Justin B. Terry-Smith has been involved in LGBTQ and HIV Activism since 1999. He is an Air Force 9/11 Disabled Vet. Raised in Silver Spring, MD, he now lives in Albuequerque, New Meixco with his husband Phil. He writes an HIV/STI Advice Column for A&U Magazine, is a Contributing writer for thebody.com, a Life Coach and an Adjunct Professor. He has earned his Doctorate in Public Health with a concentration in Infectious Disease and his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Jusitn's HIV Journal: Justin Legally Changed His Name.
Hey Everyone, Well this is some lost footage I've found from the old condo that my husband and I used to live in. Before my husband and I were married we talked about what our last names would be. Eventually after about a week we decided to combine his last name with mine. So it came out "Terry-Smith". So after we were legally wed on August 7th 2009 we decided to go to the social security office, I went to the one in DC on my lunch break I was in line for about 45 minutes but eventually I got to the front of the line. I showed the person my marriage license from Massachusetts, she made a copy of it and I had to fill out a form. After that was all over I went back to work. A couple of weeks later I received some mail from the social security office. I didn't know it but it had a notice that my name had been legally changed.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Justin's HIV Journal: Justin Rides A Motorcycle
When I found out that I was HIV positive I felt that my life was stopping. I didn't feel like it was over though. Now that my prospective on life has changed I feel that there are things in my life that I have always wanted to do, and riding a motorcycle is one of them.
When my husband and I were dating I was instantly attracted because I've always liked men on motorcycles. So I would go riding with him all the time, as his passenger. Then for two years he would nag me about taking the riders safety course and taking the test for my motorcycle license.
So then there came a point where I decided to strike a deal with him. I said, "Okay if I take this course and pass my test the first time around, you have to buy my a motorcycle?" He agreed.
Well I passed the first time around and the motorcycle will come to me next year. I know what I want and no it's not a Harley. lol I like cruisers.....no pun intended lol Check out the video I hope you enjoy it. HEY AT LEAST I DIDN'T FALL lol
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Justin's HIV Journal: You Are Not Alone
Today I decided to make a "You Are Not Alone" video because of the many suicides that are happening in the LGBTQ Youth. Many of these beautiful young people are committing suicide because of bullying in school.
I can emphasize with this. In middle school I tried to commit suicide because of pressures at school. I was called the f word a lot. I didn't want to tell anyone because I didn't know what would happen to me, I was so scared to go to school sometimes I faked sick just not to go. In middle school I was attacked several times. I was pushed into lockers, punched, slapped, stabbed with a pencil, and someone actually threw a coin at my head at full force that it actually made an indentation in my head. I lashed out at my parents at that time and I went from being an A/B student to a C average student. I knew I was different and the fact that people called me name because of my sexuality stayed with me for a long time.
But now I have a chance to do something, to help other that are going through the very same abuse from their bullies as I did. Let's help those who cannot help themselves.
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