Check back here often because there’s always something happening with HIM. Groups, activities, parties and much more. Call or email to find out details and, better yet, subscribe to the HIM newsletter to receive monthly updates!

Perfection is Overrated - New Workshop

WHERE: HIM Office - 1033 Davie Suite 310
WHEN: September 28th, 2010

PERFECTION IS OVERRATED - gays finding exhilaration in the reality of being.

TIME: 6:30pm to 9:00pm
REGISTER: register@checkhimout.ca

Imageine a runner crossing the finish line is a product of pleasure, pain and work.
Arms raised in triumph, a physical manifestation of their exaltation -  "a
feeling of intense well-being or exhilaration; elation; rapture."

In this two hour interactive workshop gay men will have a chance to consider
how they can create their own sense of exaltation - not by running a race -
rather by exploring how being alive along with the pleasure and pain of
existing, has made them who they are - flaws and all. A special focus will
be on how some men feel pressure from gay culture to be certain ways, and
how working with our  fallibility, weaknesses and failures makes us more
valuable.

The workshop will be led by Ted Kerr, an artist and writer from Edmonton.

Darren Usher from HIM will co-facilitate the workshop.

Perfect people need not apply!

Professional Counselling Made Easy

Ever thought about seeking counselling but found it too difficult to access? Unaffordable? Couldn’t find anyone who understands gay life?

The Health Initiative for Men has launched a new service at their Sexual Health Centre: Professional Counselling for gay guys.

The best part is that it won’t cost you an arm & leg, just your hourly wage. That’s right, these Professional Counsellors have volunteered their time to make counselling more accessible in the gay community.

Anyone interested in Professional Counselling should contact Darren (darren@checkhimout.ca) and Hans (hans@checkhimout.ca) or by calling 604.488.1001.

Need someone to talk to?

The guys at Health Initiative for Men know that life can be challenging. We also know that a good listener is hard to find. With that in mind, we’ve recruited and trained some of the best listeners in Vancouver, and made them available to you, for free.

Peer Support volunteers are here to offer you a chance to talk about what’s on your mind, without judgment. These are regular gay guys, offering support to other gay guys. No professional opinions, no clinical diagnoses, just gay guys talking to gay guys. And it’s all confidential!

To book an appointment with one of our Peer Support volunteers, contact Darren (darren@checkhimout.ca) or Hans (hans@checkhimout.ca) or by calling HIM (604.488.1001).

Connect with HIM - For Gay Guys New to Vancouver

WHERE: 310-1033 Davie Street
WHEN: Wednesdays 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Connect with HIM – A Group for Gay Guys New to Vancouver

We hear all the time that it’s difficult to meet people when you first arrive in Vancouver so why not: Connect with HIM!

This group is specifically designed for you – Gay guys from all over the lower mainland, ESL and students of all ages very welcome. And it’s free!

This is a supportive, interactive, fun social group for gay men. Make friends and participate in discussions, activities and enjoy light refreshments.

Just drop in any Weds at 6:30pm or call us for more information 604.488.1001

Gay Warriors @ HIM!

WHERE: 310-1033 Davie Street
WHEN: Thursdays 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Gay Warriors is a Two Spirit/Gay Men Talking Circle.

The Healing Circle is based on aboriginal practices and ceremonies. We have group discussions on various topics including healthy relationships, sexuality, grief and spiritual practices.

The Circle is a place to find support and healthier life skills. We invite you to come be with us.

This is an ongoing drop-in group.

INFO: 604 488 1001 or register@checkhimout.ca

Yoga with HIM

WHERE: 677 Davie Street
WHEN: Fridays 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

HOW: Just drop in any Friday at 7pm or call us for more information 604.488.1001

Want to increase your flexibility? Circulation? Overall health and well-being? 

HIM has teamed up with some very talented yoga instructors to offer sessions on Friday nights.

This is an easy-going group without attitude. It is open to all levels.

The Scotia Dance Centre has a lounge if you arrive early. Please note that you will be asked to sign in to the building at the front desk and that is where you can get information about which studio we are in and how to find it.

Please bring your own yoga mat and a towel and lots of energy. The sessions are free but in order to keep our services for gay men sustainable we rely on your generous donations (most people give $5 to $10).

http://www.thedancecentre.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=39&Itemid=89

Free Condoms for Everyone!

In September 2009, the Health Initiative for Men launched of our free condom distribution program. Since then, over 100,000 condoms have been distributed through dispensers installed in bars and clubs along Davie Street.

This marks the first time that there has been a collaborative effort to increase gay men's access to free condoms here in Vancouver. Other cities in Canada and around the world have been providing free condoms to gay guys for many years, and now so does Vancouver.

The condom dispenser project began back in March 2009, when HIM requested design submissions from the community. At the time, five designs were reviewed by a panel of community members, with the winning design coming from a HIM volunteer, Christopher Ordog.

To compliment the new dispensers, HIM has developed a series of new condom packs, which will act as enviro-friendly replacements to the plastic bags once used. The new packs include condom tips for better use and other sexual health related information, not to mention, some really hot sex scenes!

You can find the new condom dispensers and condom boxes, at participating venues such as Celebrities, 1181, Fountainhead, Numbers, PumpJack and the Odyssey.

A special thanks to Mr. Gay Canada, Darren Bruce, who worked countless hours on this project, as well as the Dogwood Monarchist Society, for helping to pay for the dispensers.

The HIM condom dispensers are an excellent example of how the community can work together to help strengthen gay men's health.