In the mid-1980s, a group of gay men led by Michael Lynch created the idea for the AIDS Memorial in response to the fear and isolation surrounding AIDS. Volunteers built a temporary memorial each year on Lesbian and Gay Pride Day while raising funds for a permanent site where gay men—then the community most affected in Toronto—could grieve, remember, and honour loved ones. The permanent Memorial, designed by Patrick Fahn, opened in 1993 in Barbara Hall Park behind The 519 Community Centre. Over time, it became a space for everyone impacted by AIDS. New names are engraved annually. The first pillar includes works by Michael Lynch and Shoshanna J. Addley, acknowledging unnamed victims. The Memorial, managed by The 519, is also the site of the annual AIDS Candlelight Vigil.

We are now only 41 names away from reaching 3,000 engraved on the AIDS Memorial pillars—an emotional and significant milestone for our community. Each name represents a life lived, a loss felt, and a story that continues to shape our shared history. As we near this moment, we honour not only those we have lost but also the enduring strength, activism, and love that built this memorial. This threshold is a reminder of the impact of HIV/AIDS in Toronto and the ongoing importance of remembrance, advocacy, and care. We remain committed to preserving these memories and ensuring that every name is held with dignity and respect.

The AIDS Memorial Storytelling Project offers a digital space that honours and preserves the stories of those commemorated at the physical memorial. It expands the existing record by exploring the memorial’s history, identifying missed or underrepresented names, and creating opportunities for families, friends, and community members to share memories. The virtual memorial will feature an interactive installation that weaves together stories in multiple formats—audio recordings, visual materials, written reflections, and artistic expressions. These elements will form a growing digital archive where visitors can search, listen, watch, and engage with the lives and legacies of those memorialized at Barbara Hall Park. The project ensures these vital stories remain accessible, discoverable, and remembered for generations.

The 2026 Vigil will include a virtual streaming component for anyone who wishes to join online from anywhere in the world.

Contact Us
519 Church St,
Toronto, ON,
M4Y 2C9
416-392-6874
Info@The519.org

Contact Emkay Adjei-Manu or Jess De Vittoris to learn more about the AIDS Memorial Storytelling project:
EAdjeiManu@the519.org
JDeVittoris@The519.org