Justin's HIV Journal

Justin's HIV Journal http://www.thebody.com/content/art54279.html A blog by Justin B. Smith at TheBody.com. http://www.thebody.com/images/blog/jsmith_biobox.gif Justin B. Terry-Smith http://www.thebody.com/content/art54279.html 115 144 What Is an HIV Long-Term Survivor? Five People With HIV Grapple With the Question http://www.thebody.com/content/81068/what-is-an-hiv-long-term-survivor-five-people-with.html HIV Long-Term Survivor's Day is here! I have often wondered whether I am considered a long-term survivor. I've been positive for only 13 years. I personally don't know whether I am considered a long-term survivor, but it has somewhat felt that way. I've buried friends that have denied their own HIV status; because of stigma they felt from family and the outside world, they let illness consume them instead of facing it head on. But I was born in 1979 and will never remember the early epidemic and how there were people dying every day of AIDS. I decided to interview five people who have been HIV positive between 10 and 30-plus years to better understand what being a long-term survivor means and to learn about some of the challenges they face or may face.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/81068/what-is-an-hiv-long-term-survivor-five-people-with.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 5 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMT Making Private Testimony Public and the Impact on Social Media With HIV Activism http://www.thebody.com/content/80681/making-private-testimony-public-and-the-impact-on-.html When Justin's HIV Journal was on display at the Brooklyn Museum there was a discussion panel afterward on activism. It allowed me to see activists from early in the HIV epidemic and present-day activists. The one commonality that we all had was the camera. We documented our lives and other people's lives who were affected or infected with HIV. It amazed me how far activism has come, but it also amazes me at what is coming next from the next generation. Sometimes, I wonder, will the generation after me understand what we've done to help in the fight against HIV? I know that the generation before me probably thought the same thing. Well, I say to them, I was there, I listened, and I'm here now continuing your work -- the work that laid the groundwork for others like me to be able to do what we do. I thank you all on this World AIDS Day.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/80681/making-private-testimony-public-and-the-impact-on-.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 12 Dec 2017 19:13:00 GMT Staying on Top of Your Oral Health http://www.thebody.com/content/80650/staying-on-top-of-your-oral-health.html Persons living with HIV must take extra care of their bodies and minds. I have this saying I repeat to myself when things don't go as well as I think they should go after a depressing doctor's appointment: "My body wasn't given the ability to fight off a virus constantly." This includes one's oral health; yes, I'm talking about your teeth and gums, people. People may not know this but there are certain things of which people living with HIV need to stay conscious and cautious.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/80650/staying-on-top-of-your-oral-health.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Fri, 1 Dec 2017 21:18:00 GMT Rosacea: My Story http://www.thebody.com/content/80537/rosacea-my-story.html Five years ago, I made a blog video on my struggles with rosacea. If you missed the post, let me first tell you about what rosacea is. Rosacea is a chronic disease and skin condition that causes inflammation and visible strained blood vessels in a person's face. In my face, it caused redness and small, red, pus-filled bumps.

Read more ...

