Long-acting injectable PrEP (Apretude) is now approved in Canada and offers an effective alternative to taking daily pills to prevent HIV. This long-acting option consists of one injection every two months, and like daily oral PrEP, is 99% effective at preventing HIV. Since 2025, Apretude has been listed as an open benefit under the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, which Status First Nations and Inuit people across Canada can access. In BC, the responsibility for these benefits is held by First Nations Health Authority. First Nations Health Authority has an arrangement that access to all antiretrovirals, including Apretude, is managed through the BC-CfE.
For Status First Nations people, an exceptional appeal process may provide access to Apretude at no cost. Accessing Apretude via private insurance may also be an option for some Indigenous folks with or without NIHB.
We recommend reaching out to the The HIV Prevention Case Management team at Ribbon Community (My Sex Support), who are available to work one on one with people who do not have HIV to explore this aforementioned appeal process, options to access oral PrEP, as well as other harm reduction and sexual health choices.
You may have seen some news recently about a fungal skin infection with a very complicated name, or perhaps you are hearing about Trichophyton mentagrophtes gentotype VII (TMVII, or spoken as “TM seven”) for the first time. In either case, we at HIM want to give you some up-to-date information and provide some tips on what to look out for when it comes to TMVII.
TMVII is a sexually transmitted fungal infection that was first seen in Europe with a few cases later emerging in the US in 2024. Most cases are among gay men, and communities of men who have sex with men.
Characteristics and symptoms of TMVII include: persistent and itchy rashes; and blistered or scaly lesions that resemble ringworm. These lesions may be found around the genitals, buttocks, and inner thighs.
The prevention strategies for TMVII are ones that you may already be familiar with: talking to your partners about your and their STI status, seeing your healthcare provider if you see a rash developing, and avoiding sexual contact if you are experiencing symptoms. TMVII infections are treatable with antifungal medication. Without treatment, TMVII can lead to scarring of the skin and longer-term effects. Visit your healthcare provider for a consultation if you suspect any TMVII symptoms.
HIM will continue to monitor the TMVII situation and let you know of any developments in terms of its impact amongst our communities. We’ll help you stay safe and informed!
Putting joy, body-positivity, and wellbeing on the dancefloor for one last summer dance at our first ever HIMBO Jock Tea Dance.
At HIM, we know that when people feel isolated, lonely, or unsure about how to take up space and ask for what they need, they face increased risks of HIV, suicide, and overdose. That’s why our work is rooted in building stronger connections to community, fostering comfort with identity, and encouraging acceptance of others.
The HIMBO Jock Tea Dance is the latest expression of this mission – a celebration that brings our communities together in a joyful, body-positive environment. More than just a party, HIMBO created a space where wellbeing, fun, and direct access to HIM’s resources and support came together on the dancefloor.
Thanks to the generous support of our partners and sponsors: Gilead Sciences, Steamworks Baths, Pumpjack Pub, and Earnest Ice Cream as well as our amazing host The Birdhouse, our very first HIMBO Jock Tea Dance on August 24th was an incredible success. Over 250 community members joined us to dance, connect, and celebrate, making the event truly unforgettable.
From the collective sense of community and acceptance, to the laughter and the spontaneous water balloon fight, HIMBO was a day filled with joy, playfulness, and pride. We’re already excited to start planning the next one and we promise it’ll be even bigger and better.
At HIM, we believe connectedness is HIV prevention. Dancing together is HIV prevention. Joy and laughter are HIV prevention. And 250 gay and queer men and gender diverse people standing proudly together in jockstraps, fully supporting one another, is most definitely HIV prevention. We’re so proud that HIMBO created the space for all of this to happen.
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.
Since 2016, HIM has been advocating for expanded access to the province’s free HPV vaccine program through our health promotion campaign, Get Garded (getgarded.ca). The HPV vaccine can prevent cancers caused by HPV, and we know that gay men face a higher burden of HPV infection (up to 20 times more likely than heterosexual men to develop anal cancer). Men living with HIV are at even greater risk.
In 2024, HIM launched #getgardedforlife, a campaign that encouraged community members to contact their local politicians and decision-makers directly about the need to expand free HPV vaccine access in BC. We were one of many organizations that advocated and shared stories with policy and lawmakers.
Previously, the vaccine was only free for men who have sex with men up to 27 years old in BC. Today, we’re proud to report advocacy efforts have paid off. As of July 31, the eligibility criteria has been expanded to include:
Individuals aged 27 to 45 who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, including Two-Spirit, transgender, and/or non-binary people—whether sexually active or not, and including those questioning their orientation.
BC’s Minister of Health provided a quote saying: “The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool to protect health and prevent cancer… By expanding free access and making it easier for people to get immunized, we’re taking another meaningful step forward in our 10-year Cancer Action Plan—reducing cancer rates and improving health outcomes for people across British Columbia.”
This change would not have happened without the outpouring of support from community members like you, who took time to advocate for equitable access. HIM thanks you and reminds you to get your HPV vaccine if you haven’t already.
“Gay, bi, queer men and gender diverse people do not have the same life course as our neighbours. Our lives, our paths, and our timelines are different, and we deserve the same protections. This is a landmark victory for our communities, and proof of what good science, community advocacy, and supportive governments can do when we work together.” — Aaron Purdie, Executive Director, HIM (Health Initiative for Men)
