IDHOBIT 2026: At the heart of democracy.
Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (#IDAHOBIT), we are reminded that 🌈2SLGBTQIA+ rights are fundamental to a free and just society.
A true democracy cannot exist without the safety, dignity, and full participation of everyone.
Here in Ottawa, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) sees firsthand how discrimination impacts well-being. True democracy means:
🎗Health Equity: Access to stigma-free HIV prevention, care, and support without fear.
🎗Safety & Agency: The freedom to live openly, authentically, and safely in our neighborhoods.
🎗Amplified Voices: Ensuring marginalized communities are not just heard, but are actively shaping our city’s future.
How to take action today:
- Challenge anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric.
- Support local grassroots queer and trans organizations.
- Show up for your neighbors.
Let's protect the heart of our community, together. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
#IDAHOBIT2026 #AtTheHeartOfCommunity #IDAHOBIT #OttawaPride #2SLGBTQIA #TransRightsAreHumanRights #HealthEquity #AIDSCommitteeOfOttawa #SupportLocalYOW #InclusiveDemocracy
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out and made 🏳️🌈Gay Men Social special today! Good vibes, great company, and a delicious BBQ under the sunshine — what more could we ask for? ☀️
Celebrating Asian Heritage Month with amazing Asian music in the background made it even more meaningful 🎶🌏 — a perfect blend of culture, community, and connection.
Tuesdays don’t get better than this! See you all at our next social!
#GayMenSocial #CommunityLove #AsianHeritageMonth #ChosenFamily #SunnyVibes #BBQTime #LGBTQCommunity #OttawaEvents 🌈💛
🕯️ International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2026 🕯️
On May 9th, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa hosted the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in collaboration with Bruce House at 19 Main Street. Together, we gathered in remembrance, honouring the lives we have lost in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS—lives that continue to shape our community, our work, and our commitment to care.
"We remember not only to mourn, but to carry forward the love, resilience, and legacy of those we have lost."
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this powerful and moving gathering—each speaker, performer, and community member named in the program who shared their voice, their talent, and their truth.
Thank you to Bruce House for your meaningful collaboration, and to all community members who showed up in solidarity. Your presence reaffirms that no one stands alone.
To our dedicated staff and volunteers, your compassion and hard work made this space possible.
A special thank you to Brigitte’s family for being present during the unveiling of her painting—a moment of deep love and remembrance. And heartfelt appreciation to art.life.andre the “Picasso” behind such beautiful artwork, for bringing this tribute to life with care and intention.
As a community, we are reminded: even when we lose one of our own, we continue to stand together, in solidarity and in love.
🕯️ We remember. We honour. We continue. 🕯️
#AIDSCandlelightMemorial #EndHIVStigma #OttawaCommunity #HIVAwareness #BruceHouse #ACO #CommunityCare #Remembrance #Solidarity #internationalaidscandlelightmemorial
🕯️ International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2026 🕯️
On May 9th, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa hosted the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in collaboration with Bruce House at 19 Main Street. Together, we gathered in remembrance, honouring the lives we have lost in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS—lives that continue to shape our community, our work, and our commitment to care.
"We remember not only to mourn, but to carry forward the love, resilience, and legacy of those we have lost."
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this powerful and moving gathering—each speaker, performer, and community member named in the program who shared their voice, their talent, and their truth.
Thank you to Bruce House for your meaningful collaboration, and to all community members who showed up in solidarity. Your presence reaffirms that no one stands alone.
To our dedicated staff and volunteers, your compassion and hard work made this space possible.
A special thank you to Brigitte’s family for being present during the unveiling of her painting—a moment of deep love and remembrance. And heartfelt appreciation to @alainandre . the “Picasso” behind such beautiful artwork, for bringing this tribute to life with care and intention.
As a community, we are reminded: even when we lose one of our own, we continue to stand together, in solidarity and in love.
🕯️ We remember. We honour. We continue. 🕯️
#AIDSCandlelightMemorial #EndHIVStigma #OttawaCommunity #HIVAwareness #BruceHouse #ACO #CommunityCare #Remembrance #Solidarity #internationalaidscandlelightmemorial
🌭 BUNS OUT. DOGS READY. GAYS ASSEMBLE. 🌈
GAY MEN SOCIAL | Tomorrow we’re bringing the heat 🔥
May 12th | 4–7 PM |19 Main Street
Expect:
🌭 Juicy hot dogs + soft buns (say less 😌)
😂 Laughs, shade, and good vibes
💬 Real talk about sexual health
🌈 Community that gets it
Because taking care of your health is hot… and so are you.
Pull up, grab a bun, and connect with your people.
No labels required—just an appetite 😉
See you all tomorrow!
For more info, contact: [email protected]
#GayMensSocial #BunsAndDogs #StayHealthyStayHot #OttawaCommunity #GayAndThriving
Happy Mother’s Day 🌸 Bonne fête des mères !
