Randy Davis (he/him)

When Risk Lingers After the Science Is Settled Rethinking how we talk about U=U and why language may be limiting its impact

U=U is settled science.
HIV is not sexually transmitted when someone is undetectable.

So why does risk still frame the conversation?

New blog reflecting on how lingering caution may be limiting U=U’s full impact.

theaccidentalhivactivist.substack.com/p/when-risk-...

#UequalsU #PLHIVLeadersNOW

Rethink. Rebuild. Rise. What U=U at Ten Years Is Asking of Us Now

Ten years of U=U has transformed lives.
Yet implementation still lags behind the science.
The IAS Annual Letter 2026 challenges us to rethink leadership and rise to responsibility.

Read the full reflection below and share your thoughts.

#UequalsU #PLHIVLeadersNOW #IAS #AIDS2026 #RethinkRebuildRise

Undetectable equals Untransmittable was named plainly during Mandy Mango’s Whatcha Packin’ interview with Michelle Visage.

Watch from the 3:09 mark
youtu.be/JycB4yH0YkU?...

#UequalsU #UndetectableEqualsUntransmittable #EndHIVStigma

U=U Is Not the Message. It Is the Work. What it really takes to implement Undetectable equals Untransmittable

U=U is not the message.
It is the work.

New blog post on why Undetectable equals Untransmittable must be implemented in everyday care, not just promoted.

Read more here: theaccidentalhivactivist.substack.com/p/uu-is-not-...

#UequalsU #PLHIVLeadersNow #HIVCare

This symbol represents 10 years of U=U.

Forged in tin, it reflects durability and evidence based science. The circular form represents continuity and zero risk. When someone living with HIV is undetectable, there is zero risk of sexual transmission.

#UequalsU #UequalsUatTen #ScienceNotStigma

Grateful for a year shaped by conversation and care.

U=U means that when someone living with HIV is on treatment and undetectable, HIV cannot be passed on sexually. Settled science. Shared clearly, it builds trust. And trust is where change begins.

#UequalsU #PLHIVLeadersNow #HIVAdvocacy

Looking Back to Move Forward What 2025 Taught Me About Voice, Community, and Choosing What Matters

This year clarified the value of care, context, and restraint.
I wrote a reflection on voice, boundaries, U=U, and staying grounded in HIV work.
Full post on Substack.

theaccidentalhivactivist.substack.com/p/looking-ba...

#HIV #UequalsU #PLHIVLeadersNow #PublicHealth #HealthEquity #StigmaReduction

What New PrEP and PEP Guidelines Mean for Prevention Efforts in Canada A clearer path forward for providers, advocates, and everyone working to prevent new HIV diagnoses

Canada’s updated PrEP and PEP guideline strengthens our prevention efforts. It centres accessibility, equity, and clear communication, reflecting what communities have needed for years. My new blog explores why this matters.

#UequalsU #PLHIVLeadersNOW #HIVPrevention

Human Rights Day reminds us that HIV work is grounded in human rights. Everyone deserves accurate information, affirming care and access to tools that protect health. U=U is essential and changes lives. Ending HIV is possible when we lead with people equity and evidence.

#HumanRightsDay #UequalsU

The State of HIV in Canada and Why Our Work Demands More Than Words What a major new national report reveals about progress, inequity, and the urgent need for leadership in prevention, U=U, and human rights

The new report from the @hivlegalnetwork.bsky.social makes it clear that Canada is not on track to meet its HIV commitments. My newest blog looks at what the report calls for and why leadership is needed now.
theaccidentalhivactivist.substack.com/p/the-state-...

#UequalsU #HIV #PLHIVLeadersNOW

Testing Must Serve People, Not Systems New GetaKit findings show that real equity means offering real choices and real access to gold standard HIV testing

New GetaKit findings show that most people choose full HIV serology when both options are available. In Simcoe Muskoka, testing increased from three to thirteen orders a week once full access launched. I explore what this means for equity and prevention in my latest blog.

#UequalsU #HIVTesting

Building on Momentum for U=U Education Across Canada A new report on UBC CPD’s “Treatment as Empowerment” course highlights the power of collaboration, capacity building, and evidence-based education in advancing HIV care

The new report on Treatment as Empowerment: Advancing HIV Care with U=U highlights how education drives change.

Read my latest blog on building national momentum for U=U:
theaccidentalhivactivist.substack.com/p/building-o...

#UequalsU #HIVCare #PLHIVLeadersNow

Compliance Over Creativity: How Canada’s HIV Response Lost Its Imagination When innovation is treated as disruption instead of progress, we all lose

The HIV response in Canada too often rewards compliance over creativity.
Innovation is not disruption. It is how knowledge becomes impact.

Read my latest Substack reflection: theaccidentalhivactivist.substack.com/p/compliance...

#UequalsU #KnowledgeMobilization #HIVCommunity #PLHIVLeadersNow

When evidence meets experience, information becomes impact.

My latest blog reflects on collaboration, community, and learning opportunities that are shaping the future of HIV and sexual health in Canada.

Read here: theaccidentalhivactivist.substack.com/p/where-evid...

#UequalsU #HIV #HealthEquity

Closing a Chapter with Gratitude Six years of service, learning, and community with the Ontario AIDS Network

After six years on the Ontario AIDS Network Board, I’m stepping away with gratitude and reflection. Progress continues, but there is more to do to ensure every organization truly lives the values of inclusion and equity.

