Authentic Voices. Important Topics.

Rebekka Armstrong
Exposed: An HIV+ Playboy Playmate Tells Her Story

At the age of 18, Rebekka became a Playboy Playmate after being chosen to be Miss September 1986, a culmination of her childhood dream. For the next four years, she led an exciting life as a Playmate, traveling, modeling, and attending star-studded parties. However, she was often tired and bruised easily. At the age of 22, she was diagnosed with HIV.

The virus had been contracted years earlier, from an episode of unprotected sex when she was in high school. The stigma of AIDS would have destroyed her career, so she hid her disease. Reeling from her diagnosis, she took refuge in drugs and alcohol, which inevitably made her more ill. She tried to take her own life. The unsuccessful attempt put her in coma for three days.

After years of hiding the physical effects of the virus and the destructive emotional results of keeping the secret, Rebekka made the decision to go public with her disease. In a 1994 cover story for The Advocate, Rebekka announced that she was HIV positive. The Playboy Playmate was no longer willing to live in the shadow of AIDS. Instead, she dedicated herself to preventing others from becoming infected through unsafe sex or drug use.

Since then, Rebekka has traveled the world delivering her educational and inspiring message of prevention, hope, and the reality of AIDS. She has become an outspoken activist to increase AIDS awareness and fight for progress in discovering improved medications and treatment. She has participated in POZ Expos in cities across the nation and is an active spokesperson for Cable Positive. Rebekka's story has been profiled by the Discovery Health Channel as well as E! True Hollywood Stories. Rebekka is now an avid bodybuilder and despite her infection is in excellent health.

About the Lecture:

"It was a blunt, provocative, entertaining program about a real-life important matter. It was just what our University needed to spark conversations, awareness and caring."

Emily Kuhl
Lectures and Performing Arts, ASUI Vandal Entertainment
University of Idaho

"Your presentation was absolutely fabulous! Our sorority attended as a group and every member expressed their sincere admiration. You are an inspiration to me and I will continue to get HIV tested as much as I need to. Unfortunately, I have had unprotected sex, but after hearing your story, I will not in the future... you were the best speaker I have ever heard!"

Junior, University of Miami

"I attended your lecture at USC Upstate in January with my daughter who was writing an article on you for the school paper... I was very impressed with your speaking ability and your ability to get through to the students. I really felt a difference in their attitudes and receptiveness as the night went on. Keep up the good work. I know you are making a big difference in people's lives."

Mom, University of Southern Florida

"Thank you for coming to our campus and sharing your message with our students. I found your talk to be very frank and honest. I think you speak right to the hearts of students. I especially liked the two video clips... It takes incredible courage and strength to share such a private side of your life for the good of others. You, no doubt, have saved many lives and helped young people make better choices for themselves."

John R. Shafe
Director of the Counseling and Health Center &
Assistant Professor of Fine Arts
Franklin College of Indiana

"I attended your lecture today in the Florida Keys. I actually skipped class to go! Your story was so inspiring to me! I've been talking with someone for about a year now and was seriously considering having sex with him for the first time (mine, not his) the next time I see him. We live about 5 hours away from each other. He's slept with so many people though, and thanks to your story, I think I'm going to wait and have a serious conversation with him about it. I don't want to get HIV/AIDS or any other STD. Thank you so much for opening my eyes. You're truly an inspiration to all women."

Junior, Marathon High School

To book this speaker, call (206) 529-4711 or email info@samaralectures.com