About Us

A Tribute to Those Who Came Before Us

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Red Gala as we honour the trailblazers and community members who paved the way for 2S/LGBTQIA+ health, rights, and visibility in Nova Scotia.

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Location: Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel | 1919 Upper Water Street
Attire: Semi-formal with a splash of RED

Last year, your incredible support helped us raise $25,000 in support of our mission. This year, we gather under our new name, HEAL NS, as we continue the legacy of community-driven care.

The evening will feature a refreshing signature cocktail & cash bar, delicious light appetizers, a silent auction, and amazing 2S/LGBTQIA+ performances. Come celebrate with us as we continue the work of creating a healthier, more inclusive future for those living and affected by HIV and all 2S/LGBTQIA+ Nova Scotians.

For more info, contact Zach Nicholson at 902-473-9023 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Please note that the list of partners and supporters of HEAL NS changes frequently. If your name is missing please let us know. It is our goal to work collaboratively with others to reach success in a shared vision for the future.

Corporate & Business Supporters

 Local Sponsors

• McKiggan Hebert Lawyers https://www.apmlawyers.com
• Gilead Canada https://www.gilead.com 
• Nova Scotia General Employee’s Union (NSGEU) http://nsgeu.ca
• Tara MacDonald Inc. https://taracmacdonald.com
• Nova Scotia Nurses' Union https://www.nsnu.ca
• MAC Cosmetics http://www.maccosmetics.com
• Nova Scotia Teachers Union https://nstu.ca
• Nova Scotia Spirit Co. https://novascotiaspirits.com
• Docaitta Design  http://www.docaittadesign.com
• Westjet https://www.westjet.com
• The Atlantica Halifax  http://www.atlanticahotelhalifax.com
• Halifax International Airport Authority https://halifaxstanfield.ca/airport-authority/who-we-are/
• Virgin Radio 101.3 FM http://www.iheartradio.ca/virginradio/halifax

Without the generous support of corporate and business community members, HEAL NS would not be able to achieve such a high level of success. Thank you for your ongoing commitment.

Bio to come...

Bio to come...

Bio to come...

Totally Outright is a leadership program that brings together people living in Nova Scotia to learn about and discuss sexual and mental health. It takes participants through a set of workshops, talks, facilitated discussions, and projects to explore their own relationships to these topics, increase their knowledge of HIV, HCV, and other STIs and STBBIs as well as harm reduction and safer sex practices. The programming also teaches skills for participants to become sexual health leaders in their own communities and work. Totally OutRight is a free program (including lodging, food, and cost of travel to Halifax for the week).

In the past, HEAL NS has offered a version of this program for people who identify as queer men, as well a version for trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse communities. 

Our next offering will be for people identifying as queer men in the spring of 2026! Keep an eye on this page for applications opening this winter. 

We are also preparing to offer our first Totally Outright for BIPOC communities, and we can’t wait to share more soon!

Totally Outright is made possible in Nova Scotia through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The views expressed in this program do not necessarily reflect the views of PHAC.

 ACNS invites you to ... The Red Gala! 

We're changing our name  -  and expanding our mission to broader queer health...  So 'Come Out' with us on April 20th, 2024, at the Light House Arts Centre to find out more!

This marquee cocktail social event will feature a bar, light aetizers, a silent auction, and variety-show-style performances, all co-hosted by drag performers Rouge Fatale and Deva Station.

It's a semi-formal affair that will celebrate the three-decade legacy of ACNS, and will serve as an introduction to our future. We will unveil name and brand changes to the organization during the night.

Tickets are $95, or you can reserve a table of 10 for $1000. Get your tickets at www.tinyurl.com/ACNSRedGala

For more information contact Jordan Parker at 902-240-7384 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

And ... we invite you to wear something RED!