Read the full reflection on my Substack.

#UequalsU #PLHIVLeadersNow

Today is Spirit Day, a reminder to wear purple and stand against bullying and stigma.

There is no shame in being yourself and no shame about being HIV positive.

Visibility and allyship matter every single day.

#SpiritDay #UequalsU #NoShame #2SLGBTQIA #EndStigma #PLHIVLeadersNow

Today we mark World Mental Health Day. Awareness saves lives and breaks stigma. The semicolon reminds us to keep going, our stories aren’t over yet. Each one is a reminder that hope and healing are possible. 💚

#WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #UequalsU #SayZero

Reframing the Conversation: Why Untransmittable Deserves the Spotlight in U=U Shifting the focus from undetectable numbers to untransmittable lives could be the key to truly embedding U=U in public understanding.

U=U means zero possibility of sexual transmission. Yet confusion around what “undetectable” means persists. My latest blog calls for shifting the focus to Untransmittable to strengthen understanding and end stigma.
Read here: theaccidentalhivactivist.substack.com/p/reframing-...
#UequalsU #SayZero

If You’re Talking About HIV and Not Including U=U, You’re Doing It Wrong Why U=U must remain at the heart of the global HIV response

If you’re talking about HIV and not including U=U, you’re doing it wrong.

U=U is the truth that ends stigma and defines the HIV response today. Treatment keeps us alive and prevents HIV. Anything less leaves the story incomplete.

#UequalsU #SayZero #HonestConversation #PLHIVLeadersNow

U=U in Canada: What We Learned from the Stigma Index Study Findings from a national study on awareness, acceptance, and the impact of U=U among people living with HIV

A Canadian study I contributed to highlights both progress and gaps in U=U awareness and impact. In my new blog, I reflect on the findings and how U=U University helps close those gaps by equipping providers and communities to share the message with confidence.
#UequalsU #SayZero

Can CRISPR Cure HIV? Separating Headlines from Evidence Why hope is real but the science does not yet support the claim of a permanent cure

Headlines saying CRISPR ends HIV permanently are misleading. Trials show promise but HIV still returns when treatment stops. Hope is real, but evidence matters. I unpack this in my new Substack.

theaccidentalhivactivist.substack.com/p/can-crispr...

#HIV #UequalsU #ScienceNotStigma #PLHIVLeadersNow

UNAIDS Must Not Be Sunset in 2026 What is at stake for the communities most impacted by HIV

The UN is considering sunsetting UNAIDS in 2026. This would weaken accountability and put the communities most impacted by HIV at risk.

My new blog explores why @unaids.org must not be sunset.

#UequalsU #UNAIDS #EndAIDS #HIVEquity #GlobalHealth #HIVJustice #PLHIVLeadersNow

When U=U is missing, public health competencies cannot reach their full potential. In my latest Substack I share how #UequalsU strengthens communication, advocacy, equity, and trust. Training now available through InclusHIV Consulting. Read here: theaccidentalhivactivist.substack.com/p/embedding-...

On #WorldSuicidePreventionDay we commit to Changing the Narrative on Suicide. Together we can replace stigma with compassion and silence with connection. Light a candle at 8 PM to honour lives. In Canada call or text 988 for support. #WSPD #WSPD2025 #StartTheConversation #ChangingTheNarrative

Building Capacity for Change through U=U University A new chapter in training, knowledge, and advocacy

I completed the U=U University Training of Trainers in Washington DC. I was the only Canadian there, and I am proud to now be the first Canadian certified as an Associate Trainer. Full blog: theaccidentalhivactivist.substack.com/p/building-c...
#UequalsU #UequalsUUniversity #SayZero #ZeroPossibility

U=U means Undetectable = Untransmittable. Zero possibility of passing on HIV creates endless possibilities to love openly, live with freedom, and move towards equity.

#UequalsU #SayZero #ZeroPossibility #EndlessPossibilities #ZeroToEndless

Kicking off the U=U University Training of Trainers today at the Human Rights Campaign. Took in the sights of DC before diving into three days of learning and strategy. Looking forward to carrying this knowledge back to Canada.

#UequalsU #PLHIVLeadersNow #HRC #UequalsUUniversity

In Washington, DC for the U=U University Training of Trainers. Honoured to be the only Canadian participant and ready to bring back what I learn to help shape the Canadian Training of Trainers. U=U is urgently needed at home 🇨🇦

#UequalsU #PLHIVLeadershipNow #HIVAwareness #Canada

International Overdose Awareness Day 2025 – Ontario AIDS Network

On International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember, we grieve, and we act. Ontario’s toxic drug crisis has death rates worse than the AIDS crisis. Harm reduction saves lives. Every overdose death is preventable.

#IOAD2025 #StandingTogetherForLife #HarmReductionSavesLives #UequalsU

Nothing like CANFAR Legacy & Invest Ottawa’s Après Werk Pride event for a laugh:
Andre: So what brings you both out this evening?
Adrianna: Just looking for that one special person to turn my Pride around.
Me: That’s why we are standing by the washrooms! 🌈

Grateful for joy & community.🏳️‍🌈

#UequalsU