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/80537/rosacea-my-story.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 24 Oct 2017 17:02:00 GMT Panel Discussion on HIV in the News and Meeting Jeanne White-Ginder (Ryan White's Mother) http://www.thebody.com/content/80131/panel-discussion-on-hiv-in-the-news-and-meeting-je.html I was invited to speak on a panel called, "HIV in the News" by Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers for their End AIDS: The HIV Prevention and Outreach Summit during AIDS Education Month. I found that it was very informative because there were different prospectives on the panel. Cherri Gregg who is a reporter for KYW Newsradio and Christopher "Flood The Drummer" Norris CEO of Techbook Online were also on the panel, and from Philadelphia FIGHT the moderator was good friend and colleague, Chip Lewis.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/80131/panel-discussion-on-hiv-in-the-news-and-meeting-je.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Fri, 30 Jun 2017 15:49:00 GMT 12 Years infected With HIV; HIV Medications Complera vs. Odefsey http://www.thebody.com/content/79998/12-years-infected-with-hiv-hiv-medications-compler.html We are now empty nesters. Good luck to both of my sons Lundyn and Tavis. They are in separate cities adulting. They are both good boys and now I can say, young men. A part of becoming a parent is learning how to let go. I've had to learn that, even though it was a hard thing to do, I had to. Being a Dad means everything in the world to me not only because I've helped raise two awesome individuals but because I'm letting them go out into the world to be awesome individuals. After they moved out my hubby and I moved into a bigger house.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/79998/12-years-infected-with-hiv-hiv-medications-compler.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Mon, 5 Jun 2017 20:37:00 GMT Justin at the END AIDS: The HIV Prevention and Outreach Summit in Philadelphia http://www.thebody.com/content/79986/justin-at-the-end-aids-the-hiv-prevention-and-outr.html June is AIDS Education Month and I have some great news. Philadelphia FIGHT, an AIDS service organization, has asked me to join a panel for Philadelphia's AIDS Education Month Summit on Jun. 7 in the morning at the PA Convention Center. The panel discussion will be around the subject matter of HIV in the media/news. Right now, this is a hot topic and I will explain using parts of the email that was sent to me by Philadelphia FIGHT.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/79986/justin-at-the-end-aids-the-hiv-prevention-and-outr.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Thu, 1 Jun 2017 21:03:00 GMT Justin Goes Zip Lining, Parasailing, Encounters Dolphins and Snubaing in Labadee Haiti, Cozumel and Costa Maya Mexico http://www.thebody.com/content/79958/justin-goes-zip-lining-parasailing-encounters-dolp.html Sometimes it is just good to let your hair down. Being HIV positive doesn't mean you have to stay at home but it might mean you need to get out of bed and enjoy life. There were many times, I felt depressed when I was first diagnosed. Life is a celebration and I say live it to its fullest.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/79958/justin-goes-zip-lining-parasailing-encounters-dolp.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 30 May 2017 15:52:00 GMT Justin Does iFLY (Indoor Skydiving) http://www.thebody.com/content/79311/justin-does-ifly-indoor-skydiving.html For my birthday, my hubby took me to iFLY. It was awesome!!! I did two sessions it was the best ever. I've been skydiving before, this was amazing. The hubby decided once a month we will go for some couple time. 2016 was a crazy year for us. Let us hope 2017 is better. With iFLY and 2017 I plan on soaring to new heights in 2017. Let us be proactive and not reactive. Special thank you to the hubby. Love you and to the staff at iFLY. With HIV I've learned that I will always aim high and always try to fly over adversity.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/79311/justin-does-ifly-indoor-skydiving.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Thu, 5 Jan 2017 12:00:00 GMT Justin's HIV Journal Videos Showcased at the Brooklyn Museum Exhibit http://www.thebody.com/content/78890/justins-hiv-journal-videos-showcased-at-the-brookl.html GREAT NEWS: Some of the videos from Justin's HIV Journal will be SHOWCASED in the Brooklyn Museum with other HIV activists, including Mark S. King, Carol Leigh, Juanita Mohammed, Luna Luis Ortiz Photography, Southern AIDS Living Quilt, James Wentzy and the late Nelson Sullivan (1948-1989) and Ray Navarro (1964-1990). The exhibit will officially open Dec. 1 (World AIDS Day) but there will be a free showing Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in which I will attend and be a part of a discussion panel at the end. Wow I'm going to be showcased in the Brooklyn Museum!! WOW I did it!! NY here I come Dec. 3 see you there!!

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/78890/justins-hiv-journal-videos-showcased-at-the-brookl.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 29 Nov 2016 21:31:00 GMT Justin's 10-Year Anniversary of Living With HIV (Video) http://www.thebody.com/content/77769/justins-10-year-anniversary-of-living-with-hiv-vid.html It has been 10 years since I was diagnosed with HIV. I've changed HIV medications twice, and my body seems to like the latest one far better than the other two regimens I was on. I seem to have dealt rather well with things that have come along with being infected with HIV. Physically I didn't expect to get Rosacea, but I'm keeping it under control by trying to avoid things that I really like to eat and drink. I did break out in hives on my arms one time, and it was intolerable to the point where I was screaming in pain, but that went away when I took an anti-inflammatory.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/77769/justins-10-year-anniversary-of-living-with-hiv-vid.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 21 Jun 2016 15:45:00 GMT Get Smart: Social Media Campaign Seeks to Change How We Look at HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/77167/get-smart-social-media-campaign-seeks-to-change-ho.html I first heard about the HIV Smart campaign on Facebook and was curious about what it means. Social media has become a huge part of HIV campaigns, but this campaign is the first of its kind that I've seen since PrEP.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/77167/get-smart-social-media-campaign-seeks-to-change-ho.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Mon, 29 Feb 2016 17:18:00 GMT Man on PrEP Is Infected With HIV http://www.thebody.com/content/77159/man-on-prep-is-infected-with-hiv.html For the first time, scientists have now seen a case of an individual contracting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while being compliant with taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) daily. The patient was allegedly infected with a multidrug-resistant strain of HIV. In other words, the strain of HIV acquired by the person who was taking PrEP is resistant to many levels of HIV medications.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/77159/man-on-prep-is-infected-with-hiv.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Fri, 26 Feb 2016 17:17:00 GMT Family Ties: We Adopt Our Second Son and Our Other Son Moves Out http://www.thebody.com/content/77002/family-ties-we-adopt-our-second-son-and-our-other-.html Being HIV positive, I never would have thought I would have any children at all.

