As Brad covers the excitement of the International HIV/AIDS conference, now in Washington DC after a long American hiatus due to travel bans on those with HIV, others outside of the conference have taken the opportunity of its historic return in order to protest on behalf of the plight of HIV patients here at home.

Photo Courtesy MyFoxDC.com

13 people have been arrested after a thousands-strong march left the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and ended at the White House. Upon arrival, participants began tying condoms, syringes, and other items to the White House fence. DC Parks Police gave an order to disperse, and when they were ignored, they arrested 13 people.

“The march was really to remind those in power that AIDS has been around since the 80s and we’re still arguing about the same things,” Housing Works spokesperson Sunny Bjerk told the Blade, referring to the ban on federal funding for syringe exchange programs, abstinence-only sexual education curricula and other initiatives and policies. “We need to work together. It’s going to take a collective effort.”

Arrestees include members of ACTUP Philadelphia, the Prevention Justice Alliance and Health Gap. Brad will be continuing his coverage of the conference.