Washington Post Chat:
September 13, 2000
A Real World Alumnus Speaks

DC: Do you still keep in touch with Dave Eggers (author of "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius")?

Judd Winick: No I don’t. I was quite surprised to find myself in his book, but Dave was very fair, very complementary, and very kind. He could have been cruel, and no one would have faulted him. I did send him a letter and a copy of Pedro and Me.

Baltimore, MD: Why do you think that of all your castmates you were the one who felt compelled to take on Pedro's cause?

Judd Winick: Actually, both Pam Ling and I took on Pedro’s cause. For those of you who don’t know, Pam was a housemate of mine on the Real World, is now a physician, and my fiancee. And, once again, both Pam and I began lecturing on AIDS Education and would talk to people about Pedro. We did that for about a year and a half after his passing.

Twin Falls, Idaho: Judd - first of all I would just like to say - screw "your character" i loved you on the show. Second, how did you and Pam get together, was this going on during the show, or did it start afterwards?

Judd Winick: Pam and I started dating several months after the show finished filming, and we’re getting married next year. Let’s hear it for television!

Arlington, VA: How do you think Puck would fare on Survivor? Also, were he and Rachel ever intimate? Congratulations on getting Pam. She seemed one of the most normal ever on the show and driven. As she pointed out at the time, you did look a lot like her boyfriend at the time.

Judd Winick: My assumption is that Puck would get voted off the island. Very early. Some time after B.B., and before Ramona.
As far as him and Rachel, you’d have to ask them.

Washington, D.C.: Have you and Pam gotten married, and have you taken her to a football game in Ann Arbor?

Judd Winick: We’re getting married next year. And no, I haven’t taken her to Wolverine Country yet. GO BLUE!
Shameless pandering to Michigan alumni…

Baltimore, md: Thanks for making Green Lantern readable again! Can we expect the Corps to return soon, or is this going to be more of a solo comic? Also, how much will you feature his interaction with the JLA?

Judd Winick: I’m really getting a kick out of Green Lantern. For those who don’t know, I’m writing Green Lantern for DC comics. And as far as bringing back the Green Lantern Corps, if I was bringing them back, would I tell you?
The JLA (Justice League of America) will be making an appearance in Green Lantern #135 and #136. They come to NY city to help fight a brand-new, big bad villain.

San Angelo, Tex.: Judd, I'm not trying to be cynical, but many look at the "friendship" that you have formed with Pedro as self-advancing on your part. If you were truly interested in advancing the causes Pedro advocated, shouldn't the book have been named something besides "Pedro & Me"?

Judd Winick: The title, “Pedro and Me” wasn’t my idea. And actually, it took a while for the title to grow on me. The point of the book, one of the points of the book, is to put Pedro’s message out there. The most effective way to do that, the most effective way of getting people’s attention, is to be as clear as possible. And this book isn’t just Pedro’s story; it’s the story of the two of us. Me, a somewhat self-righteous liberal, who claimed to be completely comfortable living with someone who was HIV positive (which I wasn’t), and Pedro, the person who would teach me about tolerance and friendship.

Washington, D.C.: I watched the first "Real World" reunion and ended up sort of floored that you all would go back -- particularly given the weird dynamics. Are you glad you went, and would you "reunite" again?

Judd Winick: Well, I've had more pleasant experiences than the reunion, and you have to keep in mind that the reunion was three years ago. But at the time, I was more than happy to go back. I would have been much happier if Pam had been able to come with me, but she was knee deep in doctorin' during her residency.
We'll see if we'll ever do another one....but who would care to see us old farts?!

Bethesda: Sorry if you get sick of this particular question or its variants, but if you passed Puck in the street today would you say hello and talk to him, ignore him and keep walking, punch him upside the head, or some combination thereof?

Judd Winick: It wouldn't be up to me. The whole incident would probably stem from whatever Puck would do. But, no, I wouldn't pick a fight. It's been a long time, and why bother?

