Justin's HIV Journal: World AIDS Day 2013 HIV/AIDS PSA

I decided to do a little PSA for World AIDS Day 2013. I don't know how I got the idea to even try to pull this off but I tried. The only thing I wish people would take from this is to know your HIV status. It's very hard to want to know your status but the sooner you do the better. Whether it is HIV positive or negative it will be alright. At least now you can take the precautions or continue to take the precautions that you need to protect yourself and others from the HIV virus.

I've had many friends pass away and today I really remember then and take a moment to sit by myself and ask why did they have to leave this earth so young? I know it's not my fault and I don't feel survivor's guilt at all, but I feel for the world. The world will not know the wonders that many of my friends that have passed away from HIV/AIDS complications could give to it and to their own communities.

Today a lot of people would think that I am out going to a World AIDS Day event, but today I stayed home with my husband and my son. I looked at him today thinking, "man oh man I hope that he is listening to my message and better yet learning from it. I hope that he knows how much I love him and understand why I do, what I do. It is because of him and his friends that I hope for the future and I will do my best, even if it takes my last breath

Justin's HIV Journal: NBC Channel 4 World AIDS Report 2009 3% of DC Residents have HIV/AIDS

Justin's HIV Journal: NBC Channel 4 World AIDS Report 2009 3% of DC Residents have HIV/AIDS 

Today I reminisced to when I started out as an AIDS activist.  This was my first news interview and I couldn’t believe I found it after all these years.  I was actually looking back on some old photos of friends and x-boyfriends that passed away.  I found this news interview and it was when I was about 29, which was about 5 years ago.  Now I look at my life now and I didn’t think I would be married legally and I didn’t think I would be a father.  I didn’t think that I would’ve come out with a children’s book about HIV or have done HIV activism as deeply as I have now.  

Sometimes I think about my death and I wonder if my son will know about the work I’ve done.  I wonder if he knows about how serious HIV/AIDS really is.  I know several generations before me probably said the same things about me when I was “growing up gay”.  Some of them are still around probably shaking their heads at some in my generations that shrug their shoulders at HIV/AIDS.  We will never know until time tells us the truth and only truth can come with time. 

 

THE HEALTH SHOW Papi Chulo Radio World AIDS Day 2013

 

 

TONIGHT @ 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT on Papi Chulo RADIO (www.PapiChuloRADIO.com

) -- Tune in for a special World AIDS Day EVENT. "The HEALTH Show: WORLD AIDS DAY 2013 - Living with HIV".

A panel is HIV/AIDS activists and advocates gathered to discuss living with HIV.

The panel includes:
-- Marvell Terry (HIV/AIDS Activist, The Executive Director of The Red Door Foundation in Memphis, TN and an Organizing Committee member for The Young Black Gay Leadership Initiative)
-- Justin B. Terry Smith (HIV Advice Columnist, Author and Activist)
-- Patrick Ingram (HIV/AIDS Activist, Committee Member of The National Minority AIDS Council’s HIV Leadership Working Group for their Health Literacy and Wellness Initiative, and member of The Youth Advisory Committee for The National Minority AIDS Council’s Youth Initiative to End HIV/AIDS in America)

Catch a special ENCORE of the broadcast Friday, December 6 @ 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT.

Justin's HIV Journal: Gamma Mu Phi Fraternity, Inc

Come and find out about the men of Gamma Mu Phi Fraternity, Inc., the FIRST national professional fraternity for Black & Latino men such as you.
The men of GAMMA believe in 7 Cardinal Principles, which are:

Brotherhood
Leadership
Professionalism
Service
Good Character
Manhood
Loyalty

GAMMA currently has chapters based in the following cities across the country:
Richmond, VA (Alpha Chapter), Washington, D.C. (Beta Chapter), Houston, TX (Delta Chapter), Dallas, TX (Epsilon Chapter), Philadelphia, PA (Zeta Chapter), Atlanta, GA (Eta Chapter) & Little Rock, AZ (Lambda Chapter) &Richmond, VA (Alpha Chapter), Washington, D.C. (Beta Chapter), Houston, TX (Delta Chapter), Dallas, TX (Epsilon Chapter), Philadelphia, PA (Zeta Chapter), Atlanta, GA (Eta Chapter), Little Rock, AZ (Lambda Chapter) & New Orleans, LA (Kappa Chapter)
Let us explain some distinct differences between GAMMA and other fraternities geared to men of color such as Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, and other member organizations in the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

First, NPHC organizations such as Alpha Phi Alpha & Kappa Alpha Psi are collegiate-based fraternities, and as such, chapters are established at various colleges and universities across the country and the globe.  GAMMA is a professional fraternity, and our chapters are city/metropolitan based.

