Brenden
Ortiz: I remember about
three years ago at
a career day, this one
child was dealing with
her mom going through
cancer treatments. Unfortunately, her mother passed away,
but she knew that through writing,
and speaking with someone, she
could get through it. My mom’s tenth anniversary just passed, and it’s still hard for
me, so I know its going to be hard for her. It’s
still new to her. I try to be there, speak to her, and
if she needs to hang out I still connect. People have
definitely come up and let me know they have dealt
with cancer, and suicide.
UG Digital: How did you ultimately get into publishing?
Brenden Ortiz: Once I was in college, and majored in creative
writing, my professors would comment that my writing was very
vivid. Through writing in my journal and reading, I could see
my vision and the clarity. One day, I was on social media and a
young lady was looking for a few authors. It was five of us, and it
also included Neffeteria Pugh. We connected, and after reading
my manuscript, she knew it would help people. I signed a two
year contract, and once that was done, I decided to self-publish.
I wanted my book to continue to sell, and I wanted the message
to continue spreading. My book now has reached the UK, and
I’ve been on tour several times.
UG Digital: Again, it’s really amazing. What other opportunities
have come from spreading your message?
Brenden Ortiz: I started a campaign called What Does HIV Look
Like? We have five people who spread their stories through
monologue. We had it released last August (2015), and we’re
going to film it and sell it as a DVD so that the message spreads
across the country. I launched a lip stick line in honor of my
mother. The proceeds go to cervical cancer awareness. It goes
to the Rosa Lives On Foundation which funds groups where
we do inspirational speaking and groups where we help those
dealing with cervical cancer. I just signed with 88.7 FM in Brooklyn for a radio show. I’m sticking to my brand of HIV awareness
and STDs. We’ll talk about what people are scared to talk about
on air. In person, we don’t talk about sex, HIV, and homosexuality. Everyone talks about it now, but we need a show where the
public can interact. We’re bringing awareness. We’ll be doing the
HIV awareness walk in May.
UG Digital: I’m happy at the headway you’ve made with this all.
I’ve seen over this past year how much you’ve been able to do.
I wish there were more people who’s stepped up and were all
about awareness, so it’s great to have you doing this. Where can
people learn more about what you have?
Brenden Ortiz: They can find me on Instagram at @BrendenOrtiz,
on Periscope every Saturday at 1pm at @theonlybrendenortiz,
they can check out my video campaign on Youtube, that’s What
Does HIV Look Like?, they can check out BrendenOrtiz the web
channel, and order The Pretty Boy with the House in Virginia:
The Resurrection on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and Shopbrendenortiz.bigcartel.com,
UG
Digital: Will
it be on
iTunes?
Brenden Ortiz:
We’re working on
iTunes. It needs to be
formatted for apple. I’m
also working on an audio
book that will come out in July
with the second book.
UG Digital: I definitely commend you for
all you’ve done. What final thoughts are
there?
Brenden Ortiz: Just remember that whatever you
do and put your passion into, do not lose yourself
within that. +