of chairs, a handful of people sharing experiences that others in the room uniquely understand. However, these spaces have expanded from the physical to the digital. There are a lot of groups that offer a supportive hand on platforms like Facebook, to help people manage their illness.

Communities at Higher Risk Face Extra Barriers

Globally, certain populations remain disproportionately affected by HIV. Women and girls, LGBTQ+ people, sex workers, migrants, people who use drugs, and those living in poverty often face overlapping layers of discrimination and instability. Medical treatment has become more widely available in recent years. For many in these groups, mental-health care is either inaccessible or overshadowed by more immediate survival needs. Luckily, people with HIV had a life expectancy of just 39 in 1996. In 2011 the life expectancy was 72 - the same as individuals without HIV. For most patients, it’s like living with diabetes or heart disease. Many people still lack access to treatment, but this is more of a political and social problem.

In India, there is a high number of transgender people who are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. The stigma around the disease is prevalent in countries like India.

Faith as Comfort — and Sometimes Conflict

For some, spirituality becomes an anchor after diagnosis. Studies suggest that people who feel supported by their faith communities often report higher resilience and life satisfaction. But experiences vary. Others may face rejection or wrestle with religious beliefs that conflict with their identity or their diagnosis. Mental-health professionals say that when someone wants their spirituality reflected in their care, integrating religious practices from meditation to prayer can strengthen overall well-being.

Misinformation Continues to Complicate Treatment

While medical advances have transformed HIV care, misinformation remains a persistent threat. In some countries, online communities promote unproven “herbal cures” or claim that traditional healers can reverse the virus falsehoods that can delay critical treatment. Public-health officials warn that misinformation not only puts individuals at risk but also complicates efforts to control transmission.

Gender norms also play a role. In several regions, men are less likely to seek help, in part because masculinity is tied to self-reliance or because clinics are perceived as spaces designed for women. Local organizations and peer-support networks have stepped in to bridge these gaps, often with limited resources.

A Closer Look at

Manitoba’s

HIV Trends

Canada, too, is facing challenges. Manitoba has seen a rise in new diagnoses, with Indigenous people, those experiencing houselessness, people who use drugs, and young women disproportionately represented. Many new patients are also diagnosed with other sexually transmitted or blood-borne infections.

Health researchers point to intersecting factors methamphetamine use, unstable housing, and widening social inequities as key drivers. These conditions increase vulnerability and complicate treatment, underscoring the need for mental-health services that are integrated into HIV care rather than treated as an optional add-on.

The Overlooked Mental-Health Toll

Across countries and demographics, people living with HIV consistently report higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population. The reasons vary: stigma, the burden of managing a chronic illness, fears around disclosure, and uneven access to healthcare all play a part.

Clinicians emphasize that mental-health care is not separate from medical treatment it is part of it. They encourage routines that support emotional stability: restful sleep, balanced nutrition,

and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Gender differences persist in how symptoms present, but mental-health support can benefit everyone.

Children and Adolescents: Unique Needs, Unequal Access

Children living with HIV face challenges adults often overlook. While global efforts to provide ART to pregnant women have significantly reduced new infections among infants, not all children receive early testing or treatment. Some are diagnosed only after becoming seriously ill.

Beyond the medical concerns, children must grapple with questions they may not yet have the language to articulate. Therapy tailored for young people helps them understand their diagnosis and reduces feelings of fear or isolation. In countries with strong healthcare systems, many children with HIV live long, healthy lives provided they receive consistent medical and psychosocial support.

A Broader View of Care

HIV is no longer the death sentence it once was. With ART, community support, and accurate medical information, people living with HIV are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. But health isn’t only physical. Therapy whether one-on-one, in groups, or within families offers tools to navigate stigma, trauma, and the emotional complexities of chronic illness.

Not everyone will seek therapy, and not everyone needs it. But having access to mental-health care remains a powerful resource, especially for those facing the layered social and psychological challenges that HIV can bring.

• 63 Mary St, Barrie, ON L4N 1T2, Canada

• To Book An Appointment Call/Text: 1-844-621-0723 Link: https://kaleidoscopecounsellingco.com

Mark is Turning 65 – Let’s Celebrate LongTerm Survivors!

Find more content by Mark S. King here: https://marksking.com/my-fabulous- disease

My friends, I have a special announcement. I will devote my 65th birthday to a celebration of all HIV/AIDS survivors, and the stars will definitely be out. One of them could be you!

