BLACK COALITION FOR AIDS PREVENTIONPrEP & Safer Sex with Black CAP
Caring for African, Caribbean & Black communities in Toronto and across Canada with trusted HIV prevention, education, and support.
Book a PrEP Counselling Session
Take a 1-Minute PrEP Readiness Quiz
No OHIP? No status? Not sure about cost? Let’s talk. We’ll help you explore coverage, support and options.
What is PrEP
PrEP = HIV Prevention
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It’s medication you take before you’re exposed to HIV to lower your chances of getting it.
Who is PrEP for?
PrEP can be a good option if you:
- Have sex without condoms sometimes or often
- Have multiple partners or new partner(s)
- Are in a relationship where one partner is living with HIV
- Use substances that might affect your ability to negotiate safer sex
- Are a gay, bi, queer, trans or cis Black man, woman, or non-binary person who wants extra protection
How effective is PrEP?
When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces HIV risk from sex by over 99%. It does not protect against other STIs or pregnancy — that’s where condoms, testing, and other safer sex tools come in.
Myths vs Facts
Common myths that prevent us from seeking the help we need to handle HIV.
PrEP is only for gay or bisexual men
Fact: PrEP is for anyone at risk of HIV—straight, gay, bi, trans, non-binary people, couples, and people of all genders. HIV affects ACB communities across sexual orientations and identities.
Taking PrEP means you’re promiscuous
Fact: Taking PrEP is about protecting your health, not judging your sex life. Just like condoms or birth control, PrEP is a prevention choice—nothing more.
PrEP is too expensive
Fact: In Canada, PrEP is often covered by OHIP+, private insurance, or assistance programs. Community organizations can help you navigate low-cost or free options.
Herbal/Bush remedies can cure HIV
There is no cure for HIV, including bush remedies, herbal treatments, teas, or spiritual cleanses. HIV can only be prevented by safe sex practices including taking PrEP and controlled with antiretroviral treatment prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Prayer can heal or cure HIV
Prayer can offer strength, hope, and emotional support. Faith and medicine do not have to be in conflict; many people pray and take their medication. Protecting your life is not a lack of faith—it’s an act of care.
Your PrEP Options
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to stay protected. At Black CAP, we help you choose the PrEP option that fits your body, lifestyle, and comfort.
Pill PrEP (Daily or On-Demand)
A small pill with big protection.
- What it is: A once-a-day pill (or sometimes an “on-demand” schedule for certain people assigned male at birth who have anal sex).
- How it works: Builds up in your body to prevent HIV from taking hold if you’re exposed.
- Great for you if:
* You like routine (taking a pill at the same time each day)
* You want flexibility and control
* You’re okay with regular check-ins and lab work - Things to know:
* Some people have mild side effects at first (like headache or nausea) that usually go away.
* You’ll need regular HIV testing and kidney monitoring.
* On-demand PrEP is not recommended for everyone — our counsellors can help you decide if it’s a fit.
Injectable PrEP (Long-Acting Shots)
Set it and forget it (almost)
- What it is: A long-acting injection given in the muscle by a healthcare provider every 2 months (after your starting doses).
- How it works: Delivers a steady level of HIV prevention medication in your body.
- Great for you if:
* You don’t like taking pills
* You prefer fewer doses (every 1–2 months instead of daily)
* Your schedule allows for clinic visits regular. - Things to know:
* Requires injections at the clinic — this may be a barrier or a comfort, depending on you.
* You still need regular HIV and STI testing.
* Coverage and availability may vary by province and insurance — we can help you explore options.
| Feature | Pill PrEP | Injectable PrEP |
|---|---|---|
| How often? | Daily (or on-demand for some) | Every 2 months (after start doses) |
| Where? | Taken at home | Injections at a clinic |
| Best for… | Routine lovers, pill-friendly | Folks who dislike daily pills |
| Follow-up visits | Every 3 months | Every 2 months |
Note: Our team can help you decide which option works best for you. There is no “better” choice — just what’s best for ”you.”
PrEP is Powerful — But It’s Just One Tool
PrEP protects against HIV, but **not** other STIs (like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis) or pregnancy.
Safer sex is a full toolkit, and you get to choose what goes in yours.
Condoms
& Lube
Condoms still matter. They protect against HIV, many STIs, and pregnancy. Lube reduces friction, making sex more comfortable and reducing the chance of small tears.
Regular
Testing
Knowing your status is power. Regular HIV and STI testing mean:
- Catching infections early
- Protecting your partners
- Keeping yourself healthier long-term
U=U (Undetectable =
Untransmittable)
If someone living with HIV is on treatment and their viral load is undetectable, they cannot pass HIV through sex. PrEP + U=U + condoms = layers of protection.
Communication
& Consent
Safer sex isn’t just physical — it’s emotional and mental too. Clear conversations about boundaries, protection, and pleasure are part of caring for yourself and your partners.
Need free condoms or safer sex supplies?
Black CAP offers free condoms, lube, and safer sex kits.
Getting Started with PrEP at Black CAP
Whether you have OHIP, private insurance, no insurance, or uncertain immigration status, we’ll work with you to explore options.
Steps:
1. Connect with Us
Fill out a short form or call us. Tell us a bit about you, your needs, and what you’re curious about.
2. PrEP Counselling Appointment
Meet with a team member (in person, virtual, or by phone). We’ll talk about:
- Your sexual health goals
- Your medical history and any current meds
- Pill vs injectable vs other options
3. Lab Work & Prescription
We’ll help you connect with a PrEP provider to:
- Do baseline testing
- Decide on the best PrEP option
- Get a prescription and support
4. Follow-Up & Support
PrEP isn’t just a prescription — it’s ongoing care. We can support you with:
- Reminders for appointments
- Side effect check-ins
- Switching options if your needs change
Worried about cost?
We can help explore:
- Ontario & federal programs
- Drug plans through work or school
- Support for people without coverage
- Options for folks with precarious or no immigration status
From Our Community
“As a Black queer man, I was nervous talking about sex with any provider. Black CAP made me feel seen, not judged. PrEP gave me one less thing to fear.”
**D., 32, Toronto**
“As a Caribbean woman with a partner back home, PrEP helped me take control of my health without shame.”
**J., 29**
Connect with Black CAP
Visit Us
Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP)
Toronto, ON
20 Victoria St. 4th Floor
Phone: 416-977-9955
Email: safesteps@black-cap.com
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