It was during a white out dust storm that hundreds of bunnies appeared from every direction. Bunnies on bikes, bunnies on foot, 2 giant bunny slipper cars, bunnies in stilettos, and a carrot mobile.

It was my second Burning Man but my first Billion-Bunny March and it was complete and utter mayhem. I was overwhelmed by the scale and absurdity of the spectacle. Only at Burning Man can you get hundreds in bunny costumes to march in solidarity for no apparent reason.

A few years ago, as I began to learn more about this madcap magical city in the desert, I felt increasing excitement and fear. I realized the art and extravagance would be amazing but the harsh conditions seemed incredibly challenging for someone living with HIV. However, I wasn't about to let HIV prevent me from doing something I wanted to do.

Burning Man is held in one of the harshest environments on the planet. The event takes place on an ancient lakebed known as the playa, in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. This year the daytime temperatures exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit and plummeted into the 30s at night. This is a temporary city without water, electricity, phone, or plumbing (only porta potties are provided).

Self-reliance, self-expression, community, and participation are the four tenants that drive Burning Man.

I get asked a lot what it's like to survive and enjoy the experience of Burning Man with HIV. Following are a few tips that I'd like to pass along to anyone that's positive who's planning on attending.

  • Recruit campmates to help keep you on schedule.
  • Store your meds out of the sun.
  • Always keep your meds in the same place - easily accessible. I keep mine with my toothbrush and facial wipes. That way I never forget a dose.
  • Hydrate. If you're not talking, you should be drinking.
  • Take a small ice chest for refrigerated meds. You can buy ice at Camp Arctica.
  • Breakfast bars are good to get your morning dose out of the way so that you can explore the playa.
  • Imodium prevents diarrhea and keeps you regular and porta-pottie compatible.
  • Always use a condom.
  • Medical help is available at Center Camp, and the 3:00 and 9:00 plazas.
  • Ear plugs, eye shades, and Tylenol PM will help get you the rest you need.
  • Volunteer, participate, and have fun.

You can view more pictures of me at Burning Man at my photo album on my site. Feel free to contact me as well, and check out the website www.burningman.com for more information and an amazing photo gallery.