ISSUE 09 MAY/JUNE 2024
Pride Toronto
LetsStopAIDS is this year’s Pride Toronto’s Charity of Choice! Check out Pg 5 for more details.
Our volunteer feature is a way for the community to get to know our volunteers in more depth!
The winning seed
The Winning Seed deadline has been EXTENDED. Learn more about how you can win $1500!
As the final bell marked the last day of my high school career, I bid farewell to my classmates and teachers in a heart-warming moment of celebration. Yet beneath the surface, I could not help but feel lost, empty, and unable to navigate the real world by myself. The persistent sting of rejection from my top schools only amplified the feeling of selfdoubt. I reached a low point in my life where I labelled myself as a “failure”. Desperate to find support, I joined youth groups in search of a sense of belonging. It was during this vulnerable time in my life where I crossed paths with an extraordinary individual – a person who opened up to me about their HIV status.
They shared with me their journey of resilience and overcoming adversity to become an advocate for HIV awareness. Despite the hardships and challenges they faced, they managed to turn their diagnosis into their greatest strength. Their story showed me that obstacles are not only inevitable, but necessary for growth. This encounter became a pivotal experience in my life that inspired me to embark on my own journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Not long after, I joined LetsStopAIDS as a way to explore my identity and passions further. The LetsStopAIDS community welcomed me with open arms and I immediately fell in love with the organization. In just a few short months, LetsStopAIDS taught me how I could translate my work as a Peer Educator into tangible impact.
“In the workshops I participated in, I not only witnessed meaningful conversations unfold, but I also saw first-hand the power that youth voices had in creating change.”
My involvement with LetsStopAIDS has not only allowed me to connect with my community more deeply, but it has also fuelled my passion for social justice. This year, my passions have led me to start the LetsStopAIDS x QueensU club at my university to expand our impact and amplify youth voices further.
Through my journey, I discovered that resilience is not an innate trait, but rather a skill that can be learned and cultivated over time. In facing numerous challenges in my own journey, I came to the understanding that failure cannot be avoided. Instead, we should embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. Looking to the future, I hope to see a world where all youth are empowered to embrace resilience and to view failure as a stepping stone toward success. As I reflect on my experiences, I am reminded of one of Margaret Mead’s most famous quotes:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
My story is not one of remarkable feats or Nobel Peace Prize-winning achievements, but rather a journey of personal growth and development. For any young people reading this, I hope my story resonates with you and inspires you to take action toward your goals, no matter how big or small.
TheWinningSeed is your chance to put your HIV advocacy ideas into action AND win $1500 in grant money!
Deadline extension until May 20th 2024
Click here to learn more!
LetsStopAIDS is thrilled in recognition
With over half of all community has opportunities for queer initiatives and
thrilled to be named Pride Toronto’s Charity of Choice for the 2024 year, of our work to support 2SLGBTQI+ youth over the past 2 decades. all new HIV diagnoses occurring amongst queer people, the 2SLGBTQI+ always been at the forefront of our work and we continue to provide queer youth to amplify their voices on global platforms, establish their own and become integral members of the LetsStopAIDS community.
Cheers To You is uniting bars and restaurants across Ontario in celebrating and supporting 2SLGBTQI+ youth! Participating venues will each feature a Pride themed drink on their menu for the month of June, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to LetsStopAIDS’ youth initiatives.
Find out more about our Platinum partners on the next page.
This is your go-to spot if you’re looking for a Latin-Mediterranean-inspired Tapas Bar with a Canadian twist. Run by owners from Brazil and Portugal, OMG Cafe & Tapas is the perfect spot to experience authentic flavours throughout the day, whether you’re looking for great tasting coffee or vibrant happy hours.
Mon - Tue: Closed / Wed - Thurs: 10am - 8pm Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm / Sun: 10am - 8pm 755 Dovercourt Road
“Wet your whistle by grabbing a drink at this authentic Ossington dive bar. Featuring a gorgeous back patio and merch designed by local artists, this spot has everything you need for an unforgettable night out!
Mon - Thurs: 6pm - 2am Fri - Sun: 2pm - 2am 1185 Dundas Street West
Nestled in Toronto’s Annex Lounge. Loved for its diverse to late-night bites. Renowned attentive service. Voted "Best Now Magazine. Savory comfort more until 2am, every day. Your
Every day: 10am - 2am
563 Bloor Street
Unleash your childhood dreams at this restaurant, where tasty food pairs with retro arcade fun. From Pacman to DDR, enjoy classic games, creative cocktails, and delicious dishes in a lively atmosphere. It's the ideal spot for a memorable date night with your partner, or friends!
