Meet Terry Dyer | Executive Director, World AIDS Museum & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Terry Dyer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Terry, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?

I would like my legacy to be the following:

1. Someone who stood for something and fell for nothing. I always want to stand for what is right in our society and challenge those who do not. I also want people to know that I walked with a high level of integrity and dignity.

2. A person that loved life who made those around him laugh. A person that believed strongly in health and wellness.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe what sets me apart from others throughout my career has been having many experiences under my belt. My career includes: recruitment/talent acquisitions, client relations, fund development, nonprofit and for-profit. Working in nonprofit is always difficult but I tend to find myself in the industry after stints in corporate environments. My love for helping others has continued driving me back to the space. Challenges have been plentiful regardless of which industry. Respect has been tough to gain because of my youthful appearance, being a person of color, and gay. By knowing my story, I want the world to know that a person can certainly drive their own destiny. One does not have to succumb to pressures or what society makes of them. Walking and beating to one’s own drum is what makes them unique and stand out in a crowd. I may have made mistakes but I have certainly persevered due to my own determination, dedication, and following my heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here’s how I would entertain in the city – eating at Apt 9f, beaches, dancing at Hunters, live entertainment at Matty’s, viewing museums such as Museum of Discovery Sciences and World AIDS Museum, and playing games at Extreme Action Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

There are a great deal of people, organizations, and books that I would love to shout out. Many of those people reside back home in California. Here in South Florida, I would have to shout out several friends – Brian, Glen, Glen, Clinton, Chris D, Erik, Randy, Steven C., Kevin, Steven E., Sally, Will, and many more. I would also have to shout out David with Our Foundation for his guidance and support over the last couple of years.

Website: www.terrydyer.org

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Image Credits
Photo credit: SRL Media (OutClique Magazine) Photo credit: Dennis Dean (book cover)