Staying Healthy in a Natural Disaster

In public health we know that when a natural disaster occurs it affects people living with chronic illnesses. HIV/AIDS itself is a disaster and compounding it with natural disasters like hurricanes will only hurt attempts at prevention, treatment, and livelihood. People need advice in times like these and I personally have been through a natural disaster that has affected me. There are things that people must keep in mind when dealing with a natural disaster, like the recent Hurricane Harvey, especially if they are infected with a chronic illness.

Please click here or the link below to get some pointers on how to stay health in a natural disaster

http://aumag.org/2017/10/11/justin-time-october-2017-staying-healthy-in-a-natural-disaster/

Successful Rosacea Treatment Oracea

Rosacea My Story

5 years ago, I made a blog video on my struggles with Rosacea.  If you missed the post let me first tell you about what Rosacea is a chronic disease and skin condition.  It causes inflammation and visible strained blood vessels in a person’s face.  In my face it caused redness and small, red, pus-filled bumps.  Eye problems. About half of the people who have rosacea also experience eye dryness, irritation and swollen, reddened eyelids.  I also have eye issues.  In some people, rosacea's eye symptoms precede the skin symptoms.  Rarely, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, causing the nose to appear bulbous (rhinophyma). This occurs more often in men than in women.

However, evidence appears to be mounting that an overabundance of Demodex may possibly trigger an immune response in people with rosacea, or that the inflammation may be caused by certain bacteria associated with the mites.  But every person carries these mites on their face.  But people with Rosacea have more mites on their facial skin surfaces than most.  Also let me make sure I tell you that Rosacea is NOT CONTAGIOUS. 

Rosacea Triggers

Rosacea comes in outbreaks that are usually triggered by something.  Some of the triggers that cause Rosacea outbreaks are emotional stress, sun exposure, Drugs that dilate blood vessels, spicy food, hot drinks, including some blood pressure medications, hot and windy weather, exercise and alcohol consumption. 

It hurt me so much physically and definitely hurt my self-esteem (mentally and emotionally).  I would sometimes not want to go to functions because I had an outbreak.  People would point it out as if I didn’t see it, it was somewhat horrifying.  I had to turn down photoshoots because I was ashamed of what I looked like.  Let’s just say photoshop became my friend. 

Rosacea treatment that works

For 5 years I would get outbreaks.  At first, I used something called Metro Gel and it dried up my skin.  The Metro Gel was uncomfortable and wasn’t strong enough.  The second try at treatment was a topical medicine called Rosacea Treatment Gel that can be found over the counter.  This did help my Rosacea better than the Metro Gel ever did.  I was speaking with a friend of mine Debbie, and I had no idea that she suffered from Rosacea as well.  I asked how she did it because I had never seen her have an outbreak at all.  She told me about Oracea (Doxycycline) and that I should talk to my doctor about it.  So, I called my doctor asked if it would interfere with any of my HIV medication (Odefsey) and he said if should be fine.  You have to take a lot of water and decrease your exposure to the sun.  Currently, there is no cure for Rosacea BUT I haven’t had an outbreak since being on Oracea this year.  Since I started the medication and have not had any issues. 

Sometimes people living with HIV have to worry about being susceptible to more infection, illness than people who are not infected with HIV Rosacea is no exception.

Justin's HIV Journal: Panel Discussion HIV in the News & Meeting Jeanne White-Ginder (Ryan White's Mother) (Video)

I was invited to Speak on a Panel called, “HIV in the News” by Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers for their End AIDS: The HIV Prevention and Outreach Summit during AIDS Education Month.  I found that it was very informative because there were different prospectives on the panel.  Cherri Gregg who is a reporter for KYW Newsradio and Christopher “Flood The Drummer” Norris CEO of Techbook Online were also on the panel.  and from Philadelphia FIGHT the moderator was good friend and colleague, Chip Lewis.  There were several questions that were fired at the panel.  Sensationalism played a big part of the conversation between the panelist.  I came from the place of making sure we as people who put news out on HIV put it out for the right reasons.  The opinion was very mixed.  Also, the story of Charlie Sheen came up and I said it was both good and bad.  With Charlie coming out (forcibly) of the HIV closet there was a spike in HIV testing.  But then as he became more vocal it became a shit storm, especially with him and his crazy doctor.  All in all, I loved the panel and we may have had different opinions on some issues we all respected each other because we know what an important role we play in the HIV realm.