              OTHER SPONSORS INCLUDE: 

Tara MacDonald Inc. https://taracmacdonald.com          

Nova Scotia Nurses' Union https://www.nsnu.ca

Nova Scotia Teachers Union https://nstu.caNova          

Nova Scotia Spirit Co. https://novascotiaspirits.com

Ashley (She/Her) was born and raised in Halifax, however spent half her adult life living on the West coast, before moving back East. She attended St. Francis Xavier University, graduating with an Arts degree in 2007. Ashley has spent the past 10+ years working across a variety of leadership roles within TD Bank. In her current position,  Assistant Market Manager – TD Private Wealth Management, she leads a team of Private Bankers across Atlantic Canada. Ashley is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within TD and the broader community – As Chair of TD's 2SLGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group in Atlantic, and as a member of the Wealth Forever Proud core committee, Ashley actively advocates for equality and representation. In her spare time, Ashley can be found skiing, cycling, running or enjoying the great outdoors with her wife and their two dogs. 

Pride lasts all summer in Nova Scotia, and we use this as our opportunity to connect with the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community across the province and raise awareness of our services and programs. HEAL NS is planning an expanded Proud Summer Tour this year, with the goal of having a presence at 10 Pride festivals across Nova Scotia.

At each festival, HEAL NS will participate in the local community market or other cornerstone event with a resource booth. Staff of HEAL NS will be on site to provide information on, and answer questions about, the programs and services we offer. Visitors will also be able to pick up sexual health kits and sign-up to receive at-home STI and HIV test kits through STI Care Now.

2025 HEAL NS Proud Summer Tour

• Pictou County Pride (06/20)
  • Market and Fun Day, Pictou Waterfront, 3-8pm
• Annapolis Valley Pride (06/28)
  • Artisan Market, Kentville Centre Square, 12-5pm
• Truro Pride (06/28)
  • Fun Day, Truro Civic Square, 12-4pm
• Annapolis Royal Pride (07/05)
• Lunenburg Pride (07/06)
  • Big Gay Get-Together, Shipyards Landing, Bridgewater, 4-6pm
• Halifax Pride (07/19)
  • Community Market, Garrison Grounds, 1-5pm 
• St. Margaret’s Bay Pride (07/26)
  • Pride Fest Market, Hubbards Barn, 10am-12:30pm
• Pride Cape Breton (08/09)
  • Party in the Park - Rainbow Market, Wentwork Park, 12:00-3:00pm
• Eastern Shore Pride (08/17)
  • Pride Market, Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum, 10am-2pm

* dates and locations subject to change

Thank you to our Tour Sponsor, ViiV Healthcare.

Thank you to the local sponsors of our Pride Cape Breton stop, Breton Brewing and The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse.

 For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

What is MPox?

Mpox (aka Monkeypox) is a relatively rare virus that's primarily spread through extended periods of close physical contact with someone who has it. It can also be transmitted by droplets of saliva and mucus from coughing, sneezing, or kissing. Anyone can have and transmit monkeypox.

In Canada, a large number of cases are among men who have sex with men (MSM). It's important for everyone to be aware of their risks, symptoms, what can be done to help prevent it, and to stay up to date on new monkeypox information.

What to look for (signs and symptoms)

• fever or chills 
• skin rash 
• headache 
• muscle aches or back pain 
• fatigue 
• swollen lymph nodes 
• sores or blisters

Symptoms may appear 5-21 days after exposure and can last 2-4 weeks. Mpox symptoms can also resemble signs of some STIs like syphilis and herpes. Mpox is not as severe as smallpox, however, if you develop a fever and then a rash it's recommended that you seek medical attention.

Monkeypox and HIV

Mpox doesn't appear to be any more severe in people living with HIV, especially people on effective treatment with a suppressed viral load.

Prevention and Treatment

Some ways to prevent Mpox are by washing your hands, wearing a mask, covering coughs/sneezes, and limiting sex partners. If you have a sore or blister and suspect Mpox, isolate from others. Cover the sore up with a large band aid if you must be in contact with other people or do have sex. Virtual sex with no in-person contact can be a good alternative while you heal. Talk to your partner(s) about any recent symptoms or unexplained sores or rashes. If possible, exchanging contact information with sexual partners can help reduce or prevent the spread of Mpox.

The same vaccine for smallpox is effective against Mpox and may be given by a public health or health care worker. If you think you were exposed to Mpox or suspect you have it, please contact your health care provider or local public health department as soon as possible.

- - -

For info about Mpox vaccines in NS (and other Mpox details) go to https://novascotia.ca/monkeypox