My husband, Phil, and I adopted our second son, Tavis, when he was 17. I couldn't mention the adoption before because of legalities. But he is ours, now.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/77002/family-ties-we-adopt-our-second-son-and-our-other-.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Wed, 27 Jan 2016 20:07:00 GMT Oh the Places You'll Go: My DrPH Residency in Puerto Rico http://www.thebody.com/content/76901/oh-the-places-youll-go-my-drph-residency-in-puerto.html One of my favorite places, as of right now, is Puerto Rico. As a doctoral candidate at Walden University, I'm required to do a public health residency in either Puerto Rico or Tampa. Of course, I chose Puerto Rico.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/76901/oh-the-places-youll-go-my-drph-residency-in-puerto.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Wed, 23 Dec 2015 14:27:00 GMT The FDA Kinda Sorta Lifts Its Ban on Blood Donations from Gay Men http://www.thebody.com/content/76896/the-fda-kinda-sorta-lifts-its-ban-on-blood-donatio.html The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has lifted its ban on blood donations from gay men. The ban has been in place for 32 years.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/76896/the-fda-kinda-sorta-lifts-its-ban-on-blood-donatio.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:38:00 GMT Charlie Sheen's Disclosure Confirms HIV Isn't Just a Black and Gay Issue (Video) http://www.thebody.com/content/76692/charlie-sheens-disclosure-confirms-hiv-isnt-just-a.html Charlie Sheen announced he is HIV positive. During the interview with Matt Lauer on NBC's Today show, saying that he wanted to put a stop "to this onslaught, this barrage of attacks."

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/76692/charlie-sheens-disclosure-confirms-hiv-isnt-just-a.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Wed, 18 Nov 2015 02:08:00 GMT Attacked on Grindr and Slut Shaming http://www.thebody.com/content/75549/attacked-on-grindr-and-slut-shaming.html I got a notification on my phone from my Grindr application so I click on it to check the message. This guy immediately started with, "Really Justin?" I then didn't understand what he was referring to, so I replied, "Really what?" He then went on to say that he was disappointed in me for having my HIV status at the bottom of my Grindr profile and that I was once his hero and etc. I just couldn't believe this. All I could do was block the immaturity out and off my phone.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/75549/attacked-on-grindr-and-slut-shaming.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Wed, 25 Feb 2015 00:11:00 GMT Joan Rivers: HIV Activist and Comedy Roast Videos http://www.thebody.com/content/74978/joan-rivers-hiv-activist-and-comedy-roast-videos.html Joan Rivers died on September 4, 2014, at the age of 81. Many of you do not know that Joan Rivers wasn't just a comedian, but she was an HIV/AIDS activist. She would distribute food to HIV/AIDS patients in the NYC area for a non-profit called God's Love We Deliver. When Rivers won The Celebrity Apprentice in 2009, her prize money bought 56,000 meals, since then it's grown to other cities such as Detroit, Chicago and San Francisco.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/74978/joan-rivers-hiv-activist-and-comedy-roast-videos.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Fri, 5 Sep 2014 08:00:00 GMT Open That Closet Door Fashion Show 2014 http://www.thebody.com/content/74976/open-that-closet-door-fashion-show-2014.html On August 16, 2014, NovaSalud Inc. put on a beautiful fashion show at the O street Mansion in northwest D.C. Clothing designed by Juan Jose Saenz-Ferreyros Peruvian Fashion Designer and Owner of Ferreyros Couture Company Photography by Chris Zarconi Photography and Jose Dimas C M. All models have been affected in some shape or form by HIV/AIDS. The fashion show was meant to fight against the stigma of HIV. I participated in the fashion show and mini-doc and I really appreciate all that NovaSalud does and continues to do in the community. Fellow HIV/AIDS activist Rod McCoy and Patrick Ingram were models as well. I hope to work with NovaSalud again.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/74976/open-that-closet-door-fashion-show-2014.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Thu, 4 Sep 2014 08:00:00 GMT Celebration of Life LGBTQ Film Project (Video) http://www.thebody.com/content/74977/celebration-of-life-lgbtq-film-project-video.html This was very artistic and keep in mind the video has some nudity in it.

