XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City. Swedish Dr Lars Olof Kallings who founded the International AIDS Society (IAS) in 1988 and who is now the United Nations Special Envoy for AIDS in Eastern Europe, reflects on the history of the AIDS movement.

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.