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 17th at 8pm ET. The virtual event will stream on most social media platforms. Register free right here at this link.

When I celebrated his 60th birthday five years ago with a live virtual event, guests like Greg Louganis made appearances via special video messages. That included Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish, who commemorated survivors and even sang Happy Birthday! The event also included greetings from survivors and allies just like you. For the 65th birthday event, you can expect even more surprises.

Message from Elton John & David Furnish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch0AeJ8em-4&t=1s

Better yet, the event will raise funds for The Reunion Project, a national network of long-term survivors. Donations are optional when you register but always welcome. The event will stream live on social media pages for The Reunion Project, My Fabulous Disease, POZ Magazine and others. The event will be hosted once again by the hilarious writer and performer Charles Sanchez

This celebration will lean heavily into the importance of using our voices as people living with HIV/AIDS and our allies. No event such as this can ignore what’s happening in our country and how we can best resist it. Surprise guests will bring just this kind of inspiration.

But wait, there’s more! Why not appear at the party yourself and deliver a message of love and support for long-term survivors? You can submit a brief video message at this link, and we’ll include it in the one-hour show.

There will be a virtual “after party” following the party, where all my guests can interact and hang out. But only registered guests will get a link to the after party so be sure to register. We need to know how many people registered so I bring enough party hats!

Let’s do this, y’all! Join me and and some surprise guests by registering free here or making a donation to The Reunion Project here!

We can’t wait to see you on Wednesday, December 17th at 8pm ET.!

With love, Mark S. King and your friends at The Reunion Project We here at POZPLANET Magazine wish Mark a huge

If you’re in Toronto, you should join our new LGBT Film Club called PINK CINEMA! This is an intergenerational FREE event. We meet every third Tuesday of the month at STUDIO 163. There is a suggested donation of $2 or more at the door (which goes directly to building our ﬁlm library). By joining our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/195374003920591 you can vote on what movie we will show. Our next event is on December 16th, 2025. And our choices this month are “C.R.A.Z.Y.”, “George Michael: FREEDOM UNCUT ” and “ Touch Of Pink”. We have a concession stand with FREE cups of Popcorn, $1 Pops, 50¢ Candies and 50¢ Chips. So come join us! It’s a great date night! It’s not only a great Community gathering but also an opportunity to learn about our LGBTQ2+ History through cinema. Proudly sponsored by ViiV Healthcare

Top 10 Countries That Offer the Best Healthcare Support

for People Living with HIV

(Based on universal coverage, ART access, anti-discrimination laws and community support)

1. Germany

• Universal statutory health insurance covers antiretroviral therapy (ART) and all related lab work .

• Low stigma, strong LGBTQ+ networks in cities like Berlin and Cologne .

2. Canada

• Provincial health plans provide free ART and confidential testing .

• Robust anti-discrimination legislation protects housing, employment and healthcare .

3. Netherlands

• Basic health insurance includes full ART coverage; even non-citizens can access care .

• Legal protections punish HIV-related discrimination; extensive peer-support groups .

4. Australia

• Medicare covers ART and regular monitoring; temporary residents may use special schemes .

• Dedicated services for mental health, housing and employment; strong community NGOs (e.g., ACON) .

5. United Kingdom

• NHS provides free HIV treatment, testing and specialist care to everyone, regardless of immigration status in many cases .

• Charities such as Terrence Higgins Trust offer legal, emotional and practical support .

6. France

• Universal health coverage includes ART and mental-health integration .

• NGOs like AIDES run outreach, testing and advocacy; strong social-welfare safety nets .

7. Spain

• Public system offers free or low-cost ART; clinics are widespread, even in rural areas .

• Progressive social attitudes, especially in Barcelona and Madrid, with active LGBTQ+ communities .

8. Portugal

• National health service provides comprehensive ART and mental-health care .

• Decriminalisation of drug use has shifted focus to treatment; low stigma and growing support networks .

9. Switzerland

• Mandatory health insurance covers ART; outcomes are among the best worldwide .

• Pioneered the “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U) message, helping reduce stigma .

10. Thailand

• Public health programs deliver low-cost ART; private clinics meet Western standards .

• Strong advocacy groups provide free testing and education; attractive for digital nomads and retirees .

Why These Countries Stand Out

All ten nations have universal or near-universal health coverage that includes ART at no out-of-pocket cost, enforce anti-discrimination laws, and host active community organisations that help people navigate care and social challenges. Their health systems also report high viral-load suppression rates, a key indicator of effective treatment .

