Josh Robbins | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | January 12, 1983 |
| Alma mater | Middle Tennessee State University |
| Occupation(s) | HIV/AIDS activist, blogger, social media marketer, talent agent |
| Website | imstilljosh |
Joshua W. Robbins[1] (born January 12, 1983[2] in Jackson, Tennessee)[2][3][4] is an American HIV/AIDS activist,[5] blogger,[5] talent agent,[6][7] writer, and social media marketer.[5] His work has been featured on The Advocate, Human Rights Campaign, POZ and a myriad of additional publications. Robbins was named to the POZ 100 List in 2013.[5]
Before his HIV diagnosis, Robbins was raising awareness about HIV in the LGBT community and fundraising for the AIDS service organization Nashville CARES.[5] He was also a volunteer for the HVTN 505 clinical vaccine trial.[5][8] He has been described as "one of a growing legion of bloggers who are breathing life into HIV activism".[7]
Robbins published a video on YouTube of being told of his HIV diagnosis in January 2012,[8][9] after revealing his HIV status on Facebook.[10] Robbins also hosts the weekly digital series, HIV Video Minute with Josh Robbins, and created the "Ask HIV" iPhone app.[11]
In 2018, Robbins was named the national spokesperson for DatingPositives.[12][13][14]
Robbins uses digital and social media to advocate for HIV education to reduce stigma and discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS.[15] In 2014, Robbins introduced the "HIV Video Minute with Josh Robbins" digital video series, licensed to HIV+ magazine.[6][16]
In 2012, Robbins launched his blog focusing on encouraging those living with HIV/AIDS, described as a combination of "fact-based reportage and highly personal social blogging — in a way that [is] both insightful and utterly engaging".[7] In 2014, Robbins self-published: HIV Won't Kill Me: Encouragement eBook[17] He also published Social Media Is Not Prison, So Unlock Yourself: Tips from a Social Media HIV Activist.[18]
In 2014, Robbins created an iPhone application called Ask HIV,[11] described by Product Hunt as a "HIV/AIDS hotline on your iPhone".[19]
In 2018, Robbins received the National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association "Excellence in Journalism" Award for blogging.[20]
Robbins is a veteran talent agent, owning and operating BNA Talent Group with niche divisions for actors, hosts and children[21][22][23] and a division managing brands called The BRANDagement at BNA Talent Group.[22][24] His clients have appeared in studio feature films and on television.[6][25][26][27] He also works with companies interested in casting models and actors aimed at LGBT consumers.[23] As a business professional, Robbins is vocal for LGBT issues in the workplace.[28]
Robbins identifies as an out gay man[29] and is open about his HIV-positive status.[8][15][29][30] He supports HIV/AIDS organizations including Nashville CARES[31][32] and the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. He was diagnosed with HIV during his participation in the HVTN 505 clinical trial[8][33] though he explained that his infection was not a result of the vaccine.[34] Robbins has a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism, advertising and marketing from Middle Tennessee State University[1] and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.[2][15]