TeenAIDS’ Guinness World Record Testing Youth

The Latest Information on TeenAIDS’ Guinness World Record Testing Youth

I want you to be the first to know that on September 7th, TeenAIDS will be setting an important Guinness World Record for the most youths tested “live” for HIV in a public venue at the same time. Our goal is to call attention to the rapidly growing youth epidemic (CDC), end the stigma against testing, and get many more teens aware of their status so they don’t unknowingly pass the unseen virus onto unsuspecting partners – and future babies. My press release is going out as soon as we've raised the needed funds to buy enough test kits ($39 each plus tax) and announce the number.

I need your financial help as soon as possible to buy these kits that are much too expensive for teens and college youth (your donation is tax-deductible).

What: The FDA approved the first over the counter sale of the test kits in mid-2012 for anyone 17 and older. Based on my knowledge of the problem, TeenAIDS became the only entity in the U.S. to bring testing directly to teens in public venues like busy city streets, at sports events, malls and skateboard parks. The test uses an oral swab that collects saliva, not blood and needles requiring lab work by medical technicians. In 20 minutes the results are ready with 99% accuracy. This new technology allows us to use the kits as an innovative breakthrough in the fight to stop youth HIV/AIDS.  We want others to follow our example.

In Washington, D.C. on June 13 Emma shows a high school couple how the test kit works. They tested negative and posted the news immediately on their Facebook pages. Nathan waits for other teens getting off at the metro stop as school gets out.

Why: Two decades ago in my doctoral thesis "Adolescents and AIDS: The Coming Wave" (Harvard, Ed.D.), I predicted that all maturing youth regardless of gender, ethnicity and orientation, would be at greater risk as the average age dropped lower and gained a foothold within the youth population. Many people scoffed at that claim but today the evidence is real. The CDC reports that one out of four new cases is occurring among 13-24 years olds, an amazing increase from the early years when the number was one out of twenty. Youth are now the fastest growing population with HIV. The CDC has recommended annual testing for everyone 13 and up -- but with little success. Currently 90% of young people have never been tested because they choose not to go to traditional testing sites like hospitals and clinics. Too many still believe that AIDS is only an adult problem. Nothing is further from the truth.

How: As many of you know, I have been an activist in the campaign to aggressively target youth. We buy kits as money comes in and then bring our AIDS prevention message and testing directly to often skeptical teens. Over the years I have developed special psychological hooks to grab their attention. My team of trained college interns put on live demonstrations under my direction. Curious crowds always gather. Any consenting young person 17 and older can take a free test after counseling and signing a waiver. Many of you will be surprised that young people feel more comfortable in a public environment because they are among empathetic peers, not serious adults in lab coats. Others find out that the kits can be easily bought at any drugstore for use at home similar to pregnancy tests. We never announce positive results but explain privately that it could be "false positive" or is indeterminate so a confirmatory test is needed (like a second opinion from doctors).

Our first major “live” testing took place in Virginia Beach on April 7 at our “5 K Run to Stop Youth AIDS.” High School senior Candice, 18, volunteered to be tested in front of a crowd of hundreds and TV cameras. No, I didn’t race but I cheered them on as I do for all youth helping our cause.

Where: We have been testing publicly across Virginia, rural North Carolina and downtown Washington, D.C. (see TV links at end). Now we are taking the campaign nationwide. Starting Labor Day, we are holding “live” demonstrations across eastern and central Massachusetts (Boston Common, Harvard Square, Concord MBTA train station and Worcester at Clark). And our Guinness Book of World Records' site is in Fitchburg my hometown, at a major youth festival with music, dance and the mass testing. Interested volunteers will step onto a stage in front of hundreds of attendees and TV cameras from the New England media market. Doctors, nurses, social workers and college interns are assisting during the mass testing. Bystanders always take out their cell phones to text, video and post to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, bringing the news to tens of thousands in minutes. TV will inform half a million about this unique awareness and prevention technique, another TeenAIDS’ initiative with major local, regional and national impact.