A Note on African Nations

While the list above focuses on high-income countries, several African nations South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique run large, well-funded ART programmes that reach the majority of people living with HIV (e.g., South Africa’s ART programme covers ~7.8 million people, 17 % adult prevalence) . Their progress shows that strong support can also exist in lower-income settings, though challenges like funding gaps and stigma remain.

Over the years I have made friends with quite a few of our featured people in our UP CLOSE & PERSONAL column. I don't think we have ever done a follow up interview before, but it's time to revisit one of our featured persons. When we first interviewed her back in May 2019, Sophie Mubvumbi-Jayawardene wowed me with her energetic life and activism. Since we have been a part of each other's lives online, we have learned a lot about each other and life has thrown us both some curve balls over the past six years. Let's check back in and see how this HIV warrior is going to tackle 2026.

AKJ: Sophie...my sister from another mister! It is so good to sit down and talk with you today. How are you today?

SMJ: Oh! My brother, I am doing great. It so good to be talking to you again.

AKJ: It's been six years since we checked in with you. I know a lot has happened in that time period. Would you mind sharing what your life has been like since we first interviewed you?

SMJ: Six year. I cant believe it. So much has happened I have lost count of time. How could I forget Covid-19? Can you believe it was not my worst time? Even though the world was going through this pandemic, I believe the universe was on my side. I had just had double mastectomy. Yes…breast cancer. I did not think after surviving HIV I has been dealt the worst.

I remember when I went to visit my doctor the day the hospital confirmed I had breast cancer. He asked “Have you told your kids?” “I can tell them if you want” I replied and continued “Doctor, It's not like I have been diagnosed with HIV.” We both laughed momentarily and returned to the somber subject of cancer.

One thing I learned during that time is that being HIV+ taught me resilience. I cannot tell you how I went through that, but I did. Then it was COVID. I had time to heal in isolation. I still think about the time I had lived in isolation during the mask Era. Yet this time it was welcomed.

Unfortunately Just when I began to think the world was over, I lost my beautiful grandson earlier this year. Nothing that ever happen to me compares with that pain of such a loss. How am I doing? One step at a time, brother.

On issues of living I have since been a dragon boat paddler for the last two seasons. You will be proud to know I have a few gold medals at 62.

This was the cover back in 2019 when we first met Sophie.

AKJ: Although I have never been to New Zealand, through you I feel like I know a little about the place and the politics around being HIV+ there. What is the climate like for someone so out about their status in this country?

SMJ: New Zealand as a country has been a good place to live if you are HIV positive. Everyone gets treatment. We have specialists and NGOs that are fully funded by the government. With that people's health becomes politics and their existence become statistics. For people like me who have taken a big risk to advocate for the wellness of PLHIV feels like we never existed. And those we fought for to have the right to live freely and openly have disappeared back into hiding.

As you know to live openly is to see your heroes being acknowledged not shutdown. New Zealand had the lowest number of new infections. The majority of infections are still among men seeking men. Even that is declining.

Sadly, the subject of PLHIV is not promoted openly.

My life definitely did change for the better as a woman living openly with HIV. Due to the lack of support on the whole, I believe most of those people have faded in the background. What remains is the silent battle within. I believe aging with HIV has its downfalls. As a survivor I think it’s better now as meds are keeping people well and living longer. But I worry about those who are going through this time with no family or friends. Depression and isolation can be deadly also.

AKJ: One of the things that I admire about you is your positive attitude. How do you keep such a positive outlook on life?

SMJ: Thank you, brother. Honestly Alphonso, I could say the same to you. When one has lived with HIV and survived it. I did not only survive the death penalty but survived discrimination and stigma. I say those two words because that was the killer poison that accompanied every human that was diagnosed back then. Because I learned to fight and survive this, nothing could ever take away my freedom. It's the lesson I learned from all of my experiences.

Coming out and living openly is an attitude that brings the best solution to living longer with this virus. It provides a new meaning to what positive living is. It's freedom. My favorite saying is once you come out, you can never go back and say I was kidding. Who jokes

about something like that? (she laughs) Once I had the strength to live openly, I took my power back. That is positive attitude and a vibe that usually happens to most of us who are living openly. FREEDOM'!

AKJ: After all that you have been through, I am so glad that you are still here and moving forward. As we approach 2026, do you have any goals for the New Year?

