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Totally Outright in Nova Scotia
Are you ... a Nova Scotian of any gender
who identifies and/or presents as a queer man
Want to be a healthy, sex-savvy trendsetter?
Passionate about your community
... and your own sexual health?
Welcome to ...
for those aged 18 or older!
I am interested in Totally OUTright, how do I apply?
Fill out our online application form, If you have a problem with the form option This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone or text 782-774-8175.
What is Totally OUTright?
Totally OUTright in NS is a FREE 5-day sexual health leadership retreat. During the retreat, participants will explore queer sexual and mental health topics. This year's program theme is queer expression through art.
What happens at Totally OUTright?
Participants will listen to talks from local sexual and mental health leaders. They will participate in discussions, workshops, and a group project.
Who is Totally OUTright for?
Totally OUTright in NS is for two-spirit, gay, bi, non-binary, gender-fluid, gender-queer, trans and queer folks who are 18 years of age or older, however folks between the ages of 18-29 will be prioritized. This includes Nova Scotians of any gender who identify and/or present as queer men, those from all backgrounds and identities, and those living with HIV.
When & where does Totally OUTright take place?
The next Totally OUTright in NS will take place in Halifax May 4-8, 2024.
Is there a cost for Totally OUTright?
Totally OUTright in NS is provided to participants completely FREE of charge. For those traveling from outside Halifax ALL accomodation, meal and travel expenses relating attending are covered
Who is behind Totally OUTright?
Totally OUTright was created originally for young Gay men by the Vancouver-based Community Based Research Centre for Gay Men's Health (CBRC) and has been implemented and/or adapted by a number of organizations across Canada including: Health Initiative for Men (HIM, Vancouver), ACT (Toronto), the Rainbow Resource Centre (Winnipeg), Calgary Sexual Health Centre, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, and the Peel HIV/AIDS Network.
I am interested in Totally OUTright, how do I apply?
Fill out our online application form, If you have a problem with the form option This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone or text 782-774-8175.
Funders
Totally OUTright in NS (2023, and 2024) 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.
Additional 2020-2021 program funding provided by the following Community Health Board Development funds: the Chebucto West Community Health Board, the Dartmouth Community Health Board, and the Halifax Community Health Board.
Additional 2019-2020 program funding provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services Sexual Violence Strategy.
Additional 2018-2019 program funding provided by the following Community Health Board Development funds: the Chebucto West Community Health Board, the Dartmouth Community Health Board, and the Halifax Community Health Board.
Funding for the February 2017 pilot of this program was provided by the M.A.C AIDS Fund, the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services Sexual Violence Strategy, and the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
We would like to thank the CBRC, the Rainbow Resource Centre, and the AIDS Committee of Ottawa for their support and assistance in developing our pilot offering of Totally OUTright in Nova Scotia.
The Red Gala
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 Martell
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.
Concerned about MonkeyPox?
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 is 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
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For more info and resource about Mpox see our Mpox Fact Sheet, our general Mpox Facebook post, and also our HIV and Mpox Facebook post.
For info about Mpox vaccines in NS (and other Mpox details) go to https://novascotia.ca/monkeypox
Want to know more about Mpox? Check out our Detailed Mpox Fact Sheet here.
Peer N Peer - Harm Reduction for 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities
Our Peer N Peer Pilot is Now Closed
We're are leaving this web content up for information purposes.
If you have questions please contact Hanly @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 782-234-5472 (phone/text).
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What is Peer N Peer?
Peer N Peer is a peer-led queer substance use and sexual health program.
Rooted in harm reduction principles, the Peer N Peer project meets people where they are at on their substance use and sexual journeys.
The Peer N Peer team is here to support 2SLGBTQIA+ people in using substances more safely, improving their sex life, changing how substances affect their sex life, and reducing or abstaining from substance use if that’s their goal. The Peer N Peer team is here to help with whatever goals individuals may have around sexual health and substance use.