I wanted to not only focus on the panel, but also check on other things that the summit had to offer.  I walked about a looked at the portion of the AIDS Quilt that they had.  It seems to not matter what part, where or when I see a portion of the quilt it touches me and sometimes I cry.  It sometimes puts my own mortality in prospective.  Sometimes it makes me wonder if I will have a panel someday.  Of course, what I would like is that there is a cure for HIV and I live long enough to not only see it but take it.  A lot of us that work in the world of HIV wouldn’t know what to do next if there a cure but until we get to 0 infections we still have a lot of work ahead of us.  Another highlight was meeting Ryan White’s mother, Jeanne White-Ginder.  I had never formally met her but I had always wanted to.  I have heard her speak on some occasions.  Every time she speaks at an event she played a video and it always touches me.  It a video of her son Ryan White and the late Michael Jackson's song, Gone to Soon.

Ryan White was the poster child for AIDS when he challenged his local school when they ban him from going to school after his diagnosis was widely known.  Important dates on White’s activism and legal battles are on June 30 Superintendent James O. Smith denies White admittance to school.  Aug. 26^th First day of school. White is allowed to listen to his classes via telephone.  Oct. 2School principal upholds decision to prohibit White. Nov. 25 Indiana Department of Education rules that White must be admitted.  Dec. 17 The school board votes 7–0 to appeal the ruling.  Feb. 6 Indiana DOE again rules White can attend school, after inspection by Howard County health officers.  Feb. 13 Howard County health officer determines White is fit for school.  Feb. 19 Howard County judge refuses to issue an injunction against White. Feb. 21 White returns to school. A different judge grants a restraining order that afternoon to again bar him. Mar. 2 White's opponents hold an auction in the school gymnasium to raise money to keep White out. April 9 White's case is presented in Circuit Court. April 10 Circuit Court Judge Jack R. O'Neill dissolves restraining order. White returns to school.  July 18 Indiana Court of Appeals declines to hear any further appeals.

7 Facts about the Gift that Keeps on Giving (HERPES)

A&U Magazine 

Just*in Time June 2017 

HIV/STI advice Column 

Okay, now there are many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that we have to be conscious of and herpes is no exception to that rule. As most of you know I tend to put a little humor in my columns so bear with me…or not; it’s going to happen anyway. So, I’m just going to go right into to it. Here are my top 7 things about the gift that keeps on giving that you need to understand:

For the 7 facts on Herpes Click here or the link below

http://aumag.org/2017/06/21/justin-time-june-2017/

Justin's HIV Journal ranked one of the Best HIV/AIDS Blogs of the Year by Healthline!!

An HIV diagnosis changes your life. Even so, these HIV blogs can help you keep an upbeat mindset. While there’s no cure for HIV, treatment can extend your life and possibly delay the onset of AIDS. You may have ups and down, but it’s possible to live a relatively healthy life. The key is taking care of yourself and educating yourself.

Talking with your doctor, family, and friends can provide emotional support. It also helps to seek support from those who empathize with your situation, like these blogs below. 

The Body: HIV/AIDS Blog Central

The Body is a comprehensive resource for HIV. You’ll find a variety of articles about treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and living with the virus. The blog also features a variety of personal stories about healthcare issues, imprisonment, and advocacy. The Body also encourages patients to continue in their fight.

Tweet them @TheBodyDotCom

POZ

Staying up-to-date on new developments in the HIV world is a key component to managing your health. This blog offers information on upcoming HIV events, statistics, news, and trends. They also offer health management tips, like the effects of drinking alcohol when you have HIV.

