MAX Blog
Finding Pride Through Art
Hi, my name is Mikey (he/him). For the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with MAX Ottawa. I’ve always been interested in exploring creative art projects since childhood. As such, I have taught myself a variety of arts and crafts that includes being a trained 2D animator, a published comic book…
Read MoreThe (In)existence of LGBT Asian Spaces
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many have returned home to self-isolate with their loved ones and families to prevent further spread of the virus. Home to many of us is where we feel safe and loved, but to LGBT+ folks, and especially those who are B/I/PoC, the feeling of an accepting and caring home may be…
Read MoreDaddies and Dragons!
Building Community…One Dice at a Time! As a young queer man, I spent a large portion of my time surrounded by straight friends in high school. One of the activities I remember fondly was playing dungeons and dragons (D&D), but it was never something that the other gay guy in school wanted to do. I…
Read More2SLGBTQ+ Public Consultation Held in Ottawa
Over 150 individuals attend the first of its kind event in over 20 years Wisdom2Action, in partnership with seven Ottawa 2SLGBTQ+ organizations and the City of Ottawa, held a public consultation at Ottawa City Hall on Monday, January 13th. The event was open to all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, representatives of 2SLGBTQ+ health and…
Read MoreMy Journey with MAX Ottawa
Hello, I’m David Ley and I use he/him pronouns. I am originally from Montreal and currently live in Ottawa. Since the age of 16, I have volunteered at various ASO’s (AIDS Service Organizations) and LGBTQ+ organizations with a harm reduction focus. I presently share my lived experience and knowledge of PNP to MAX’s safer party…
Read MoreBlack Queer Excellence
On December 3, 2019, MAX Ottawa, The Aids of Committee of Ottawa, and Somerset West Community Health Centre hosted ‘Black Queer Excellence.’ This BQE party was for all Black, African, Caribbean, Afro-Indigenous, Afro-Latinx, and other members of the African Diaspora 2SLGBTQ+ community members and allies. The 27 Club graciously hosted us as we centred Black…
Read MoreHarm Reduction Supply Packing Party
So far in 2019, MAX Ottawa has distributed 13,584 harm reduction supplies! How do we keep up? With the help of volunteers and community members such as yourself! Harm Reduction Supply Packing Party On November 28, 2019, we hosted a harm reduction packing party. Fourteen people attended along with MAX’s staff Mohamad, Josh, and Robert.…
Read MoreNavigating ODSP as a guy into guys
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): a safety net for many guys into guys Everybody deserves a safety net. However, the world of social services and government support for those of us who are struggling can be difficult to navigate at times. On October 9th, MAX organized a workshop, in collaboration with Centre 454 and Bruce House on navigating…
Read MoreLetter to the Editor
Re: My Coming Out Story – 40 Years in the Making, Ottawa Citizen editorial, Mayor Jim WatsonAugust 17, 2019 Dear Editor, We read with interest and recognition Mayor Watson’s moving testimony on his personal journey a gay man. Coming out as a guy who is into guys, even today with all the legal recognition and social advances,…
Read More5 Things I've Learned About GBT2Q+ Men's Health
My volunteer placement with MAX Ottawa has come to a close – time flies! From January 10th to April 26th, I had the pleasure of working with MAX as an event volunteer and workshop facilitator with Totally Outright. Volunteering with MAX has provided an amazing opportunity to learn about the health of GBT2Q+ men, or…
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