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  <title type="html">POZ RSS - Blogger</title>
  <subtitle type="html">JMV</subtitle>
  <link href="https://www.poz.com/rss/blogger/the-only-jmv"></link>
  <id>https://www.poz.com/rss/blogger/the-only-jmv</id>
  <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/rss/blogger/the-only-jmv"></link>
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  <author>
    <name>POZ</name>
  </author>
  <updated>2024-03-20T12:45:00-04:00</updated>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[“You’re On MTV!” Sharing My Amazing, Undetectable Life With HIV]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/mtv"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/mtv</id>
    <updated>2024-03-20T12:45:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[It felt emotional and inspiring to be part of an HIV-themed PSA for MTV, VH1 and Logo.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/146390_IMG-1585.jpg_8f36aaed-cb15-4b9a-9450-a93056148daf.jpg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[I Wasn’t Ready for an Open Relationship, and Yet…]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/honesty-made-things-easier"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/honesty-made-things-easier</id>
    <updated>2024-03-15T13:29:43-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Honesty could have made our relationship easier, but he wanted so badly to hook up with so many other guys.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/146069_IMG-1101.JPG_b58f11a1-709d-41bf-85d4-c335848d527b.jpg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[A Little Too Quick on the Summer Lovin']]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/little-quick-summer-lovin"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/little-quick-summer-lovin</id>
    <updated>2024-03-06T13:38:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[After seven months of celibacy, I was looking for more than sex as I moved to Provincetown for a summer gig.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/145630_IMG-1107.jpg_e2409a22-844b-4ab7-8eb5-f83fed3d1f90.jpg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[He Penetrated &amp; Tore My Spirit]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/penetrated-tore-spirit"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/penetrated-tore-spirit</id>
    <updated>2024-02-28T06:00:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Some of my stories are light-hearted, writes blogger  JMV, but this is not one of those. So here's a trigger warning.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/145084_unnamed-5.jpg_45b92232-aee3-4c24-a9bd-22c656ffaa11.jpg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Celebrating Celibacy and Pride]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/pride-2018"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/pride-2018</id>
    <updated>2024-02-20T09:00:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[With performances in "Broadway Bares" and a Ptown show, Richard JMV felt empowered and supported the summer of 2018.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/145082_unnamed-3.jpg_f07e6fae-db03-4b16-aa7f-0553a2fb3324.jpg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[The Surprising Thing About Being Celibate, Sober and Solo]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/surprising-celebate-sober-solo-gay-lgbtq"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/surprising-celebate-sober-solo-gay-lgbtq</id>
    <updated>2023-04-17T15:58:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[With all the go-go dancing and fundraising burlesque gigs, I prioritized me and my community. It led to new feeling of self-worth.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/135823_IMG-2803.JPG_a5729dbd-2370-4f09-90d8-a124bc84c28f.jpg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[How a Trip to Puerto Vallarta Helped Me Move Beyond Grief]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/excursion-move-forward"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/excursion-move-forward</id>
    <updated>2023-02-22T12:01:47-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[It felt empowering to focus on the relationship with myself and with my friends—and to even take a break from hooking  up.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/134230_IMG-1422.JPG_1e74e4b7-a8c5-4622-a0e5-5d5f70272c8b.jpg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[How Something Greater Than Myself Helped Me Heal From a Loss]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/something-greater-helped-heal-loss"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/something-greater-helped-heal-loss</id>
    <updated>2023-01-20T17:57:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[While on tour, blogger and dancer Richard JMV connects with a past heartbreak and finds an unexpected sense of closure.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/133307_brit-and-mom-jmvblog-jan2023.JPG_cb37b128-8c01-45aa-ba1f-d6ae9d3dd32f.jpg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Finding Myself While Losing Others Pt3]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/losing-passport-luggage-dear-friend"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/losing-passport-luggage-dear-friend</id>
    <updated>2022-12-14T14:20:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Losing my passport, my luggage and a dear friend—that one person in your life who always makes you feel special, no matter what.<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/132322_richard-jmv-who-wore-it-better-blog-dec2022.jpg_93df24ea-ba22-4fda-b1f3-e9eee49aa441.jpg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Finding Myself While Losing Others Pt2]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/finding-losing-others"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/finding-losing-others</id>