Supports and services offered by the Peer N Peer team include:
- Screening and Referrals
- Peer Support
- Access to Harm Reduction Supplies
- Education & Outreach
- Flexible hours
Harm Reduction Supplies offered by the Peer N Peer Project include:
- Condoms
- Silicone lube
- Safer fisting kit
- Safer snorting kit
- Safer injection kit
- Safer crack/meth kit
- Fentanyl testing kits
- Glass stems
- Brass screens
- Wooden push sticks
- Vitamin C
- Matches
- Bubble pipes
- Rubber mouth pieces
- Syringes
- Filters
- Tourniquets
- Sterile water
- Cookers
- Alcohol swabs
- Naloxone Kits
- Hormone Replacement Therapy Kits
We also offer sharps disposal.
Supplies can be delivered via Canada Post if you are unable to come into the project office. The Peer N Peer office is located at 5516 Spring Garden Road, Suite 203, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The Peer N Peer program is funded by Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program through national program partner, Vancouver-based CBRC.
Info & Resources
Having trouble accessing these resources? Try a new browser, or clear your cookies. If you have technical questions - or want a downloadable copy - contact XXXXXXX
Addictions Resources For The 2SLGBTQIA+ Community
How To Access Hormone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone Therapy Information
Community Consultations
ACNS was overdue for a refresh...
Consultations Completed!
Thanks to all who participated in our Community Consultations, and supported our planned changes at the Annual General Meeeting special resolution vote...
Watch out for our rebranding launch to come in Spring 2024!
- - -
FROM FALL 2022 - SUMMER 2023 ...
If you would like to be part of the ACNS community consultation process, please email Chris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and put “Community Consultation” in the subject line. We will email the Zoom consultation details to all who expressed interest.
The proposal that ACNS will be seeking feedback on is:
“to expand our mandate to address broader sexual health, mental health and substance use issues – and to do so for all 2SLGBTQIA+ Nova Scotians”. This is the possible future that we wish to work towards. This is the proposal we now wish to present to our existing clients and HIV priority populations, as well as to the broader 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Nova Scotia.
First off, we want to be clear that we are not planning on giving up any of the HIV support and prevention programs and services we currently offer. ACNS will continue to address HIV issues for all impacted populations in Nova Scotia. However, to survive (or even thrive!) to be able to offer those HIV-specific services we need a broader foundation. Also, we’ve long been aware of the obvious overlaps and synergies between HIV work and broader 2SLGBTQIA+ health work.
HIV-specific funding – at both the provincial and federal level – continues to shrink each and every year! In addition, fund-raising for all charities has continued to get more and more challenging as the fundraising landscape gets increasingly crowded and competitive (and that was before COVID-19).
Back in 2018-2019 the ACNS staff and Board of Directors had gone through a detailed strategic planning process to assess the direction of the organization in both the short-and-long-term. We looked at the work we have been doing, the work we want to be doing, the challenges and opportunities that new developments in HIV treatment and prevention have presented, and we especially looked at the challenges and opportunities that changes in funding for programs have presented.
Out of that strategic planning process, new ideas and directions emerged that we need to discuss with our clients, and the populations we already serve... and the populations we may be adding to our service!
To finalize this process we were planning on doing consultations across Nova Scotia in the spring of 2020. COVID-19 interrupted that process. This spring we're back on track - offering Zoom consultation sessions. If Zoom does not work for you, let us know and we'll make alternative arrangements.
ACNS wants to hear your thoughts and input on our proposal, and we’re hoping to have in-depth discussions about how we can best serve our communities moving forward. Our community consultations will include an HIV+ client focus groups, and broader 2SLGBTQIA+ consultations.
If you would like to be part of this consultation process, please email Chris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and put “Community Consultation” in the subject line.
Thanks!
Donate to HEAL NS / ACNS
Thank you for helping us foster a healthier, more supportive and knowledgeable Nova Scotia. With knowledge and support we can help people living with HIV and stop new cases.
With our new name and expanded mission, we are also beginning to work towards developing programs to address broader sexual health and mental health issues for 2S/LGBTQIA+ Nova Scotians too.
If you have trouble with the form below, try our Canada Helps page.
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