Washington, D.C.: During your time on "Real World," each of you and your housemate's working experiences were highlighted (or lowlighted) in some way. In the most recent "Real World(s)," the housemates share a common work experience. Frankly, I think the variety of work is more "real," but I was curious of your opinion. Thanks.

Judd Winick: If you're asking me what I think of the current work environment of the Real World, I'd have to say I find it a little weird. It's gotta be difficult to create a television show when you're living in one.

New York, N.Y.: What exactly does the Pedro Zamora Foundation do? Who funds it and how does it run?

Judd Winick: We have no affiliation nor do we endorse the Pedro Zamora Foundation. We don't agree with its methods, past or present.
We are involved with the National Pedro Zamora Project. The Board of Directors is made up of myself, Pam Ling, Sean Sasser, and Mily Zamora (Pedro's sister). It's a grant-giving foundation to support the work of local youth AIDS organizations that might not have our profile. It's 100% non profit, and under our complete supervision. Check it out at our website, www.pedroandme.com

Austin, Tex.: What was the last book you read and did you enjoy it?

Judd Winick: "Dead Even" by Brad Meltzer, and Harry Potter. And I loved them both. I also had the privelege of reading an advance copy of "The Night Listener" by Armistead Maupin. It was brilliant...possibly his best work.

Richmond, Va.: How much lecturing do you do on AIDS education now?

Judd Winick: Not as much. That's why I wrote the book. It became too emotionally draining to go school to school and talk about Pedro, revisit his passing, and teach AIDS education. This way I was hoping to reach a larger audience.
But, I'll be doing a public service announcement for Cable Positive on World AIDS Day (December 1st) and another for National HIV Testing Day.

Los Angeles, Calif.: Are you at all friendly or in touch with any other members of your "Real World" cast (besides Pam)? Were you surprised about Rachel getting married and settling down to raise a family in a little town?

Judd Winick: Cory will be a bridesmaid at our wedding (Pam and me) and Sean Sasser is family--we see him all the time. We are also in touch with the Zamoras, speak to them quite often, and see them when we can.

Chevy Chase, MD: Are you doing any signings while here in DC? When and where?

Judd Winick: I'll be signing at Politics and Prose on September 23rd. There will be a rally the day before at GW. See the website for details: www.pedroandme.com

Kevin from washingtonpost.com: Judd:

Greetings and welcome! We're proud to have you on Live Online! What have you found is the greatest misconception that young people are facing in their education of AIDS and HIV prevention?

I'll see you at Politics and Prose on the 23rd!

Judd Winick: Unfortunately, it's probably the one they've always been facing: a lack of clear information given in a way they can relate to.

Honest talk, with clarity.

As it would turn out, there are many many misconceptions, from uncertainty about sexual practices, bad safer sex information, poor communication skills.

On the whole, we've done a very poor job educating our young people, and now, we seem to be backsliding. There's a trend (a well funded trend) towards "abstinence only education." Calling it education is an oxymoron. Teaching ignorance isn't teaching.

McLean, Virginia: If I recall correctly, you did not pop up in any of the Road Rules-type reunion tours in which various veterans from old Real World or Road Rules shows unite as a new team (such as the one in which Rachel met her future husband, Sean). Were you asked to particiate in any? If so, what are your reasons for turning it down? If not, do you wonder why they didn't ask you?

Judd Winick: No, Pam and I didn't participate in any of the Road Rules/Real World "all star specials." For the most part, these things take anywhere between 1 month to 3 months to film. Pam and I have jobs. We can't be running off to jump off the Seattle Space Needle, fall out of airplanes, wrestle midgets, swim with sharks---as appealing as these things may seem.

Dupont, DC: I jsut wanted to say thanks for carrying on Pedro's cause. It was because of Pedro's example that I was finally able to come out in '94. His death upset me very much considering that I had never met him.