    <updated>2022-12-07T16:16:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Do you have a person in your life who always makes you feel special, no matter what?<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/132110_richard-jmv-nutcracker-ballerina-jmv-guy.jpg_54568542-7a32-41e6-b3a2-a0fbf407df09.jpg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Finding Myself While Losing Others Pt1]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/finding-losing-others-pt1"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/finding-losing-others-pt1</id>
    <updated>2022-08-03T09:00:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Sometimes the wise and healthy decisions—like saying no to unlimited sex with hot European men—don’t leave you feeling so wise and healt...<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/127877_IMG-4450.JPG_b39d8a95-c2e3-4d39-91dd-bcc6d24c6585.jpg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Coming Out Again, But This Time As Nonbinary]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/returning-writing"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/returning-writing</id>
    <updated>2022-04-20T00:00:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[I've come out multiple times in my life, and this time I've come out as nonbinary.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/124281_IMG-1066.jpg_b97d0d68-919c-4099-810b-e79b74a6c9b5.jpg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[How I Turned Halloween Into My Own Season of HIV Awareness]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/telling-story-healing"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/telling-story-healing</id>
    <updated>2021-10-19T11:25:06-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[After a blogging break during COVID-19, I realized that telling my story of HIV, addiction and hope helps heal me. So let’s continue…<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/117131_18765811-1390233031071772-7198472539602002608-n.jpg_a6170cdb-3779-400d-af27-8345e02548dd.jpg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[A Trip to Ptown That Brought Me to Life]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/trip-ptown-brought-life"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/trip-ptown-brought-life</id>
    <updated>2021-09-10T15:28:39-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[You never know when an inspiring moment will arrive—perhaps while dancing as Donatella Versace on a Carnival float<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/112748_IMG-4550.JPG_e1b2f6f9-c7e5-4895-b325-c0609ac19e05.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[How My Birthday Cake Was Devoured]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/birthday-cake-devoured"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/birthday-cake-devoured</id>
    <updated>2021-03-08T14:01:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[The night that really opened me up to the meaning of healthy sexual power<br><img src="https://cdn1.poz.com/107759_IMG-5939-Original.jpg_fc95af87-289b-40cc-bdbc-a8dcf1a118af.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Sexy Fun in the Sun]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/sexy-fun-sun"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/sexy-fun-sun</id>
    <updated>2021-02-01T10:22:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[No need to sneak around when booking back-to-back dates. Why not be sex-positive and honest too!<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/105953_IMG-9084.JPG_46e72fed-f5dd-4ebc-9284-9518c92632b4.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Positively Performing In Provincetown]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/positively-performing-provincetown"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/positively-performing-provincetown</id>
    <updated>2020-11-23T14:14:49-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Who could resist guys in white crop-top T-shirts and red Speedos dancing around?<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/102140_IMG-5099.JPG_020a020b-423c-4759-9d27-68138a0b5d1c.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Taking My Positivity to the Cape]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/taking-positivity-cape"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/taking-positivity-cape</id>
    <updated>2020-11-08T18:22:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[My first time in Cape Cod & I jumped right into rehearsals.<br><img src="https://cdn1.poz.com/101520_34B3E54C-728E-475A-AA10-A65D637694BD-989356B0-A822-474A-A54F-157652626FE4.JPG_42624e10-6e9d-46d2-ab31-a19a6cce1ab0.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[The Memory That Gets Me Through These Dark Challenging Times]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/getting-back-stage-broadway-bares"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/getting-back-stage-broadway-bares</id>
    <updated>2020-08-19T18:35:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[On Sunday, June 18, 2017, I walked into Hammerstein Ballroom for “Broadway Bares“ and joy surged through my body.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/97559_17A15866-6D43-4338-A023-EE35F6D33B40.jpeg_b0e8de6d-4c0d-4fef-a90e-f9f00b9a9d9e.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Unity Within the “Broadway Bares” Community]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/unity-within-broadway-bares-community"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/unity-within-broadway-bares-community</id>
    <updated>2020-05-13T14:28:42-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[“I’m sober because of ‘Broadway Bares,’ and I’m in ‘Broadway Bares’ because I’m sober.”<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/92944_18767862-10154535046776056-139717069664353826-n.jpg_d3157292-2475-4070-aef4-eaa1aab9830e.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Remembering the Days of Baring My Butt for Bucks]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/baring-my-butt-for-bucks"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/baring-my-butt-for-bucks</id>