Tweet them @pozmagazine

Justin’s HIV Journal

Justin B. Terry-Smith

Justin B. Terry-Smith isn't afraid to open up about his diagnosis of HIV. He uses his blog as a platform to educate others on the importance of safe sex with the hope of helping at least one person. His words are honest and informative. Despite his diagnosis, he's committed to celebrating life.

Tweet him @JustinBSmith79

My Journey with

Kenn Chaplin received an HIV diagnosis in 1989. Despite some serious setbacks with his health, he enjoys sharing experiences related to his health, family, and personal life. His openness and positive attitude can empower and give strength to readers who are in similar situations.

Living in the Bonus Round

Steve Schalchlin received an HIV diagnosis in 1996. As a way to cope with his diagnosis, he started journaling about his health and writing healing songs. Read about his experiences rehearsing for shows, his thoughts on the current state of the political scene, and about the people and musicians who inspire him.

AIDS.gov Blog

The blog operated by AIDS.gov provides a wealth of material and resources. Whether you're searching for information on AIDS research, global news, or trending topics, it’s here. Read about an HIV program for improving long-term care for youths or make a mental note of HIV Vaccine Awareness Day and learn more about antiretroviral therapies.

Tweet them @AIDSgov

I’m Still Josh

Josh Robbins received an HIV diagnosis in 2012. Although receiving a diagnosis can be upsetting, his optimism is contagious. He doesn't think of HIV as a death sentence, nor does he allow the disease to define him. Josh encourages other people living with HIV to live in the moment. His blog features HIV news stories and words of encouragement to uplift readers.

Tweet him @imstilljosh

My Fabulous Disease

Mark S. King has lived with HIV since 1985. After receiving his diagnosis, he became an advocate for others living with HIV. His blog is a tool for bringing awareness and inspiring others. In recent posts, Mark highlights the top HIV advocates to watch in 2017 and brings attention to a film unmasking the fear behind HIV criminalization.

Tweet him @MyFabDisease

NEJM Journal Watch

Dr. Paul E. Sax is the clinical director of the HIV Program and Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He has a strong interest in HIV research. His blog offers a series of informative posts related to treatment, management, and clinical trials. He shares the latest HIV research and news stories as well as experiences from his personal life.

More Than HIV

Brian Ledford acknowledges how receiving his diagnosis in 2010 changed his life. He started blogging to share his story and experiences and motivates others to live life. His posts reveal his personal struggles and give attention to others living with the virus.

Tweet him @MoreThanHIV

HIV/AIDS Advice by Verywell

This blog is an excellent resource for finding satisfying answers to questions about symptoms, treatments, and associated conditions. You'll find interesting articles like what to do if you have HIV and diarrhea as well as information on eye problems associated with HIV.

A Girl Like Me

If you're a woman living with HIV, this blog by The Well Project is a wonderful resource. Read personal stories of other people living with the same questions, challenges, and daily experiences, from healthcare issues to dealing with uninformed comments. Share your story and find inspiration and motivation from the multitude of perspectives represented here.

Tweet them @thewellproject

HIV Negative Spouses

HIV can affect an entire family, even if only one person actually lives with the virus. This blog puts the spotlight on HIV-negative people who have HIV-positive partners. Read about their low points or check out their experiences with PrEP, an anti-HIV medication.

HIV and Hepatitis

This blog covers a host of topics pertaining to HIV and AIDS. Here, you’ll find information on the latest developments in research, treatment, and management, as well as advice on common concerns among people affected by HIV, such as using PrEP.

Tweet them @HIVandHepatitis

Positive Lite

This blog was founded by Brian Finch, who’s been HIV-positive for over 25 years. As an informational source for issues and topics related to the virus, the blog offers a wealth of lifestyle pieces, news stories, health advice, and general tips for living with HIV. It’s an excellent place to increase your knowledge and receive support.

