Justin's HIV Journal DC Black Gay Pride

DC Black Pride has gone through so much in the past years. But it was better than ever this year. I personally was working on my midterms and now because of my hard work I should be getting my AA in Communications in the mail. Even though Im not done with school I decided that I would celebrate by going to the Bachelors Mill last night with my partner and a couple of friends.

It turned out to be a very nice night with no pretentiousness and surliness. My partner and I danced the night away with my on lookers. When then woke up to coffee and Bloody Marys. Next we set our sights on Darryl Wilsons Picnic which was held in Temple Hills, Maryland off Allentown Rd. There was plenty of pure love everywhere. People Ive missed and people that I always see in my day to day life. We had a blast.

My partner and I laid out a picnic blanket and laid out the chicken sauced with peppers, herbs and spices and of course fresh juicy watermelon, which made my mouth water.
Even though I was literally at my computer getting my mid-terms completed I have a great time.
I asked people at the picnic what does pride mean to them and this is what they told me

Justin's HIV Journal on Whitman Walker Clinic

Hey Guys,
As a board member of Whitman Walker Clinic I thought it would be important to post a message to a lot of our young black gay men living in Washington D.C.

In D.C. As many of you know we're seeing a high rate in HIV infections among Black MSM. So I also made this film to point out the empowerment is a key factor to anyone's infection whether they are black, white, gay or straight.

but right now a trouble area is the rates of infections in the black gay community in DC.

We need to empower these young black males and make sure that they understand that there is nothing wrong with telling your partner to use a condom or to get an HIV test.

EMPOWER yourself by going to get a HIV test. Don't feel ashamed or embarrassed. It's better to know than not to know. I earlier you know if you're infected the better off you will be psychologically and physically.

TRUST ME

JUST DO IT

USE A CONDOM

GET TESTED

Justin's HIV Journal: Justin B Smith was Interviewed by Channel 9 about Blogging in Public and Private

Justin's HIV Journal: Justin B Smith was interviewed by Channel 9 about Blogging in Public and Private



I was at Bus Boys and Poets in Washington DC and a news reporter came up to me and asked me for an interview. I gladly accepted and was put on the air that very night. The interview was pleasant and I got some phone calls from relatives that didn't know about my status. I guess this goes to show you that whatever you put out there will be there for life and everyone can see it. So whether it's facebook, myspace, youtube.com, be careful.

I have always be very outspoken and proud of who I am. I don't think there is anyone that can take that away from me.

After the interview my partner and I went back into Bus Boys and Poets on 5th and K street DC. It was poetry night and it was awesome. I bought him a rose and dinner on me. We had a blast.

I highly recommend it !!!!!!!!!

Here is the story from Washington DC Channel 9 see it low

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- When Justin Smith launched his blog about being HIV positive, he did think about the possibility of losing his job at the IRS.

"I was very fearful," he said. "I really thought about my future and what this could mean for me and I realize the greater good is to actually educate people. People need to know that people are contracting HIV especially in the DC area at record numbers."

So he educates people with his stories and YouTube videos chronicling his experience. The Silver Spring native contracted HIV in 2005, two years after he was honorably discharged from the Air Force. The stories at times can get personal. That's a risk Smith is willing to take.

"Anything you put out there you must know it will come back to you," he warned. "People will see it and say, 'Oh this is Justin.' You have to be very cautious about what you put out there."

His advice is right on the mark, if you ask social networking advisors. Qui Diaz works for the online company CRT/Tanaka, a group founded by local blogging guru Geoff Livingston. Employees there help companies and individuals weave their way through the ever-changing world of online communications and social networking sites. Diaz said people have been fired for blogging.

"Everything's open and it's permanent," she said. "So it's not just about your current job and whether or not you have a job but it's what's logged on Google for life."

Diaz said the expectations may change in the future, however.

"As our current generation comes up and takes higher management roles we might see a wave of policies evolve overtime," she said.

That's an evolution Smith is banking on. In fact, he's already seen progress in the way people receive his posts.

"Somebody actually commented on one of my first entries: 'We need soldiers like Justin.'" he paused. "If they need soldiers like me I'm ready to sign up."

Written by Brittany Morehouse
9NEWS NOW & wusa9.com

Justin HIV Journal Washington DC AIDS 5K Run 2009

Hello EVERYONE,

It's Justin B Smith from Justin's HIV Journal. Those of you that know me know that I'm a HIV Activist and I work to expand prevention, education and awareness in all communities.


Well, It's that time again, it's Whitman Walker's AIDS Walk/5k Run. I started doing the AIDS Walk/5K Run last year and I've made a pledge to keep running as long as my body will let me. I want to help the DC community espeically to fight this disease. Ever since the newest statistics came out about the rising HIV rates in DC I want to work harder to get the word out that we need to help organizations like Whitman Walker Clinic that provide services to people that are infected and affected with this disease.

