The HIV community is no stranger to finding pathways forward during tumultuous political times. Our movement was born during the oppression and neglect of the Reagan Administration. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) were established under President George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, respectively. And the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative was created during President Trump’s first term in office. In all these instances, the HIV movement found ways to fight back against an onslaught of policies that threatened the rights and wellbeing of our community, while also successfully seeking out avenues for forward progress.
AIDS United prides itself in its ability to work with our members, partners, and grantees to find common ground with elected officials in Washington, DC and across the nation. Our work is in pursuit of policies to end the HIV epidemic and increase the quality of life for all people living with and impacted by HIV in the United States. Regardless of which political party controls the White House or Congress, we are steadfast in our commitment to ensure federal policy guides us toward a more equitable system.
But what does that mean in the face of a conservative agenda, divisive rhetoric, and nominees who seem to neither value governance nor public health? It means, for one, that we change our tactics while staying true to the vision of an ending to HIV in the U.S. and globally. We strive to even more actively find kinship in our community and live to fight another day. We embolden champions who are already outspoken advocates, we cultivate allies waiting in the wings, we elevate young people and those whose voices have been marginalized, and where possible, we find common ground with those who share our fight.
This work is only possible when there is agreement that the policies we pursue help our communities, not harm them. The reality is that we won’t find agreement with every elected official. We must utilize our collective power to resist any external pressures that seek to drive us apart.
AIDS United works to ensure that the essential human rights and dignity of our community are respected and upheld. We will work to make sure the incoming administration and Congress understands the importance of the HIV/AIDS communities and the lives at stake. And most importantly, we will challenge any policy solution that leaves behind people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, or immigrants.
It’s time to unite.
AIDSWatch has served as a common ground where HIV advocates and members of Congress engage each other. For 32 years, AIDSWatch has amplified voices, ignited policy shifts, and transformed lives. Stand with us. Join us in Washington, D.C., March 16–18, 2025, as we work together to preserve, protect, and advocate for an end to the HIV epidemic. Register for AIDSWatch 2025; go to aidsunited.org/aidswatch. AIDSWatch is presented by AIDS United in partnership with US People Living with HIV Caucus and the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation.
AIDS United’s mission is to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. through strategic grant-making, capacity-building, policy and advocacy. Go to aidsunited.org to learn about our initiatives. Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter, AIDS United in Action, for the latest policy, program and advocacy opportunities.
