HQ: Do-It-Yourself STI Testing For Trans, Non-Binary and Queer Fellas 
14 Sep 2022  - Photos by Raymond helkio

Just steps from College Subway station is HQ a brand new social service agency for queer, cis guys who are into guys, trans and non-binary people. A safe place to access sexual, mental, physical and emotional health services - all in one place.

This state-of-the-art 10,000 square foot space offers a drop-in, rapid, self-directed STI and sexual health diagnosis. Answer some questions at the iPad kiosks, pick-up the suggested supplies, and head to the first available testing room where you can collect your own swab (rectal, throat) and urine samples. While you wait, there’s also a video monitor in your private waiting room that provides additional information about your STI of concern.

Self-directed express HIV and STI testing kiosks at HQ. Photo courtesy of HQ.

The do-it-yourself process is intended to both speed up the entire testing process while providing you with increased privacy and comfort in a safe space. Additionally they have a clinic where you can get Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, which are once-a-day pills that can protect you from getting HIV, if taken prior to sexual activity.

If the results you get back require bloodwork for a suspected STI, such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea or Syphilis, on-site staff members are there to draw blood or whatever is needed. If, for example you, test positive for HIV, a healthcare provider from HQ can provide counselling and help with your HIV care plan moving forward. This includes social and financial support, community care services, plus a free three-month supply of HIV medications.  

One of the most impressive feature of HQ is that they offer mental health and substance use services making this a one-stop shop for health and wellness. Complimenting this are their holistic care programs including yoga, wellness seminars, physical health services, and life and stress management classes. Rounding all this  are community accessible spaces for social health services such as poetry, book clubs, art events and coffee nights.

As of a few months ago, HQ has been offering free Monkeypox vaccination shots for queer, trans men and non-binary folks who qualify, which is super easy and fast. When I got mine I was in and out in 30 minutes, including the 15 minutes I had to wait after the shot is given. The person giving me the test was really nice, asking a few basic questions to qualify me. Most important was had I had sex in the last 21 days, or do I plan on it in the coming 21 days. I got my shot in the back flesh of my upper arm and while the needle didn’t hurt, I did have mild soreness in my arm a few days after, which disappeared after a day.

After my Monkeypox vaccine I got this cute little bandage.

And so why do we need this? Queer, MSM, trans, and non-binary people face barriers when it comes to health care. We also experience higher rates of mental health and substance use, childhood trauma, coming out, HIV stigma, homophobia, and social isolation. HQ provides a safe, holistic healthcare environment where we can access non-judgmental, customized care when we need it.