Tweet them @PositiveLiteCom

BETA Blog

This blog is dedicated to providing education and helping readers gain a better understanding of HIV treatment and management. Read HIV-related articles written by individuals knowledgeable in the field. The blog’s contributors include researchers, advocates, and health professionals.

NAM aidsmap

Knowledge is crucial for those living with HIV. This blog has no short supply of educational material and news stories, like one article on how people with HIV can have impaired respiratory health even when viral load is undetectable. Learn about HIV basics like symptoms and life expectancy or take advantage of their resources that include fact sheets, apps, and booklets.

Tweet them @aidsmap_news

Justin B Terry-Smith Ranked #3 on STD Test Express' list for the Top 8 Online Resources for Men's Sexual Health

To go to the article click here or the link below

https://www.stdtestexpress.com/blog/top-8-online-resources-mens-sexual-health-3-justin-b-terry-smith/

Justin's HIV Journal: Justin at the END AIDS: The HIV Prevention and Outreach Summit in Philadelphia

Panel Discussion HIV in the News

Hey everyone, it's Justin from Justin's HIV Journal.  June is AIDS Education Month and I have some great news.  Philadelphia FIGHT, an ASO has asked me to join a panel for Philadelphia’s AIDS Education Month Summit on 6/7/2017 in the morning at the PA Convention Center.  The panel discussion will be around the subject matter of HIV in the media/news.  Right now, this is a hot topic and I will explain using parts of the e-mail that was sent to me by Philadelphia FIGHT.

“In this era of the twenty-four-hour news cycle, media outlets are always looking for new story ideas, and there are some great examples out there of important, in-depth and well-researched HIV news coverage, but as we know, today the coverage of HIV news can be sparse, and sometimes sensationalized (i.e. some of the coverage of the Charlie Sheen story revealing he is HIV-positive).  Our panel of media experts will share some examples of positive coverage and some inspiring stories about the HIV epidemic, as well as provide valuable tips and guidance on how to get your story told, and how to advocate for more of the types of stories you'd like to see.”

Panel discussions like these are really important because they start a dialog about HIV media can help and hinder our efforts to get to 0 infections.  I will also answer questions from the audience as well.  Panelist will consist of CBS-3 reporter & reported for KYW Radio Cherri Gregg, STI/HIV author, advice columnist and activist Justin B Terry-Smith, and CEO of Techbook Online & co-host of “Pushback” a social-justice podcast, Christopher “Flood The Drummer” Norris and moderator Chip Alfred Director of Development and Communications Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers. Please check the flyer above for information and bios of the panelist and moderator. (10:30 - noon is the approximate time slot). 

Click on the link below for more information about the summit https://www.aidseducationmonth.org

Justin's Advice Column Just*in Time: So, you want to be an HIV Activist…

So, you want to be an HIV Activist…

There are several things that you should be aware of or put in place so that you can become a HIV activist. When I became an HIV activist I had to keep in mind that there are different ways for one to become an HIV activist. There is a virtual activist, who is more of a present-day phenomenon; this kind of activist uses social media such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc., to spread their message. There is the more traditional activist, who will organize a protest in numbers and bodies to put up picket signs and yell slogans. In this country and world, we need both and more allies to join causes even if it doesn’t affect them directly

Click here or go to the link below to find out the 

TOP 5 tips on becoming a successful HIV Activist

http://aumag.org/2017/05/23/justin-time-may-2017-so-you-want-to-be-an-hiv-activist/

Justin's HIV Journal: 12 Years infected with HIV. HIV Medications Complera vs. Odefsey

Hey everyone,

We are now Empty Nesters Good luck to both of my sons Lundyn and Tavis.  They are in separate cities adulting.  They are both good boys and now I can say, young men.  A part of becoming a parent is learning how to let go.  I’ve had to learn that it even though it was a hard thing to do I had to.  Being a Dad means everything in the world to me not only because I’ve helped raise two awesome individuals but because I’m letting them go out into the to be awesome individuals.  After they moved out my hubby and I moved into a bigger house. 

