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.

Dr Selma Dritz tells the story of how the AIDS epidemic started in Los Angeles and San Francisco in the early 80's and how AIDS was connected to the gay liberation movement. She also talks about the government and community responses at that time.

MD Eric Sandström talks about the Swedish health care situation for people living with HIV and his personal experiences of working with HIV patients. He also talks about the advantages of early ARV treatment, and the organized HIV testing strategies in Sweden.

Dr Robert Gallo is interviewed in the laboratory about the HIV virus and his ongoing work. He also talks with his team and discusses the question of international collaboration with Lars Olof Kallings. He answers questions about HIV and AIDS, drugs and promiscuity.