Finding community through bold self-expression

..AIDS 2026  |  Rio de Janeiro..

It may be a given that a conference devoted to HIV issues would be supportive of all manner of sexual and gender identity. But that does not begin to describe how wide the doors of personal expression were flung open at AIDS 2026, the International AIDS Conference, in Rio de Janeiro. 

For a humid week in Brazil, clothing wasn’t simply fashion. The garments delegates wore—or discarded—were a statement of pride and a testament of purpose. 

Perhaps it was the freedom and revelry of Brazil itself, or how far the attendees were away from constrictions they may have felt back home. Whatever the reason, beauty and power and provocations were on display throughout the Global Village, where communities from around the world mingled.

“I expected an inclusive environment,” Mexican drag artist and advocate Victoria Claw said, “but what I found was something even more powerful: a community where people are valued for who they are, not judged because of their identity or their HIV status.”

“Coming to this conference has been a deeply meaningful experience,” Victoria added, “not only as an LGBTQ+ person, but also as someone who is HIV-negative and in a relationship with a partner living with HIV. Being in a loving, healthy relationship has completely changed my perspective. It has shown me that HIV does not define a person’s ability to love, dream, build a future or live a full life.”

For many delegates, the message emblazoned across their bodies was their fashion. Edna Tembo of Malawi sported a stark anti-pharma message on her black T-shirt, with the piercing eyes to back it up. Throughout the halls, simple shirts blared bold messages about everything from stigma to politics to self-love.

Livia Xangre, an advocate from a Brazilian HIV service agency, brought as much color as dignity to the event. His colorful knit beanie and locks of gray hair exuded an earned wisdom with a dollop of whimsy.

On the other end of the generational spectrum, Kendall Martinez-Wright of Treatment Action Group (TAG) struck a sly pose for my camera in the aisle of the Global Village. The youth are here, folks, and they are slaying, thank you very much.

“This environment is about community, and community means safety,” Kendall said. Then she lifted her fabulous leather bag and strolled away.

Danne Belmont, a trans leader and executive director of the GAAT Foundation (Grupo de Acción y Apoyo a Personas con Experiencia de Vida Trans) in Bogotá, Colombia, stopped me in my tracks with her dark beard, waist-length hair and sequined skirt. She possessed the casual confidence of someone who knows exactly how to own every room.

Danne immediately agreed to a photo and led us to an electric blue wall worthy of Pedro Almodóvar. Her English wasn’t expansive, but all it needed was one word. 

When asked how expressing herself through fashion made them feel, Danne replied, “Freedom.”

Sometimes, the lack of clothing made a statement, too.

U.S. advocate Raif Derrazi ditched his shirt and some of his pants to express pride in his healthy life with HIV. “HIV+ & FREE” written across the front of his body, with white feathered wings attached to him that were so large, you had to wonder how he got them on the plane. The heavenly sight made a popular opportunity for selfies.

Not to be outdone, the Brazilian health organization for gay and bisexual men, ImpulseRio, offered two muscled advocates in bikinis, playing backup to a drag queen diva who could easily headline Carnival 2027. 

Perhaps the greatest provocateur at AIDS 2026 was Taka Taka, the creative director of Club Church in Amsterdam. The renowned bar and sex club is much beloved for serving as a community hub. The management there takes its role seriously. Club Church was an early adopter of both PrEP and the U=U campaign, providing information and links for their clientele. 

The outfit Taka Taka inhabited was something to behold, with a hooded overcoat of reflective material and makeup that could only be described as Pinocchio by way of Salvador Dalí. They were as gleeful in their wardrobe as they were discussing the sex-positive work being done at their club.

When asked about personal expression, Taka Taka replied simply, “Church loves all flavors.”

Examining the fashion statements—and they were surely both of those—at AIDS 2026 may seem frivolous, at least to those who conform to societal standards and wonder what all the fuss is about. To many of the delegates who traveled to Rio de Janeiro, however, it was a welcoming oasis, perhaps an escape, and an opportunity to explore more of who they aspire to be.

“I am leaving this conference with hope,” Victoria Claw said. “It reinforced my belief that ending HIV stigma requires all of us. We all have a role in building a world where everyone can live with dignity, authenticity, and without fear.”

Someone should put that on a T-shirt. 

Mark S. King is a GLAAD award-winning writer and author of My Fabulous Disease—Chronicles of a Gay Survivor.