First rally on Parliament Hill to protest criminalization of HIV

Activists, PHAs and MPs speak out against the law

The first protest against the criminalization of HIV in Canada was held on Parliament Hill yesterday. The protest was organized by the group Legalize AIDS and included activists, MPs, people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) and allies. They joined together to speak out against the criminal prosecution of HIV-positive people and the negative impact of the US travel ban on PHAs.

Protesters carrying signs such as ‘people don’t get tested if we criminalize HIV’ and ‘education not criminalization’ gathered to listen to MPs Libby Davies, Bill Siksay and Hedy Fry speak out against criminalization. AIDs activists David Hoe and Jay Koornstra spoke of personal experiences and the need for change in Canadian law and the impact of the US travel ban against HIV positive people.

Keep Reading

Two photos by gay photographer Duane Michals, who passed in June of 2026

Remembering Duane Michals, the legendary gay photographer

The late gay artist redefined what was possible in fine art photography

New study finds Canadian trans youth rarely detransition

A group of Canadian researchers found that 97 percent of youth who seek treatment for gender dysphoria still identify as trans years later
Two photos from the Toronto bathhouse riots of 1971

The bleak history of the Toronto bathhouse raids

In 1981, Toronto police arrested nearly 300 gay men as part of a six-month undercover operation called “Operation Soap”
Two pride stamps from Canada Post highlighting The Turret nightclub and the 519 community center.

Canada Post just debuted four new stamps honouring queer historic sites

Places of Pride features four new postage stamps commemorating places and events that are pivotal to the country's queer history
Advertisement