Justin B Smith and Philip B Terry... Elope

By Justin Smith

When I found out I was HIV positive I felt that I would never be wanted physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. 3 years ago I met a man the way that a lot of you have met men, at a bar. I noticed his smile, his swagger, and his sexiness. I didn't know what to do with myself, except I knew I had to be honest with him about a part of me that I knew I couldn't keep secret, my HIV status.

Being HIV positive a lot of us have low self esteem about if we will ever be wanted. I'm here to tell you that there is light at the end of the tunnel. There WILL BE someone for you, even if you aren't HIV positive.

 

Justin B Smith and Philip B Terry

I have truly found someone that loves my unconditionally. Through all my trial and tribulations he has been there to help me through the rough waters we call life. Philip asked me to marry him on Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of 2009. When he asked I didn't know what to say, so I looked inside my heart and open my mouth and joyously said, "Yes".

Ever since then we've had disagreements like most couples but it never took away from the love that I have and will always have for him. This man has breathed life into me, my heart, my soul and my mind. When I didn't want to be loved; he opened my heart, when I didn't want to have a spiritual awakening; he opened my soul and when I didn't want to go to school; he opened my mind, when I didn't want to love.

I can honestly say that all I want is for him to be happy and that makes me happy to be with him. Being HIV positive has nothing to do with who you love. It might change how you love but love will always be there and will be there much longer than you and I. Love conquers all, even HIV. I love you Philip, thank you for doing me the honor of asking me to marry you. For eternity and the life after I am forever yours. Love Always, Justin B Smith AKA Mr. Silly Butt P.S. to all those reading this sorry about the noisy background it was very windy at the beach in Provincetown that day : Dr Philip B Terry currently works as the CEO of an HIV/AIDS organization in Washington called Prevention Works

By Justin Smith, Sr. Correspondent
     Duane Cramer, Photographer

It seems Noah and Wade, from Noah's ARC, aren't the only ones jumping the broom this year. National Black Justice Coalition's Mr. H. Alexander Robinson just "got hitched" to partner Gregory M. Satorie. 

Both gentlemen live together in the beautiful blue collar city of Baltimore Maryland. They have been together for about 7 years and both know what it takes to stay together in a strong binding and blessed relationship.
It is a pleasure knowing both of these strong men of our community and to celebrate with them.
	Gregory M. Satorie(L)   H. Alexander Robinson
Alexander wore a three-piece black Hugo Boss tuxedo and Greg wore a black Cignal suit. The grooms wore matching gold with burgundy accents neckwear from Brooks Brothers. The rose and orchid boutonnières and Ms. Sojourner's bouquet were created by Church Street Florist. The ceremony was followed by toast and dinner at 2223 Restaurant in San Francisco's historic Castro District. The happy couple plan to host a hometown celebration in Baltimore, Maryland and honeymoon later in the year.

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