Justin's HIV Journal: A New York Minute

I while ago I went to NY but I couldn’t get the video up because my files were corrupted but I found some more footage of my brief trip to New York. I was there hanging out with a good friend Damian who is Mr. New Jersey Leather 2010. Damian and I met last year when I was awarded the title of Mr. Maryland Leather 2010. We clicked and have been friends ever since then. So on the day I was suppose to leave to go to NY my friend who I was suppose to stay with had fallen ill and was in the hospital. I didn’t know what I was do. It was about 3 hours before I was suppose to leave from DC to go to NY and I had no place to stay. I texted Damian and asked if he could find me a place to stay. He said sure and thank god for the NJ Leather Family. They really helped me when I was in a pinch and I appreciate it or else I wouldn’t have made it to NY and I wouldn’t have met Ongina Ryan and the HIV + Me shot.


Damian decided to show me around the city and I had fun. We went to Christopher Street, The Leathermen Store, Chelsea, etc. I haven’t stayed in NY for a weekend in years. I was with my X-boyfriend the last time I went to NY and it gets better every time I go. I love the streets of NY and the people are so raw and real. I video taped anything I found interesting at the time I was there. I know I couldn’t seen more of NY but I didn’t have anytime and I’m so glad I got to spend it with Damian and his family.

One of the things I video taped was a wall. This wall was a little emotional for me because it was a 9/11 reflection wall. A lot of people put up little tablets of peoples names that were not found or were lost after the tragedy of the World Trade Centers falling. Damian explains it a lot better than I do.