    <updated>2020-05-01T16:43:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[It's incredible how recalling the hope and enjoyment from three years ago can bring a smile to my face and make me feel re-nude.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/92721_EA8AB04E-6F8C-4627-A926-EAA8015F0DB1.JPG_7027f078-65b2-4fed-8a42-e0308089f6ab.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Here's One Way to Raise $5,000 in a Week]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/changing-seasons"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/changing-seasons</id>
    <updated>2020-04-02T22:14:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[An email launches a life-changing and flesh-baring experience.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/91215_IMG-9572.jpg_5225f802-7891-4745-abdc-49729360fc55.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[If I Could Find a Cure]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/something-new"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/something-new</id>
    <updated>2020-03-24T17:05:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Lady Gaga and a full-frontal audition gave me a positive outlook on my future.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/90621_IMG-9570.jpg_9e48375b-dd36-4ef1-aaf5-e0df2c662266.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Dancing Through Pain]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/dancing-pain"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/dancing-pain</id>
    <updated>2020-01-30T10:40:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[How dance helped heal my wounds from drug addiction and put me on a journey of telling stories through movement.<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/86142_16707349-1281530145275395-1795541029712884993-o.jpg_16491c59-b9bd-47f4-b63d-9d0a96195ac7.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Ringing in the New Year with Old Behavior]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/ringing-new-year-old-behavior"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/ringing-new-year-old-behavior</id>
    <updated>2020-01-13T18:08:48-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Then I remind myself: Esteemable acts build self-esteem.<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/85478_15585473-1226174304144313-2645437633636045470-o.jpg_9c251694-7141-4185-9ef5-b2ec1597f809.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[The Joy of Christmas Returned]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/joy-christmas-returned"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/joy-christmas-returned</id>
    <updated>2019-12-21T22:49:17-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[I felt my Christmas spirit return like a warm hug.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/84652_F2DA17DA-D94F-47A1-8CA5-AF72803C7F1C.jpeg_c46e3408-be2d-465f-87ce-6b4f157fce65.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Christmas Queens]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/christmas-queens"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/christmas-queens</id>
    <updated>2019-12-12T15:42:38-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[How I learned the true meaning of the holiday spirit—with help from drag queens and a special man.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/84127_39E4CE77-932F-42CB-B4C4-4D817C768904.jpeg_640a2d27-5b0c-45de-a61f-9d41410ab2c2.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Seizing the Moment Before the Man]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/tour-dating"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/tour-dating</id>
    <updated>2019-12-03T12:15:17-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Going on tour forced me to face my codependent nature.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/83673_A45A2C25-6C56-4981-B9E3-A4D469DFDB8F.jpeg_73b30b4f-034e-428e-93c5-0d49d9a61c2a.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Our Pulse Is Stronger Together]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/pulse-stronger-together"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/pulse-stronger-together</id>
    <updated>2019-11-08T17:34:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[How I learned that every contribution to our community counts, no matter how big or small<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/81639_800A3F2B-DB96-49D4-82BD-AA6467F6CF89.jpeg_9fb13443-3f2b-483b-950f-62f3d2bb856d.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Oiled Up and Optimistic!]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/richard"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/richard</id>
    <updated>2019-10-16T13:29:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Whether dancing with the Drag Race queens or raising HIV awareness, I began to feel hope for myself and others.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/79933_27506EA3-5C52-4A84-970C-5684280F135C.jpeg_adeb9003-6eb8-4b62-9a9f-fb024d10b357.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[The Positive Reinforcement Tour]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/positive-reinforcement-tour-life"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/positive-reinforcement-tour-life</id>
    <updated>2019-09-24T13:00:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Everything in my life was changing for the better. As I prepared for tour, I continued to discover I was worthy of more.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/78867_F6F7D2C0-C7C7-408A-A37E-BF99F6D03B04.jpeg_8080a859-87c5-4621-8ee2-42c8084c5953.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Choreographing My Next Step in Life]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/choreographing-next-step-life"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/choreographing-next-step-life</id>
