Meet a Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocate
Freshly updated as of October 30, 2012!
Special thanks to IRMA Intern Lindsay Scheidt for preparing these bios. If you would like to be featured as one of our next friendly rectal microbicide advocates, send us a note to rectalmicro@gmail.com and we will follow up with you.
Check out our alphabetized Advocate Archive for bios of previously featured advocates from all over the world. Search for individuals by last name.
Jeton Ademaj
New York City, USA
"Don't be afraid to own your sexuality, and don't be afraid to defend human nature from those who presume to redefine it."
For several years, Jeton remained unaware of IRMA's work, but became involved as communities began to really take notice of PrEP in 2011. IRMA's active listserv has provided a platform for a great deal of discussion and debate on the topic.
Jeton believes rectal microbicides are important because, in general, he believes that men dislike condoms and research has yet to create more pleasurable and desirable condoms to enhance usage. Through rectal (and vaginal) microbicides, receptive individuals can become empowered in preventing HIV/STI transmission, without having to get permission from the active partner to use protection.
Jeton advises IRMA to not be afraid to defend human nature, despite one's sexuality. He encourages IRMA to always publicize the work to further encourage researchers to become involved in IRMA's mission.
Currently, Jeton contributes as a voice of reason in certain POZ settings, and advocates for human rights through progressive politics.
Jeton loves spending time with his husband, reads various scientific and technological developments, and listens to live music. His biggest influences come from his family, his best friend, and his husband.
Thank you, Jeton, for all that you do!
[Posted October 30, 2012]
Robert Bucklew
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Robert is the Outreach Coordinator for the Case Western Reserve University AIDS Clinical Trial Unit. He works on a variety of HIV-related research issues, including treatment trials, microbicides, preventative vaccines and PrEP. Outside of work, Robert loves creating art.
Robert first got involved with IRMA through both Jim Pickett (IRMA chair) and his professional connection to the Microbicide Trials Network. He considers rectal microbicides to be of utmost importance in the field of biomedical HIV prevention, and think they will be especially effective if considered sex positive, and serve to enhance sexual pleasure as well as sexual health.
Currently, he is working to enroll gay and bisexual men and transgender women into a preventative HIV vaccine trial, HVTN 505. Additionally, he is working on a new PrEP trial, called HPTN 069. His efforts focus on populations at highest risk, where there is clear need for new prevention strategies.
Robert has been greatly influenced by the late Eric Rofes, whom he met at a Gay Men's Health Summit. He was enlightened by Eric's holistic, assets-based approach to gay male sexuality, both personally and professionally. Today, he considers himself a better man because of Eric's outlook.
Thank you, Robert, for all that you do!
[Posted October 30, 2012]
Clare Collins
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
"I think rectal microbicides just make sense. The idea of a product that people might actually WANT to use to protect themselves against HIV is a no-brainer."
Clare is an Associate Director of Communications and External Relations at the Microbicide Trials Network (MTN), where she works to promote MTN's rectal microbicide agenda. She also works to strategize the best ways to communicate with others concerning complex health information around biomedical HIV prevention. After starting at the MTN in 2010, she got involved with IRMA through reaching out to IRMA chair Jim Pickett and believes rectal microbicides are a very important part of the HIV prevention research agenda.
Currently Clare is busy planning for the launch of the first-ever rectal microbicide Phase II trial (MTN 017), testing a reduced-glycerin version of tenofovir gel for safety and acceptability among gay men, other men who have sex with men, and transgender women at domestic and international sites. The first site is expected to open enrollment sometime in December 2012. Clare is also part of a team (including IRMA and Population Council) that developed a new educational video, "The Rectal Revolution is Here: An Introduction to Rectal Microbicide Clinical Trials," which will be launched at the same time MTN 017 starts. The video is 13 minutes long and will be available on YouTube. It features animation and live action, and has English, Spanish, and Thai versions.
Clare has been greatly influenced by her mother, who taught her valuable lessons about compassion and concern for others through her battle with cancer, including the necessity of universal access to health care. She is very excited about the future and looks forward to seeing the evolving research in this area.
Thank you, Clare, for all that you do!
[Posted October 30, 2012]
Jim Higginbotham
Birmingham, Alabama, USA
"I must continue to inspire others, especially the younger generation to carry the torch until the end of HIV."
Jim is the Community Educator for HIV Vaccines at the University of Alabama Birmingham - a site for a number of biomedical HIV prevention trials. He loves helping his community in the fight against HIV through education and counseling. During his spare time, Jim enjoys spending time at his family farm, kayaking, hiking, and camping.
Jim initially became involved with IRMA while attending Microbicide Trials Network meetings and conferences. He recruited men to participate in MTN 007, which was a rectal microbicide study that included the University of Alabama clinical research site. Jim believes that a combination of prevention strategies must be utilized to reduce the number of infections that continue to occur in the United States and around the world and asserts that "a rectal microbicide, marketed as a lubricant, could help achieve that goal because it would, in my opinion, be embraced by individuals who engage in anal sex as an easy way to protect themselves."
Jim advises IRMA to keep up the good work in helping to educate the community on the need for rectal microbicides.Currently, Jim is recruiting and screening individuals for the HVTN 505, a vaccine study.
Jim has lost many friends to HIV/AIDS... a loss which continues to inspire his involvement in the fight for prevention and treatments. Jim is the sole survivor of his original peer group of friends from his early twenties.
"If I had to point to one individual as an inspiration, I would have to say that person is Butch McKay, a great friend and tireless advocate for the community in the fight against HIV. Butch has inspired me more than anyone to do the work that I do."
Thank you, Jim, for all that you do!
[Posted October 30, 2012]
Annette Larkin
Alexandria, Virginia, USA
"It's possible that microcides will really find a home in the rectum, so to speak."
Annette is an IRMA advocate, a communications consultant and is a guest lecturer at Georgetown University's. grad school for communications. She is also the assistant editor of North Wind Magazine. Annette has additionally been working with CAMI - Coalition Advancing Multipurpose Innovations.
Besides being a fabulous IRMA advocate, Annette enjoys travelling, watching HBO's 'Girls', and hanging out with her gorgeous daughter Bella and boyfriend.
Annette first started engaging with IRMA because she found the group very dynamic and engaging and wanted to join in. Additionaly, she has workd with CONRAD, the developer of tenofovir gel for vaginal as well as rectal use.
Annette believes that rectal microbicides are important as a new HIV prevention technology because there seems to be an increase in the amount of people having anal sex, and lube is needed to maximize pleasure anyway. Her advice to IRMA is to keep in believing in rectal microbicides!
Thank you, Annette, for all that you do!
[Posted October 30, 2012]
Click here for our alphabetized archive of previously featured advocates.
