The 2024 Transforming Care Conference theme, “Carrying the Torch,” honors the courage, strength, and activism that grew out of the early years of the AIDS crisis. It celebrates those groups that rose up from the grassroots to meet the needs of people living with or impacted by HIV/AIDS. AIDS Resource Center Ohio, Columbus AIDS Task Force, David’s House of Compassion, Dayton Area AIDS Task Force, Metropolitan Residential Services, Ohio AIDS Coalition, and many others passed the torch to Equitas Health. Their care and solidarity still guide and inspire our work to end HIV/AIDS and provide affirming care for all.

“Carrying the Torch” captures the essence of the 9th annual Transforming Care Conference. Through dynamic workshops and programs, our theme invites us to look closely at the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS activism – past, present, and future. We will explore the intersections of identity, health, and social justice, keeping in mind the struggles and triumphs of our communities. Our theme reminds us that our work is not done. New challenges rise up each day as state legislatures seek to limit or deny access to lifesaving care for trans and gender-nonconforming people, women, and others.

We come to TCC as doctors, nurses, social workers, activists, researchers, and community members ready to learn and to act. Together, we carry the torch of hope, strength, and activism that has lighted our path for 40 years.

Join us on October 10 as we celebrate our past and work for a future where all voices are heard, each life is valued, and the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities can thrive.

Alejandro Varela is a National Book Award Finalist and an important literary voice for our time. A public health storyteller, his fictional work looks at the real-life impact of racism, income inequality, class conflict, gentrification, sexuality, and heterosexism. One reviewer wrote that Varela’s stories “dispense uncomfortable truths that everyone thinks about but won’t address out loud.”

The child of immigrant Salvadoran and Colombian parents, Varela grew up in a small, working-class town on Long Island. As a youth, he often had to translate complex subjects for his Spanish-speaking family. This sparked an interest in language and in connecting people to one another and ideas. Varela went on to get a master’s degree in public health and worked as a cancer researcher at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He also began to write fiction to raise awareness of public health issues.

Information for in-person tickets:

In-person attendees will receive all-day access to all conference activities, including keynote and breakout sessions, at the Fawcett Center. Includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and a chance to win raffle prizes. (DISCLAIMER: By attending Transforming Care, you consent to have photographs and video material recorded of you.)

Information for virtual tickets:

Virtual attendees will receive access to select livestreamed conference activities through the Whova app, including the keynote address, award ceremony, and select breakout sessions. Livestreaming will be provided by a professional A/V production company. Recordings of livestreamed events other than the keynote will be accessible for 7 days after the event.

ASL interpretation available for all livestreamed and select in-person sessions.

Award submissions will be accepted starting later this summer.