This is a film by the bossacima project which took place in the Bossa Lounge in the Adams Morgan section of Washington DC. The project was made to showcase and celebrate all walks of life in the LGBTQ community. It was my first and I believe it was 2005 in which this was made. It was an amazing project to work with Daniel Cima, Rachid Abdallah and videographer Susana Travieso.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/74977/celebration-of-life-lgbtq-film-project-video.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 2 Sep 2014 08:00:00 GMT HIV Infections in D.C. Decrease http://www.thebody.com/content/74837/hiv-infections-in-dc-decrease.html The World Health Organization (WHO) (2014) estimates, that 35 million people around the world are infected with HIV and 1.1 of them live in the United States (WHO, 2014). There was a decline in Men, Women, White, Black, Hispanic/Latino, heterosexual, Intravenous Drug Users (IDUs) and most age groups, except young gay and bisexual men.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/74837/hiv-infections-in-dc-decrease.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 22 Jul 2014 12:01:00 GMT New HIV Prevention Pill http://www.thebody.com/content/74838/new-hiv-prevention-pill.html According to the CDC (2014) Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way for people who do not have HIV to help prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. The pill contains two medicines that are also used, in combination with other medicines, to treat HIV. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, PrEP can help stop the virus from establishing a permanent infection.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/74838/new-hiv-prevention-pill.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 22 Jul 2014 12:00:00 GMT Positive Parenting Moment -- A Son Surprises His Dad http://www.thebody.com/content/74608/positive-parenting-moment--a-son-surprises-his-dad.html There are many things that I want to teach my son as he goes into adult hood. He is 17 years old and sorry to say for him that he has to grow up fast. He has to understand that when you're an adult that are thing that are expected of you. There is one thing that I wanted him to especially understand, which the consideration for what things people might hold dear. Growing up I don't think that he had that. December 27th was my birthday and as most of you know that is two days after Christmas. My family has always been respectful of that and I love them for it. I'm going to guess that after having a talk with my son about planning around that time he understood what I meant. He actually did something that was so creative and loving it surprised me, and as most of you know, I'm almost never surprised. Check out the video.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/74608/positive-parenting-moment--a-son-surprises-his-dad.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Tue, 10 Jun 2014 16:22:00 GMT Foster Parent Memory -- A Boy and His Chores http://www.thebody.com/content/73949/foster-parent-memory--a-boy-and-his-chores.html When a boy becomes one with his chores it's amazing the change you will see. My son was given a chore list to begin his chores every weekend. There were about 10 chores he could do on Saturday thru Sunday. When I was growing up I did just that. He complained so much I decided to make sure that he would do his chores and broke them up into one chore a day. Now he has no excuse on doing his chores. Laziness does not a Terry-Smith make. Of course I was a lot softer in explaining it to him, but I'm known for my tough love. ;-)

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/73949/foster-parent-memory--a-boy-and-his-chores.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Wed, 19 Feb 2014 12:00:00 GMT On HIV and Aging http://www.thebody.com/content/73834/on-hiv-and-aging.html There is one thing that we as humans have to face, and that is getting older. There isn't any Botox, moisturizer, or home remedy that will make you stop aging. I belong to the HAG: HIV Aging Group on Facebook, whose goal is to discuss all issues related to the senior HIV patient experience. The group was a mystery to me until someone suggested I join it. Now, I'm 34, but I'm considered young to some and old to others. As I was mulling over this month's column, I thought about how I could get a good perspective on experiences from older people living with HIV. I posed to the group this question.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/73834/on-hiv-and-aging.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Thu, 13 Feb 2014 09:35:00 GMT Justin and Husband Phil Adopt Son http://www.thebody.com/content/73833/justin-and-husband-phil-adopt-son.html ADOPTION DAY is finally here. On January 30th my husband Dr. Philip Terry-Smith adopted our 17 year old LGBT son.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/73833/justin-and-husband-phil-adopt-son.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Sun, 2 Feb 2014 17:46:00 GMT Justin B. Terry-Smith on Spill Da Tea With Shi Queeta Lee http://www.thebody.com/content/73832/justin-b-terry-smith-on-spill-da-tea-with-shi-quee.html Justin B Terry-Smith -- HIV, Diamond Alexis Blue -- Legal Blindness, Ryan Dillon -- Epilepsy, Tamika Felder -- Cervical Cancer, SaVanna Wanzer -- Community Activist.

]]> http://www.thebody.com/content/73832/justin-b-terry-smith-on-spill-da-tea-with-shi-quee.html justinterrysmith@gmail.com (Justin B. Terry-Smith) Sat, 1 Feb 2014 17:08:00 GMT