TGEU at AIDS 2026: Driving conversations on trans health and HIV prevention
TGEU was proud to contribute to the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026) in Rio de Janeiro, to help shape global conversations on the future of HIV prevention and the health of trans communities.
At the conference, our HIV Research & Advocacy Officer, Amanita Calderón-Cifuentes (she/her), delivered a keynote at the plenary, ‘The Future of HIV Prevention’. In her speech, Amanita argued that gender-affirming care is not simply an additional health service but a central pillar of an effective HIV response for trans communities. Throughout the conference, Amanita also contributed to discussions at the Global Village through the THRIVE Consortium, presented new evidence with the SCOPE project developed by the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG), and joined high-level exchanges with partners, researchers and decision-makers to strengthen future collaborations.
Strengthening partnerships: From WHO to community leaders and initiatives
A major highlight was Amanita’s participation in a meeting with Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, where she discussed how civil society can use the upcoming WHO guidelines on gender-affirming care to help ensure fair, evidence-based healthcare for trans people worldwide.
The conference also provided invaluable opportunities to reconnect with community leaders and long-standing partners, including Alma Aguilar Betancourt from Trans United Europe and AIDSfonds, Danne Belmont from GAAT Colombia, and many other activists from across Europe and the Global South. These conversations are already opening doors to new collaborations with UN agencies, researchers, community organisations and funders, strengthening TGEU’s work in the years ahead.
A special moment of visibility was Amanita wearing a bespoke couture dress by Aquiles Romão on stage as part of the HIV Unwrapped initiative, blending science, advocacy, and art.
Photo left: Amanita at the Global Village
Photo middle: Amanita with community leaders and stakeholder
Photo right: Amanita at the plenary, ‘The Future of HIV Prevention’
Our impact on global health responses
As TGEU continues to expand our work on sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV and other infectious diseases, the conference reaffirmed our role as a trusted regional and global voice. By combining rigorous research, community leadership and high-level advocacy, TGEU’s work ensures that trans communities are not only included in global health responses but also help shape them.
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