A Model Citizen: Emerson Barth, generationCURE Ambassador

As a manager at IMG Models, the global modeling agency responsible for the skyrocketing careers of individuals like Lily Aldridge, Gigi Hadid, and Chrissy Teigen, 27-year-old Emerson Barth from Columbus, Ohio works with some of the top names in fashion. Barth has contributed to some of today’s most successful fashion campaigns for brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Calvin Klein and H&M.

But outside his glamorous career, Barth himself has become an impressive role model, recently signing on as an Ambassador for generationCURE, an initiative aimed at helping amfAR accelerate its search for an HIV cure by cultivating the next and hopefully last generation of AIDS activists. In this new role, Barth joins “The Blonde Salad” founder Chiara Ferragni in helping amfAR raise HIV/AIDS awareness and encourage young people to get involved in supporting HIV/AIDS research.

Barth is eager to dispel the myths and misconceptions that continue to surround HIV/AIDS and to spread the word about the progress being made in HIV research and treatment. 

“I’ve seen friends struggle with the stigma that is carried with HIV/AIDS,” said Barth. “There’s still a lot of misinformation out there, and there’s a misconception that if you have the disease, you’re “different” and should be ashamed. That shame (and shaming) should no longer happen in this day and age.”

As a generationCURE Ambassador, Barth plans to help raise funds for research and educate communities that are most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, including young gay men, about the importance of HIV prevention and treatment. “I want to see a dialogue that will make people aware that HIV/AIDS is not something that should cause shame or judgment. By being open and honest about HIV/AIDS, we can actually help combat the disease.”