Steve Sohan

STEVE SOHAN (1964 – 2005) What I remember most about Steve is his mischievous nature, his handsome face with that dazzling smile, and his gutsy resilience.

Steve made a profound impact when he entered my life in August of 1989. With quiet confidence and a broad grin, he introduced himself while I was sunbathing on Woodbine Beach beside Lake Ontario. He thought I looked lonely.

Steve had arrived in Canada as a Trinidadian refugee under an assumed identity. His life in Toronto grew increasingly complex due to his undocumented status, the challenges of being a person of colour, and eventually, living with HIV. I witnessed the myriad obstacles he faced–economic hardships, limited rights, and no privileges.

Yet Steve was a tenacious survivor who skillfully navigated through the adversities that continually crossed his path.

Despite his efforts, Steve couldn’t fight his deportation back to Trinidad in August of 1999, shortly after receiving his HIV diagnosis.

I was fortunate to visit Steve twice after he returned to Trinidad. Life there continued to be daunting, as he had to conceal both his gay identity and HIV status. Most alarming was the limited access to life-saving treatments in his country at that time.

During my final visit to Trinidad in April 2004, Steve cheerfully gave me a tour of the offices and facilities of a local AIDS organization where he had become an active volunteer.

In February of 2005, I received a long-distance call from Steve’s mother with the news that he had passed away at just 41 years of age.

I remain forever grateful to his mother for reaching out to me, and of course to Steve himself for the immeasurable gifts his friendship brought into my life.