BLACK COALITION FOR AIDS PREVENTIONMSM Outreach Program
Black gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, trans* and other men who have sex with men (MSM) make up a significant proportion of men in Toronto infected with HIV/AIDS. Approximately 1 in 5 Black MSM in Toronto are living with HIV and Black MSM make up 1 in 5 of all Black people living with HIV in Ontario.
The MSM Outreach Program conducts HIV/AIDS and sexual health educational outreach to MSM from African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities. We use creative methods to inform and educate Black MSM about their risk for HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and to negotiate safer sex. The Program works to reach youth (16 to 29) and adult (30+) MSM ACB community members who are at risk for HIV/AIDS and STI
The MSM Outreach Program is guided by four objectives:
- To increase knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections in ACB MSM populations
- To promote the importance of testing and knowing your HIV status among Black MSM
- To increase access to information and resources that promotes sexual health through bathhouse and club outreach, workshops, street and online outreach, etc.
- To create safer spaces through groups that raise awareness about HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination
The MSM Outreach Program:
- Conduct one-on-one outreach in baths, clubs, online and in community spaces to increase knowledge about HIV and STIs
- Deliver HIV/AIDS and other sexual health education workshops and groups including Sociallite 411(age 15-29) , Pepper Pot (age 30 years and over) , and the MSM Poz Group
- Provides specific outreach and workshops to MSM youth age 15-29 in communities across the city
- Outreach at community events such as Pride, World AIDS Day, etc. and other community spaces, particularly those attended by ACB MSM
- Distribute condoms and other sexual health related information in community spaces that serve ACB MSM community members
- Support community partners serving MSM in delivering their programs
- Provide referrals to HIV and STI testing at clinics such as the Hassle Free Clinic
To request a workshop, one-on-one session or to invite us to do outreach at your event please click here.
MSM community members are always welcome to join the MSM Outreach Team. The program relies heavily on the support of volunteers. HIV knowledge is not a requirement and training is provided for all volunteers.
The Community Outreach Program is funded by Toronto Public Health under the Toronto Urban Health Fund.
Interim MsM Outreach Coordinator
Phone: 416-977-9955, ext. 242
Email: r.robinson@black-cap.com
