Justin's HIV Journal

On February 27, 1966, Alison Gertz was born to a prominent family in New York. When she was 16 she had her first sexual encounter. She was infected with HIV. At the age of 22 after being sick and spending several weeks in the hospital, doctors couldn't understand what was wrong with her. At this time HIV/AIDS was known as a Gay or Intravenous drug users disease, so she was not tested, at least at first. Her doctor then tested her for HIV and the test came up positive. This young beautiful woman who came from a prominent New York family was diagnosed with HIV. It was shocking and she became one of the first women known to be infected with the HIV virus and also to be public about her HIV status.

Read more …

Well I have some exciting news to share with all of you. I have written a children's book about HIV/AIDS. I decided to write this book for all of the HIV positive and negative children. I was trying to show that despite a child's HIV status they want to be treated like every other kid. They want to play, jump and have the ability to relate to other children. People should not treat HIV positive children any different than a child who does not have HIV. They want the chance to have a normal upbringing just like ever child on this earth.

Read more …

I started blogging about my personal experience being infected with HIV because I thought it might help others who have been infected or affected with HIV. I am in no way saying that everyone should be public the same way I have been, but there are other ways you can help yourself through this terrifying time.

Read more …

Actor/Dancer Gene Anthony Ray (May 24, 1962 - Nov. 14, 2003)

Ray was an American actor, choreographer and dancer. He is best known for his portrayal of the street-smart dancer Leroy in the 1980 motion picture Fame and the television spin-off which aired from 1982-1987.

Read more …

When I found out I was HIV positive I wasn't really thinking about if I was going to ever get married. But just my luck, which was good, I did get married to the most beautiful man in my life, Dr. Philip B Terry-Smith. This past summer Phil and I were approached by students at University of Maryland to take part in a documentary. The documentary was about marriage and the different kinds of marriages and how they work. The documentary profiles four couples: a heterosexual man and bisexual woman, an older couple, a couple who met through Internet dating, and a gay couple (us). The documentary shows that there are differences and similarities, but also shows that there shouldn't be a "cookie cutter" of what marriage should be.

Read more …

Another World AIDS Day has come and gone. This year was a little different for me. I was actually asked to speak at George Mason University about HIV/AIDS. I was soooo scared about speaking in front of them. I must admit it had been a long time since I had spoken at a college. So before I made my way to George Mason University I had many thoughts going through my head. I had hoped the students would like me and most of all listen to me. So in the car on the way there I had made notes; my husband said, "Don't worry about it, you're a natural. You will do fine." Well I'm a skeptic on some things so I didn't believe it.

Read more …

Today I decided to make a "You Are Not Alone" video because of the many suicides that are happening in the LGBTQ Youth. Many of these beautiful young people are committing suicide because of bullying in school.

Read more …

Leo Alexander is one of the candidates for the Washington, D.C. Mayoral Election. A couple of weeks ago on August 11th Alexander made a statement at a Forum that he will push for HIV testing at the DMV [Department of Motor Vehicles]. If most of you are not familiar with it, some other people call it the MVA [Motor Vehicle Administration]. You know that place where you pick up your License.

Read more …

There are a lot of things we as HIV positive people have to look out for. But one of our main enemies is stress. You can take all the medication you want, eat all the good food that nourishes your body, and have all the protected sex anyone can have, but when you're stressed out all of it goes out the window.

Read more …

In 2006, on Memorial Day weekend, I found out that I was HIV positive. I didn't think I'd ever be loved or love someone else at all. I also felt bad because I couldn't have children and my parents would be so disappointed in me. Being in a relationship was the furthest thing from my mind.

Read more …