ACT Support Groups
ACT offers a wide range of group-based programs. Some of these are support groups, some of these are more educational in nature. We offer groups specifically for people living with HIV, for those concerned about their risk for HIV, as well as groups that focus on mental health or substance use.
Anxiety Support Group is for Gay, Bi and Queer men, and takes place on an as-needs basis. This is a group where we discuss anxiety, triggers & tools to manage stress.
For more information, reach out to Maher at msinno@actoronto.org
Body Image Support Group is for Gay, Bi and Queer men, and takes place once a year. In this group, we discuss body image, self-esteem, body positivity and health.
For more information, reach out to Maher at msinno@actoronto.org
Hogtown Smut is a 10-week arts and sex therapy group for poz guys into guys around 40 years old and above. This group aims to develop a richer language for GBQMSM guys’ desires with a supportive group of peers.
For more information on this group, reach out to MHSadminsupport@actoronto.org
Newly Diagnosed is a group for folks who have been recently diagnosed with HIV and want to connect and share resources with other peers. This group is open to all gender identities.
For more information on this group, reach out to Maher at msinno@actoronto.org
Learning, Inclusion and Knowledge Sharing – is a drop-in support group open to all genders and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Both registered service users at ACT and those who are interested in accessing our programs and services are invited to attend.
The topic for each LInKS group varies and is chosen by participants. Some previous examples include anxiety, interpersonal relationships, sleep and stress at work to name a few.
For more information on this group, reach out to MHSadminsupport@actoronto.org OR please visit our pre-registration page at LInKS Group.
Living with HIV Drop-in Group is a support group for folks living with HIV, to
discuss stigma, healthcare, mental health, and other topics. This group is open to all gender identities and takes place every month.
For more information, reach out to Maher at msinno@actoronto.org
The Meditation group is for Gay, Bi and Queer men and happens on a needs basis. This is a group where we can practice holistic well-being and get to know our own bodies, through meditation, mindfulness, and/or yoga techniques.
For more information on this group, reach out to Maher at msinno@actoronto.org.
Meth and Sex Drop-in Group is for Gay, Bi and Queer men and takes place every month. This is an abstinence-based group for folks who are trying to stop their use of Meth.
For more information, reach out to Maher at msinno@actoronto.org
Mild2Wild is an Ontario-wide online meetup on Zoom for guys who Party ‘n Play to come together, talk about what matters to them and get the info they need to party safer. Supported by the GMSH and ACT, each M2W session is centered around topics like managing comedowns, keeping yourself safe, and understanding all the possible experiences you might have.
Wherever you live in Ontario, feel free to drop in with us. Hosted on Zoom we understand the need for discretion. Putting your camera on and using your real name isn’t mandatory in the space. Oh, and we don’t ask people to stop partying or commit to being abstinent just to attend.
Interested? Feel free to drop in at any of our sessions. We meet every other week from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST
August 8 – Benefits of & How to take a Break
August 22 – Building Supportive Networks
September 5 – Gender Diverse Issues within PnP
September 19 – Open Topic
Email aurquhart@actoronto.org for the weekly link.
The OnlyMans: HQ Drop-in is an attempt to hold space for, build, and support Gay Bi Queer Trans guys an Gender Non-Conforming Non-Binary folks in sex work. These Drop-ins will take place once every three months allowing community to form connections in person, wellness check-in, access resources – STBBI rapid testing, mental health, harm reduction, etc. Hosted in the HQ community rooms, these will be hybrid events to include anyone quarantining or physically unable to relocate. We will be providing transportation and a meal for attendees.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns please email Kristopher Phillips – TOMQ Male Sex Work & PnP Project Coordinator at kphillips@actoronto.ca
Location: 790 Bay St. #820, Toronto, ON M5G 1N8
Quarterly starting Wednesday October 11th 2023, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
If you have any dietary restrictions that you forgot to mention, please let me know via email as well as food recommendations that suit your accommodations.
SPUNK! is a support group for Gay, Bi and Queer men who want to make changes regarding their drug use, whether those changes are harm reduction or abstinence. The group focuses on the individual goals of the participants and runs for 6 weeks. We explore substance use from a non-judgmental point of view and look at how it impacts sexuality and daily living. We provide tools for personal development and referrals to services once the group is over.
SPUNK! is a closed group. This means folks need to register to join, and that it isn’t a drop-in group where different people come and go. A closed group creates a place that allows intimate discussion. SPUNK! is facilitated (led) by two professionals working with cis & trans gay/bi/queer men’s sexual health.
SPUNK! uses Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) as well as Mindfulness techniques. Are you ready to make a change regarding your substance use?
For more information about SPUNK! please contact spunk@actoronto.org
Wellness group is for Gay, Bi and Queer men, and happens twice a year. This is a group where we discuss holistic well-being, including self-care and community-care.
For more information on this group, reach out to Maher at msinno@actoronto.org
Programs you may be interested in
Counselling Services
ACT provides free, confidential counselling about issues concerning HIV, sexual health, mental health, and substance use.
Social Programs
ACT offers a range of social support programs for people who are living with HIV.
Intakes and Referrals
ACT provides an agency intake to connect you to appropriate programs, both within ACT and at other agencies.