AIDS Committee of Ottawa | Le comité du sida d'Ottawa

At ACO, we believe food is more than nourishment—it’s connection, culture, and community. What happens when you bring food and cultural experience together in one space? Magic.

We were honoured to be part of a powerful two-day event hosted by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (themhcc), centering mental health in 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Sharing some photos from Day 1 today!

Doors Open Ottawa at the AIDS Committee of Ottawa
Come see what’s behind our doors!
Meet the people who support individuals living with HIV & AIDS every day. Learn about the services that change lives—from practical support to community connection—and ask your questions in a space with no judgement, just connection.
Whether you’re curious, looking to learn, or want to connect with the community, everyone is welcome.
🌭 Stay for the BBQ and make a day of it!
📍 19 Main Street
🗓 Saturday, June 6
⏰ 10 AM – 4 PM
Part of Doors Open Ottawa 2026

🌈 Gay Men’s Social – Tomorrow!
Join us for our next Gay Men’s Social happening Tuesday, June 2nd from 4–7 PM!
Come connect, relax, and build community in a welcoming space.
We’ll also be sharing some exciting updates from the Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance (GMSH), including highlights from their latest campaign—so don’t miss out!
🍽️ Food will be provided
Bring a friend, meet new people, and be part of the conversation. We’d love to see you there!

The Mapishi Project is currently inviting Black q***r youth (18–29) to take part in a community-based initiative centered on your experiences.

Participants will join small group conversations in a relaxed, supportive environment, with optional creative activities such as photography and storytelling. Food, childcare, and transportation (bus tickets) will be provided.

This is a low-pressure space where participants can share at their own pace. The goal is not just research, but creating meaningful conversations and community, with participants’ voices helping shape the work.
Sessions are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

To learn more or sign up, scan the QR code or email [email protected]
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Le projet Mapishi invite les jeunes noir·e·s q***r (18–29 ans) à participer à une initiative communautaire centrée sur vos expériences.

Les participant·e·s prendront part à de petites rencontres de groupe dans un environnement détendu et bienveillant, avec des activités créatives optionnelles comme la photographie et le storytelling. Nourriture, services de garde et transport (billets d’autobus) seront fournis.
Il s’agit d’un espace sans pression où chacun·e peut partager à son propre rythme. L’objectif n’est pas seulement la recherche, mais aussi de créer des échanges significatifs et de renforcer la communauté, tout en permettant à vos voix de contribuer au projet.
Les séances durent environ 1 h 30 à 2 heures.

Pour en savoir plus ou s’inscrire, scannez le code QR ou écrivez à [email protected]

🌙 Eid Mubarak from ACO!
Eid-ul-Adha calls us to reflect on compassion, justice, and our responsibility to care for one another—especially those most marginalized.
At the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, this means working alongside people living with HIV, newcomers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to ensure access to care, food security, and culturally responsive support.
This Eid, we reaffirm our commitment to equity, dignity, and community care for all.
May this day bring healing, hope, and togetherness.

Asian Heritage Month Celebration & Social!
We are so excited to invite you to our next 🌈 2SLGBTQIA+BIPoC Social!
In recognition of Asian Heritage Month, we will be gathering to screen a powerful short film, followed by a relaxed, open group discussion. This is a safe, welcoming space to connect, reflect, and share in community together.
Oh, and did we mention? Dinner will be provided!

📅 The Details:
When: Tuesday, May 26th
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Short film screening, community discussion, and dinner!

Come for the film, stay for the food, and leave with new connections. We can't wait to see you there!

For more information or any questions, please contact: [email protected]

IDHOBIT 2026: At the heart of democracy.
​Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia ( ), we are reminded that 🌈2SLGBTQIA+ rights are fundamental to a free and just society.
​A true democracy cannot exist without the safety, dignity, and full participation of everyone.
Here in Ottawa, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) sees firsthand how discrimination impacts well-being. True democracy means:
🎗​Health Equity: Access to stigma-free HIV prevention, care, and support without fear.
🎗​Safety & Agency: The freedom to live openly, authentically, and safely in our neighborhoods.
🎗​Amplified Voices: Ensuring marginalized communities are not just heard, but are actively shaping our city’s future.
​How to take action today:
- Challenge anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric.
- Support local grassroots q***r and trans organizations.
- Show up for your neighbors.
​Let's protect the heart of our community, together. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

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A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out and made 🏳️‍🌈Gay Men Social special today! Good vibes, great company, and a delicious BBQ under the sunshine — what more could we ask for? ☀️
Celebrating Asian Heritage Month with amazing Asian music in the background made it even more meaningful 🎶🌏 — a perfect blend of culture, community, and connection.

Tuesdays don’t get better than this! See you all at our next social!

🌈💛