Secondly, our membership is composed of professional men, who are mainly gay/bisexual men of color. GAMMA believes that there is a lack of unity among our community, and it is the mission of the Brothers of Gamma Mu Phi Fraternity Inc. to cultivate and restore it in our community.
Lastly, membership in NPHC based organizations does not prevent membership in GAMMA. In fact, some of our members are currently members of various NPHC organizations AKA "The Divine Nine". Membership in these organizations does not exclude you from membership in GAMMA.
Interested gentlemen should meet the following criteria: 18 yrs or older who have received a minimum of a high school diploma and are professional or working towards obtaining a professional career.  Interested gentlemen should also possess or have the ability and willingness to develop the qualities possessed by a Gamma Man.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gamma-Mu-Phi-Fraternity-Inc/20986233839

Just*in Time HIV Advice Column Transgendered

Just*in Time HIV Advice Column Transgendered

Photo by Don Harris © Don Harris Photographics, LLC. All rights reserved

 

Hey Justin,How are you? I really enjoy your videos and I admire your strength. My issue is that I’m a twenty-one-year-old transgender female and I’m scared I may be positive. A couple months ago I got bumps on my left breast that turned into a scab; I scrubbed the scab off and my skin never healed. A couple days ago I had smaller bumps pop up (one turned into a scab) and the others are very tiny sores; I went to the urgent care clinic in my area and they didn’t even know what it really was. They labeled it dermatitis, so I let it go and, later, decided to get an HIV test. I was talking to my friend who was a nursing student and he said this condition normally occurs in people with HIV (I didn’t tell him it was me, though). I’m scared because if I am positive, then this isn’t something that I want anybody to know. I want it to be a secret until the day I die. I’m used to being the pretty girl and getting a lot of compliments and attention and I know a lot of people would feel as though I deserved it or wouldn’t look at me the same anymore. I can’t tell my mother or father as they are very uneducated about HIV—they think you can get HIV from sharing a pizza with a person who has it, so imagine how they would treat me? I had a former friend who has HIV but we no longer speak and I don’t know if I could trust him with this because he is very open about his own status. I know you’re a very busy person but, please, if you’re ever on-line, can you check on me every once in a while? You’re the only person I can talk to. —TG Sexy
I’m doing fine, but it sounds like you’re in need of some advice. We will have to address one problem at a time. Dermatitis is not caused by HIV. Dermatitis is simply inflammation of the skin; there are many things that can cause dermatitis. Some metals, fiberglass, rubber, perfumes, etc., can cause the inflammation. I know for a fact that I love wearing silver, but it is silver-plated material that makes me break out. Every time I wore a silver-plated chain around my neck, I needed cream prescribed by a doctor. Dermatitis can also be caused by outside irritants like bleach, soaps, detergents, and other cleaning supplies. It also can be caused by stress or a vitamin deficiency. Go see your doctor to get properly diagnosed and treated for dermatitis. I know you’re scared, but my motto is: Only worry about something when there is something to worry about. You must get tested. Now, I know that is hard to do but you must do it. If it’s negative you will be okay. If the test is positive, then the earlier you know, the better. The more time that goes by that you are untreated for HIV, the more you open yourself up to infections and other complications from the virus.