Washington D.C. affiliates of CBS and ABC shoot our live testing on July 9 for the evening news. Because these are the first public events of its kind in the U.S. & world, media are attracted

When: Saturday, September 7th at 2 pm. We hope to have it streamed live and will post pictures immediately and videos within a few days. Like us on Facebook.

Rationale: The majority of teens begin sex by 16. At 18, a majority has had at least three partners often without using condoms. The CDC estimates that 20-25% of people living with HIV don’t know their status and are possibly transmitting the virus to others. I believe these numbers are underreported. A major health crisis requires bold action and needs adequate funding from concerned citizens like you. I don't deny that the concept is controversial and upsetting to some who wonder why teens and AIDS need to be a subject for polite public discourse. Virginia Beach, the largest city in the state tried to ban our work with threats of $10,000 fines and possible arrest but we proceeded nevertheless. After an official complaint was registered with Virginia's Attorney General, our lawyer demanded that my input be heard and filed a Freedom of Information request that was honored within two weeks. When I gave notice of possible court action in the event of an adverse ruling, the AG’s office declined to intercede. We won on "free speech" grounds. I never doubted the outcome. We are now free to test anywhere. 

We have secured all the necessary permits. Yet we have 2 days to pay for the liability insurance, buy tickets to Boston for me and a TeenAIDS’ coordinator, rent the tents and sound system, arrange printing and publicity -- and purchase the expensive test kits before a Guinness Book challenge can be achieved. It is my hope that our record is soon broken many times over in thousands of locations here and abroad because my goal is have as many youth tested as quickly as possible. If you have followed my career you know that I am determined to affect major changes in the ways that HIV/AIDS prevention with youth has traditionally been done.

I need your financial help as soon as possible (donations are tax-deductible). Please call me today with your credit/debit card and I will personally and confidentially handle your donation: 757-352-2055 (office) or 978-855-1668 (cell and best number to reach me after August 31 when I arrive in Massachusetts for a week of testing). You can also send money by Moneygram or Western Union care of “John Chittick” in Norfolk, Virginia; it’s cash that will be deposited the same day. Or you can go online to our website www.teenaids.org and securely pay by PayPal. Checks made out to “TeenAIDS” can be sent to P.O. Box 8460, Norfolk, VA 23503.

                                         You can make the difference.

Together we are educating vulnerable teens and saving young lives. From the bottom of my heart, Dr. John 

To my Massachusetts friends: I will be holding an informational “party” in Boston on Wednesday, September 4th starting at 5:30 pm (until 7 or so), to address a press conference about the Guinness Record and show clips from my public testing and global walks. Mayor Thomas Menino’s Proclamation making Friday, September 6^th “Youth AIDS Day” for our Boston Common testing will be read. The location is the trendy “Living Room Boston” Restaurant and Lounge at 101 Atlantic Avenue in the Mercantile Wharf Building on the Waterfront. Valet parking ($20) is available. A cash bar and appetizers can be ordered off the menu (dinner is also served). Please feel free to bring guests.

 

The Living Room Restaurant and Bar (previously “101 Atlantic”) has been long time supporters.

P.S. I am bringing public testing to NYC (Washington Square and Times Square) over Columbus Day weekend -- then onto LA and Miami in November.

Justin's HIV Journal: Justin Goes Skydiving

When someone is diagnosed with HIV, almost immediately a person's mindset changes; the mindset is most time turns into a negative way on thinking. I've learned that I cannot let HIV dictate how I live my life, as long as it turns into a healthier way of thinking. Sometimes I know that I fall short of this myself but the only thing I can do is try my best. I urge everyone to try their best in living their own lives. In my past I've always been on person that likes to travel in their own footsteps, and now through that mentality I have the change to live again. I've decided that I'm going to live, love and laugh freely. I'm trying to get the negativity out of my life trying to love myself and others more even if they speak or think negatively about me. I don't have time or energy to concentrate on that; all I can be is the best I can be.

