Health Initiative for Men (HIM) is a non-profit society that aims to strengthen health and well-being in communities of self-identified gay, bisexual and queer men and gender-diverse people in BC…
There is a community health movement that’s rewriting what inclusive, accessible care looks like for queer and trans folks in British Columbia. Meet Health Initiative for Men – better known as HIM – a non-profit society dedicated to uplifting the physical, mental, sexual and social well-being of gay, bisexual and queer (GBQ) men and gender-diverse (GD) individuals. Since its founding in 2008, HIM has quietly become one of the province’s most innovative and affirming health organizations, serving as both a health hub and a community lifeline for many.
A mission rooted in belonging
Born from a grassroots need for queer-centred health care, HIM launched with a simple but radical mission: to strengthen the health and wellness of GBQ men and GD people across British Columbia. Over the past decade, that mission has expanded, both geographically and philosophically. HIM now operates centres in Vancouver, Surrey, New Westminster and Abbotsford, bringing everything from HIV testing to mental health counselling directly into the communities that need them most.
What sets HIM apart? Its unapologetically sex-positive, non-judgmental approach to health. The organization doesn’t just provide services: it creates space for people to feel safe, seen and celebrated.
“GBQ men and GD people in BC need care that is designed for us, by us,” says Zaid Elbitar, HIM’s Associate Director, External Relations and Development. “This means having more queer healthcare providers being empowered to work within their own communities. We need people who are living with HIV informing the care for people living with HIV. We need queer doctors making decisions about how medications are released. For too long have queer people been subject to the whims of provincial/federal healthcare provision. We see a future where queer people can go to a clinic that is safe, free of violence, and knowledgeable in all the ways it can be.”
A 360° approach to health
Physical and social health programs at HIM provide GBQ men and GD people with opportunities to take a more holistic approach to health in an engaging setting that cultivates a sense of connection and builds community. According to Elbitar, programs touch on every part of life, from the bedroom to the yoga mat, include:
Sexual health: HIM’s sexual health services are among the most trusted by GBQ and GD people in the province. Visitors can access free HIV and STI testing, vaccinations for hepatitis A and B as well as the human papillomavirus (HPV), and tailored information on harm reduction – all provided in warm, welcoming environments designed with queer clients in mind.
Mental health: With affordable, low-barrier counselling services, HIM addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing queer communities: anxiety, depression, substance use and identity stressors. These services are often peer-led or informed by community experience, giving them a resonance that mainstream mental health care often lacks.
Physical and social wellness: HIM’s programs go beyond the clinic. From outdoor fitness sessions and guided meditation to social groups and creative workshops, the organization ensures that community members have opportunities to build friendships, boost self-esteem and simply exist in joy.
Harm reduction and sex work support: HIM is one of the few organizations in the province offering non-stigmatizing support to people who use substances during sex, particularly through its “PnP & Me” initiative. It also runs drop-in spaces for male and trans sex workers, providing critical resources such as access to health care, housing support and social services.
“Loneliness is another issue that gay, bi and queer men and gender-diverse people face in ways that are misunderstood by the general population,” says Elbitar. “Most, if not all, queer people have faced ostracization, violence and rejection. Unfortunately, these experiences carry through with us into adulthood, and it can be difficult to build social networks and break the isolation barrier caused by others who rejected us.”
Diversity isn’t just a buzzword
At its core, HIM is driven by values of equity, inclusion and justice. Its staff and volunteers reflect the diversity of the communities they serve – including people of colour, newcomers, people living with HIV, and Indigenous and two-spirit individuals.
Programs like the Queer English Conversation Club and Bridging Generations (a mentorship and connection initiative for younger and older queer folks) ensure that HIM’s services aren’t just about health – they’re about belonging.
Where to find HIM
HIM’s welcoming health centres are strategically located across British Columbia. Each centre offers a mix of walk-in and appointment-based services, with many also hosting events, workshops and support groups:
- Vancouver: 1033 Davie Street (main office)
- Vancouver: 1145 Commercial Drive
- Surrey: 10362 King George Boulevard
- New Westminster: 610 6th Street
- Abbotsford: 32883 South Fraser Way
A model for the future
At a time when 2SLGBTQI+ health care is still patchy and underfunded across Canada, HIM stands out as a powerful model of what’s possible when care is community-driven, affirming, and built from the ground up. It’s not just a non-profit – it’s a movement. But they can’t do it alone. In an effort to find funding for their underfunded projects, the organization always invites people to consider supporting HIM by becoming a donor (monthly or otherwise).
“HIM has a variety of ways to get involved as a donor,” says Elbitar. “We are excited to share that our fundraising goes directly back into the community in the form of new programs, services and special projects that benefit us as a community.”
For more information on programs or to learn how to access services, you can visit HIM’s official website, www.checkhimout.ca, for wide-ranging resources to help GBQ and GD people navigate around their sexual and mental health.
To learn more about ViiV Healthcare Canada, visit www.viivhealthcare.ca.
This content is sponsored by ViiV Healthcare Canada.
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