3LWTV EP#51 MEET RECORDING ARTIST DY'ARI -A HEALING MUSCIAL TESTIMONY

Dy'Ari (pronounced Die-a-ree), the up and coming recording artist from NYC, made me sit up and take notice when I first saw him perform. His electric pop sound lends itself to catchy hooks and feel good sounds. Don't' be fooled, Dy'Ari's music is much more than what initially greets the ear. His lyrics delve into the power of self worth, personal healing and of course love.

Open...out...proud...Dy'Ari is an inspiration as he courageously and healthily lives life pursuing his passion! While he acknowledges public his HIV-positive status, he refuses to be bound by it. Nor does he allow himself to be stifled by the ignorance of others. He says "Someone had the audacity to say that I cant' love someone...or I should be ashamed of myself for allowing somebody that's not HIV positive to be in my life. Why am I not allowed the same love that somebody else is because I have what they might feel is a flaw. Stand in truth of your own life." Church are you listening?

Dy'Ari's music has been featured in several 3LWTV videos (Ep#40, 41, 43 & 51). Its critical we support independent musicians and especially those in the LGBT community who, unless totally over the top, are often ignored by mainstream media. You can hear more from Dy'Ari at www.mydyari.com

3LWTV Ep#48 BACK TO BERLIN! AND TO SEE GERMANY'S FAVORITE JAMAICAN!

I recently returned to Berlin, Germany where I caught up with my good friend Kirk. He owns a Jamaican restaurant, Rosa Calita and the food is incredible! If you are in Berlin looking for authentic Jamaican food, this is the place for you!

I also took in some of the city's sights as this was my first time visiting during warm weather. I hope you enjoy!

ALWAYS STAND IN YOUR LIGHT!

"Noah's Arc" Co-Star 'Baby Gat' and Waddie G Host Chicago's Annual White Party 2009

Skybar Lounge, atop Chicago's trendy Dana Hotel, served as the upscale backdrop to this year's annual White Party in Chicago. The event, hosted by Waddie G and Jason Steed of the tv show "Noah's Arc" brought out partygoers in search of an event out of the norm. 3LWTV exclusive coverage began in host Waddie G's hotel suite with behind the scenes footage. We continued to the Skybar where the party was in full effect!

Jason appeared overwhelmed initially by all the love and support from so many of his admirers. Flashbulbs galore as he was escorted to the VIP room. There he and Waddie G graciously mingled with guests, signed autographs, posed for more pics and gave 3LWTV an interview. Shortly after the interview, Jason returned to the main floor and outdoor terrace and really took time to meet and mingle with many of his fans.

Having a history of less than stellar experiences with the party scene in Chicago, I gained newfound hope after attending this hot event! Waddie G really knows how to do it. I enjoyed meeting viewers of 3LWTV as well! I am still surprised when people recognize me and tell me the watch the show. What an honor!

Here is the video I shot from the party.

"Kitchen Bitch" Debuts on 3LWTV Ep#44!

Chef Marcus takes us through an easy to follow step by step presentation of a fabulous meal! This episode of 3LWTV launches his new show, "Kitchen Bitch" which food fans will adore! Take a look, submit comments and let us know what you think.

I AM NOT MY HIV-- POPULAR VIDEO BLOGGER JUSTIN SMITH JUMPS THE BROOM!

WHEN I FOUND OUT MY FRIEND JOURNALIST/HIV AWARENESS ACTIVIST JUSTIN SMITH ELOPED, I WAS COMPLETELY TAKEN BY SURPRISE. ELATED FOR HIM, THIS MOVE WAS JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE INFINITE BLESSINGS WE RECEIVE WHEN WE WALK IN TRUTH. TAKE A LOOK AT JUSTIN'S WORDS AS HE TALKS ABOUT BEING HIV POSITIVE AND HOW HE FOUND THE COURAGE TO PUSH BEYOND FEAR, EMBRACE FAITH, AND BRING TO HIM THE PARTNER OF HIS DREAMS.

THERE IS A VIDEO AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST SHOWING SCENES FROM THEIR BEAUTIFUL OCEANSIDE CEREMONY.

JUSTIN'S WORDS:


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.

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 Smith

BLOGGER/ACTIVIST DARIAN AARON LETS LOOSE AND SETS THE RECORD 'STRAIGHT'--ON 3LWTV!!!

My friendship with Darian Aaronbegan atypically during a panel discussion where we were both present but did not actually meet. The next day he quoted me anonymously from comments I made during the panel discussion on his popular blog, "Living Out Loud With Darian." I reached out to him to thank him and from there our friendship was born. I am particularly proud of Darian because he constantly pushes to elevate the collective conscious on attitudes and perceptions of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual,transgender) community. His voice, expressed through his blog, makes no apologies for living openly and authentically.

Darian doesn't just use his blog to make his voice heard, he is actively involved in many causes that affect the LGBT community, including Marriage Equality. He recently visited with me on 3LWTV for a conversation that for me was riveting. Take a look at this two part video. The videos will play consecutively.

IN PART ONE

Why marriage equality is important to African American gays/lesbians/transgender
Benefits of two parent households (including same sex)
Homophobic and racist hate mail
Biggest misconceptions of black gays/lesbian/transgender
Balancing spirituality and sexuality
Remembering his friend E. Lynn Harris

IN PART TWO

The murder of Seaman Provost and the charges of his accused killer
President Obama and the LGBT issues
Gay Rights vs. Civil Rights
The racial divide in Gay America
Successful relationships
Either/Or

MARKET DAYS CHICAGO 2009 WITH JODY WATLEY!

Here is more footage from Day Two of Market Days in Chicago. Concert headliner Jody Watley gave an incredible show with hits spanning her 30 year career! Jody was the first woman I ever had a crush on...yes even before Janet. I was a huge Shalamar fan and an even bigger Jody fan. It was great to see how this woman has stood the test of time. Get into the Market Days video below:

SONGSTRESS SLYLEENA JOHNSON ON 3LWTV!

Songstress Syleena Johnson burst on to the music scene with her incredible debut, "Chapter 1: Love, Pain & Forgiveness" a testimony of tragedy and triumph. Her current release, "Chapter 4: Labor Pains" further solidifies her place as one of our top vocal talents. I recently sat down with Syleena, backstage in Chicago. Here she talks about the state of the music industry today, losing Michael Jackson and Either/Or.

Enjoy!

CHICAGO MARKET DAYS 2009 WITH ENVOGUE!!!!!!!

This weekend I attended the annual Market Days celebration in Chicago. The event is always full of hilarious characters, great food, awesome vendors and a few more Amy Winehouse-esque drunks than necessary. EnVogue headlined the Saturday events and even with audio difficulties, these divas have not missed a step in 20 years. I cannot post concert footage on YouTube, but you can view the raw EN VOGUE concert footage here.

Here is a look at the Market Days festivities.