It sounds like people around you are ignorant about HIV. I suggest if you are HIV-positive you may want to find a group of people that is supportive because you will need them in your network. Be careful about whom you confide in, but you must find support in groups of like-minded people.
Again, if the test is positive, you might want to look at it as another chance at life. Think about the different ways HIV will make you focus on your health and happiness. You will find solace as long as you focus on the positive things you get from this very experience. Life doesn’t stop because you have HIV; you have to live on for you and all the transgender men and women out there who are HIV-positive. Be an example of a healthy, HIV-positive beautiful girl that you know and I know you are, inside and outside. You’re a wonderful transgender woman and fuck all the haters. Get up and get tested. Love you!

Justin's HIV Journal: Justin takes the OraQuick HIV In Home Test

At first when I learned of this test I was skeptical.  But if it is going to benefit people I figured I'd try it myself, even though I already know I'm HIV positive.  This test has made me think of how far we have come in HIV testing.  Before it was a blood test that you have to wait at least 2 weeks for .  Now it's a 20 minute test you can take at home. This test came into play about June/July of 2012.  It can be found online as well as your local drug stores including Walgreens, CVS, Sears, WalMart etc. 

According to the Huffington Post, in a trial conducted by test maker Orasure, OraQuick detected HIV in those carrying the virus only 92 percent of the time, but was 99.9 percent accurate in ruling out HIV in patients who are not carrying the disease.

That means the test could miss 1 in 12 HIV-infected people who use it, according to the FDA, but would incorrectly identify only one patient as having HIV for every 5,000 HIV-negative people tested.

I was wondering if someone found out that they were HIV positive what does the test tell them to do.  It states:

Call our 24/7 support center toll-free at 1-866-436-6527. Your call will be completely confidential. You will only be asked for a zip code or city in order to help you find what you need.

To locate organizations offering HIV/AIDS services, visit cdcnpin.org

You can also use the HIV Provider Directory at hivma.org

I took the test to see if it was fast and easy as many people say that it is.  Well in my opinion it is.

This test may also help the stigma of going out to get test when you can do it in the privacy of your own home.  But the important thing is that everyone get tested.  If you positive don't worry, always get a second opinion.  If the 2nd opinion still says you HIV positive STILL don't worry.  Your life is NOT over.  Get Support

Justin's HIV Journal: Who Infected Me With HIV?

When I was infected with HIV I called the person who I believed in infected me, I got him tested and he was positive also; that happened in 2006.  All these years I thought I knew who infected me.  But something came up a couple of months ago.  I got a phone call from a friend who said that we had sex unprotected some year back.  I honestly had no idea, but I knew we had sex before about 3 times.  I do remember all the times we had sex, but I didn’t know that one of those times was unprotected.  I must say he didn’t know he was HIV positive at the time either, but he found out later.  When he had eventually found out, we had already lost contact.  

It is now 2013 and the same handsome man had called me after watching and reading my blog.  He had told what I had mentioned above.  I do believe him and we are still friends.  I can’t blame him because it took two to tango and it was consensual sex.  But now I’m at an impasse, and I don’t know what to do.  

Should I investigate further and find out who infected me?  Or should I move on and live my life without that answer?

I’ve lived my life thus far not knowing, but I gave myself a false knowing of who infected me and now I just don’t know.  Maybe I unconsciously knew that there may have been another sexual encounter I had that may had infected me with HIV.  

Even if I find out who infected me, will that make me any happier?  Will is close a door that wasn’t meant to be opened?  

All I know now is that I took solace in knowing who infected and I lived my life for me and my family.  But will I stop doing what I’m doing and being who I am because of this.  The answer is NO.  I now take solace in not wanting to know who infected me but in my husband, my son, my friends and family.  These are the things that truly matter to me.  These are the things that will always matter to me.

However it would be nice to know…

Justin's HIV Journal: National Coming Out Day

For National Coming Day I've decided to come out as a Black Gay HIV positive man.  Here is the description of the campaign

Here is the site be apart of this campaign:
http://on.fb.me/GTyePX

Also on Twitter tagging @NBGMAC @NMACCommunity and @Stigma_Project
Each year on October 11, we mark National Coming Out Day, an occasion to encourage Black gay, bisexual and Same Gender Loving (SGL) individuals across the country to come out and declare openly who they are and who they love in order to combat the persistent, if diminishing stigma facing this community. Too many men are forced to face the prospect of coming out twice – once about their sexuality and again about their HIV status.  And while we are making significant progress when it comes to homophobia, the stigma around HIV continues to be pervasive and destructive.

