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Join the fight against
HIV stigma.

We've always needed each other—chosen family and community helping mend the parts of ourselves that get scuffed on the journey to self-acceptance. This is no different. Stigma has held us back for far too long, casting our loved ones living with HIV aside. Through the power we share in unity, let's build a future where we all feel seen, safe, and worthy of love.

Upcoming event: World AIDS Day Ball: MUSEUM

Experience the crown jewel of Canadian Ballroom. Join us this December 7th at HISTORY for an unforgettable night.

Get tickets

Condoms

When it comes to protecting yourself, Mother doesn’t just suggest—she insists. From the unrolling to the grand finale, learn how to wrap it up with style and utter precision, because safer sex is always in season.

Get to know Omi

Important tips

  1. Store your condoms in a cool, dry place.

    Your wallet or glove compartment? Not the spot. Heat and friction can weaken latex and put you at risk.

  2. Always check the expiration date.

    Condoms expire, and old ones leave you at greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections or getting pregnant.

  3. Open the wrapper carefully.

    Teeth and sharp objects are a no-go. Tiny tears can compromise a condom's integrity and overall effectiveness.

  4. Pinch the tip before rolling.

    Without enough space in the reservoir, fluids could spread along the condom and overflow, risking exposure to your partner.

  5. Roll it down to the base.

    Halfway is risky business. Full coverage is the only way to ensure maximum safety.

  6. Hold the base as you pull out.

    Keep it tight and secure. Ensuring everything stays in place means no spills, no mess, and no surprises.

  7. Swap it out after each round.

    Reusing an old condom puts you at risk. Start fresh every single time to keep you and your partner safe.

  8. Never double up on condoms.

    Two is not better than one—it causes friction and increases the risk of breakage.

  9. Use only water-based or silicone-based lube.

    Oil-based lubricants? Absolutely not. They weaken latex and can cause it to tear.

  10. Know the limits of natural condoms.

    While natural condoms protect against pregnancy, they're not recommended for the prevention of STIs.

Test Your Knowledge

Question 1 / 8

You can reuse a condom if it was only used for a short time.

Which type of lubricant is not safe to use with latex condoms?

What is the primary reason for holding the base of a condom when withdrawing?

Using a condom past its expiration date is safe if it's been stored properly and looks intact.

Which of the following factors can compromise the integrity of a condom?

Natural condoms can prevent pregnancy but are not recommended for STI protection.

Which of the following is not a correct way to ensure a condom remains effective?

How should you dispose of a used condom?

PrEP & PEP

An extra safety net might be within reach! Dive into two of the most effective tools for HIV prevention: PrEP for ongoing protection and PEP for emergencies. Get the basics here. Visit your doctor next.

Get to know Jazmine

Important tips

  1. Know the difference between PrEP and PEP.

    PrEP is for ongoing prevention before potential exposure, while PEP is for emergencies after potential exposure.

  2. Follow your PrEP routine to a tee.

    Adherence to PrEP is crucial. If not taken as prescribed, there may not be enough medication in the body to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

  3. Understand that PrEP isn’t immediate.

    It takes at least 7 days for PrEP to offer maximum protection for anal sex and about 20 days for frontal sex.

  4. Use PrEP as part of a broader prevention plan.

    PrEP is highly effective, and pairing it with other safer sex practices—like using condoms and getting tested regularly—offers even greater protection.

  5. Get tested before resuming PrEP if you’ve taken a break.

    Gaps in PrEP coverage mean you’ll need to start fresh. An HIV test ensures you’re protected right from the beginning.

  6. Start PEP as soon as possible.

    Timing is critical—PEP should be started within 72 hours of potential exposure to be effective. The sooner, the better.

  7. Complete the full course of PEP.

    No cutting corners. For PEP to work effectively, you must complete the full 28-day treatment without missing any doses.

  8. Don’t rely on PEP as your only prevention method.

    PEP is intended for emergency situations and shouldn't replace regular prevention methods like PrEP and condom use.

  9. Be aware of side effects.

    Both PrEP and PEP can have side effects, such as nausea or headaches. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

  10. Stay committed to follow-up appointments.

    Regular check-ins with your doctor help monitor your health and ensure PrEP or PEP is working as intended.

Test Your Knowledge

Question 1 / 8

If PrEP is not taken consistently as prescribed, it maintains the same level of effectiveness.

