The theme of the 21st United States Conference on AIDS, held in Washington, DC, was “Our Family Reunion.” Presented annually by NMAC (the National Minority AIDS Council), USCA showcases the latest HIV prevention and treatment news, celebrates progress made and addresses the many issues—stigma, transphobia, poverty, health insurance—that keep many from accessing the care and services they need. In addition to the many people living with HIV and the advocates who make up our family, attendees included a couple of our allies in Congress: Representative Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) kicked off USCA at a cocktail reception at the Library of Congress, and Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) spoke at the opening plenary session.

As with any reunion, though, discontent occasionally punctuated the gathering. Some folks—notably trans men with HIV—demanded better representation in data and a platform at future conferences, helping to remind us that when it comes to HIV/AIDS, we need to save a seat at the table for everyone in our family.