What’s New?

• World AIDS Day with RHAC (Video, 2020) 

An educational video produced by Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) that reflects on the history and lasting legacy of HIV/AIDS activism, art, and community care.

• It’s a Sin (Television Series, 2021) 

The acclaimed mini-series follows a group of friends navigating the early HIV/AIDS crisis in the United Kingdom during the 1980s. Available to watch on Amazon Prime Video in Canada.

• How to Survive a Plague (Documentary, 2012) 

The Academy Award-nominated film begins at the start of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York City, following a group of AIDS activists and founders of the AIDS group ACT UP and their struggle for response from the United States government and medical establishment in developing effective HIV/AIDS medications. Learn more and find out where to watch, here!

• The Colour of Immunity (Video, 1991)

Available on YouTube via the Canadian AIDS Activist History Project. According to its creators, this video was the first HIV/AIDS video produced for and by ACB communities in Canada. Learn more here.

• Anishinabek Nation HIV Video Series (Mini documentaries, 2020) 

Produced by the Anishinabek Nation HIV Program, these mini documentaries focus on de-stigmatizing HIV by using the stories of real people and their experiences:

• Live Love Laugh
• When They Know
• June Commanda: A Survivor’s Story
• Mary Elliott: A Snapshot of Our Story

• RNA (Documentary, 2019)

In this short documentary film, Julian, a makeup artist in Toronto shares his story and explores what it means to live with HIV in the current era of the pandemic. 

• Positive Women - Exposing Injustice (Documentary, 2012)

Women's voices have rarely been heard on the criminalization of HIV non-disclosure in Canada. This documentary film by the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Alison Duke that tells the personal stories of four women living with HIV in Canada who bravely speak out on this important issue.

• Our Bodies Our Business (Documentary 2016)

In commemoration of the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers (December 17, 2016), the Triple-X Workers’ Solidarity Association partnered with University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health to premiere Our Bodies Our Business, a video compiling historic footage of sex workers’ rights activists at the 5th International Conference on AIDS in Montreal (1989) 

• Strong Medicine (Educational video, 2018)

An educational video developed by the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network and CATIE, with and for Indigenous people living with HIV. Strong Medicine weaves together Indigenous knowledges of culture and wellness and Western knowledge of HIV testing and treatment to share accurate information about HIV testing and treatment. 

• June's (Video, 2018)

Directed by Hubert Davis, June's tells the story of Casey House's pop-up restaurant June's HIV+ Eatery, using the words of the HIV+ participants who challenged guests to eat a meal prepared by someone living with HIV.

 

Community Wellness Series for Guys into Guys

This Fall, we're hosting a Community Wellness Series for guys into guys. These special events are the perfect opportunity to come together with community, do something fun, and learn a little more about your sexual health. Are you in?

Check out some of our upcoming events below and register with William at wmarchand@hivaidsconnection.ca or (519) 476-1545.

Please note: All participants will be asked to provide proof of double vaccination for the following events.

PrEP'ing for Sex

Sunday, November 28 (2-4 PM)

Innovation works (201 King St.)

Join us for "PrEP'ing for Sex" to talk about having great sex and preventing HIV with other guys into guys! We'll cover topics like: PrEP, PEP/PIP, other HIV prevention, HIV testing, U=U, hooking up and dating! This event will also include a draw for a gift basket, free grab bags and snacks/refreshments. Sign up with William at 519.476.1545 or wmarchand@hivaidsconnection.ca 

Please note: Proof of double-vaccination is required.

Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) is interested in receiving proposals from qualified individuals/organizations to provide a Diversity and Inclusion Assessment.

View and download the RFP here: RFP - Diversity and Inclusion Assessment

RFP inquiries will be entertained via email during the week of October 18th through to October 22nd at noon. 

Completed proposals including a draft work plan with proposed timelines can be emailed to Luke Nocent, Manager of Human Resources at lnocent@hivaidsconnection.ca. Proponents are solely responsible for ensuring Proposals are received prior to the closing date and time of: 4:30 PM on Friday November 5, 2021.

Thank you for your interest and consideration.

All email inquiries must be directed solely to Luke Nocent Manager of Human Resources at lnocent@hivaidsconnection.ca.

September 30 is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Today, we honour the children, survivors, families and communities affected by the residential school system. As an organization, we continue to acknowledge the harmful legacy and ongoing impact of atrocities committed against Indigenous communities. 

This is the first year that September 30 has been designated a federal statutory holiday. In addition to honouring this day through a circle ceremony and a moment of silence, RHAC will keep our doors and services open to continue providing essential services to community members. 

Here are some actions you can consider taking today (and everyday):

1. Wear orange, in solidarity, to honour the experiences of the children, survivors, families and communities affected by residential schools. Visit orangeshirtday.org to learn more.
2. Review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
3. Listen to the stories and experiences of residential school survivors, including books and media by Indigenous artists, authors and creators.
4. Donate to Indigenous-led causes, like Atlohsa Family Healing Services.
5. Acknowledge and learn more about the traditional territories you are living and working on. Visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-first-nations-maps or https://native-land.ca or https://www.caut.ca/content/guide-acknowledging-first-peoples-traditional-territory to get started.