Activist, Air-Force veteran, and husband, Justin B. Terry-Smith has dedicated his life to educating and bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS.  Involved in many outreach programs and organizations like: Us Helping Us, Human Rights Campaign, Equality Maryland, The National Black Justice Coalition, etc.,  Justin has created “Justin’s HIV Journal,” which is airing on the upcoming LGBT network GLO TV. Justin boldly showcases his life on video for the world to see.  Inviting viewers to witness what it is really like to be “living with HIV.”

Having the opportunity to speak with Mr. Terry-Smith, we discussed his views on gay marriage, gay adoption, and his continued efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

BGG: When creating Justin’s HIV Journal what made you decide to share such private and personal moments with the world?

JUSTIN: When I was diagnosed with HIV in 2006 I began looking online for others living with HIV to use as examples, but I couldn’t find anything, especially an African-American.  I figured since nobody else was going to do it, I had too.  I grabbed my camera and began taking it everywhere with me – from doctor’s appointments to vacations, etc.

BGG: Knowing how people stigmatize those living with HIV, what made you speak up in spite what people may say?

JUSTIN: I got tired of seeing a lot of my friends pass away.  So many people are in denial and deny themselves treatment in fear of being tagged as HIV positive; and many of my friends died that way.

One time I was on BlackGayChat.com (a popular hookup site), and I spoke with a young man that was interested in me and I told him about my status.  The young man responded, “That’s okay, I have it too.”  I immediately asked him if he had seen a doctor and I was shocked when he said no.  Concerned, I invited him over and once he arrived I took him to get something to eat and discussed his situation.  I eventually convinced him to go get cared for and we went to see a doctor.

BGG: Wow, you potentially saved a life.  What advice would you give to the many others living with this disease?

JUSTIN: HIV should not be a stopper for anyone.  You should continue living your life the way you lived it if it’s not detrimental to your health.  Take your meds, they really help.  Also, try not to stress over the small stuff.  Stress is very harmful to your body.  I love acupuncture! It really helps and my T-cell count increased dramatically afterwards.  I highly recommend acupuncture!

BGG: How do you feel about gay marriage and adoption?

JUSTIN: I definitely support gay marriage (laughing).  I was legally married August 7, 2009 in Provincetown, MA.  My husband and I have also discussed adoption.  I believe adoption should be handled on a case-by-case basis.  As long as the child’s best interest is in mind.

BGG: Congratulations! You are an inspiration and trailblazer in so many ways.  I found it intriguing that you are also an Air Force veteran.  Were you “out” while serving, and if so, how was that experience?

JUSTIN: I was “out” while serving in the Air Force, but I didn’t have any problems at all.  No one asked, and I didn’t tell.  I had a few friends that were also gay and we hung together, but overall I had a good experience in the military.  “I actually loved it!”

BGG: With Justin’s HIV Journal, what can we expect to see different on GLO TV than your blog site?

JUSTIN: Actually it’s not going to change much.  It’s the same format, but just a larger platform to reach people.  The more people we reach the better.  I was so excited when GLO TV called me and expressed interest in Justin’s HIV Journal.  I also did a segment on LOGO’s “HIV + Me” with Ongina Ryan from RuPaul’s Drag Race.  I was so nervous.

BGG: Well I look forward to watching Justin’s HIV Journal this fall and good luck on all your future endeavors.

JUSTIN: Thank you so much, but before I go I would just like to say that I was outraged with Sherri Shepherd’s comments on The View.  It pained my heart to hear her say what she said.  Yes, gay men are the highest risk factor, but not the main reason.  She sounded really ignorant.

Also in a recent interview, I was asked about my feelings toward the popular drag queen Shirley Q. Liquor.  She does drag in “black-face” and embellishes on “things black people do.”  I just want to reiterate “I don’t like her and she is an insult to black people.”

Well to hear more from Justin B. Terry-Smith and tips on living with HIV/AIDS checkout out his blog site and tune in to GLO TV this fall.

CLICK TO VIEW JUSTIN’S HIV JOURNAL