Extraordinary Person: Justin B. Smith's HIV Journal

Written by CHRISTOPHER HICKS-MARSHALL a.k.a. CHUMA

When a person can shed their protective layers to the point they are completely naked, and above all, transparent, there is much to commend about them. In a world where we are expected to portray particular contructs of class and perfection to be accepted and loved, it isn't easy deconsructing those boundaries that safeguard us. At the risk of cruelty, judgment, and ostracization, when a person can be courageous and gracious enough to live their life completely in the light with the intent to be an example to others, that person deserves a veneration of highest distinction.

I nominate Justin B. Smith to be recognized with such honor because he has chosen to humbly blog an HIV journal chronicling his personal experience of living with it. I applaud him, and I invite you to do the same by supporting his journey.

In the "About Me" section of his blog, Justin says the following:

"My name is Justin B. Smith, I'm a Black Gay man living in Laurel, Maryland and I am HIV+. I've decided to share my story because I feel it's important that people who have unprotected sex know what they might be getting themselves into. People have asked me why I am doing this, why have I put my personal business out like this. I tell them it is to help educate people, to make them aware and to make them think twice about having unprotected sex. This is my personal journey that needs to be told to help the community. HIV is neither glamorous or a rite of passage. Watch the Journal and think twice. In the words of Pedro Zamora, "I'm not dying. I'm living with it."

All I can is this: Even though I have not met Justin personally, I know I love him with all my heart for exemplifying his love for others.  This man is an paradigm to us all.

Justin's blog address is http://justinshivjournal.blogspot.com/