MEDICATION:

Odefsey and Complera basically have all the same drugs, except it (Odefsey) replaces disoproxil fumarate (TDF) with tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).  TAF and TDF can directly affect the kidneys and bones, but the dose of TAF is lowered in Odefsey than the TDF in Complera.  Therefore, one can conclude the Odefsey will be a lot softer than Complera when it comes to the long-term effects on the body.  Bone density loss can become a problem or long term effect of being medicated for HIV.  With Odefsey unlike Complera bone density loss is less of a concern, along with toxicity in the kidneys. 

Odefsey has been approved by the FDA for treating HIV infections in persons who have HIV but have suppressed it with antiretroviral (ARV) and those who are 12 years or older with no past ARV therapy history and viral load less than or equal to 100,000 copies/mL. 

I will continue to complete my regime with Complera and then switch over to Odefsey which should happen in about 2 months’ time.  Just remember everyone is different so I’m not sure how my body will react to the change in medication. 

I’ve switched medication 4 times in 9 years.  The first medication gave me Jaundice.  The second medication didn’t do much for me the third medication put me to sleep but with Complera I felt so much better.  I wasn’t tired all the time and since it was one pill a day it was much more convenient for me.  I’m not too worried about switching to medication again because it seems as if science and medicine are always coming up with new ways to make HIV medication a little less harsh on the body because of long term use. 

Anyone want to share their experience please do comment below I would love to hear from you

JustinTerrySmith@gmail.com

Justin goes Zip Lining, Parasailing, Encounters Dolphins and Snubaing in Labadee Haiti, Cozumel and Costa Maya Mexico.

Sometimes it is just good to let your hair down.  Being HIV positive doesn’t mean you have to stay at home but it might mean you need to get out of bed and enjoy life.  There were many times, I felt depressed when I was first diagnosed.  Life is a celebration and I say live it to its fullest.  I’m not a party boy or anything but I had to get footage of the parties on the Atlantis Cruise Allure of the Sea ship it was amazing.  We went to Cozumel Mexico and we went Snubaing which was amazing.  Then we went to Costa Maya Mexico where my husband and I did the Dolphin Encounter which was great except they wouldn’t allow me to video tape it, but the experience was well worth it.  The best to me was Labadee, Haiti where I ziplined and parasailed with the hubby.  This vacation was needed and being a HIV positive activist, husband, parent etc. can be stressful so it is important to stop and appreciate all that is around and the experience that I have.  

Labadee, Haiti

(Zip Lining & Parasailing)

Cozumel, Mexico

(Snubaing)

Costa Maya, Mexico

(Dolphin Encounter)

Justin celebrates life and dances, listens to Jazz, and watches fireworks

Justin's HIV Journal and thebody.com make Top 50 HIV Blogs And Websites on the Web

Proud to announce that Justin's HIV Journal has made Top 50 HIV Blogs And Websites on the Web along with thebody.com, Mark S King, Josh Robbins, Aaron Laxton etc., by Feedspot.com

To see the other blogs who made this list go to 
http://blog.feedspot.com/hiv_blogs/

HIV and Surrogacy A&U Magazine COVER Cleve Jones

Justin—Been a while since we last chatted. I am really interested in surrogacy, as I want a child of my own. As I explained before I am positive, undetectable for many years. Can you advise me where I can go to get this done at an economical cost? Based on my research there are a few organizations that do it, but I would rather get a referral than take what I hear online. Any advice?

—Ebenezer

For Justin's response to this question  Click here:  http://www.aumag.org/2017/01/20/justin-time-january-2017/

Justin celebrates life by dancing, listening to jazz and fireworks on the Atlantis Cruise

Sometimes it is just good to let your hair down.  Being HIV positive doesn’t mean you have to stay at home but it might mean you need to get out of bed and enjoy life.  There were many times, I felt depressed when I was first diagnosed.  Life is a celebration and I say live it to its fullest.  I’m not a party boy or anything but I had to get footage of the parties on the Atlantis Cruise Allure of the Sea ship it was amazing 

Justin's HIV Journal Justin does ifly (Indoor Skydiving) Happy New Year!!

