The following data were collected from gay, bisexual and trans men living in Montréal who participated in the Engage study *
Between 2017 and 2022:
*The proportions above have been adjusted to account for the recruitment method used by the Engage study as well as attrition in the cohort (i.e. participants who have been lost to follow-up).
If you’re worried about your crystal meth use or that of a loved one, you aren’t alone. Everyone’s substance use is different and there is support available for you in your community, regardless of your situation.
Do you want to talk about crystal meth use or chemsex? Here are some useful resources:
The following data were collected from gay, bisexual and trans men who participated in the Engage study in 2019:
Once told, these sexual partners can get tested and treated, and thus, protect their own health all the while breaking the chain of transmission.
IF one of your sexual partners had an infection, would you want them to tell you? Telling a partner that you have an STBBI can be a little bit, somewhat or very awkward! But it can be simpler than sending someone a cake (sometimes it can be a bit more complicated too)!
There are services available to help tell your partners (and to tell them anonymously):
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is an HIV prevention strategy that involves taking antiretroviral medication to prevent infection with HIV. Numerous studies have shown that PrEP is highly effective.
Treatment guidelines help define in which situations PrEP is indicated (for example, based on age, number of sexual partners, drug use, STBBI history, etc...)
PrEP is indicated for roughly 50% of Engage participants. Between 2017-2018, 15% of the guys for whom PrEP was indicated reported taking it (either on-demand or continuously) in the six months leading up to their study visit. In 2019-2020, this proportion more than doubled to 36%.
Check out maprep.org for information and resources about PrEP in Québec [French only].
To learn more about PrEP, check out the following documents:
Please note that our infographics are only available in French.
The following data were collected from gay, bi, and trans guys who participated in the Engage Study in 2018.
Half (48%) of guys had been tested for HIV at least once in the 6 months leading up to the study visit. This proportion is higher amongst participants who are younger than 40 years old and among those who had more male sexual partners in the 6-month period.
| Age Group | Proportion of participants who had at least one HIV test in the 6 months leading up to the study visit |
| 18-29 years | 51 % |
| 30-39 | 57 % |
| 40-49 | 35 % |
| 50-59 | 41 % |
| 60+ | 32 % |
| Number of male sexual partners in the 6 months leading up to the study visit | Proportion of participants who had at least one HIV test in the 6 months leading up to the study visit |
| 1 | 34 % |
| 2-4 | 41 % |
| 5 et plus | 60 % |
What are the benefits to getting tested for HIV?
Earlier the infection is detected and treated, the better. Earlier detection and treatment lead to longer survival and improved quality of life. While no treatment can cure HIV infection, treatments today stop the virus’s multiplication and prevents progression to AIDS. In addition, today’s HIV treatments considerably reduce the risk of transmission.
To learn more about the factors that impact access to HIV testing for gay, bi, and trans guys in Montréal, as well as their experience during their most recent test, check out our Dossier, HIV Testing (French only).
Where can I get tested for HIV?