For that reason, the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) has teamed up with the Stigma Project and the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition (NBGMAC) on a new social media campaign called “Come Out Against Stigma,” encouraging the public to take this opportunity to openly proclaim their sexual orientation as well as their HIV status, and spark a dialogue around how each form of stigma perpetuates the other, and impacts our community.

Despite one’s status, HIV is an issue that impacts our entire community.  Those that are negative must struggle their entire lives to remain that way, questioning any mistake and facing the trauma the inevitably accompanies each new HIV test.  Those who are positive not only have to contend with the virus itself, but the social isolation that so often comes with it.  But it doesn’t need to be this way.  Advances in treatment and biomedical research mean that people with HIV who have access to and choose to initiate treatment can live long and healthy lives, while greatly reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others.  At the same time, negative individuals have more options than ever before to protect their sexual health, including PrEP, PEP and condoms.

“While the decision to live openly about one’s sexual orientation and HIV status is deeply personal and often scary, I am living proof that there is joy, fulfillment and love waiting for those that choose to do so” stated Kali Lindsey, Vice-Chair of the NBGMAC Executive Committee and NMAC Director of Legislative and Public Affairs.  On this National Coming Out Day, I hope you will join us by changing your Facebook and Twitter profile pictures and sharing the campaign with your networks.  Together, we can combat stigma and empower people to live out, live proud, and live HIV neutral.

Justin's HIV Journal: What Does PRIDE mean to you?

During PRIDE in DC I walked around asking people just one question.  What does Pride mean to them?

Justin's HIV Journal: Federal Government Shutdown 2013 Furlough Protest at the Capitol

As of September 5th with no end in sight for the Fed Government shutdown, I go down to the National Capitol to hear exactly what some protestors are saying.  Why are they there?  Who is at fault for the Federal Government Shutdown? GOP? Democrats?

Justin's HIV Journal: Rapist finds out his victim has HIV

According to the International Business Times, a 27 year old man in Manchester (UK) name Richard Thomas collapsed and was admitted to the hospital after he was told by police that his victim he had raped a month ago, had HIV.

The Bolton News Report had stated before the crime that Thomas admitted to using drugs and drinking alcohol and has no recollection of what he had done. When Thomas had broken into the victims house she was had taken sleeping pills before the attack. Thomas admits to knowing the victim had a medical issue but did not know what the medical issue was


Counsel for Thomas, Virginia Hayton stated in court,

"It is his own fault, if he had not committed this offense he would not have placed himself in this position."

"...is remorseful and cannot understand why he did it and it is troubling him."

Thomas added after admitting to the rape, "She would not lie, she tells the truth. If she says I have done it, I have done it."

Judge Mark Brown sentenced Thomas to 5 years and 4 months in jail and was order to sign the sex offender registry for the rest of his life.

An HIV test has been administered to Thomas to find out whether he is HIV positive.