Today, we celebrate all the ways motherhood shows up in our communities—and we recognize that not all mothers receive the support, care, or recognition they deserve.
We honour biological moms, adoptive and foster moms, chosen family, and those who step into caregiving roles with love, resilience, and strength every single day.
At the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, we know that “motherhood” isn’t one-size-fits-all. Many in our community are navigating HIV, stigma, migration, and systemic barriers—while continuing to nurture, protect, and uplift their families and communities.
Today is also a reminder:
✨ Mothers living with HIV deserve equitable healthcare free from stigma
✨ Caregivers deserve culturally safe and inclusive support
✨ No one should have to navigate systems alone
To the mothers living with HIV, to those raising families in new countries, and to those who have built family beyond blood—you are seen, valued, and powerful.
We celebrate you—and we will continue to advocate for you. 🌷
#MothersDay #ChosenFamily #ACOttawa #HIVAwareness #CommunityCare #EndHIVStigma #HealthEquity #OttawaCommunity
Photo Set #5
‘Impact in Action: How Community-Based Research is Addressing HIV/AIDS and STBBI in Canada’—co-hosted by the Honourable Senator René Cormier, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa | Le comité du sida d’Ottawa, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research on May 6 at the Ottawa Art Gallery #communitybasedresearch #notforprofit #ottawa #canada
Photo Set #4
‘Impact in Action: How Community-Based Research is Addressing HIV/AIDS and STBBI in Canada’—co-hosted by the Honourable Senator René Cormier, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa | Le comité du sida d’Ottawa, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research on May 6 at the Ottawa Art Gallery #communitybasedresearch #notforprofit #ottawa #canada
Photo Set #3
‘Impact in Action: How Community-Based Research is Addressing HIV/AIDS and STBBI in Canada’—co-hosted by the Honourable Senator René Cormier, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa | Le comité du sida d’Ottawa, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research on May 6 at the Ottawa Art Gallery #communitybasedresearch #notforprofit #ottawa #canada
Photo Set #2
‘Impact in Action: How Community-Based Research is Addressing HIV/AIDS and STBBI in Canada’—co-hosted by the Honourable Senator René Cormier, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa | Le comité du sida d’Ottawa, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research on May 6 at the Ottawa Art Gallery #communitybasedresearch #notforprofit #ottawa #canada
Photo Set #1
We would like to sincerely thank our valued community partners, collaborators, and participants for their contributions to the success of “Impact in Action: How Community-Based Research is Addressing HIV/AIDS and STBBI in Canada.” This impactful event, co-hosted by the Honourable Senator René Cormier, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa | Le comité du sida d’Ottawa, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research @cihr_irsc , was held on May 6 at the Ottawa Art Gallery.
A special thank you to The Honourable Sénateur René Cormier, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Public Health Agency of Canada your leadership, support, and commitment to advancing community-based research and action on HIV, STBBIs, and health equity.
To our speakers and community members—especially those who shared their lived and living experiences—your voices are at the heart of this work and continue to inspire meaningful change.
And to everyone who joined us: thank you for showing up, engaging, and strengthening our collective movement. Sharing some photos. #community #communityresearch #acocao #ottawa
🕯️Join us for the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2026 — a time to remember, reflect, and stand in solidarity with our community.
📅 Saturday, May 9�⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM�📍 19 Main Street
✨ The afternoon will begin with a Meet, Mingle & BBQ, followed by a meaningful program featuring:
Land acknowledgement & hand drum song
Community reflections and acknowledgements
Candle lighting ceremony
Art reveal and storytelling
Poetry, music, and drumming
Open mic to close the gathering
Come together to honour lives lost, support those living with HIV, and celebrate the strength of our community. Everyone is welcome.
————
🕯️Joignez-vous à nous pour la Vigile internationale à la chandelle pour le sida 2026 — un moment pour se souvenir, réfléchir et se rassembler en solidarité.
📅 Samedi 9 mai�⏰ 11 h – 13 h�📍 19, rue Main
✨ L’après-midi débutera avec un moment de rencontre, d’échanges et BBQ, suivi d’un programme significatif comprenant :
Reconnaissance du territoire et chant au tambour
Témoignages et prises de parole communautaires
Cérémonie d’allumage des chandelles
Révélation d’une œuvre artistique et partage d’histoires
Poésie, musique et percussions
Micro ouvert pour conclure
Venez honorer les vies perdues, soutenir les personnes vivant avec le VIH et célébrer la force de notre communauté. Tout le monde est bienvenu.
#AIDSCandlelightMemorial #CandlelightMemorial #HIVAwareness #EndStigma #CommunityMatters #OttawaEvents #ACBOttawa #BruceHouse #RememberReflectRespond #HIVSupport #BBQAndCommunity #Solidarity #HealthEquity #togetherwecan #VigileDuSida #SensibilisationVIH #FinÀLaStigmatisation #Communauté #Ottawa #santepourtous