That’s why I'm asking for your help. I'm running this year and sponsorship is important. We need to help each and our community by saying we will not give this disease any more power. We will not let it carry off our borthers and sisters, LGBTI or Heterosexual. We will survive. I will Survive.

If you go to the link below it will take you to the Whitman Walker Clinic's sponsorship page where you can make a donation. Please every little bit helps

Last year I raise $700.00 by myself. This year I want to set the goal higher, I want to raise $1000.00 for HIV prevention, education and awareness. So join me in my, THE FIGHT.

Here is the page you can make a donation for the fight against AIDS

SPONSOR HERE AT THE LINK BELOW:
Sponsor Justin B Smith for the AIDS Walk CLICK HERE

Here is the video Justin's HIV Journal from Washington DC's 2008 AIDS 5K/WALK.

Justin HIV Journal: Justin Goes to San Francisco

Justin's HIV Journal Went on travel to San Francisco. Justin and his partner Phil decided to go to San Francisco because the NBJC National Black Coalition was holding their annual Black Church Summit there. It was Justin's first time there and he had a blast. So check out the video and get a glimpse into Justin's life

I had never been to San Francisco until March 27th it was great. There was so much to do and go. It was hard to fit the whole trip into 10 minutes. 10 minutes is all YouTube.com allows you to have when uploading videos. I've seen videos that have been very long and I'm wondering how people do it, please someone let me know.

So when we first got on the plane I've never flowned Virgin America. It was great that airline has to be my favorite. It had leather seating and an interactive television seat in the seat in front of you so you could watch TV and movies. Okay I admit I watch the L Word like twice on the plane. Also if you wanted food there were buttons you could push to order a specified kind of food. The television in front of you was a touch screen. And all this in coach!!!

The first site I saw of San Francisco that morning was Market Street. I wasn't convinced that this was the only part of San Francisco. I was supposed to meet up with my friend Kengi Carr, but he was not feeling to well. Little did I know my partner had it planned out. He has been to the west coast and he knew what I would like to go see.

Okay yes I thought it was awesome the way the bathroom's worked, only because in DC we don't have that. If you look at the video you will see what I'm talking about.

So we started off in downtown and road a couple trolleys to some stores. Lets just say I did "some shopping" while I was there. Then headed towards the beautiful Castro district. The Castro District known as the gay district but since it's San Francisco it's almost gay everywhere. As I was walking in the Castro I noticed that on the theatre there was a sign. It read,"This weekend the Gay Porn Awards". As the night got later and later and later. More and more people filled the streets. There were dressed and ready to kill. I met up with some porn actors and had a great time. They were really nice and friendly.



We saw City Hall and I was very proud to go to some of the same place that Harvey B Milk did. He was an inspiration to the Gay Rights Movement across the country. Harvey Bernard Milk (May 22, 1930 – November 27, 1978) was an American politician and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Milk served 11 months in office and was responsible for passing a stringent gay rights ordinance for the city. On November 27, 1978, Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated by Dan White, another city supervisor who had recently resigned but wanted his job back.

Quiet Time

We went to go see Muir Woods, where the Redwood trees are and it was beautiful. . When my partner and I walked in Muir Woods for the first time, it felt like magic. I felt at home in the woods, so I really appreciated it for what it was. I loved it. I saw a beautiful hummingbird that was moving way to fast for my camera and a cute forest mouse that was building himself a home. We walked the trail and took a lot of pictures.

Next it was time to go to Twin Peaks. Twin Peaks is the highest elevation you can go and see all of San Francisco in it's glory. I could see if it was nighttime why it would be a romantic spot for lovers. It was beautiful. In Castro there was one of the biggest flags I'd ever seen and you could see it from Twin Peaks.

Another attraction was the Golden Gate Bridge. Of course I had to see it before I left. It looks so beautiful and breathe taking.

Justin's HIV Journal: HIV in DC, Thank you Ongina

Hello Everyone,

Let me just start out by saying that I’m sorry for not writing you guys in a while, things have change a little bit. I recently just got a job with the IRS and so now my hours are 9-5 M-F. So as of now I’m a Federal Government Employee. It’s paramount that people with a disease like HIV have very good health insurance and the government does well in that category, when it comes to its employees. Well I hope you enjoy this entry.

Look at the video below !!!

According to the Washington Post, Washington DC leads the country in HIV/AIDS infections in major cities. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty released the report at a news conference. He called it a wake-up call for the District and one of the "most serious problems" facing the city. The report confirmed that at least 15,120 residents, about 3,000 per every 100,000 over the age of 12, have HIV or AIDS.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

More than three-quarters -- 76 percent -- of the HIV infected are black, 70 percent are men and 70 percent are age 40 and older.

