A APROJECT BY THE 519 IN COLLABORATION WITH ACT
WELCOME
Telling Our Stories is a new storytelling project from ACT and The 519, supported by Canadian Heritage. It’s all about creating space for people living with and affected by HIV to share their personal stories—on their own terms.
We’re building on the legacy of the Toronto AIDS Memorial by highlighting the stories and experiences that haven’t always been heard. This project is about memory, healing, and community. It’s a way to honour those we’ve lost, recognize how far we’ve come, and inspire those who are living with HIV today.
Whether you were diagnosed recently or many years ago, whether you’re a family member, friend, or part of the broader HIV community—your story matters.
What Kind of Stories Can I Share?
You can tell your story in many ways. Some examples include:
- A short written piece like a letter, poem, journal entry, or reflection (30+ seconds).
- A video: A personal message, interview, mini-documentary, or a “day in my life.” minimum 250 words).
- An audio recording, such as a podcast-style reflection or spoken word. ( 2+ minutes)
- A visual or creative piece, like photography, drawings, or collage (with a written description of at least 200 words)
We encourage you to choose the format that feels best to you. There’s no “right” way to tell your story—just your way.
Themes You Might Explore
Not sure what to talk about? Here are a few prompts to help spark ideas:
- Living with HIV in 2025
- Aging and HIV
- Women and HIV
- Parenting while HIV-positive
- Love, stigma, resilience, healing
- Milestones—big or small—that have shaped you
You can reflect on the past, talk about the present, or imagine the future.
CLICK HERE IF YOU ARE READY TO SUBMIT YOUR STORY
Timeline & Next Steps
- Submissions open: May 08, 2025
- Story telling seminars are available on May 22 | June 4 via Zoom, register in Google form.
- Deadline: June 08, 2025
Where Will My Story Be Shared?
Stories will be featured in a variety of public spaces and platforms:
- The Toronto AIDS Memorial website
- Social media from ACT and The 519
- Public events and installations at Barbara Hall Park
- Community showcases during the summer 2025 launch
Privacy & Consent
Your story is yours. If selected, it will be shared publicly—but only in ways you’re comfortable with. You can choose to:
- Use your name, or remain anonymous
- Share openly, or just with limited audiences
- Withdraw your submission at any time before it’s published
- We’ll ask you to sign a consent form, and ACT’s Chief Privacy Officer will ensure your rights and information are respected.
How to Participate
- Choose a story format and theme that speaks to you
- Join a workshop or sign up for one-on-one support | Optional, and can be selected in the Google Form.
- Submit your story starting May 10, 2025, last day
- Stay tuned for the community launch and celebration in summer 2025