Man of the Month: Uli Konrad

August 2025
Uli Konrad, BC, Canada · PC-PEP Participant & Mentor

Introduction

This month we celebrate Uli Konrad, a courageous PC-PEP participant and mentor from British Columbia. A German-born Canadian, Uli has embraced the PC-PEP journey with honesty, humour, and resilience. As a gay man living with prostate cancer, he has shared his story openly, helping create a safe and inclusive space where men feel seen, supported, and empowered. His mentorship continues to inspire others navigating their own cancer journeys.

“Transforming isolation into empowerment. Healing as a gay man with prostate cancer.”

Uli in His Own Words

On his recent trip to Halifax, Uli captured the spirit of PC-PEP in a joyful message:

“Halifax! Here I come ready or not! … THANK YOU to PEP for connecting me with new friends and mentors who are in the same boat as me and helped me in so many ways. New friends worth meeting in person! And thanks Cody MacDonald for sending the T-shirt! I will wear it on the plane 🤣”

Contribution & Impact

Uli’s openness and leadership help dismantle the silence surrounding men’s health, intimacy, and sexuality. By sharing his journey as a gay man with prostate cancer, he has encouraged others to be honest about their struggles and hopeful in their healing. His mentorship demonstrates that empowerment grows from community and that connection is often the most powerful medicine.

🎧 Hear Uli’s Story

🎧 Out, Proud, and Healing: A Gay Man’s Empowered Response to Prostate Cancer – PC-PEP Podcast Ep. 9

In this episode, Uli bravely recounts his journey through diagnosis, brachytherapy, hormone therapy, and external beam radiation. He speaks candidly about the emotional and physical toll of treatment and reflects on how connection, vulnerability, and honesty transformed his experience from fear to empowerment.

Key Messages of Inspiration

  1. You’re not alone—even if it feels like it. PC-PEP reminded Uli that healing is collective.
  2. Healing starts with honesty—with yourself and others. Speaking about sexuality, intimacy, and vulnerability can be a turning point.
  3. It’s okay to grieve—and still find joy. From loss came deeper intimacy, self-acceptance, and renewed purpose.
  4. Showing up is powerful. Courage is often simply continuing to show up—for health, for community, for life.
  5. Your story matters. Sharing your voice might be the light another man needs.

💙 The Story Behind the T-Shirts: Why It Matters?

The T-shirt Uli proudly wore on his trip is more than just fabric — it’s a symbol of connection, awareness, and pride in being part of the PC-PEP community.

his shirt was made possible by David Ashcroft, a fellow PC-PEP mentor and author, who not only donated proceeds from his memoir Searching for Belonging but also designed the artwork himself.

Gestures like David’s mean so much to our lab and the PC-PEP community. Each shirt sparks conversations, raises awareness about prostate cancer, and reminds men everywhere that they are not alone. These small acts help PC-PEP fulfill its mission: forming communities of empowerment that transform isolation into connection and fear into resilience.

Closing Appreciation

Uli, thank you for your warmth, leadership, and courage. You embody the heart of PC-PEP: transforming isolation into empowerment, and building friendships that last far beyond the program.

Uli’s Words to Carry Forward

“Transforming isolation into empowerment. Healing as a gay man with prostate cancer.”

🌍 About This Series

The PC-PEP Man of the Month celebrates participants and mentors who embody courage, generosity, and the spirit of empowerment. By sharing their stories, we raise awareness about prostate cancer, reduce stigma, and highlight the power of building communities of strength and hope.