The Pulse: May/June 2024

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.

Volunteer feature

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!

CONTENTS 01

Volunteer Feature - Randy Liu

05

The Winning Seed

Pride Toronto Charity of Choice

07

Cheers To You Map

09

Our Friends

Get Involved

RANDY LIU An Unlikely Beginning 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.

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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.

“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.”

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.

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.

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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

future,

I

youth

are

and

hope

learning.

to

see

Looking

a

world

empowered

to

to

the

where

all

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

and

development.

reading with

small.

03

journey

this,

you

toward

a

I

and

your

of

For

hope

goals,

any

my

inspires no

personal young

story

you

growth people

resonates

to

take

action

matter

how

big

or

04

LetsStopAIDS is thr in recognition 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!

05

With over half of a community has opportunities for qu initiatives a

rilled to be named Pride Toronto’s Charity of Choice for the 2024 year, n 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 ueer youth to amplify their voices on global platforms, establish their own and become integral members of the LetsStopAIDS community.

Supporting 2SLGBTQI+ youth this Pride Month 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.

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Insomnia

Nestled in Toronto’s Annex d

Lounge. Loved for its divers

to late-night bites. Renown

attentive service. Voted "Be

OMG Cafe & Tapas

Now Magazine. Savory com

more until 2am, every day. Yo

This is your go-to spot if you’re looking for a

Every day: 10am - 2am

Latin-Mediterranean-inspired Tapas Bar with a Canadian twist. Run by owners from Brazil and

563 Bloor Street

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

FreePlay

755 Dovercourt Road

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

Wasted Youth Bar “Wet your whistle” by grabbing a drink

at this authentic Ossington

dive bar. Featuring a gorgeous back

world Bar

patio and merch designed by local

Off

artists, this spot has everything you need for an unforgettable night out!

Mon - Thurs: 6pm - 2am

Fri - Sun: 2pm - 2am

1185 Dundas Street West

Calling all outer space enthusiasts! Step into a futuristic dining experience with Offworld’s cocktails and unique dishes.

Whether you’re looking for sci-fi bites or creative

spacey Pride drinks, their menu is guaranteed

fi

to have something for all space a cionados.

Mon: Closed / Tues to Thurs: 5pm - 12am

Fri - Sat: 5pm - 2am /Sun: 5pm - 12am

9 Queen St W 2nd Floor

73

Cocktail party. Art gallery.

where romantic notions rul toward Canada’s

first cinem

the anything’s possible spar

bar for ordering champagn

) and snacks to s

cocktails

gossip and making eyes from

Sun - Mon

Cheers To You Platinum Partners (Full partner list to be announced soon) 07

Storm Crow Manor

district, Insomnia Restaurant & se menu, from brunch delights ned for its cozy ambiance and Best Late Night Restaurant" by mfort foods, craft cocktails, and our 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.

The Smith House Bar

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.

Handlebar

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

Evangeline

. Listening room. Rooftop le. Evangeline is a sly wink matic feature, an embrace of rk of the silver screen. It’s a ne (or any number of fine share, indulging in fireside m across the room.

n: Closed / Tue - Thurs: 5pm - 12am

Fri - Sat: 4pm - 2am 51 Camden Street

Crossbar

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.

Fox on John

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

0038

OUR FRIENDS

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GEt Involved

Join our Team

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.

Get Involved

YOUTH HIV - PEER EDUCATOR

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.

SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR

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.

Community outreach ambassador 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.

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