In the early days of HIV, gay men played a significant role in shaping the movement; not only because the gay community was severely impacted by HIV, but also because gay men were actively involved in providing services and programs. 

Since those early days, and with more effective treatments, it seems that many gay men living with HIV are less involved. Partly because of improved health and partly because of a shift toward services that address the specific needs of other populations. Gay men are in some ways disaffected from the movement that began in order to support them. 

But where did the gay and bisexual men go? Are they connected to other men living with HIV? Is there an importance to being connected? Are newly diagnosed gay/bi guys finding the support they need or are there those who remain “in the closet” about their HIV and are isolated, lonely and dealing with disconnection? 

The answers to these questions are not entirely clear, but here in Victoria, BC we’re finding that there are men who are not connected. There are men who are lonely and isolated; there are newly diagnosed men who have no association with other men living with HIV. And for those of us who are aging, the separation can leave us with a lack of support and “community.”

Some might say that we don’t need anything… Gay men are welcome to access programs and services as long as we’re comfortable in the settings provided. However, in dealing with the stigma of HIV as well as homophobia, there’s something to be said about creating spaces for gay/bi men to be together and develop community that speaks to their particular needs and interests. A place where being gay/bi isn’t an issue: a place for safe, supportive sharing and social interaction.

Here in Victoria, we’ve started to build those spaces. Positively Connected is a pilot project of Victoria AIDS Resource & Community Service Society (VARCS). VARCS saw a need to create something unique for gay/bi men living with HIV that includes social connection as well as support. In larger centres these programs exist already, but in smaller communities there may be a gap. This project is attempting to address that gap. Support can be anything from a facilitated group to one-to-one meetings in the community or hospital. Social activities range from a walking group to a pub night and coffee evenings. 

HIV is only a part of our lives. Positively Connected is working in concert with the Vancouver Island Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Society and AIDS Vancouver Island Men’s Wellness Program to develop activities and support that resonate with gay/bi men and link us together in meaningful ways. Creating the connections that open us to new friendships and that assist in maintaining our health. 

For more information or to get connected, please write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You can also visit or like our Facebook page: Positively Connected Victoria BC. 

Michael Yoder has been living with HIV since 1984 and has been involved in the HIV/AIDS movement for more than 20 years. He is currently self-employed and is contracted as the Coordinator of the Positively Connected Project.

Totally outRIGHT is a sexual health leadership program for young gay/bi/queer guys who are 18 – 26 years old.

The program is designed by young men and for young men who are from a diversity of ethno-specific backgrounds, trans identities or HIV statuses and interested in becoming healthy, smart and sexy trendsetters in Toronto.

If you’re older than 26 but younger than 30 and interested in coming give us a call! We might be able to fit you in! 

Totally outRIGHT is being organized by the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) over a series of four all-day sessions on Saturdays, June 2, 9, 16 and 23.

 Attendance is free!  

 Get on the list!  We take care of the rest!

 Register by Monday, May 14, 2012.

Contact: Rui Pires, Gay Men's Community Education Coordinator  

416-340-8484 ext. 264

For More Info on Totally outRIGHT:

Presentations: We might be able to go out and talk to your group! Drop Sean Uyeda our Peer Facilitator a line at his email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Our Web Site: http://www.actoronto.org/to 

What past participants are saying:

About the Program:

"I am so happy I have attended this program. I have felt so comfortable and accepted in this group." 

"I found it very hard to select an “issue in the community” for this project, as I didn’t feel like I was really part of the gay community (it’s hard to pick a community issue for a community you are unconnected to). But I feel more encouraged to stay connected to the community now, and working with a group helped me to come up with a topic I felt passionate about." 

"Gay men AMEN! Thank the highest heavens for giving us the courage to push boundaries and create our own unique, fascinating worlds that facilitates the creation of beautiful relationships of all kinds."

About the Speakers:

"Great community and excellent speakers." 

"LOVED this presentation. Great to know that something like this exists for the LGBT community." 

"His recount of the historic events was absolutely riveting and breathtaking! THANK YOU for such a wonderful opportunity to partake in learning such valuable history."  

Café Scientifique*: HIV and Aging for Men with HIV

When: Tuesday May 8, 6:30-9:00pm

Where: Fuzion Resto-Lounge 580 Church Street Toronto, ON

Who: RSVP This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 416 642 6486 x2303

Description: They say things get better with age. What does aging with HIV mean for men? What can we learn from people with experience aging with HIV?

What are some of the best resources available to you?

Join us in an informal, relaxed environment to share your views and stories with friends, peers and community. Chat with our speakers. Be part of a moderated conversation.

Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited. Reserve your space now!

SPEAKERS

• David J. Brennan, M.S.W., Ph.D. Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
• Lori Chambers, M.S.W.Research Coordinator, OHTN
• Duncan MacLachlan AIDS Committee of Toronto
• Kelly O’Brien, BScPT, BSc, Ph.D.Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
• Yvette Perreault AIDS Bereavement and Resiliency Program of Ontario
• Ron Rosenes Canadian Treatment Action Council
• Francisco Ibáñez-Carrasco, Ph.D. (Moderator)Universities Without Walls

Sponsored by OHTN and CIHR

* What’s a Café Scientifique?

The Café Scientifique program is made up of informal events, not lectures between the general public and health research experts regarding a particular health-related issue of popular interest. CIHR's Café Scientifiques cover a wide range of topics, from nutrition to mental health at the workplace to air pollution.

For that reason, these events are all about accessibility. CIHR Café Scientifiques take place at a café, a pub or a restaurant and do not require that the participants have a science degree. The informal conversations about a particular health subject may provide answers to any questions that are on the minds of Canada's general population.

CIHR Cafés start with the help of a moderator, who introduces the subject of discussion and is also a specialist in the field. Following the instruction, expert speakers each give a short presentation about what they know regarding the subject. While they are allowed to bring props along that highlight their presentation, these speakers must avoid technical jargon and are not allowed to have scientific slides.

A short break follows, which includes food/drink. The moderator then introduces a question/answer period between the audience and the speakers. 

 

Franc Parler is a French speaking group that organizes meetings, outings and activities in the GTA, for francophone gay, bisexual or transexual men. The group facilitates the exchange of ideas, talents, experiences and any other information that is related to the members' lifestyles. This program is funded by the City of Toronto Public Health and developed by Action positive.

- Maddalena Gonzo: 

http://www.bodytalksystem.com/practitioners/details.cfm?id=38080

- Eventbrite: http://francparlerbodytalk.eventbrite.ca

- Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/Toronto-Franc-Parler-Groupe-Hommes-Gais-Bisexuels/

- Action positive: http://www.actionpositivevihsida.org/page4.html

ACT Community Health Forum
HIV AND THE EFFECTS OF OTHER CONDITIONS

Wednesday February 15th.  2012   7-9pm.

Eastern time also via web cast: www.actornto.org/forum

Ramada Plaza Hotel. 300 Jarvis Street
Toronto

 

We are pleased to attach information for you about our free workshops taking place in our HALCO Boardroom:
-Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs) on February 29, 2012-HALCO Public Legal Education Workshop Series in March and April 2012

The workshops are free and everyone is welcome, but space is limited so registration is required. Please see the attached notices for all the details.

You also find the workshop notices on our website:

-RDSP workshop:

http://www.halco.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/RDSP-workshop-2012_Feb29_at_HALCO.pdf

-March and April 2012 workshop series:

http://www.halco.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/HALCO_Workshop_Series_2012-Mar-Apr.pdf