COMMENT BELOW 

Justin's HIV Journal: Just*in Time HIV Advice Column: September 2013

Justin, Hello, I have tried to send you a friend request after I sent this message because I thought I would ask you for permission to become your friend on Facebook. I really admire you as far as thework that you do for the HIV and gay community. I just wanted to share with you that I am a very closet-type person. I don’t know a lot of people, strictly by choice. I am gay—not DL (down low) or bisexual, but gay. Because of the lack of education that people have and their stupidity about it, I keep it to myself. July 22nd will make ten years for me being HIV-positive. Never have had to take medication, never have been hospitalized for it and that is a blessing. I have a personal issue about something and I know I can get an honest answer from you. Why is Magic Johnson the face of HIV or whenever they use somebody it’s always like that? Let me explain. Why does the media or news outlets never show the truth about HIV, you know, the having to take pills, and the going to the clinic, and being hospitalized. Why is the hardcore stuff never shown? Personally I think it would help if it was really shown how HIV breaks your body down. Well, thank you for your time. I really appreciate all that you do you. —DD First let me say thank you so much for e-mailing me. Facebook will only allow a certain amount of friends per person (hint, hint: try looking up J.B. Terry-Smith). Well, I can see you have a loaded question that could have a lot of different answers. You have to take into consideration that Magic Johnson was one of the first professional athletes to come out and say that he was infected with the virus. In 1991 that was almost unheard of and it took a lot of bravery and courage to openly tell the public about his HIV status, especially being a celebrity and professional athlete. I believe he helped a lot of people in encouraging them to disclose their status or get tested or go for treatment. Johnson retired in the same year but came back to play in an All-Stars game in 1992. Now, twenty-two years after his HIV disclosure he has given his time and energy into raising money for HIV/AIDS awareness. Also let me say to my other readers that just because he is still living doesn’t mean in any way, shape, or form he is free of HIV or cured. It just means he has taken care of himself and also has the money to do so. It is now 2013 and he is no longer “the face of HIV” in my opinion; anyone who is open with their status, not only to their partners, friends, and family but to the world, is “a face of HIV.” There is no one specific person who could hold that title. That being said, celebrities and athletes are able to raise awareness of a disease a lot faster than people in the general population. People in the general population usually listen to people like Magic Johnson, Ellen, Don Lemon, Anderson Cooper, etc., because they are trusted spokespersons on issues that affect us all. Over time media outlets have shown people infected with HIV in the hospital, taking HIV medications, etc., but now we have YouTube where we ourselves can show the truth about HIV. I know on my YouTube channel I show all of those things. But that is only my truth about HIV, there are several others like myself, Robert Breining, Patrick Rio Kay, Mark S. King, Marvelyn Brown, Maria Mejia, Dab Garner, Jose Ramirez, Anthony Polimeni, Aaron Laxton, AJ King, etc., who are faces of HIV activism. We don’t have the money other (famous) spokespeople might have, or get the recognition we deserve, but our hearts are just as big if not bigger. We are all dedicated to eradicating this disease from our communities and from the earth. Now, my question to you, DD, and to the rest of my readers is: What are you doing to help fight HIV in your community? Keep on fighting the good fight and we will win the war.

Justin's HIV Journal: Positively Aware's A Day With HIV In America HIV Campaign

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE WITH HIV? Positively Aware magazine wants you to think about that question. Because, whether you're positive or negative, we are all affected by HIV. On Sept. 21, take a snapshot of a moment from your everday life. Use your digital camera or cell phone camera, and capture a scene: Getting ready for work. Hanging out with friends. Spending a quiet moment alone. Caring for someone with HIV. The idea is to come up with your own response to the question, What does it mean to live with HIV? TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT Once you've taken your picture, email it to artdirector@positivelyaware.com. Include your name (and the names of anyone else in your photo) and phone number (so that we can call to verify you are who you say you are), your HIV status (if you want), and a caption describing the scene, giving your location and the time you took the picture. Also, please indicate whether you want your name and HIV status included in the caption we publish. Photos can be in JPEG, TIF, or RAW file format, and must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi at 4 x 5 inches. They can be color or black and white photos. Cell phone camera photos are acceptable, provided that they meet resolution requirements. Selected photos will appear in a special section of the November-December issue of Positively Aware. Additional photo submissions will be available for viewing at www.ADayWithHIVinAmerica.com. Remember: Picture Day is Sept. 21. Deadline is Sept. 23. Send photos and questions to artdirector@positivelyaware.com THIS WAS MY PICTURE FOR LAST YEAR IN 2012's A DAY WITH HIV IN AMERICA'S CAMPAIGN for POSITIVELY AWARE MAGAZINE

PIC OF THE DAY from last year's A Day with HIV: 11:30 PM: Laurel, Maryland. Justin B. Terry-Smith (pictured, right): “When I found out I was HIV-positive, I thought I wouldn’t have any children and it destroyed me. Yesterday, my husband Phillip and I were approved for foster/adoption of two children. We currently have one foster care LGBT teen. For my husband and my foster son, I stay healthy and take my meds.” On Saturday, Sept. 21st, take your best shot against HIV! Use your smartphone or digital camera on that day and capture a moment of your life. Share your story. #adaywithhiv #antistigma

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.