It's Your Sex Life » Team GYT

Levi Maestro on STD Testing: ‘It Feels Good to Know What’s Up’

MTV ACT — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:58:03 +0000

Reported by MTV Act.

Photo: (MTV/GYT)

Levi Maestro is on a serious roll. The successful skateboarder and star of his own online series is now adding clothing designer to his list of accomplishments. Maestro is also an original member of Team GYT, MTV’s Get Yourself Tested campaign, so he gave us an update on his life and his philosophy for STD Awareness Month this April.

Catch us up on life, what have you been working on lately?

I have been shooting many videos and new episodes of my show Maestro Knows. I also began working on a new brand that I’m going to launch that will be skateboards and t-shirts. That’s coming in April and all the stuff is made in Los Angeles and I’ve been overseeing that—it’s been really fun. And I’ve been pushing to get my show to television, that’s been an ongoing process but definitely making progress.

+ WATCH: Check out one of Levi’s new projects with Vans.

What is your latest obsession, something you are really into that your fans might want to know about?

That’s a cool question! I think making these products I’m working on, it’s been really exciting to see stuff that I will use on a daily basis and it’s my own and an officially built brand. That’s been really cool, I’m doing it myself and I hope people will react well to it.

What inspired you to sign on to Team GYT?

Just the idea of being responsible for oneself, especially in the benefit of others. It makes a lot of sense to be prepared and to be aware. I can really appreciate that the GYT brand is trying to encourage that.

April is STD Awareness Month so what is one thing you think everyone should know about STDs or testing?

That it feels good to be aware. That’s how I feel, it feels good to know what’s up instead of guessing or wondering or hoping.

If you could go back in time and tell yourself one thing about life or relationships what would it be?

To follow my heart, it always tells you the right thing to do. It’s as simple as that.

GYT on Tour

GYT — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:07:33 +0000

All month, GYT and Greater Than AIDS are joining forces to get the word out about HIV testing with Be Greater Than AIDS: Get Yourself Tested Month. As part of the outreach efforts to encourage HIV testing among young people, GYT is going on tour with Emmis Communications in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.

At Q101’s Jamboree concert in Chicago and Hot 97’s Summer Jam in New York, concert goers stopped by the GYT booth for free giveaways, like GYT condoms with information about where to get tested, upgraded tickets for taking the GYT mobile quiz, t-shirts designed by Team GYT member Jeff Staples, and a custom bike designed by Team GYT member Ube Urban. Check out more photos here.

And keep an eye out for GYT at Power 106’s Powerhouse concert in LA on June 25^th!

Rise up, stand tall and know your HIV status. GYT today!

Get Inspired: San Franpsycho Talk about Living GYT

GYT — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 03:00:55 +0000

Surfers, filmmakers and designers San Franpsycho sat down with the ACT blog to talk about how they live GYT everyday by respect themselves and their community.

So get inspired! Check out San Franspycho’s interview here.

Team GYT: We are One. Together.

GYT — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 04:14:01 +0000

GYT has partnered with individuals- artists, designers, athletes, musicians, dancers, and others- who in everyday ways are living GYT. So what does it mean to live GYT? It’s all about knowing yourself and knowing your status. Knowing is everything. Here’s how the ACT blog describes the inspiration behind GYT. So rise up, check out Team GYT, and show YOUR strength.

Team GYTÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Paper Twins Speak with the ACT Blog

GYT — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 02:52:36 +0000

You know them as members of Team GYT. What you don’t know is why they chose to be a part of it. Paper Twins Nica and Edgar A. English are Atlanta-based street artists who know themselves, live inspired and share that inspiration with their community.

Take a look at the Paper Twins’ interview with ACT and see what you can do to live GYT.

Perez Hilton GYTs, wants you to get involved

GYT — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:47:34 +0000

Okay, so we all know his name and we all know what he does for a living: celebrity blogger extraordinaire! But what you may not know is how important certain causes are to the internet sensation.

Hilton is known for sometimes pushing people’s buttons on his website Perezhilton.com. But lately he’s been singing a different tune and encouraging other young people to do the same.

Perez spoke with ACT about incorporating the GYT lifestyle into your own.

GYT NOW!

GYT — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 02:43:23 +0000

Welcome one and all to the GYT blog! GYT has the info you need about STDs, testing, protection and other sexual health issues. Have you ever wondered…what the symptoms of various STDs are? Here you go. Where you can get tested? GYT has you covered. Want to know how to protect yourself from STDs? Done. Or see how others are living their lives GYT? Here’s some inspiration. Think talking about STDs is awkward? GYT can help. Did you know that Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD? Or that ALL STDs are treatable and many are curable? GYT answers all your questions and points you in the direction of other resources if you need them.

One in 2 sexually active young people will get an STD by age 25, and most won’t know it. Living GYT is all about respecting yourself and your community by making GYT a part of your everyday life. GYT- no fear, no shame. Be proud that you respect yourself and your community enough to protect yourself.

Know yourself. Know your status. GYT.