Mon - Wed: 6pm - 12am / Thurs: 5pm - 1am Fri: 5pm - 2am / Sat: 2pm - 2am / Sun: 2pm - 12am
300 College Street
Calling all outer space enthusiasts! Step into a futuristic dining experience with Offworld’s creative cocktails and unique dishes. Whether you’re looking for sci-fi bites or spacey Pride drinks, their menu is guaranteed to have something for all space aficionados.
Mon: Closed / Tues to Thurs: 5pm - 12am Fri - Sat: 5pm - 2am /Sun: 5pm - 12am 739 Queen St W 2nd Floor
Cocktail party. Art gallery. where romantic notions rule. toward Canada’s first cinematic the anything’s possible spark bar for ordering champagne cocktails) and snacks to share, gossip and making eyes from Sun - Mon:
district, Insomnia Restaurant & diverse menu, from brunch delights Renowned for its cozy ambiance and "Best Late Night Restaurant" by comfort foods, craft cocktails, and Your new go-to.
Enjoy delicious dishes and creative cocktails in a themed setting filled with pop culture references. This restaurant offers a one-of-akind dining experience at the heart of Church St for fans of sci-fi, fantasy, and gaming, promising a fun and memorable time for everyone.
Mon: 4pm - 11pm / Tue - Thurs: 12pm - 11pm
Fri - Sat: 12pm - 12am / Sunday: 12pm - 11pm
580 Church Street
The Smith House Bar is Toronto's hot spot for pizza, food, and drinks. Featuring a number of weekly events like Karaoke Mondays, Open Mic Tuesdays, and Trivia Wednesdays, it’s the perfect spot to check out if you’re looking to try something new.
Mon - Sat: 12pm - 11pm Sun: 12pm - 9pm 171 College Street
Beer, Booze, & Tunes. Situated in the heart of Kensington, Handlebar has been proudly supporting live music and DJs who dig deeper since 2012. They aim to showcase the best talent around, while also serving a great selection of Ontario craft beers and cocktails.
Mon - Thurs: 6pm - 2am
Fri - Sun: 2pm - 2am
159 Augusta Avenue
Listening room. Rooftop rule. Evangeline is a sly wink cinematic feature, an embrace of spark of the silver screen. It’s a champagne (or any number of fine share, indulging in fireside from across the room.
Mon: Closed / Tue - Thurs: 5pm - 12am
Fri - Sat: 4pm - 2am
51 Camden Street
Pulling double duty as both a café and bar, Crossbar will take care of your caffeine or cocktail fix. Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee on the go or need to unwind after shopping, this cozy corner brews freshly roasted Propeller coffee and shakes up handcrafted cocktails inspired by the diverse flavours of its neighbouring food stalls. Located inside Queen’s Cross Food Hall in Eaton Centre.
Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm / Sun: 11am - 7pm
Happy Hour Daily: 3pm - 6pm
14 Queen Street (Inside CF Eaton Centre)
Savor an intimate and inviting dining experience in the heart of downtown Toronto. This restaurant serves classic comfort foods with a modern twist, complemented by craft beers and cocktails. From brunch until 2 am, enjoy your pride drink while exploring their menu in a cozy atmosphere.
Every day: 9am - 2am
106 John Street #3
Interested in joining our team? Even if you don’t see a specific role you’re looking for, no worries! You can still get involved by clicking on the link below.
As our Community Ambassador, you will become our voice to Youth-HIV information and knowledge. You will be part of a team encouraging youth to create leadership opportunities within their local communities. You will learn about HIV, and become champions to develop new content made for youth! Community Ambassadors will need to have an interest in sexual health and be driven to create new methods to better engage with other youth.
LetsStopAIDS has an exciting volunteer internship opportunity for a confident, results-driven professional to join our communications team. Under the direction of the Event Manager, Event coordinator will help plan events, create meaningful connections and partnerships throughout the year.
You will be our ambassador within the HIV community. You’ll drive the reach and reputation of LetsStopAIDS by engaging with our target audience online and in-person. We are looking for social, ambitious, but humble individuals who have strong communications skills. You will deliver key messages to other members within the HIV community and be able to encourage open discussions.
