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Would you wear a dress made out of condoms for your Quinceañera? Would you travel in a "Condomovil" to promote safe sex? MTV Latin America's special, Viralistas, which will be available to view online at adc.tr3s.com starting Friday, December 2nd, features safe sex advocates like Anna Tessi and Alejandro Estanislao who work to spread the message of safe sex and change the prejudices people living with HIV and AIDS face.

Ana's goal was to get as many eyes as humanely possible to see her dress and in effect encourage them to practice safe sex and use condoms every time they have intercourse. Ana Tessi has her dress exhibited at Gura Galeria, a popular gallery shop in Mexico. She got the attention of Autumn Society, a group of artists who are also advocates of sexual health and who created four inspirational paintings for the cause.

Ana also got to show off her dress at Quincefest, where she knew thousands of girls would be choosing dresses for their Quinceañera. The girls were surprised to see a dress made out of over a thousand condoms - 1,500 to be exact - but it was a great icebreaker to get them talking about their own sexual health and the importance of safe sex.

Viralistas also features an organization that aims to stop the prejudices of the LGBT community in Mexico, Didesex. Didesex allows anyone - heterosexuals, homosexuals, transsexuals - to compete on a soccer team in an effort to promote their sexual identity. They also offer free and confidential HIV testing for their members. Their goal is to prevent the spread of HIV and get people comfortable talking about their sexual identity.

Viralistas will be available on adc.tr3s.com starting tomorrow so be sure to check it out!

Tags Agentes De Cambio, AIDS, HIV, sexuality, Viralistas

By Michael Lopez

In case you were wondering, today marks a lot more than the start of a new month. Around the globe, December 1 has officially become known as World AIDS Day. And this year, plenty of famous faces are speaking out to support the cause.

President Barack Obama made an impassioned speech at George Washington University this morning, telling reporters that the fight to end HIV and AIDS is far from over. He implored nations like China to contribute to the cause by donating funds to save the millions who are infected.

"Today, we come together, as a global community, across continents, faiths and cultures, to renew our commitment to ending the AIDS pandemic – once and for all," he said. "This fight isn’t over. Not for the 1.2 million Americans who are living with HIV right now. Not for the Americans who are infected every day."

In the Twitterverse, several celebrities helped spread the word too. Using the popular #WorldAIDSDay hashtag, stars like Martha Stewart and The Jonas Brothers encouraged their fans to donate.

"Want to fight for an AIDS Free Generation by 2015? Today’s the day: #WorldAIDSDay," Zach Galifianakis wrote.

Coldplay posted,

"Today’s #WorldAIDSDay. Fight for #endofAIDS."

On the Huffington Post, blogger Destiny Lopez specifically called out to the Hispanic community for support. In her article, she explained that Latinos account for one in five new HIV infections. She also published alarming stats, saying that 1 in 36 Hispanic men will contract HIV in their lifetime.

Alejandro Sanz and Paula Fernandez are doing their part to get the word out in Latin America. Their charity, “Positive Generation,” raises awareness about the disease and helps infected children in South Africa.

You can contribute too, by visiting the official World AIDS Day site and donating to help put an end to this deadly disease.

Do you know anyone who’s been impacted by AIDS? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, AIDS, Alejandro Sanz, Barack Obama, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Coldplay, Cultura, Destiny Lopez, Health, HIV, Paula Fernandez, Positive Generation, President Obama, World AIDS Day, Zach Galifianakis

By Michael Lopez

In case you're wondering, it's no fluke that National Latino AIDS Awareness Day falls on October 15. Coinciding with the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, the movement specifically targets the Latino community and encourages everyone to get tested. It also works to educate Spanish speakers on the dangers of HIV and teaches preventative safe sex strategies.

First established in 2003, NLAAD has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade. In 2010, the movement solidified support from 450 sponsors, organized over 350 nationwide events, and donated 7,000 HIV testing kits throughout the Latin community.

This year's theme is called, "Latinos Unite! Let’s Stay Healthy!" and has expanded its reach quite a bit. Now instead of just AIDS-related education, NLAAD is spreading the word about Tuberculosis, Viral Hepatitis, and other sexually-transmitted diseases.

For those looking for even more details about the disease, the NLAAD site has a wealth of information. There are fact and data sheets (did you know that Latinos make up 17 percent of all AIDS cases in the U.S.?), video links, and tons of resources for those living with the disease.

NLAAD Director, Melissa Faith Ramirez, recently spoke to Fox News about the importance of Awareness Day.

"AIDS is a disease that kills," she explained. "It's a problem that's in every community across the board. Our specific campaign gears to bringing the message to the Latino community."

There are tons of NLAAD events happening all across the country this weekend (including expos, workshops, and music festivals). To find out about what may be going in your neck of the woods, click over to the Awareness Day Events page and make a date to spread the word.

