Jack Mackenroth does Hivster.
Posted by Brad Crelia on Sunday, October 23, 2011 · 6 Comments
Jack Mackenroth does a lot. Really, he does fucking a lot. The handsome, well muscled Project Runway Season 4 contestant, graciously gave Hivster.com some of his time and answered a few of our questions:
Brad Crelia: You really seem to be a jack of all trades, what’s your biggest passion in life?
Jack Mackenroth: HAHAHA-so true!! My passion IS life. I love so many things I do. I LOVE HIV education and helping others infected or affected by HIV. That will be a life long endeavour. But I also love making art, designing, working in TV and radio, writing, doing photo shoots. Am I forgetting anything? My attitude has always been fearless. If something sounds like an interesting challenge and I have hours in the day I’m going to do it. I’m even dabbling in stand-up comedy which terrifies me but I like to face my fears and I don’t take myself seriously. My first “gig” is on October 28th and I will be in my Halloween costume as a gay 1980′s aerobics instructor because I don’t have time to change before a party. It’s at a straight club called the Federal Bar in Los Angeles. LORD!!!
BC: How was your experience on Project Runway? How difficult was it to leave the show?
JM: I had a blast. The best part was the lifelong friends I made while on the show. Right now I’m at Kit Scarbo’s house while I’m here in LA. She was known as Kit Pistol on the show. Reality TV is just exposure plain and simple. The real work comes after the show. A year after you are on TV no one remembers what you made on the show, they just remember you-if you are memorable. I had my Meryl Streep moment when I left the show so in a way it was a blessing tho I didn’t see it at the time. In the end it was the right decision and I had to think of the other designers as well. MRSA is very contageous and we were in such close quarters and exhausted. We filmed a challenge every other day with no days off.
BC: MRSA is a nasty thing, I’ve had a few encounters with the bug myself. It’s becoming more and more common, any advice you can share on keeping it from reoccurring and spreading it to others? Was your infection related to HIV?
JM: Well unfortunately MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is everywhere. I think I got it from the gym and I’ve had it a few times. It has nothing to do with my HIV status as my immune system is healthier than most HIV- people. My T-cells are 1200 and my viral load is undetectable. I was just exhausted and sleep deprived. The best thing anyone can do is be vigilant about washing with anti-bacterial soaps like Hibiclens and watching any open sores. That’s attractive. There is a ton of info online.
BC: Tell me about your new calendar project? What inspired you and who does it help?
JM: It’s called “Jack Mackenroth 2012 Calendar for the Cure”. I’d done a ton of amazing shoots with great photographers like Rick Day, Adam Bouska and Ray John Pila and I just had an epiphany in bed on morning. I could use some of my favorite shots and put them into a calendar which would showcase the work of different photographers and 100% of the proceeds go to amfAR to help with AIDS research. You can purchase them at http://Jackmackenroth.com/2012calendar and I write a personal note in each one. Hopefully it helps and inspires everyone. Some of the photos here are in the calendar. It’s only $14.95 and it makes a great holiday gift!!!
BC: We ask most interviewees, about a personal story about HIV, can you share yours?
JM: Well I was diagnosed in 1989 when it was a death sentence and everyone was dying all around me. It was very bleak and hopeless. I didn’t think I would live to see 25. I am very lucky. I found out because I went to the doctor for ulcers in my throat. He thought it was strange that a 20 year old would have these symptoms so he did an HIV test which came back positive. Back then I was quite depressed about it but now I see it as a blessing. I get to do the work I do and I’m a much better person after going through that very humbling experience.
BC: What all do you have going on now? What current projects are you working on?
JM: Do you have all day? I’m always working on about 100 projects. I’m teaming up with an HIV Internet dating site, I’m shooting a movie in January, I have 3 TV show in various stages of development, I’m training for IGLA swimming championships in Iceland this summer, I’m in talks to do another radio show, finishing my book, calendar signings, speaking all over the country, blah blah blah and on and on and on……
BC: Your a fellow Washingtonian, what are some of your favorite WA or Seattle hotpots?
JM: Well-I’m from Bellevue and most of my family lives on Capital Hill but I really haven’t been back much since I was 18. For all the old timers out there I was a fixture at a club called Skoochies which is gone now. I was a giant skating rink that was an 16 and over club in the evenings. It was amazing. Now I like the Cuff. But I really don’t know the Seattle scene very well. Oh and Dick’s. I love Dick’s. For the fries.
BC: Younger, alternative men and women in urban cities are increasingly becoming infected, what advice do you have to younger people out there to stay negative or if there poz do you have any things you’d like to share?
JM: I always tell people to assume that whoever you are with is HIV+. There is NO point in asking someones status because people lie or may not even know. Get tested regularly and always protect yourself. If you are positive just know that it is a very hopeful time for anyone living with HIV. There are a ton of effective treatments and new ones coming along all the time. Find a doctor you trust and monitor your CD4 count and viral load. Know there is a ton of support out there. You are still lovable and amazing. Let go of the blame or shame and take care of yourself. I am confident that there will be an accessible cure in my lifetime.
Photo’s by -James Franklin, Calendar Photo by- John Plia
thanks!!
If Jack is involved, then I support it.
Jack is a great guy, please buy his calendar and while doing that we’d appreciate a small donation to the site.
Thanks,
Brad Crelia
Editor-At-Large
If Jack is involved, then I support it.
Mackenroth is a freaking saint. Easily among the most inspiring, succinct and coherent voices in the lineup of modern HIV personalities.