This is crazy; it hurts to see these numbers, they are so high. Several of my friends that are in this area are HIV Activist and are trying their best to stop the virus from spreading all over the city. A lot of them are not surprised but I can say that it also hurts me because this city, Washington DC, is my home. I feel responsible in some way. I also feel a responsibility to stop it or to help slow it down considerably.

Justin B Smith’s Video

Mayor Fenty also went on the say that only one baby was born with HIV in 2007, compared with 10 in 2005. Also, 70,000 residents were tested for HIV as part of an aggressive campaign, compared with 40,000 four years ago. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the District is one of the top three jurisdictions in the country in conducting the most HIV tests and identifying the greatest number of HIV-infected residents.What should we do as a community? What should I do as an activist? I’m asking you right now YES YOU, TELL ME Leave a comment.

Justin B Smith’s Interview with NBC 4

type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent" allowfullscreen="true" height="394" width="448">

Ongina, Ongina, Ongina,

This spunky girl was just what the doctor ordered. I know I’m late in doing this but I needed to thank you Ongina from RuPaul’s Drag Race. RuPaul’s Drag Race is a show on the LGBT themed, Logo Station. The show is hosted by truest of all true Drag Queen’s RuPaul herself. The show is a competition in which a half full of Drag Queens compete to become America’s next drag super star. All of the contestants were great but one stuck out with her beautiful personality and courage.

There was a challenge that the girls had to promote MAC cosmetics. MAC AIDS Funds gives a lot of money towards the fight on HIV/AIDS. In this challenge the girls were suppose to make there own commercial for the MAC Cosmetics. Well Ongina shined through and won the competition. When she found out that she won she broke down and cried. The teary eyed Ongina crouched down and stood back up and announced that she was infected with the HIV virus. When I saw this I cried myself.

I would like to personally thank Ongina for doing this selfless, inspirational, and courageous act on national television. Thank you so much you are and will help others through your own strength. Thank you so much for helping to erasing the stigma of HIV/AIDS in our community. In the famous words of Ongina “You have to Celebrate Life”.

NEXT TRIP

Well I have a vacation coming up and Justin’s HIV Journal is going to San Francisco. I’m going with my partner Dr. Philip Terry of Prevention Works, which is a HIV/AIDS prevention organization. We’re going there because the NBJC (National Black Justice Coalition) is having a conference there and it should be great. I can’t wait. So you in the Bay Area

Justin's HIV Journal Some Facts on HIV/AIDS

Justin's HIV Journal Some Facts on HIV/AIDS

Today a young lady e-mailed me on My Facebook about some questions she had about HIV/AIDS. So I tried by best to answer her. I realized that when I looked at my e-mail and some other pieces of mail that some of you had the same questions. So I decided to make a video answering some of your questions. A lot of you have questions about what you should do in certain situations. Well I can answer back now.



For example there is a person in Germany that asked if he should tell his boyfriend that he is HIV positive. I'm responding to him now by saying, "TELL HIM". The earlier the better, TRUST ME. If cannot love you because of this disease than just move on. I know it's hard and I know it seems like you will be starting over again, but look at it this way, if he will not love you for you than he cannot love you at all. If you tell him after you have sex with him we will not respect you. How could he you have kept something from him that you should have been open and honest about. You may not have infected him when you had sex with him BUT you surely still need to be honest with him.


Thank you so much for all of your support and your love.

Love yourself before you love someone else

Justin B Smith
Justin's HIV Journal

RIP Shelton Jackson

RIP Shelton Jackson
(Feb 4, 1978 - March 2, 2009)

On March the 2nd the world lost an extraordinary man, Shelton Jackson. He was infected with HIV and wanted to share his story with the world to help save lives. I met him a couple of times at some pride events, he seemed very nice and his smile lit up the room. I never knew about the work that he did until later on. He was truly a special person and the world has lost a truly magnificent creature. I know he is in a better place and is at peace




Shelton was 31 years old when he passed away. His story truly touches me because we are around the same age and he is doing what I'm doing now, trying to save lives through telling my story. It just hits so close to home when a fellow HIV Activist dies of this dreadful disease. In a matter a fact it's horrible when anyone dies of this disease. I just know in my heart this is what I've been put on this earth to do. To help as many people as I can with what I have. Thank you to the Gods for Shelton Jackson (Feb 4, 1978 - March 2, 2009)



Shelton also was interviewed by the website called the Body. In his last entry he said this

"I got comfortable -- too comfortable -- and started taking my good health for granted, which led me to stop taking my meds. My CD4 count and viral load went from 638 and undetectable to 150 and 100,000 in a year. I am currently fighting again to get my numbers back up and refortify myself. I see myself in the final stage of my evolution, evolving into the person that will carry out my destiny. I am not giving up because I know my struggles with HIV show others that it can be done. So, I fight the good fight and hope that others learn and grow from my struggles, my failures and my accomplishments."