SMJ: Some of your readers may not know what I have been through. Just because I have survived HIV it does not mean I was immune to cancer, job loss, financial difficulties and family feuds. Losing loved ones and suffering post traumatic disorders.

With that in mind I am so looking forward to 2026. My goal has been creating a life filled with joy and making myself the center of my priorities. My second goal is going back to study next year with South Seas Fiming School just to further my acting Career. Yey! After I successfully became a professional sports player at 60. I am looking forward to taking time out this season from professional sport.

AKJ: One of the things I've been working on recently is supporting our HIV+ seniors. I mean...I often joke that I'm on a banana peel sliding towards 60 at the age of 58. What would you say to those who are above 50 about being HIV+?

SMJ: Congratulations for noting the sliding lol. Love the term. 'Banana peel' The best time of life. If you are consciously living with HIV you will all one day be on that Banana peel. I say HIV does not define us and it should never dine so in the first place. But hear me out. It did happen. We can't change that. With all the strength left in you. Find a happy spot in your life and never let a minute of happiness slide away. This three letter word ,( HIV) stole too much of our freedom to live, to love and to prosper. It's not too late

AKJ: Well, it is always a pleasure to talk with you, Sophie. Do you have any last thoughts to share with our readers?

SMJ: Thank you for having me. It's always a pleasure to be of assistance to your magnificent work supporting and advocating for PLHIV.

For our readers. Whether you are positive or supporting a partner or relative this kind of work has saved lives. Without donations we can NOT do our work. So please support this cause. This media reaches many.

For the young ones and newly diagnosed don't forget to take your meds. The best medicine is in staying happy. From my point of view who knew life could be this wonderful. I was diagnosed at the age of 26 Now 63, and I have been U=U for many years. Love love ❤

AKJ: Oh, and I can't forget to mention your book, "Sophie's World: Inside A Positive Woman”. Be sure to find this publication. Thank you again for doing this and please keep us posted on any new books or projects.

You can get Sophie’s book for your Kindle here: https://www.amazon.ca/Sophies-World-Journeys-Lost-Soulebook/dp/B0792WN6V8/ref=sr_1_10?crid=TKXBZGJI4OGB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q6O3FNZZzfblYmAY6MczklxvQF1REX58GB7iYTvxshkCT8DXIMsoqvlb4YXbpJyEg0KmFSht1-YygFIg-5df8okZar31ts8QhVLc_HdR6ElBTNgkm-vfUwPX0NchKw9Ta4t1DKCetYAzh_Tz0Un_ee2RdmH1U8h00RZpfI5kWPdlBn6Fo6MnuuOsjZiz02VClKGJF3Dk88uMJV7rwlOchVa6wXzc-zibTCYrgI6NAMsOXFcTyvwLseQtZ_z7ySUl1QSdVUMZNKoiWOYYbYkwcSSXJVgqnFEjautVdrlQ.VAmzFLQdTJF4DTr3Qh4raTnxt2gujgzSNdzGfU0x8nk &dib_tag=se&keywords=sophie%27s+world+book&qid=1763317190&sprefix=sophie%27s+world%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-10

Listen to the mix here: https://www.mixcloud.com/djrelentlessny/ear-candy-december-2025

Download your free video of this mix here: https://mega.nz/file/grUFWIZR#LPe5L5vigQMxhiPmDZz-1c2OEkNlly5kj8I9QJgETb4

Subscribe to DJ Relentless’ Mixcloud page: https://www.mixcloud.com/djrelentlessny Follow DJ Relentless’ HearThis page: https://hearthis.at/djrelentlesstoronto

I know it is officially Christmas Season. Don't worry...I didn't program any of the holiday music. I'm sure you are hearing enough of that already. Instead, I have some new tracks and remixes by artists like Damiano David, Sean Paul, Olivia Dean, Lady GaGa, Sheneseea, Justin Bieber and many more. There are four throwbacks that have some great remixes and quite a few new artists too. Weirdly enough I am feeling hopeful for 2026. I'm feeling change in the wind. Let's hope I'm right.

So, let’s get started…

I haven’t started with a ballad or downtempo track in a while, but I felt this one was a definitely good place to start. It’s a duet with Eric Benét & India Arie called “Must Be Love”. I could totally hear this as a first dance at a wedding. Great R&B track for lovers. We need more love songs in the world today.

