AIDS 2026 is taking place at a crucial time for the HIV response under the theme Rethink. Rebuild. Rise. In the face of an unprecedented funding crisis and major cutbacks to HIV programs, the world’s largest conference on HIV and AIDS will bring together people living with HIV, researchers, policy makers, healthcare professionals, funders, media and communities to discuss the way forward.
Registration for AIDS 2026 opened in November 2025 and closes on 7 May 2026. For more information about AIDS 2026, visit www.aids2026.org.
GATE at AIDS 2026
Supporting trans communities
As a member of the IAS Conference Organizing Committee, GATE is committed to supporting our members to apply for scholarships and submit proposals for abstracts and workshops.
This year, GATE is fully funding 11 trans and gender diverse delegates from our member organizations and Board of Directors to attend AIDS 2026, covering their travel, accommodation and per diem for the duration of the conference. With the conference taking place in Brazil, we have prioritized activists from the Latin America and Caribbean region, with delegates coming from Argentina, the Bahamas, Belize, Colombia, Ecuador, México, and Panamá. We are also bringing some delegates from a few other regions, including Armenia (EECA), Kenya (Africa) and Nepal (Asia).
Trans events calendar
At AIDS 2026 in Rio, we want to ensure that trans voices are uplifted in the Conference program. Once the Conference program has been developed, GATE will develop a Trans Road Map for AIDS 2026, highlighting sessions that address critical issues and advancements relevant to trans and gender diverse communities. We will also host a Trans Networking Zone in the Global Village for trans and gender diverse people, friends and allies to come together to relax, make new connections, and support one another.
We will have more updates over the coming months, but in the meantime, watch the video below from AIDS 2024 to get inspired!
Community Activities
Positive Lounge
The Positive Lounge is a dedicated space for delegates from key populations and people living with and affected by HIV to recharge, refresh, relax and reconnect in a nurturing environment. Positive Lounge activities and opening hours will be published in May 2026.
Educational tours
Conference delegates can take part in educational tours, organized by the IAS with civil society partners and local community-based organizations in Rio de Janeiro. The goal is to exchange knowledge, best practices, successes, challenges and innovative solutions through dialogue and experiential activities. The program and registration will be available in May 2026.
Practical Information
Language interpretation
The conference will provide language interpretation in over 60 languages to ensure that AIDS 2026 is as inclusive and accessible as possible. Interpretation will be provided for all sessions except workshops and Global Village activities, and will be accessible through your phone!
Organizing Committee
GATE is an Organizing Committee member for the AIDS 2026 conference. Together with the track members, we provide overall planning and guidance for the development of the scientific program. This includes curating the abstract-driven and invited-speaker sessions and identifying specific research to showcase at the conference.