For my birthday, my hubby took me to ifly.  It was awesome!!! I did two sessions it was the best ever.  I’ve been skydiving before, this was amazing.  The hubby decided once a month we will go for some couple time.  2016 was a crazy year for us.  Let us hope 2017 is better.  With ifly and 2017 I plan on soaring to new heights in 2017.  Let us be proactive and not reactive.  Special thank you to the hubby Love you and to the staff at ifly.  With HIV I've learned that I will always aim high and always try to fly over adversity.

8209 Town Center Drive
Baltimore, Maryland 21236 

(667) 888-4359

Justin's HIV Journal at the Brooklyn Museum and La Mama Galleria

I received an e-mail from a curator from an organization called Visual AIDS.  Visual AIDS was Founded in 1988, and it is the only Arts organization that is fully committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness and creating dialog around HIV issues today.  Visual AIDS produces and presents visual art projects, exhibitions, public forums and publications, while assisting artists living with HIV.  
I was invited by Visual AIDS to come up to NY and speak on a panel.  It was amazing I really enjoyed myself.  It put somethings into prospective for me.  One aspect about being an artist sometimes you never know how much for work impacts others and how much it impacts you to see it through another person’s eyes.  I got very emotional seeing the message I sent to my brothers it was hard but it helped me a little bit.  Thank you to the curators Jean Carlomusto, Alexandra Juhasz and Hugh Ryan.  Also, thank you so much to Alex Fialho who helped me with transportation and hung out with me for a bit while in NY.  The exhibit was called, “Everyday”.  "Everyday" explores the AIDS crisis (historically and currently) through the lens of art and ephemera that looks at and evidences daily experiences & practices in response to HIV/AIDS.
The exhibition includes artwork and ephemera by Babycastles, Anne Balsamo, Barton Lidice Beneš, Jean Carlomusto, Curtis Carman, Paul Chisholm, Ian Clyde, darkroom danny, T De Long, Chloe Dzubilo, Delphine Fawundu-Buford, fierce pussy, Avram Finkelstein, Peggy Frank, Fuck Laws Flash Collective, Gay Men's Health Crisis, Carl George, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, John Hanning, Eva Hayward, Edward Hochschild, Mark S. King, Kia Labeija, Carol Leigh, Nancer Lemoins, Gin Fong Louie, Dale MacDonald, Joyce McDonald, Juanita Mohammed, Ray Navarro, Luna Luis Ortiz, Grahame Perry, Poster Virus, LJ Roberts, Randy Freedomclay Rogers, Fábian Rios Rubino, Ivan Safrin, Dudley Saunders, Loren Schmidt, James Simmonds, Michael Slocum, Southern Living AIDS Quilt, Zara Steadman, Hugh Steers, Nelson Sullivan, Justin B. Terry-Smith, Prashast Thapan, The NAMES Project, James Wentzy, Frederick Weston, Jessica Whitbread, Jon Winet, Albert Winn and Tanya Wischerath.
This is the first time Justin’s HIV Journal was showcased in a galleria then to go to the Brooklyn Museum and see Justin’s HIV Journal on a big screen was amazing.
A very special shoutout to Drea De Aragao and Damien Basile for coming out and supporting me!!!
Click the link to go to the Visual AIDS site
https://www.visualaids.org/events/detail/everyday

Justin B Terry-Smith's answers questions on Side Effects of PrEP and How he found out he had HIV

Hi Justin—I heard your dissertation is on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Can you tell me what the side effects of PrEP are?
—Robert

Justin,
What did it feel like when you got HIV? Did you notice your body change? And, if so, did you think it was nothing? Or can you just not tell at all if you are positive?
—Aaron

Justin answers these questions on A&U Magazine's website please click the link below 

http://www.aumag.org/2016/11/27/justin-time-november-2016/

or 

Click here

#HIV Diagnosis Justin answers How did you find out you are positive—of course it was by testing but what led you to go and test for HIV?