Has anyone in your community been impacted by AIDS? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, AIDS, AIDS Awareness, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Health, Hispanic Heritage Day, Melissa Faith Ramirez, National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, NLAAD

By Vanessa Beatriz Soto

The stars came out at Cielo Latino last night. Luminaries of the Latin-American community gathered at the stunning Cipriani Wall Street ballroom to support the Latino Commission’s ongoing efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Stars and supporters were welcomed by gracious hosts, including Latino Commmission President Guillermo Chacon, and co-chairs Ruben Gutierrez and Lark-Marie Anton-Menchini. The theme of the evening was “Unmask AIDS,” inspired by the tradition and spirit of Carnival in the Latino Culture, and the ballroom was festooned with feathered masks and beads. The message was clear, both in the many touching speeches and in the welcoming statement from the benefit committee co-chairs in the evening’s program:

“We believe that the best way to eliminate stigma is to be open and honest with family and friends about preventing HIV/AIDS… Carnival is celebrated throughout the world and is especially popular in the Caribbean and South America among diverse Latino and African cultures… It is this diversity of people and health issues that we want you to think about as we celebrate the personal achievements and contributions of the people and companies we honor tonight.”

Familiar faces at the party included Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza and Wilson Cruz, who had a great time raffling off two  plane tickets We also ran into actors Steve Guttenberg and Rosie Perez, who dropped by to support the cause and pose for snapshots with fans.

The evening began with cocktails and a silent auction, to the soundtrack provided by DJ Henry Knowles. After walking the red carpet, guests checked out the fabulous prizes on display, donated by event sponsors and supporters, including MTV, Goya, Macy’s, The New York Knicks, the Giants football team, NBC Telemundo, Latino Commission advertising partner and agency Sudler & Hennessey, the Yankees, the Rangers, Disney World, and Rums of Puerto Rico.

Lots ranged from decadent gift baskets of beauty products and spirits, dinners at Cipriani’s and Palo Santo, fine jewelry, spa packages and even priceless memorabilia and experiences.

MTV Tr3s donated a signed photo by Paulina Rubio, Dave Navarro, 50 Cent, Tommy Lee and REIK, while one lucky winner picked up a dinner with Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza. Bellini cocktails flowed and the crowd, including many celebrity presenters, placed written bids on auction items.

The role of Master of Ceremonies was filled by Tom Llamas, Emmy Award-winning reporter, and host of WNBC’s News 4 New York.  In one of the most touching moments of the evening, Ruben Medina, chair of the board of the Latino Commission on AIDS, presented a posthumous Pioneer Award honor to the widow and daughter of Jose Morales, the dedicated community organizer and health administrator who dedicated his life to social justice and public health.

Lupe Ontiveros and Yancey Arias presented the Companero Award to CNN anchor, Anderson Cooper for his hour-long special “Hope Survives: 30 Years of AIDS.”  Although the journalist could not attend, he did send an emotional video thank you to the Commission and sponsors.

Finally TV star and Ugly Betty’s dad, Tony Plana, presented the Business Leadership Award to Gilead Sciences, the pioneering biopharmaceuticals firm whose products aim to increase the quality of life of patients with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses.

If you’d like to donate or participate, please visit LatinoAIDS.org to find out how you can take part in the fight against HIV/AIDS in our community!

Tags Agentes De Cambio, AIDS, Anderson Cooper, Cielo Latino, Dayana Mendoza, lupe antiveros, Rosie Perez, Tony Plana, Wilson Cruz

When Miss Universe 2009, Stefanía Fernandez speaks, people listen. And that’s exactly what the Latino Commission on AIDS was hoping for today when they invited la bella Venezolana to speak at a press conference esta mañana en Nueva York to commemorate World AIDS Day.

Miss Universe showed her own commitment to fighting the disease by taking the HIV test in front of the cameras, adding:

"It is important to me personally and the Miss Universe Organization to show our commitment and solidarity with those impacted by HIV/AIDS."

Este evento comes at un buen momento, as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) shows that Latinos are affected by AIDS more than any other racial or ethnic group, with 42% being diagnosed with AIDS within 12 months after learning of their positive HIV status compared to 34% late diagnosis among white non Hispanic and 35% among blacks.

What's one way we can fight la epidemia del HIV/AIDS?  Edúcate!  One of the main objectives of the Latino Commission on AIDS has been to help educate families on this dreadful illness.  Como una reina de belleza, Stefanía Fernandez has committed to fighting HIV/AIDS in the name of all the young Latinas en el mundo.

"Parents and their children need to speak open and honestly about HIV/AIDS and help breakdown the stigma that lies with it today... Young girls need to love themselves and take control of their bodies. It’s their lives and I want to make sure they understand that no matter what their status is, they can go on to lead a long and healthy life."

World AIDS Day is a day of hope, solidarity and commitment in recognition of the tremendous challenges of this worldwide pandemic.  Let's unite today to recommit ourselves to promoting prevention and education related to HIV/AIDS en nuestras comunidades!  For more information on protecting yourself from sexually transmitted diseases and getting tested, check out www.GYT09.com.

Photos via Latino Commission on AIDS

Tags Agentes De Cambio, AIDS, awareness, Health, HIV, Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, the Latino Commission on AIDS, World AIDS Day

Not only did watching Pedro's life story last night make us cry our eyes out...

It also reminded us of the importance of taking responsibility for our sexual health.  Keeping on top of sexual safety is easier than ever with the beginning of www.gyt09.org, a new site from MTV that launched on the heels of the Pedro premiere.