Updated May 2008

Shelton Jackson's Interview with The Body

One Shelton's My Space page "About me" section

Born and raised in the ruff streets of Newark, New Jersey, Shelton S. Jackson managed to escape the crime and violence of the streets through education and in the eighth grade his world was changed when he was introduced to poetry. Jackson, used this new medium to express his trails of coming out of the closet, falling in love at first sight with a man, becoming HIV positive for that love, and finally being reborn to do what he describes as “God’s will.” Jackson has published two books of poetry on his journey of acceptance. Jackson now still resides in Newark, NJ where he has started his own publishing company, SSJ Publishing, Inc. Through SSJ, Jackson hopes to publish other authors whose personal truth will serve as a beacon of hope for others. Jackson believes that SSJ Publishing is the next step in healing literature that will, “Take Truth to the Next Level-Reality.” See My WebSite

Justin's HIV Journal HIV Choices PSA

Hello Everyone:

I also did one of my own, let me know what you think Mine is called, "Justin's HIV Journal HIV Choices PSA" (Public Service Announcement)



I did a commercial for the DC Center. They wanted to know about my story and I told them the truth candidly. It turned out nicely I just wanted to share with you guys.





SO VIEW THEM BOTH AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK Both PSA are important to HIV Awareness, Education and Prevention. When talking about HIV we can all do our part and this is mine. People have e-mailed me from all over the world praising the work that I do, but I praise them for getting the message for thinking twice about some of the things that we do. We need to bond together.

SO I'm asking for everyone that is reading this to do their own PSA, and post it to my PSA at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00dYO7qNxNY

PLEASE POST SO THE MESSAGE CAN BE SPREAD, WE CAN STOP HIV !!!

HIV & The Generation Gap

HIV & The Generation Gap

There seems to be a disconnect between Generation X and Y vs. The Baby Boomer Generation. In the1980’s and 1990’s a lot people remember their friends dying each day from this disease. People recall going to funerals everyday because each day that went by at least one of their friends’ had died of AIDS. As time went by medicine got stronger and smarter when dealing with HIV/AIDS. People began to live longer and receive better treatment.

Today it’s 2009 the life expectancy of someone who is 20 years of age living with HIV and on medications can be 69 years old. I’m unsure but I think the life expectancy of an adult male in the United States is 75 years of age. You would think with all the advances in medicine we a winning the fight on HIV/AIDS. Think Again?

There are a growing number of young people contracting HIV. I’m am 29 and I’m a little older than the demographic I’m talking about. I had to say that because of the postings and e-mails I’m getting from my youtube site, my e-mail address, and other mailings.

I was on my facebook page today and I was speaking to my friends, when I noticed I received an e-mail on another website. It was from a 20 year old named Tony, who was so scared I felt like I wanted to hold him. His e-mail stated, “My boyfriend and I just had sex 2 weeks ago, and he just told me yesterday that he is HIV positive. What should I do? Am I going to die?” I get e-mails like this a lot of the time and I feel I must listen, read and respond. Now most of you know that I’m very busy so I try to get to as much and to as many people as I can. I e-mailed him back and ask for his number. He gave it to me and I called him. He said, “Hello” in a very soft tone. I said, “Hello this is Justin B Smith from Justin’s HIV Journal”. He said, “Thank you so much for calling me”. He then went on about what he was scared about what he should do if he is positive.

He was very scared.

I just wanted to hold him and tell him everything will be alright even if you’re positive. I got off the phone with the young man and then got back on facebook and had changed my status to “I counseled a 20 year old about HIV/AIDS”. I had gotten some replies but one of my friends said she had something like that happen to her. She said she was talking a 19 year old, that opening said he engaged in unprotected sex, because………………………………….………………………..he knows one day that he will be infected with HIV, that why he doesn’t use condoms.

It broke my heart to hear that. This is a self esteem issue with a lot of young people that contract HIV. Why are these young people not getting it that if you don’t use a condom you will get HIV or some other STD. We need to help them understand. We need to help them take pride in themselves. We need to help them to not be victims of this plague. Life is precious and some people don't think that it is. I think being in a certain demographic (especially being a minority or a minority) has a lot to do with it. I really wish I could save them just by touching them. I want to save them from having to go through this disease and if they do contract it. WE need to let them no they are not alone. There are people and services that we need to direct them to for help. WE NEED TO BAND TOGETHER AND HELP THEM. They are our children. They are our future and right now in DC the Black Gay men's future looks bleak and I WANT TO HELP STOP IT