Seattle Gay News - Mobile Edition - Tony Radovich honored for his work in HIV prevention - Tony Radovich honored for his work in HIV prevention - Friday, November 18, 2011

Tony Radovich honored for his work in HIV prevention

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posted Friday, November 18, 2011 - Volume 39 Issue 46

Tony Radovich honored for his work in HIV prevention
by Shaun Knittel - SGN Associate Editor

Tony Radovich, a community activist who advocates for those living with HIV/AIDS and substance abuse issues, was honored with the Dr. Bob Wood Award for Excellence in HIV Prevention November 15 at a reception in the HIV/AIDS Program Offices.

'Tony has been active in HIV prevention for many years,' read the official announcement. 'He has worked tirelessly as a prevention provider and advocate, and is known for his creativity, perseverance, advocacy, humor, and passion.'

In recent years, Tony has become one of Seattle's most recognizable activists. His work on community projects - mainstream and fringe - is evident by the admiration of his colleagues and fellow activists. Although outspoken, he is a man of not just opinion, but action.

'When I first heard that I was going to be honored, my old pattern of thoughts and behaviors told me I didn't deserve the award,' Tony told Seattle Gay News. 'I spoke to some of my sponsors and mentors, and they said, 'Of course you deserve it.' That allowed me to look within myself a little bit to move past the melancholiness of HIV and the impact of the disease on my community, my life, and the lives of my friends. I am honored and humbled at being recognized by my peers. It's a good thing.'

Tony is a living success story. He's lived with HIV for over a decade and battled substance abuse to come out the other side - perhaps a little bruised, but undefeated.

'It's true; my crystal use was all about me,' wrote Tony on the Strength Over Speed website, a peer-to-peer crystal meth recovery program for Gay men in Seattle. 'Looking back I now see all of the energy I put into accessing that drug and everything that went with it. It allowed me to connect with men on a much more intimate level than I was used to. The reality was that the drug had taken over my life and I wanted my life back.'

Tony is one of the men created for helping to create Strength Over Speed, an organization that is held in high regard.

'To refocus that energy toward something worthwhile has been a struggle,' he said. 'It hasn't been easy. But with fortitude I believe I can accomplish and excel in anything I choose to.'

And he has. Tony has accomplished many things since his dark days and has helped countless others to do the same. 'Being honored in this way just goes to show that one person can have a good impact on their community,' he told SGN.

Tony said that it is his hope that others will see his story and become more involved in the community. 'Just think if we had many people doing little things here and there. Just think of how much good that would bring to the community.'

These days, Tony feels more connected to the LGBT community than ever before. 'I enjoy bringing people together to recognize and look for ways of providing positive messaging,' he said. 'It is very important for us to let each other know that we are good people and that our community is beautiful. We are not bad, disease-infected people. That is a bunch of bullshit and we cannot allow ourselves to internalize those messages that we sometimes hear.'

In fact, important to Tony's continued success are his friends. 'It's nice to be recognized for this award, but I'm only as good as the people I surround myself with,' he admitted. 'There have been a group of Gay men over the course of the last two years that have been responsible for really being there for me whenever I needed them.'

Moving forward, Tony told SGN that advocacy is on 'my front burner these days in regards to proposed cuts on the state level for HIV/AIDS aid.' He says it is important to note that any cut in HIV/AIDS money will have a direct impact on not only people living with HIV but those at risk.

'Infection rates are going up, and that's not a very good thing,' said Tony. 'There is a degree of complacency and I think stigma has a lot to do with that. We need a direct call to action in regards to our individual ability to effect change.'

'I think that messaging and prevention programs need more focus on the areas where they are most needed,' said Tony, pointing out that Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties are along the I-5 corridor, where most of the people with HIV are living. 'Other areas will not have prevention dollars. But that is the times we are living in right now. We've got to talk to state legislators and policy and decision makers about keeping HIV/AIDS prevention programs funded.'

'I don't mind getting other people all riled up,' he said. 'It's good to rally the base.'

When asked to talk about his past struggles, Tony is quick to point out that most people are struggling with something and that, for him, it is important to understand that when being introspective.

'Struggling doesn't necessarily have to be with drugs or HIV,' he said. 'Struggling is people who are out of work. Maybe someone has stress about health care reform. There is a lot of uncertainty out there in the world we currently live in. All of these struggles factor into how young Gay men see themselves. That is when people tend to make decisions that might not be healthy. I would love it if Gay men started talking to each other more when they feel depressed or have issues of substance abuse. It is so important that we communicate.'

'I love my community,' Tony concluded. 'We have some great people in our community in many different capacities and I honor them. I honor those unsung heroes out there & you know who you are.'

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