News & Updates

On Thursday, August 14th, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting our very first donor appreciation soirée – a long-overdue celebration of gratitude for the generous donors who power our work when traditional funding doesn’t always go far enough.

Hosted by our Neighbours at Pumpjack, the Donors & Donuts event welcomed more than 40 donors who gathered to connect with one another, meet members of HIM’s Board and leadership team, and of course, enjoy delicious donuts and dazzling drag performances by Whore-ia Estefan and Wan-Ting Moi.

The room was filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and plenty of smiles. Our team was especially grateful for the chance to connect with donors on a more personal level—to hear their stories, learn about their journeys in the community, and understand what inspires them to invest in HIM’s mission.

It was moving to witness so many generous community members – coming from all walks of life – sharing a common passion for the health and wellbeing of our communities.

This event marks just the beginning. Donors & Donuts is the first of many gatherings we plan to host, as we continue building stronger relationships with the people who make our work possible.

If you would like to join our community of donors and support our work, you can make a donation here.

In early May 2025, we had a bold idea: to transform the space outside our office at 1033 Davie Street into something new, bigger, and more welcoming than anything we had done before. We imagined a vibrant space where our community could gather, celebrate, and access meaningful health services – all in the heart of Pride.

Turning this vision into reality wasn’t simple. It meant overcoming challenges we had never faced before, collaborating closely with our neighbours in the building, community partners, and rallying an incredible team of dedicated volunteers. But with determination and a lot of love, The Bush was born as a Queer Wellness Garden designed as a safe, joyful, and affirming space where our communities could access health resources, connect with one another, and feel celebrated at the Vancouver Pride Festival on Davie Street.

We could not have done this alone. With the blessing and kind support of Pacific Crown Management Co. and The Basic Eats, we secured the space to bring The Bush to life. And thanks to the generous contributions of our sponsors VIIV Healthcare (Title Sponsor), Credit Management Corporation CMC, Davie Pharmacy, F212 Steam, and MSK Health Performance, we were able to gather the resources needed to transform that vision into reality.

On Pride Sunday, nearly 1,500 community members visited The Bush. Guests cooled off with complimentary ice cream and iced tea and enjoyed free massages to recharge during a hot and lively Pride weekend. Just as importantly, they also had direct access to essential health service – including Mpox vaccination, drug checking, and resources to support their overall wellbeing.

Behind the scenes, our volunteers and staff made it all happen, from scooping ice cream and pouring iced tea, to offering care and information, to working tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly. Their energy, dedication, and heart made The Bush the special experience it was for our community.

The Bush wasn’t just an event, it was a statement of care, visibility, and community pride. It showed what’s possible when we come together: a space that is joyful, safe, inclusive, and rooted in wellness. We’re so proud of what we created, and so grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life 💙

Until next time… 🌿🌈

HIM’s “The Bush” is supported in part by ViiV Healthcare. The views expressed herein by HIM Health Initiative for Men Society are solely those of the author[s] and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of ViiV Healthcare ULC.

For years, we’ve dreamed of introducing a merchandise item that celebrates HIM’s mission, our vibrant communities, and unapologetic sex positivity, and we’re thrilled to finally unveil the first step: the HIMBO Jock.

HIMBO is the the fruit of a creative collaboration between HIM and local artist Peter Zuk (of Haus Zuk). Featuring cheeky illustrations of iconic Vancouver and Davie Village landmarks (with a naughty twist), the HIMBO Jock is proudly queer-designed and locally made for all bodies. With a wide size range (XS – 3XL), and the trans-inclusive ÜPHORIA pouchless style – the HIMBO Jock celebrates the vast diversity of our communities. 

Available in limited quantities, community members can grab yours online via Haus Zuk or in-store at our Neighbours and favourite retail shops: Little Sisters and Topdrawers. 100% of sales proceeds go toward supporting HIM progams that uplift and care for our communities!

So go ahead – get your new favourite jock and be the HIMBO your community needs this summer.

To celebrate the return of the Vancouver Pride Festival to its home in the Davie Village for 2025, Health Initiative for Men (HIM) is proud to host its largest Pride community event to date – right at home, at 1033 Davie Street, dubbed “The Bush“. In collaboration with our neighbours at The Basic, we’re transforming the space outside our building into a vibrant Queer Wellness Garden – a welcoming, joyful, and restorative space where community members can connect, recharge, and take care of their health. This garden will serve as a place for community members to meet, access important health services such as Mpox vaccinations and drug checking, and also engage with relevant health information to strengthen their wellness throughout the summer.

The Bush is expected to host and serve over 1,000 community members throughout the day. Those guests will be welcomed by our team of staff and community volunteers who will offer them complimentary chilled drinks and ice cream, to help them cool off and unwind on what is expected to be a hot summer day.

This new ambitious vision is made possible with the support of HIM’s partners and sponsors including: VIIV Healthcare as the Title Sponsor, Davie Pharmacy and Credit Management Corporation as Gold Sponsors, F212 Steam Gym & Spa as Silver Sponsor, as well as MSK Health and Performance Clinics, Rain or Shine Homemade Ice Cream, The Basic, and West End BIA as in-kind sponsors and partners.

Together, we’re bringing wellness, connection, and celebration back to the heart of the Village. We can’t wait to welcome you to The Bush this Pride.

To learn more about The Bush, please click here.

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HIM’s “The Bush” is supported in part by ViiV Healthcare. The views expressed herein by HIM Health Initiative for Men Society are solely those of the author[s] and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of ViiV Healthcare ULC

For 45 seasons the West End Slo-Pitch Association (WESA) has created space for gay, bi, and queer men and our gender diverse siblings/neighbors to have a space to engage in sports in a community setting. We applaud WESA for creating opportunities for people that have been historically rejected from sports. Since their foundation they have been a group of strong community advocates who have raised funds for organizations like: Qmunity, Rainbow refugee, and more.

When we told WESA about how governments were taking no action on the healing and recovery efforts that were needed following the federal ban/illegalization of “conversion therapy” (which we call Conversion Efforts) they immediately rose to the occasion.

The WESA Association, lead by Commissioner Sean Cummings, as well as event Host Lance Sandover, welcomed HIM as the beneficiary of the 2023 WESA Drag Pageant Fundraiser. The pageant has been a fixture of the league’s annual activities since 1987 and this year hosted over 700 enthusiastic attendees. The fundraiser managed to raise close to $11,000 which will empower HIM to operate Survivors, a Peer-led program designed to support the survivors of conversion efforts.

Survivors is led by people with lived experience because we know how much of a difference it makes to have programs and services directed by the people who are most impacted. This program is built on a foundation of compassion, understanding, and empowerment. A key component of the program is the way that it invites and trains participants to become peer-leaders and to come back through the program as facilitators, organizers, and promoters of healing and wellness.  

This is a shining example of a time when our community shows up and shares their resources towards a better future. 100% of the donation will be going back into community through this program.