hype forum: Equitable Futures
Justice, Care, and Access for Poz african, caribbean, and black youth
✨ A free 2-day wellness weekend for ACB youth living with HIV.
This HYPE Forum is about you: your voice, your health, and your future. Over two days, we’ll connect, learn, and share real tools for living well with HIV. You’ll meet peers who understand, providers who listen, and leave with new knowledge, support, and community.
When: Saturday, November 15 - Sunday, November 16, 2025
Where: Downtown Toronto
Cost: FREE - travel, hotel (if needed), meals, and activities are all covered.
Generously supported by the International AIDS Society through their Youth Hub Seed Grant Programme.
👥 who it’s for
We’re aiming for 50 folks from across Canada who are:
Ages 18-29
Living with HIV (HIV-positive)
Identify as African, Caribbean, or Black (ACB)
🌱 what you’ll gain
Know your rights — clear info on HIV laws & healthcare
Find support — meet peers, build confidence, and connect with community
Get access — on-the-spot referrals for housing, food, health, and mental health services
Feel seen — healing spaces that honour culture and identity
Plan ahead — tools for long-term health and wellness
📅 what to expect
Workshops: plain-language sessions on HIV rights, healthcare, and self-advocacy
Service Fair: connect directly with providers, with real-time intakes for housing, health, and more
Peer Circles: youth-led group talks on what matters most to you
Wellness Time: yoga, healing circles, art and rest spaces built into the weekend
Amplified Voices: a chance to share priorities back to providers and decision-makers
💸 What’s Included
Meals included all weekend
Travel covered (bus/train tickets if you’re outside Toronto)
Hotel stay if you’re from outside the GTA
Accessibility support available — let us know what you need
🔒 safe & confidential
Your info stays private — only used for planning and evaluation
Reports use anonymous data, never your name
Sharing your story is always your choice
Forum is a stigma-free, confidential space with peers that understand what it’s like living with HIV
📝 how to register
Fill out the Registration & Pre-Survey Form to save your spot.
The form helps us:
Plan activities that match your needs
Connect you to the right supports
Show how the Forum makes a difference
Stronger than stigma
Stronger than stigma
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Join?
The Forum is for African, Caribbean, and Black HIV-positive youth ages 18–29 living anywhere in Canada. You don’t need to be connected to care — just living with HIV.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. Travel, hotel (if needed), food, and programming are all 100% covered by us.
I don’t live in the GTA — can I still come?
Yes! If you're coming from outside the GTA, we’ll bring you into Toronto on Friday, November 14 and put you up in a hotel.
What if I don’t know anyone there?
Most people come not knowing anyone — and leave with real friendships. The vibe is chill, welcoming, and peer-led. You won’t be alone.
Is it safe to talk about HIV there?
Yes. Everyone there is living with HIV, and the space is confidential, peer-run, and stigma-free. You never have to share anything you’re not ready to.
What if my english isn’t perfect?
That’s okay. We use plain language and you will still be able to get something out of the weekend. However, a basic understanding of English is needed to get the most out of the event.