American actress Sharon Stone talks about her memories of Rock Hudson and her work with amfAR. She reflects on AIDS and stigma, how to reach out to young people, and the importance of communication in order to change the sexual behaviors of young people.

This film tells the US story of the AIDS epidemic starting in the early 1980's. Scientists and activists, both pioneers and youths of today, talk about research, prevention, treatment and care. They also discuss stigma, homophobia and poverty as closely related to HIV and AIDS.

The primary focus of this documentary is on the history of how the AIDS epidemic started in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York in 1981. Many different stories are told about people affected or surrounded by HIV and AIDS in the early years of the epidemic.