Now, our second selection is a Hip Hop love song by “Still Get Chanel” by Kodak Black featuring Chance The Rapper. Kind of a different approach with material thangs instead of just speaking about the love. But this is how some of our young folks talk

about their relationships. Guess Chance has left the church and gone back to the streets.

I saw a post the other day on social media of a black guy talking about Justin Bieber gets a pass to the barbeque. Meaning that he’s the type of white guy that could walk through the hood and no one would bother him. Normally I like to post color photos of who I’m talking about, but I felt like this still from his music video for “Speed Demon” is a good example of what that post was about. Since it is in black and white, Justin could pass for what gay black boys would call “Trade”. He is far from that squeaky clean boy singing on YouTube clips. He looks like he has been to prison with all the tattoos. I never thought he was sexy…until now. And let’s not forget – we’ve already seen da goods!

The song is cute. Was almost excited because I thought it might have been a cover of the Michael Jackson classic, but it’s a brand new track.

I have to give props to Sheneseea. This girl has been workin’ huh ass off! I love that she ain’t wasting any time. From lending vocals to Club & House tracks to revamping Blu Cantrell’s “Hit ‘Em Up Style” into a new anthem called “Boss Up”, she’s been

consistent in her quest for getting her name out there. Keep doin’ it, Miss Woman! I believe you will make a dent in the Pop world soon.

Our fifth selection only got my attention because it uses the rhythm of Michael Jackson’s “You Rock My World”. I generally don’t care for a lot of Reggae. It probably has to do with all the homophobia in Jamaica. Can’t support things that don’t support me. But every now and then a track will catch my hear and I think I can work with it. Not a fan of the title of this track…“Talibans” by Byron Messia. I’m also not a fan of the images in the video either. Guns and lyrics that are inappropriate and reinforces stereotypes. But this is a true example of Michael’s estate not being worried about Michael’s legacy. It’s all about the money and what can be made to continue to make him one of richest dead celebrities.

And speaking of posts on social media…I watched a really great one of the history of Reggaeton and Moombahton. The origins of both genres come from Black Latino & Reggae Artists but have been appropriated by artists like Daddy Yankee & Bad Bunny ‘Cuz let’s face it. It’s just Reggae done by Latinos. Some slower productions and others up to 110 BPMs. You’ll notice that our sixth track mixes perfectly with the previous one.

The Kybba & Grummel Remix of “Noventa” by DJ Snake & J Balvin is the kind of banga that will definitely get radio play. Meanwhile a lot of Reggae artists can’t seem to get the time of day from programmers. But their content usually sabotages their efforts. Up next is the Collini Moomba ReDrum of “I Wanna Be Down” by Brandy. The crossover of Moombahton has created a lane for remixes and this one works for this 90s R&B hit.

Do you remember the Rock band Måneskin? Well, from the second I saw leader sing Damiano David I knew it wouldn’t be long before he would be a solo artist. He’s beautiful to look at and has the charisma to be star. He claims that he hasn’t left the group, but I keep seeing and hearing singles drop. And his latest is called “Talk To Me” featuring Tyla & Nile Rodgers. This song couldn’t be more of s different turn than his previous sex god image as a frontman. I heard him do a ballad on Jimmy Kimmel. He can sing. Let’s see where this goes.

Our ninth selection is “Birthday Behavior” by Bia featuring Young Miko. Every now and then you just wanna hear a party anthem that’s gets ya goin’. Over the past couple of years Bia has been dropping some bangaz.

The new Sean Paul track is called “Ginger”. It is the usual formula of his brand of Reggae. Danceable and Pop chart friendly. But the interesting thing to me about this track is the music video. It is completely A.I. I assume this will be the future. I can’t lie. I’m considering using it for the next Jade Elektra music video. It will beat trying to get a team of people to film and edit the final product.

So, my husband and I were watching SNL and the musical guest was Olivia Dean. The sound and production on her single “Man I Need” seemed like a throwback. I can see how it would chart. It doesn’t sound like all the other Pop hits and we need a different sound. Would it be something I would play? Nope. But when I downloaded the UltiRemix I changed my mind. Hopefully there will future remixes of her songs, so the DJs have choices.

I have to tell you…I am so sick of hearing about Taylor Swift’s upcoming wedding. And don’t get me started on being sick of hearing about this album and how much money she made off the last tour. And I hadn’t had any wants of playing anything other than “Wood” from this album but the video pools that I subscribe to have been pumpin’ out remixes for “The Fate Of Ophelia”. So, I decided to find a remix that I could live with and that was the Rowka Remix.

