Embrace Truth. Celebrate You.

What is UnMasked?

CANFAR presents UnMasked, a celebration of individualism.  An energizing, provocative, and highly-entertaining masquerade party, UnMasked will bring Toronto’s LGBTA community and friends together for an unforgettable experience.

Timed to launch as Toronto embraces Pride, UnMasked will feature top DJs and entertainers from the LGBTA community against a playful backdrop of gothic elegance and acrobatic fantasy that will take guests on a magical journey of self-indulgence. 

The Theme – Fire and Ice

Powerful elements of the earth will serve as inspiration for CANFAR’s first ever UnMasked event. Fire (red) is symbolic of CANFAR, AIDS and our determination to continue the fight against its devastating effects. Ice (white) is symbolic of the vitality of life and the importance of working together to sustain each other and the more than 34 million people around the world living with HIV. 

As part of the masquerade, guests will incorporate these elements in their costumes. 

The Magical Journey

Imagine a provocative, whimsical, and electrifying twist on reality. Imagine decadent creations, sensational acrobatics, and naughty fun. UnMasked will merge the burning flames of fire and the cool serenity of ice to create a visual vortex that takes guests into a fanciful world where diversity and individualism are causes for hope and celebration. 

Why UnMasked?

For 30 years the world has faced the devastating effects of AIDS.

After 30 years, HIV infection rates have decreased or flattened on a global scale except in Canada, where rates are rising. Most alarming is that the largest resurgence in HIV transmission is among young gay males. 

And there is still no vaccine or cure. Not yet. 

CANFAR is committed to changing this statistic by devoting more resources to HIV-prevention. UnMasked is our announcement to Toronto that action must be taken. Studies show that lower self-esteem is the most significant pre-cursor to the higher rates of HIV infection amongst youth, aboriginal communities, and men who have sex with men. We must fight intolerance and exclusion in our city by boldly tackling the crucial issues of self-esteem, body image, and self-confidence within the LGBTA community.   

Geared towards leaders in the community, UnMasked will empower these individuals to work with CANFAR to eliminate the stigmas associated with sexual orientation and/or an HIV-positive status by encouraging young gay men to “embrace truth and celebrate you.”

Event details

A Night To Unleash Your Glamourous Side

Entertainment: Drama Queen brings you internationally renowned DJs, Jamal (Toronto) and Eddie Martinez (New York), and Toronto's own, Sofonda Cox!

When: Saturday, June 2, 2012. Mark your event calenders! This is one date you won't want to forget.

Where: Polson Pier's Solarium

Tickets: To purchase your tickets for unMasked please click here. Don't hesitate, there is a limited number!

Never before has CANFAR had an event like unMasked; You definitely want to be a part of the exciting beginning. 

For more information, please see the official unMasked website and visit unMasked on Facebook.