MSM Sexual Health
The MSM Sexual Health program is focused on the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among cis and trans men and non-binary folks who have sex with men.
The program is committed to the development of healthy, vibrant communities free from stigma, achieving these goals through a combination of outreach, support, education and community development initiatives.
The department is available to contact at any time for support or with questions/concerns related to programming, HIV/STI information, sexual health and safer sex practices:
MSM Sexual Health Coordinator
MSM Sexual Health Worker
Philip Charbonneau
Email: pcharbonneau@thrivehiv.ca
Text: 519-635-2437
Phone: 519-570-3687 ext. 312
Paulo Eleria
Email: peleria@thrivehiv.ca
Text: 519-635-1761
Phone: 519-570-3687 ext. 314
We are continuing to monitor the evolving Mpox (‘monkeypox‘) virus and the particular public health impacts it is having on men who have sex with men.
You can visit Ontario’s Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance webpage for more information, including Mpox vaccination clinics near you. Please reach out with any questions or concerns, as well as for support, using the contact details below.
Please see below for more information on the MSM Sexual Health program and its various initiatives.
Anonymous Text Line
Got a burning question about safer sex? Want to know more about STIs? Need something answered but are nervous about reaching out? Text us anonymously at 519-635-2437 and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. No judgement, sex positive, safe way to talk about sex, safer sex, and the sex you want.
The Sex You Want
The Sex You Want (TSYW) is an ongoing campaign in collaboration with Ontario’s Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance. TSYW features animated videos, comic strips, and info-graphics that reflect the complex and diverse experiences of cis and trans men and non-binary folks who have sex with men which is grounded in science and a progressive attitude towards sex and pleasure. Check it out!
Get PrEP
Are you thinking about starting PrEP? Do you have questions about PrEP? Have you considered making PrEP part of your safer sex strategy? Meet with us! Our trained staff will answer any questions you have and walk you through everything you need to begin taking PrEP. Most people pay $0 for PrEP!
During your appointment you can be connected with a provider who will work with you on funding, delivery and regular testing! PrEP can be discreetly delivered to your home or another location of your choice. It's as easy as that!
If you identify as a cis or trans man or non-binary person who has sex with men, you can book a free and anonymous consultation appointment with a staff member through the link below:
Or book by phone by calling us at 519-570-3687 or text 519-635-2437 during business hours.
Volunteer Opportunities and Peer Programs
Do you enjoy meeting new people? Teaching new things to others? Want to make a difference in your community? Come volunteer with us!
Peers are defined by the MSM Sexual Health program as those who self-identify as members of the Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Non-Binary and/or Queer community, including those living with and without HIV. Peer opportunities for this program include:
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Park Outreach – From May to October, peers work in pairs to hang kits containing condoms, lube, testing information, and counselling referral information in wooded areas around the region where folks cruise for sex, as well as clean up any waste that is found. Peers in this program need to be able to go through Thrive’s general training as well as our specific park outreach training. They must also be able to navigate through heavily wooded areas in sometimes unpleasant conditions.
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Event Outreach – All year long, the MSM Sexual Health program makes appearances at various events and festivals where Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Non-binary and/or Queer folk are likely to attend in large numbers. Often, this form of outreach involves interacting with the public through a sexual health quiz game focused on MSM sexual health and history. Peers in this program need to go through Thrive's general training, outreach training, familiarize themselves with the various resources we distribute, and demonstrate a general aptitude for up-to-date MSM sexual health knowledge.
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Online Outreach – Every week, the MSM Sexual Health program performs online outreach to cis and trans men and non-binary folks who have sex with men on a variety of online platforms, from Grindr to Squirt! Peers assist with this program by using a provided tablet to perform outreach for a minimum of three hours per week on their own, on a rotating basis.
If you are interested in volunteering with our program, please visit THRIVE’s volunteer page click here!