Larry Kramer

I wanted to comment briefly on the death of a notable figure that I was ignorant of. This was Larry Kramer, who died on 5/27, at the age of 84. 

I did not know this at all, but I learned that he was a playwright and author that was instrumental in the early fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He utilized aggressive and controversial methods to raise awareness and place public pressure on political and government figures to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 80s. He was instrumental informing the Gay Men's Health Crisis group which was the first service organization for HIV-positive people, as well as a founder of ACT UP,  a political action group which demanded attention to drug development against AIDS and an end to discrimination against the LGBT community. 

He had a "frenemy" relationship with current newsworthy figure Dr. Anthony Fauci, which is well chronicled online. 

You can find his obituary in the New York Times here. 

As above, I was very ignorant of this important figure in HIV/AIDS activism and drug development and so I wanted to share my interpretation of his accomplishments and life, and I encourage you all to read for yourselves about his story. Through the efforts of individuals like him, HIV/AIDS is now a manageable chronic condition for those with access to the proper treatments. However, like many other aspects of medicine and society, there are disparities to access and care, and those without access often suffer from the worst consequences of HIV/AIDS. While efforts on prevention and a cure continue, there is also a continued effort to address the most vulnerable populations and make sure they get the care and treatment they deserve.