Early this year there was a huge buzz about Lady GaGa’s new album and tour. That’s kinda fallen off with all that’s happening in the world. I watched her exclusive interview with Stephen Colbert and it was nice but watching her father spewing crap about Zohran Mamdani winning the mayoral race really reminds us of the huge divide in the U.S. right about now. The Raz Damon Remix of “Shadow Of A Man” came across my desk and I thought I would remind everyone that Stefani is still one of our LGBT allies and Icons. “The Dead Dance” didn’t do as well as I thought it would have. It’s getting to

point where you as an artist you’d have to have a sex scandal and set yourself on fire in order to trend these days.

Our fourteenth selection is a remix of a throwback by Eminem. I never really heard of this song nor saw the video. Probably because it was back when I was boycotting him and his music after he and Dr. Dre told Rolling Stone that “they don’t really care about those people” when asked in an interview about homophobic lyrics. But after Eminem performed with Elton John at The Grammys back in 2001, all was supposed to be forgiven. It took me a while to warm up to playing his music again. I loved “Houdini”, but until I heard Tiger Toast Remix of “Superman” I had no knowledge of this track. Not sure what the original sounds like but this remix is kinda hot.

The more I find out about the hot new artist named Sombr, the more I like him. His music doesn’t grab me immediately but the remixes I have heard recently have sold me. The Dallas Downs Tech Mashup of “Back To Friends” is definitely an improvement over the original version. Finding out that he is an LGBT ally made me give him more of chance. We can never have too many friends. And we should support those who support us.

Every now and then there’s a mashup or reboot of a good House track that you didn’t even realize you missed. Our sixteenth selection is the Chunky Dip, Chumpion & Jesse James Edit of “Faded vs Move Your Body” by ZHU vs OWNBOSS vs Sevek

is just brilliant. I loved the original version of “Faded” but this just brings it all back with just the right amount of kick.

You know, as I keep watching the world spin out of control I have these moments when I see a glimmer of hope. When Zohran Mamdani and Gavin Newsom won on election night it was a much needed taste of some kind of good. We have been force fed so much bad news that it seemed it would not and could not end. Their victories mean that we are on the right path to stop the madness. We just have to stay the course and turn out in numbers for the mid-terms.

So, I felt the Martial Simon x Zillionaire Remix of the 80s classic “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears For Fears was a good reminder that we can make a difference if we really try. Stop kicking ourselves for ignoring the warning that were told to us and grab the wheel now.

And speaking of reboots…our eighteenth track is called “Life Is Simple (Move Your Body)” which fuses the House Anthem by Marshall Jefferson with a new track by Maesic featuring Salome Dias. I always appreciate when there is a new way of introducing a new generation to the music that I love. This track is the best reboot that I’ve heard in a while. I just hope Mr. Jefferson is getting his proper royalties.

I have always said that in hard times we get some of our best art and music. This next track is a good example of that. “RIZZ” by AYYBO is the type of track that could work on a floor in Ibiza as well as a House Party in Brooklyn. It fun. It’s catchy and the rhythm is hypnotic.

And we could all use a fun bouncy track from a fun bouncy girl! “Itty Bitty” by Ashnikko is my new go to track for a distraction. I hope that her image can hold. She seems like she has something to say.

And our last and final track is another throwback. The Sefu Remix of “When I Grow Up” by The Pussycat Dolls. Great remix that it samples Cardi B’s “Up” in the chorus. I chose this one for the closing selection because I wanted to wish Nicole Scherzinger well on her journey ahead as a Tony winner. She has come a long way from being a sexy lead singer for a Pop group. And the idea that her contract with the Pussycat Dolls almost stalled her career really shows how perseverance and hard work really pays off. Watching her rise really is inspiring. And I hope that ending the year on a high note will translate hope and inspiration for us all.

I want to thank all of our readers for supporting POZPLANET Magazine for all of these years. We aren’t a glossy or polished as others, but we are real. We try to bring our stories of living with HIV to as many readers as possible. And since music is a big part of this person’s HIV life, I try to be as real and honest about my opinions on what music I love and dislike. I hope that you enjoy the video links I offer at the beginning of each article.

As a special gift, here is a link to my BEATSGIVING video mix from Thanksgiving because I am so grateful for your support.

https://mega.nz/file/IudglY4I#y4zBTgllhq9EdvYfj0_lk3GJzjH80FxMqFfKfcQMRO8

Have a wonderful Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year!