Skydiving was an amazing experience and I recommend it to everyone. Honestly, I nearly crapped my pants, but I loved doing it. I was so nervous but the hardest part was honestly getting in the air in the passenger plane. The plane is noisy and small and the door was right next to where I was sitting. My head was where the pilot and instruments were. The instructor then straps himself to my back, next the door is opened and you can literally look down and see the ground and you can feel the wind everywhere. The instructor is strapped to my back and we are now half way out of the plane at this point and we lean and lean and jump.

When I was in free fall (falling without the parachute opened) I felt no control and I yelled. When the parachute opened I felt a sense of calm that came over me. I felt the sensation of serenity of giving control to someone without preservation. I gave up my will to another, and maybe I'm not necessarily talking about my instructor but to another. I realized that this life that I have I have to cherish more than I have, because ultimately it is only my own in a physical sense. I was the ultimate high to feeling that nobody (except my family) or nothing could replicate. All in all I felt free and this is truly the day I let go.

Next....hmmmmm....Bungee Jumping Anyone?.... WE WILL SEE!!!

MISTER My Status Doesn't Define Me (Chandler Bearden)

My Status Doesn't Define Me I have been living with HIV for over 10 years. When I first found out that I was infected, it did redefine my life. Initially, I was lost. I was fortunate to know enough about HIV that I knew it was possible to live with… although my impression was still based on the experiences of those who lived with the disease in the beginning. I was afraid I was on a path of rapid decline. I saw a future of being sick frequently. I saw a future of shame. I saw a future of darkness and, for a while, I didn’t see a future at all. I lived in fear of myself and others. I tried to ignore it and pass my time quietly. My decision at the time was to disappear. My choices led me down a path ofisolation; I lost my friends, my jobs, and my home. I knew the streets well for some time. All of these losses were nothing in comparison the loss of myself in the process. And then I felt love. Not from or for myself, but from those who chose to step back into my life and lift me up out of myself and my despair. My family and my friends all brought truth back to my thoughts and breathed new life into my journey. I knew nothing of how to receive care for my condition. I didn’t have insurance or even a job at the time. It took a lot of research and we all worked together to find a healing path. Finally, I located a center that offered care with funding through the Ryan White program. I made my way to healthier living. Just getting the care I needed for my physical condition raised my spirits. The staff of the clinic were supportive and didn’t judge me, they just helped me and encouraged me. I returned to work and began returning to life. I built a network, carefully, of friends and professionals who helped me work though my insecurities and find myself again. As my network grew and resources came available like counseling and support groups, I finally reached a point whereI could walk on my own. I began working to help others who needed to find their feet and their path. Today, my HIV status no longer defines me. It is simply part of the whole picture of who I am. Today I am more than my status. I am a friend, a partner, a son, an uncle, a performer and an advocate. I have dedicated my life and my work to bringing these services to those who need them, so they don’t have to wait and lose and seek for any level of acceptance, care or hope. I walk for those who haven’t found their feet. I walk for those who are seeking a path and I walk for me. My name is Chandler Bearden, and I work for the MISTER Center of Positive Impact reaching out the community to educate, advocate and provide a gateway to world of assistance that many don't know exist. Please show your support by donating to the Atlanta AIDS Walk today, so that one day, others may walk with me. Click here to Donate Click here to donate. http://aidswalkatlanta.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1064637&supid=300535105 Every dollar counts. Every dollar helps.

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‎A&U Magazine Advice Column Just*in Time Justin on Dating & Disclosure & A SURPRISE ENDING

Justin,
I’m sure you get lots of messages, but wanted to say thanks for your videos and really good support they have given me. Every little bit helps. People like you are so needed. I got into the “system” by a surprise HIV diagnosis a month ago; it’s been tougher than I thought but I’m stronger than I expected so it’s okay. You’re one of three people who have put really good things on-line. It is strange almost because through work I come across stories about HIV and things all the time. I work in the Web hosting department for a U.S. TV/media company so I will hopefully be over in the U.S. soon, and, actually, I have a “brother” (from another mother) in L.A., where I go a lot. I love how the U.S. has changed attitudes and hope to be there for good one day. London is okay but getting too crowded and, being Swedish, I miss nature and the ocean. I do have just a quick question; maybe there is no easy answer. Suppose one meets a guy and everything goes really well but you need to tell him about the little blue devils (you know what I mean). Ugh, I should have said it upfront. One of my mates said, “You tell and if he doesn’t understand then he won’t be right anyway.”
—Joney  London, United Kingdom