How long does it take for PrEP to reach maximum protection for anal sex?

Which of the following is false about PrEP?

You should only use PEP as an emergency measure and not as a regular prevention method.

What is an essential step to ensure the effectiveness of PrEP?

What should you do if you are prescribed PEP?

PrEP and PEP both protect against all sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Which type of follow-up is essential while taking PrEP?

U=U

Undetectable equals Untransmittable. It’s more than science—it’s freedom and a monumental step in the destigmatization of HIV. With the latest knowledge in hand, let’s challenge the deep-rooted myths and misconceptions in our community.

Get to know Mackenzie

Important tips

  1. Understand how HIV affects the body.

    HIV targets the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections. Viral load refers to the amount of HIV present in the blood.

  2. Understand how treatment impacts viral load.

    Effective antiretroviral therapy lowers your viral load to undetectable levels. In Canada, this usually means below 40 or 50 copies per milliliter of blood.

  3. Understand how viral load impacts transmission.

    An undetectable viral load means that the virus levels in your blood and sexual fluids are so low that you cannot pass on HIV to sexual partners.

  4. Know the timeline.

    Reaching and maintaining an undetectable viral load generally requires about six months of consistent antiretroviral therapy.

  5. Know your status.

    Get tested regularly. Early diagnosis and early initiation of treatment can help you reach undetectable status sooner.

  6. See the bigger picture.

    U=U is a powerful tool in a broader arsenal that includes education, safer sex practices, regular screenings, and other prevention methods.

  7. Advocate for access to equitable treatment.

    Providing universal access to ART empowers more individuals to reach and maintain undetectable status, benefiting both personal and public health.

  8. Advocate for awareness.

    Start with your circle. Promoting U=U encourages open conversations, helps dismantle stigma, and fosters a deeper understanding of HIV.

  9. Trust the data.

    U=U is backed by decades of research and real-world evidence, proving that effective treatment stops sexual transmission entirely.

  10. Don’t forget about condoms.

    While U=U prevents HIV transmission, condoms remain key for comprehensive STI prevention.

Test Your Knowledge

Question 1 / 8

How long does it generally take to reach and maintain an undetectable viral load with consistent ART?

What does 'viral load' refer to?

Regular testing is unnecessary once you reach undetectable status.

What's not an effective method in a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy?

What does U=U stand for?

Antiretroviral therapy can reduce your viral load to undetectable levels.

Which of the following is not a way U=U can positively affect relationships?

U=U is only a guideline and has not been proven effective in real-world scenarios.

Upcoming event: World AIDS Day Ball: MUSEUM

Experience the crown jewel of Canadian Ballroom. Join us this December 7th at HISTORY for an unforgettable night.

Get tickets

Join the Fight

It takes all of us—and we need you. Join us in building a future that's inclusive, compassionate, and free of HIV stigma.

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Resources

SAFER SIX

Toronto

A sex-positive, body-positive, pro-choice, and inclusive health clinic offering comprehensive STBBI prevention, testing, and treatment services.

Visit website
SAFER SIX

HQ

Toronto

A community-focused healthcare centre for cisgender men who are into men, as well as two-spirit, transgender, and non-binary individuals, providing rapid STBBI testing and holistic health and wellness services.

Visit website
HQ

GMHC

New york city

A pioneering organization dedicated to reducing new HIV infections and providing life-affirming care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Visit website
GMHC

SIDEP+

Montreal

A clinic focused on HIV and STBBI prevention for gay, bisexual, queer men, and trans and gender-diverse individuals, offering inclusive and accessible services.

Visit website
SIDEP+

HiM

Vancouver

A welcoming space for gay, bisexual, queer men, and trans and gender-diverse individuals, offering free routine testing, sexual health education, and comprehensive programs and services.

Visit website
HiM

CENTRE FOR SEXUALITY

Calgary

A community-based organization, providing evidence-informed, non-judgmental sexual health programs and services, including STBBI testing.

Visit website
CENTRE FOR SEXUALITY

I AM

A national grassroots initiative providing free HIV self-testing kits and support to empower individuals and reduce stigma.

Visit website
I AM

CATIE

A trusted hub for the latest HIV information and a directory connecting people across Canada to HIV, hepatitis C, sexual health, and harm reduction services.

Visit website
CATIE

HIV.GOV

A comprehensive online resource offering accurate and up-to-date information about HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and long-term care.

Visit website
HIV.GOV