H

i Justin—

Greetings from Accra. I cannot stop admiring your online posts and pictures and your positive attitude toward life. This makes me wonder if you are really HIV-positive because you do not fit the popular image of a person living with HIV as melancholy and lonely. Most people here do not disclose and are living in silence because of stigma. This brings me to the question: How did you find out you are positive—of course it was by testing but what led you to go and test for HIV? Did you have symptoms? What were they? How long after your exposure to the virus did you get tested?

These appear to be personal questions. It’s okay if you do not wish to answer any of them. Thanks and regards. Good health and blessings to you.

Justin's Answer can be found in the link below

http://www.aumag.org/2016/10/18/justin-time-october-2016/

Justin B Terry-Smith talks #PrEP and Sexual Empowerment in the latest edition of Just*in Time from A&U Magazine

In the latest edition of A&U Magazine America's AIDS Magazine I talk to a reader about Sexual Empowerment and PrEP.  

1st step in #HIV #prevention is sexual health empowerment • JUST*IN TIME by Justin B.Terry-Smith.

Dear Justin—

I hope you get to read this because I’m in desperate need of an

answer about HIV prevention.

I actually met you years ago when you were the speaker at Howard University for Black AIDS Awareness. I was a freshman then and I didn’t know a lot about HIV. I think the reason why is because I didn’t know how to accept the fact that I was gay. When I finally acknowledged it, I thought about your presentation at Howard University. It scared me because I didn’t want to be HIV-positive. I had a boyfriend and we had sex only about twenty-five times. He was very abusive verbally at first and that really took a toll on my self-esteem; then he became physically abusive and would throw things at me in the house, punching me, smacking me, etc. I left him and now I have a new boyfriend.

My new boyfriend is amazing, but he is also HIV-positive.  He doesn’t want to use condoms but he wants me to go on PrEP; I kinda already know what I want to do but I really wanted to know what you would do in this situation. Do not worry—I’m not basing my decision on what you say, but I am going to take it into consideration.

—A

To see my answer to the reader please click on the link below:

http://www.aumag.org/2016/07/20/justin-time-july-2016/

Justin's HIV Journal Videos Showcased at the Brooklyn Museum Exhibit!!

GREAT NEWS: Some of the videos from Justin's HIV Journal will be SHOWCASED in the Brooklyn Museum with other HIV Activists Mark S. King, Carol Leigh, Juanita Mohammed, Luna Luis Ortiz Photography, Southern AIDS Living Quilt, James Wentzy and the late Nelson Sullivan (1948-1989) & Ray Navarro (1964-1990) The exhibit will officially open Dec. 1st (World AIDS Day) but there will be a free showing Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 7:00pm–9:00pm in which I will attend and be a part of a discussion panel at the end :-D <3 span=""> Wow I'm going to be showcased in the Brooklyn Museum!! WOW I did it!! NY here I come December 3rd see you there!!

Link for more information
https://www.visualaids.org/events/detail/10369

#Serodifferent couples: How do u navigate the conversation about #PrEP & #HIV meds?

A&U Magazine's Just*in Time HIV Advice Column by Justin B Terry-Smith focuses on

#Serodifferent couples: How do u navigate the conversation about #PrEP & #HIV meds? JUST*IN TIME by @JustinBSmith79

Hope you’re doing well! Got a question you might know the answer to….So I’m negative and on Truvada as PrEP, but my boyfriend finally got on what I thought his doctor prescribed him, Truvada, but instead was Emtriva. Now I’ve done my homework and before I get out of sorts: Is Emtriva equal or effectively the same as Truvada? Just thought you might know more than me, who specializes in sales and not health. Any help would be appreciated.
—JCrew

Click on the link below to hear what Justin has to say about it.

http://bit.ly/2aCMlbZ

or click here