Joney Your friend is right. I think the proper thing to do in these matters is to disclose, especially if you’ve already been intimate. But why not disclose before you’re intimate so that he knows what he is getting himself into? Not saying that having a partner who is HIV-positive is an issue, but to start off open and honest about your status is, in my opinion, the right thing to do. There is also a time and place to do everything. I suggest that you may want to feel around the question about HIV and see if he is okay with it by either coming straight out and telling him or being very cautious. There are many different ways to tell someone but be careful, especially if you have already been intimate. I don’t know what the laws are in the U.K. but we here in the United States have what we call HIV criminalization laws. These laws persecute anyone who doesn’t tell their sexual partners that they themselves are HIV-positive. If he doesn’t understand that, then don’t worry about it; I know there are plenty of men in the sea (or the English Channel) for you. Also make sure you take care of yourself and go to the doctor. A new HIV-positive diagnosis can make people feel like HIV is something they can write off. Take care of yourself first. You cannot take care of anyone unless you take care of yourself first. -Justin


[UPDATE]

Hey Joney,
How’s it going with the HIV diagnosis and did my advice help?
—Justin

Justin, People get complacent with HIV and I think it’s no big deal but in my case it caused early inflammation of the brain. I have had terrible headaches for the past months and they finally put me on meds now and hopefully they will improve. I nearly panicked at the waiting room for the meds, realizing this is really happening, and, when I took them for the first time, it really, really sunk in because in the back of my head there was always a slight denial that maybe I didn’t have it. Now I feel great relief; this thing is being taken care of and I can live my life again. Now about the boyfriend: I told him and he is fine and wants to marry me. Thank you for asking me it means a lot. The only problem is I was going to leave London—now I’m rethinking all of it. I know it’s silly giving up my dreams of L.A. for a man but I think he’s worth it.
 —Joney

#‎JustinBTerrySmith‬ on Dating & Disclosure & A SURPRISE ENDING....the latest ‪#‎JustinTime‬ Advice Column. Links to A&U Magazine Advice Column Just*in Time http://bit.ly/15RWkmr

Justin B. Terry-Smith has been fighting the good fight since 1999. He’s garnered recognition and awards for his work, but he’s more concerned about looking for new ways to transform society for the better than resting on his laurels. He started up in gay rights and HIV activism in 2005, published an HIV-themed children’s book, I Have A Secret (Creative House Press) in 2011, and created his own award-winning video blog called, “Justin’s HIV Journal”: justinshivjournal.blogspot.com. Now, with this column, Justin has found a way to give voice to the issues that people write to him about. Visit his main Web site at www.justinbsmith.com. He welcomes your questions at jsmithco98@hotmail.com.

Justin's HIV Journal Recognized as one of The 16 Best HIV/STD Health Blogs of 2013

Gay HIV-positive activist Justin B. Terry-Smith shares his story and more in Justin’s HIV Journal. His goal: to help people who have sex without protection understand the implications of it. -- Named one of 'The 16 Best HIV/STD Health Blogs of 2013'. I am so honored by this award. This is truly amazing thank you so much. I really appreciate I'm so glad that my message is getting out to the public it means a lot to me. We all make mistakes and I know I have as well. We just have to be more aware about making better desicions.

Justin's HIV Journal: Justin B Terry-Smith speaks on LGBT Youth Suicide

Justin B Terry-Smith speaks on LGBT Youth Suicide. Justin B. Terry-Smith remembers what it was like to come out to his family as a gay black man. This is episode #3 of Sources- A Suicide Prevention initiative produced by Still Eye Rise Films through a partnership with the DC Department of Mental Health. Special Thanks to Yasmin Shiraz!!