You might have seen the quirky promo spots during Pedro featuring Santigold, Soulja Boy, Big Boi, Kid Sista, Perez Hilton and Flo Rida lending support to the Get Yourself Tested site. You can catch these promos otra vez on www.gyt09.org, a sexual health portal offering resources on everything from how to talk about STDs to getting tested.  You can also enter for a chance to win a trip for two to attend the MTV Movie Awards from the GYT site.

According to NCLR, researchers estimate that Hispanics have the second-highest rate of HIV infection in the U.S. In 2006, Hispanics’ rate of HIV infection was three times (29.3 per 100,000 people) the rate of non-Hispanic Whites. With that being said, awareness is important now more than ever. And it's so easy! Enter your zip code on the GYT site to find a testing center near you.

If you don't want to hear us lecture, you can always watch our resident VJ Carlos Santos show you the ropes on getting tested below:

That wasn't so bad was it? Now it's your turn!

Need info en español? No hay problema. MTV Tr3s and GYT are offering you exclusive Spanish language content in our Pedro discussion guide to help navigate viewers through Pedro's story and the maze of sexual health hotlines and websites.

Missed la película del año last night? Watch Pedro the movie on MTVTr3s.com in full, right here.

Tags AIDS, Big Boi, Flo-rida, Get yourself tested, HIV, Kid Sista, latin cultura, Latino health, palabra politica, Pedro The Movie, Pedro Zamora, Perez Hilton, Santigold, SIDA, Soulja Boy, VIH

Pedro's familia are just as real as the Cubano's RW San Fran momentos...

We've heard all the behind-the-scenes chisme from celebs and actors, but what about the person that was with Pedro through every step of his illness? We are shedding light to today's Pedro premiere by chatting it up with his hermana, Mily Zamora.  MTV Tr3s caught up with his sister at the movie screening held at Florida International University to get her reaction to the movie and share intimate memories of Pedro.

Mily sent this note of thanks to MTV Tr3s for their efforts:

Queria aprovechar la oportunidad para darte las gracias por hacia posible algo tan extraordinario, todo quedo fantastico, te pido disculpa por tanto llorar pero es que las emociones, el sentimiento llenan nuestras mentes del recuerdo y el deseo de nuestro PEDRO. Fueron momentos que realmente los vivimos y nunca lo podremos olvidar...

Cariños y muchas gracias,
Mily Zamora y Familia

Check out what else she had to say about continuing Pedro's legacy and what she loved about the MTV television movie after the jump...

Read more...

Tags AIDS, Latinos, Mily Zamora, MTV, Pedro, Pedro The Movie, Pedro Zamora, pro-social, Tr3s, Tres

We know you are getting antsy to see the television movie everyone is talking about...

Pedro the movie will make it's long-awaited worldwide television premiere tonight. But of course we had to hook you up with a sneak peek clip before then. Here is a little something to quench your Pedro thirst. Watch as Pedro doesn't always see eye-to-eye with his roommates...

Tune in tonight to watch Pedro in its entirety at 8pm on MTV Tr3s!

Tags AIDS, Latinos, Movies, MTV, Pedro The Movie, Television, Tr3s, Tres

There are only six days left until the Pedro movie premieres on MTV Tr3s...

So we are rolling out the red carpet para ti by providing a close look at the Pedro movie cast. How does one actually portray a character that is not really a character, but someone real? From a reality series at that? We caught up with actors Alex Loynaz (Pedro), DaJuan Johnson (Sean) and Karolin Luna (Rachel) at the Pedro movie screening at Florida International University to find out.

Check out what the cast-mates had to say about the importance of Pedro's story and what they learned from it after the jump...

Read more...

Tags AIDS, Latinos, MTV, MTV NEws, Pedro, Pedro The Movie, Real World, Social Issues, Tr3s, Tres

Wondering what people are saying about Pedro?

At the uber-emotional Pedro screening event held in mid March at Florida International University the reaction was unanimous: Cryfest 2009.  Among the tear-filled viewers and forum panelists was Calle 13's Residente:

The movie tells us to value life.  I think by telling Pedro's story, many young people will learn the importance of being conscious about this disease that still doesn't have a cure.

Last week we shared with you una entrevista exclusiva with the 'Electromovimiento' rapper.  Esta semana we're rolling tape on Rene's reactions from the Florida International University forum.  See what the pro-social rapper had to say about the event aquí:

Pedro airs on MTV Tr3s April 1st at 8pm. Until then stay tuned for more exclusive sneak peeks and exclusive entrevistas on MTV Tr3s Blogamole.

Get schooled on vintage Real World.  Read up on the Season III cast, including Pedro, and browse photos on the Real World Season III: San Francisco official page.  Starting tomorrow, we'll be sharing memorable video clips from Season III, videos that show why Pedro and his San Fran crew are some of the most memorable RW cast mates to date.

Tags AIDS, Calle 13, Chisme, HIV, Latin Music, Latinos, MTV NEws, Musica Latina, Pedro, Pedro The Movie, Real World, Sneak Peek, Spoiler, Tr3s, Tres