    <updated>2019-08-29T12:00:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[I didn’t realize how much HIV stigma affected me, until I got a golden career opportunity.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/77411_9A18F599-CBF7-4AAB-B8FD-81D064F6B486.jpeg_30cbae54-ecd3-445d-a9af-4d1f23804f92.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Don’t Be a Drag, Just Be a Queen]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/drag-just-queen"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/drag-just-queen</id>
    <updated>2019-08-21T11:09:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[I felt powerful. And it wasn’t just from looking beautiful.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/76877_74E6962B-DFC2-4656-B7C0-31848070350E.jpeg_1682d284-afa6-4c7e-bf11-675922b32dab.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Putting My HIV Status Out There for the First Time]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/putting-hiv-status-first-time"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/putting-hiv-status-first-time</id>
    <updated>2019-08-06T20:18:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[I’d be more vulnerable than ever before. Something told me it was time.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/76329_183239D4-D279-4CF0-B272-B23C4D941E29.jpeg_efc29588-e011-4928-8df4-fe8e03d878b3.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[The Beginning of a Drug-Free, Drama-Free Life]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/beginning-new-life-new-freedom"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/beginning-new-life-new-freedom</id>
    <updated>2019-07-19T17:48:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[And it all began with a questionnaire and a Cookie.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/75549_2570FBC8-CE5C-47B5-9E00-9CBF9E8563F5.jpeg_518dc774-8a6f-4210-9180-a14a30c072cd.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Leaving a Relationship in Order to Start a New Life]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/leaving-behind-relationship-pick-life"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/leaving-behind-relationship-pick-life</id>
    <updated>2019-06-27T17:00:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[One day it hit me: I was addicted to chaos.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/74336_5FC3F769-7B4B-49D9-9C27-7182E6459781.jpeg_7a9856d3-8ffb-499f-a063-bcc40e476a23.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[The Last Time I Used Hardcore Drugs]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/last-time-used-hardcore-drugs"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/last-time-used-hardcore-drugs</id>
    <updated>2019-04-18T09:49:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[I rinsed away my six months of sobriety and I could only think about how free my first few moments of being high again felt.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/70610_richard10.jpg_bad5a032-ea73-431d-ac43-af6a11a2cded.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Would I Choose Escape Over My Own Happiness?]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/would-i-choose-escape-over-my-own-happiness"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/would-i-choose-escape-over-my-own-happiness</id>
    <updated>2019-04-07T14:24:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[History (or is it more like tragedy?) tries to repeat itself.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/69866_richard8.jpg_6605f3c4-e7fb-47dc-bfc6-e45d099fc2c9.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Lessons On Abuse I Had Yet To Learn]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/lessons-on-abuse"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/lessons-on-abuse</id>
    <updated>2019-03-27T13:03:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[A moment of grace—and some amazing advice—from a police officer. Would I take it?<br><img src="https://cdn1.poz.com/68767_55500769-328968387972703-3607746045871652864-n.jpg_49e14cf4-da79-4ccc-9d41-683eeeed0ba1.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Putting Down the Drug, Picking Up an Addict]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/putting-drug-picking-addict"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/putting-drug-picking-addict</id>
    <updated>2019-03-12T09:00:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Plus: A moment of reckoning while on tour with Miss Fame.<br><img src="https://cdn1.poz.com/67520_17438189-765759500249485-3711670265726369792-n.jpg_52cd6dda-8d78-476e-be98-9d55284bd6ad.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Anywhere But Here]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/place"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/place</id>
    <updated>2019-03-04T11:11:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[A descent into decadence. But why, and at what cost?<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/66525_IMG-6732.jpg_2a688bab-d40c-4183-912a-a340271215af.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[We All Fall Down]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/fall"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/fall</id>
    <updated>2019-02-25T09:00:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[I made it through Black Party weekend sober, but a bigger temptation awaited.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/66142_richard3.jpg_8ab83038-dc35-4182-a75a-0189d48a7e00.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[A Changé in My Attitude]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/found-light-others"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/found-light-others</id>
