02/13/2026
As many of you are aware, February marks the 30th year of Black Liberation Month in Canada, a time to recognize the transformative contributions African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) Canadians have made in our communities. As I reflect on the past weekend, where our community acknowledged African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, I am reminded of the legacy, resilience and progress made in the HIV movement that has built the foundations of our communities, in particular q***r and trans liberties.
This month, we also celebrate Love Positive Women, founded in 2013 by Jessica Whitbread, a woman living with HIV in Toronto. What began as a social media project encouraging women living with HIV to engage in acts of self-love and appreciation became a global movement.
As we acknowledge the importance of both times of significance, it would be remiss not to discuss the current state of HIV cases among women and ACB communities. According to the most recent data, in 2023, women accounted for almost 25% of all first-time diagnoses in Ontario (with 178 females* testing positive), while Black communities accounted for 37.8% of all first time diagnoses and thereby accounting for the largest proportion in Ontario. * Note that data in Ontario is still collected according to s*x, not gender, hence the language used here.
The OHTN is empowered by the notion that our work is to prioritize the longevity and sustainability of Black health AND women’s health and reduce the impact of HIV on these communities. This work happens year-round.
Dismantling systemic oppression is ongoing, and our work today must always address systemic anti-Black racism, s*xism and intersecting oppressions.
Two resources I would like to highlight are WHAI’s A Seat at the Picnic: Examining How Social and Structural Determinants of Health Impact HIV Risk and Health Outcomes, a booklet intended to raise awareness about how social and structural determinants of health impact some populations more than others; and ACCHO’s After Dark Chat Show, a video series centering ACB voices and HIV, health and healing.