The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) has just launched a bold, new multimedia campaign, HIVnow, that is intended to raise awareness around HIV because the times have changed and HIV is different today. It asks big questions, puts forward honest answers and issues clear calls to action. Hot topics include testing, PrEP, disclosure and viral load.
“Recent changes within the HIV field are challenging the dominant understanding of what it is like to live with and to be at risk for HIV”, says John Maxwell, ACT’s executive director. “Previously, only condoms have constituted ‘good’ HIV prevention, and sex between people with different statuses was off limits. Times have changed.”
The campaign will run throughout Pride and into July. It includes its own website, HIVnow.ca, in addition to striking posters (see below) in major downtown Toronto subway stations and unique wall murals throughout the Church/Wellesley neighbourhood, home to the city’s LGBTQ community. Trained ACT volunteers will be conducting outreach during Pride celebrations, distributing HIVnow condom packs, information and an assortment of swag.
Look for the campaign on the street, on all popular hookup apps, on social media and at HIVnow.ca. Follow along by using and searching the hashtag #HIVnow and share what HIV means to you.
