About HIM

Health Initiative for Men (HIM) honours the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and the territories of many nations on the west coast of Turtle Island, on whose unceded and stolen land we live and work. As uninvited inhabitants, we acknowledge that this space is and always will be Indigenous land.

HIM is a nonprofit society that aims to strengthen the health and well-being in communities of self-identified GBQ men and gender diverse people in BC. We offer a full spectrum of health-based programming and services to meet the sexual, mental, physical and social health needs of communities of self-identified GBQ men and gender diverse people in BC.

Our health centres in the Lower Mainland as well as our anonymous testing events in the BC Interior provide GBQ men and gender diverse people with HIV/STI prevention and treatment services. Additionally, our mental health programs provide our communities with access to counselling and support through peer counsellors who work with clients on matters relevant to their mental health such as loneliness, anxiety, coming out, racism, self-esteem/body image, aging, sex, substance use-related issues, and more.

Physical and social health programs at HIM provide GBQ men and gender diverse people with opportunities to take a more holistic approach to health in an engaging setting that cultivates a sense of connection and builds community.

Our History

Following decades of inequitable access to the healthcare system and years of discussion among gay men in Vancouver about the need for a stand-alone gay men’s health organization, Health Initiative for Men (HIM) was founded in the heart of Vancouver’s gay village in 2008 as a grassroots initiative. In 2009, HIM entered a formal contract with the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority to facilitate the delivery of health promotion services to gay men.

In 2014, HIM entered a partnership with Fraser Health Authority to expand the reach of its health-based programming and services to Fraser region – ultimately establishing five health centres and numerous health-based programs in the Lower Mainland. In 2020, we expanded our reach beyond the Lower Mainland to the Northern, Island and Interior health regions.  

Vision, Mission, and Values
Our Vision:

GBQ men and gender diverse people building healthy lives together.

Our Mission:

Strengthening the health and well-being of GBQ men and gender diverse people. 

Our Values:
  • We value gay men’s ability to make informed decisions.
  • We value the role of our communities. 
  • We value scientific research. (We value an evidence-based approach to our health.)
  • We value a non-judgmental, sex-positive and strengths-based philosophy.
  • We value a comprehensive approach to healthy living.
  • We value capacity building and collaboration.  

HIM Annual Reports