[Media Advisory] Communities to honour Torontonians lost to HIV/AIDS at the 42nd AIDS Candlelight Vigil on June 23, 2026
Toronto ON: Communities and allies will gather to commemorate and honour those lost to HIV and AIDS as well as celebrate those living with HIV.
The planning committee is honoured to continue hosting the Vigil at Toronto’s historic
AIDS Memorial for its 42nd year.
- When: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
- Where: AIDS Memorial, Barbara Hall Park [519 Church St.]
- Time: 9 p.m. onwards
The evening is dedicated to commemorating 42 years of honouring the stories of loss, struggle, community, progress, and dignity. This year’s theme is 42 years of Building Community: Legacy, Love, and Resistance.
Hosted by Canada’s Drag Race winner, Van Goth, alongside long-time community advocate Ower Alexander Oberto, the evening will feature a drum opening, various performances, the reading of new names added to the memorial, and a candlelight vigil.
Just the facts:
- The annual AIDS Candlelight Vigil is organized by a committee of volunteers from AIDS service organizations and our communities. The 519 is proud to serve as the trustee of the AIDS Memorial.
- The AIDS Memorial opened in 1993 and was designed by city architect Patrick Fahn. From The Village: Patrick Fahn, AIDS Memorial Architect – The 519
- 20 names have been added to the AIDS Memorial this year, bringing the total to 2,970 names.
Contact:
Emma Reid (she/her)
Media@the519.org
Vigil Partners:
The 519 • Casey House • 2 Spirited People of the 1st Nations • Action Positive • The Teresa Group • Black CAP • ACT • Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (OAHAS) • Fife House • People with AIDS Foundation • Canadian AIDS Society • Pride Toronto • Centre for Spanish-Speaking Peoples • Ontario HIV Treatment Network •