    <updated>2019-02-19T13:21:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[How doing my first show as a sober man changed my perception of myself.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/66047_AC2076AE-5B73-44F5-A7D2-B8E3975DCA13.jpeg_fe2c8844-b345-4eaf-b054-349d3ef0873e.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[As the Summer Daze Clears,  Mr. Man Disappears.]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/summer-daze-clears-mr-man-disappears"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/summer-daze-clears-mr-man-disappears</id>
    <updated>2019-01-13T21:59:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Mr. Man made a decision for me that I initially resented, but it would prove to benefit me more long term.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/63677_59EACEA1-E929-4D29-9DD4-4BDB2AB5A0FD.jpeg_b1b3040e-e56d-4f91-930e-3e0bdea49cd9.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Next Stop: Infatuation Station]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/next-stop-infatuation-station"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/next-stop-infatuation-station</id>
    <updated>2018-11-05T15:25:36-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[My first date with Mr. Man and I did it sober.<br><img src="https://cdn.poz.com/59785_A6556276-1199-412E-88E3-CBE8CC0D48B4.jpeg_f458d6fa-482c-4090-b97a-af77b74b5b30.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[From Across the Crowd... to in His Bed.]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/across-crowd"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/across-crowd</id>
    <updated>2018-10-22T16:28:48-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[A hot hookup with Mr. Man left me feel nothing but respect...and tingles.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/58932_IMG-4446.JPG_dc3b099a-cbda-4d4e-bd6c-e2d5d9edf9a0.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[My First Time Having Sober Sex]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/my-first-time-having-sober-sex"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/my-first-time-having-sober-sex</id>
    <updated>2018-10-17T17:16:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[My building blocks of sexual integrity started with a condom.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/58781_IMG-4453.JPG_811d7215-3203-45fe-8e6a-393083dd0342.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[My First Sober Pride Spent Parading Around [VIDEO]]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/first-sober-pride-spent-parading-video"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/first-sober-pride-spent-parading-video</id>
    <updated>2018-08-28T13:47:12-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[My first sober New York City Pride changed my life thanks to Miss Hell's Kitchen and the untampered enthusiasm I felt in the Pride Parade.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/55641_IMG-3915.JPG_1e20c971-82d1-4fde-8af2-05588f93d168.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[After the Drinks and Drugs, I Found a New Path]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/new-path"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/new-path</id>
    <updated>2018-08-15T12:50:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[June 23rd, 2014, when I found my strength in my weakness.<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/55098_10636380-770661686966-5074645339272659393-o.jpg_2c17b3d1-d147-4226-bf82-f9327b3c3032.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[No Calm, Just a Storm]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/calm-just-storm"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/calm-just-storm</id>
    <updated>2018-08-01T21:33:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[I pretended I wasn’t scared of anything, but I feared everything.<br><img src="https://cdn1.poz.com/53791_richard-schieffer---2018.05.17-425.JPG_c5a37d36-a016-4775-9d4f-b3692139f992.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Three’s Company Pt. II]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/threes-company-pt-ii"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/threes-company-pt-ii</id>
    <updated>2018-07-24T20:04:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to climb back to the top, and at this point in 2014, I was headed straight for rock bottom.<br><img src="https://cdn1.poz.com/53953_12249576-935162383245508-1806364141883648544-n.jpg_2f3df23f-a453-4a09-add6-263538b5ae9e.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Three's Company Pt. I]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/threes-company"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/threes-company</id>
    <updated>2018-07-21T10:59:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[I was headed somewhere, but the destination was to nowhere.<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/53767_19437735-1424390834322658-2238909999032873552-n.jpg_42c821c3-16e0-4964-948f-37c5a6a124ea.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Fired Island]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/fired-island"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/fired-island</id>
    <updated>2018-07-11T11:16:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[My addiction was becoming unmanageable, but I had no idea.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/53252_1653862-592864194141997-1050383149-n.jpg_155fa057-9887-42fd-a2c7-a7b763ec3411.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Picking My Poison]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/picking-poison-crystal-meth-hiv"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/picking-poison-crystal-meth-hiv</id>
    <updated>2018-06-29T12:26:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[ME: “I only use meth like once a month. It’s not a big issue.”