I've tried watching The Real World a couple of times since your season in SF, and haven't been able to stomach more than a couple of episodes. I find it very unreal, as all of the housemates now seem to see the show as a launch pad into show business. Do you ever watch it, and if so what are your thoughts about the show now?

Judd Winick: To begin, both Pam and I (Pam is typing this) [HI GUYS.] are always thrilled and moved to hear that Pedro has helped you come to some major decisions in your life. He would be incredibly proud of you. And don't forget that.

Secondly, as far as the Real World, we've always quoted one of our former crew members, that the show has reached the "fat Elvis stage." It's still pretty entertaining to watch, but ya hunger for the rockabilly "that's all right mama" days.
But we still watch it, and we still like it.

New York, N.Y.: What are the Pedro Zamora Foundation's methods that you object to? Sorry -- I'm just not familiar.

Judd Winick: It's a very long story. Within a week, I'll be posting a cover story that appeared in The Advocate a couple of years ago. It will explain everything. You'll find it at:
www.pedroandme.com

Miami, FL: If you had to pick a particular chapter that you are most proud of in the book, which is it?

Judd Winick: It's tough to choose, but I'd say I'm partial to the chapter about Sean and Pedro. It's the part of the experience of doing the Real World that we're most proud of. They were so brave, they were so much in love, and I'm happy that I was able to put their story out there again.

Atlanta, Ga.: Hi Judd. I always liked you on the show. Are going to be in Atlanta anytime soon?

And are you sick of the Real World attention? How do you feel about the latest casts?

Judd Winick: Yeah, I'm gonna be in Atlanta in November. Check the site--I don't have the dates in front of me:)

No, we're not sick of Real World attention. We are big pigs. And in general, people are really, really nice. Then again, Pam and I get to go through it together. It always makes it a lot easier....but it's cool.

We like the New Orleans cast. We keep tuning in. That house is SO DAMN BIG. We lived in a shoe box comparatively. Sorry, house envy.

Chevy Chase, Md.: How cool is Pam?

Judd Winick: So cool she's freezing.
She's the smartest person you'll ever meet, [OH COME ON!]
can dress like a rock star, and is probably the best doctor you'd ever have. Pam is bickering at me to stop this as she types. We're embarrassing her.
But I love her.

Brooklyn, N.Y.: If you were a super-hero, cape or no cape?

Judd Winick: Well, if I had the power of flight, I may go with the cape.
But...they're so unruly.
Nope, no cape. I've decided.

Tennessee: Judd,

How did the experience of seeing yourself on television for the first few times change your perception of both yourself and "celebrities" in our society?
Thanks!

Judd Winick: We're kind of like that "Zsa Zsa Gabor" famous. [spelling?]
We're famous for being famous, so we're really not a part of the club. I think we're infinitely more sympathetic to anyone who's in the tabloids. The culture of tabloid journalism gets worse every year, and people with any kind of celebrity are the targets.

Falls Church, Va.: Hello Judd and Pam!

I'm not a follower of "Survivor" and "Big Brother," but I was wondering if you think individuals taking part in those new reality-based programs could have such an effect on a cause (such as AIDS) as Pedro did on RWIII.

On a different subject, would you and Pam support a child of your own baring his or her soul on television?

Thanks! I'm a fan.

Judd Winick: Of all the reality shows, past and present, there is only one person who participated for altruisitic reasons, and that was Pedro. He wanted to educate people. He wanted them to see what someone who was living with HIV is really like. I don't think anyone, myself included, would do or did something so selflessly. Could it happen again? Maybe. I think it would be great.

As far as a kid of ours going on reality television, I think our kid will be so SICK of reality television that they wouldn't even consider it. "Your parents met on the Real World?"

Arlington, VA: Dear Judd:

Congrats on a beautiful, well told book! A quick question: Did Pedro pass away before the advent of protease inhibitors and other anti-viral drug treatments? If so, it seems so sad that he wasn't able to hold on for just a bit longer. On a happier note, congrats to you and Pam! She's quite the catch!

