XIX International AIDS Conference opening ceremony. Speeches by the Elizabeth Taylor award winners of 2012, political and religious leaders, leaders of international agencies such as UNAIDS, IAS, The Global Fund, The World Bank and UN, and many other delegates.

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.