MY FRIENDS: “Girl, are you crazy? Meth is serious. You need help.”<br><img src="https://cdn1.poz.com/52821_1064-954554201306326-6814924159071947628-n.jpg_29ef0ea1-f6ca-4f1c-8f1b-49790abb05f5.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[The Dark Side Awakens]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/dark-side-awakens"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/dark-side-awakens</id>
    <updated>2018-05-21T17:41:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[When I was left to my own devices, I relied on substances to make me feel better and fit in.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/49998_IMG-3844.jpg_08c48a75-3a19-42df-84c8-8c00f34a9393.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Baring It All for the First Time]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/baring-all-first-time-broadway-bares"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/baring-all-first-time-broadway-bares</id>
    <updated>2018-05-15T11:06:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[This is when I was introduced to Broadway Bares.<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/49613_IMG-0020.PNG_ff016e52-9142-4482-b72a-2b374acf4c6e.png" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Insuring My Future By Starting HIV Medication]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/insuring-future-starting-hiv-medication"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/insuring-future-starting-hiv-medication</id>
    <updated>2018-05-07T12:41:44-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[The process toward a creating a healthier lifestyle and discovering my genotype.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/49170_IMG-2293.JPG_082d9e94-bbbe-4a0b-a2c1-3ef0236488bd.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Getting Some Much-Needed Therapy]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/getting-therapy"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/getting-therapy</id>
    <updated>2018-04-30T22:54:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[And I don’t mean the kind with a doctor.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/48750_IMG-2042.JPG_fd9b70d6-a4ec-4f1c-ac82-c73b98c59904.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Dancing On My Own]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/put-everything-table"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/put-everything-table</id>
    <updated>2018-04-23T17:30:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Have you ever had someone wish that you’d die of AIDS? I have.<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/48403_15181208-1199816560113421-8752258655281962652-n.jpg_af936e8d-75b3-41a2-8f54-bc90e5731569.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Sexual Unhealing]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/sexual-unhealing"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/sexual-unhealing</id>
    <updated>2018-04-16T17:30:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Responsibility is sexy, and I didn’t realize how powerful that was until much later.<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/48082_13406997-1058871620874583-4011430198377711206-n.jpg_02175983-d954-488d-bfb1-0032bb1b6ac3.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Putting on a Face at the Ritz]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/putting-face-ritz-hiv"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/putting-face-ritz-hiv</id>
    <updated>2018-04-09T17:30:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[I wanted to escape. So I turned to what I knew best: booze and bumps.<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/47823_richard-schieffer-20170801-1289.JPG_201c4303-5f8f-4276-820c-11d205522e93.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Oh Brother]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/oh-brother-hiv-disclosure"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/oh-brother-hiv-disclosure</id>
    <updated>2018-04-02T17:30:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[My older sister told my brother of my HIV status, and I didn’t know how to handle it. The best way we knew was through love.<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/47609_13103532-1029733990455013-4334889073146437157-n.jpg_2b3ecfc5-54bd-4232-b930-35483f56a12b.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[Playing the Guessing Game]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/logged-grindr-handsome-romance-began-hiv-story"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/logged-grindr-handsome-romance-began-hiv-story</id>
    <updated>2018-03-26T17:30:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[A passionate romance soon began—and so did my HIV story.<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/47155_15697883-1239214999506910-2926712030521956995-n.jpg_e194561f-4b60-4fbb-9d05-f34e062988f0.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[The First Person I Called After Testing Positive for HIV]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/first-person-call-testing-positive-hiv"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/first-person-call-testing-positive-hiv</id>
    <updated>2018-03-19T17:30:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[She was always my biggest fan. And she still is.<br><img src="https://cdn1.poz.com/46617_1528741-10152133197651904-2122634088-n.jpg_740e47c5-9eb8-47db-b759-b1e0122185c7.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[“That” Day at the HIV Clinic]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/day-clinic"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/day-clinic</id>
    <updated>2018-03-12T17:30:00-04:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[When the doctor broke the news to me.<br><img src="https://cdn2.poz.com/46453_22154401-1524778510933578-2279858999900299629-n.jpg_248f3e89-3ba1-48d6-8aea-466ecead2c44.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title type="html"><![CDATA[My Name Is Richard, but I’ll Take Dick if You Prefer]]></title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.poz.com/blog/name-richard-take-dick-prefer-hiv-aids"></link>
    <id>https://www.poz.com/blog/name-richard-take-dick-prefer-hiv-aids</id>
    <updated>2018-03-08T11:21:00-05:00</updated>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[JMV]]></name>
    </author>
    <content type="html"><![CDATA[Welcome to the debut of my POZ blog. I hope you’ll join me on this adventure.<br><img src="https://cdn3.poz.com/46121_richard1_6741de0d-aa9f-488d-aac9-23555c7b9d0c.jpeg" />]]></content>
  </entry>
</feed>