Judd Winick: I'm glad you like the book.

And yes, Pedro did pass away before protease inhibitors were widely available. To be honest, this is something that haunts us. If he had been with us maybe another year, he could have gone on "the cocktail." And maybe he'd still be with us. At the same time, many people die even though they're on "the cocktail." It's hard to say. It's something we think about a lot.

Tysons Corner, Va.: Do you support the idea of adults distributing condoms in public institutions, such as schools, recreation centers, etc.?

Judd Winick: I think condoms should be as available as water fountains.
But more sanitary.

ARLINGTON: How did you propose to Pam

Judd Winick: It's a long story. It involves a gorilla costume, three Elvis impersonators, and a trip to Las Vegas. I'll leave it at that.

Washington, D.C.: Did you know you'd be living with someone who was HIV positive when you were cast for the show? Did you know much about it then? Informed or no, I imagine it could be a little scary for some folks at first.

Judd Winick: I'm not trying to be a jerk, but read the book. It's ALL in there.

Tyson's Corner: So, will Pam become a Winick? Changing name, or no? Come on, Pam! We know you're there!

Judd Winick: Pam: No, I ain't changin' my name. And Judd doesn't want me too. It's been 8 years to finally become Dr. Ling (and I'm registered with the State as such) and Dr. Winick just doesn't sound like me.
Judd: My family's happy to finally have a doctor in the family.

Virginia: How can parents use your book to help their kids, who may be struggling with sexuality or fearing death?

Judd Winick: I'd say, read it with them. It's a great introduction to the subjects. In the book, we ask a lot of questions. I admit having misgivings, and I make it very clear that it's OK to have questions and misgivings. I think it could be a good tool to open up the dialogue with your kids. I'm honored that you would consider it. Thank you.

Washington, D.C.: Any thoughts on CBS' "Big Brother"?

Judd Winick: It's not the fault of the participants that it's boring.
It's the format. They're editing it on the fly. There's no time to build story; hence, they don't know where it's going, and we are mostly left with people sitting around talking. It's not the cast's fault. No one is interesting in that context.

Rockville: What's your favorite romantic movie to watch with PAM?

Judd Winick: It's not romantic, but if it's on TV, we'll stop what we're doing and watch "The Shawshank Redemption" probably right until the end.
In an original draft of "Pedro and Me," I even included Morgan Freeman's speech on how he misses his friend, Andy.
"Some birds just aren't meant to be caged..."

Virginia: What do you think Pedro would say about your book?

And will you be doing anything to remember Pedro at your wedding?

Judd Winick: I hope Pedro would be proud of the book.

Chevy Chase, Md.: What's the hardest part of writing?

Judd Winick: In the case of this book, it was taking a real hard look at what hurt the most and putting it down on paper. I think that's the sort of thing that reaches people. At least I think so.

Rhode Island: Is the Real World House still there? Have you gone back to visit it? And if yes whats kind of feeling did you have?

Judd Winick: Yes it is. It recently caught fire. I went back for a visit to view the devastation, and to say the least, it was somewhat disheartening. You can still walk through it, but the whole house is gutted. There is nothing left of our experience. It was really sad.

Los Angeles, CA: How do you feel when reviewers and readers discuss your work as on the same level as Art Speigelman's?

Judd Winick: It gives me a small heart attack.

I think it's very kind, but it's an exaggeration. Maus is the Citizen Kane of comics. It's easily one of the best things ever produced. I appreciate the compliment, but it may be a little over the top.

MA: Whats your favorite memory from Real World!

Judd Winick: I wrote a book of my favorite memories:)
And in the same book are the worst parts of it.
I'm glad I was able to put it out there.

THANKS, EVERYONE!!
COME TO THE SIGNING AT POLITICS AND PROSE ON THE 23RD!
FREE MINI COMICS!

washingtonpost.com: We're out of time. Thanks to Judd (and Pam) for agreeing to answer questions, and thanks also to everyone who participated.