Positive power
Christian Hui
Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work and Psychology Certificate alumnus
Diagnosed as HIV-positive at 25, Christian Hui didn’t think he could complete his bachelor’s degree, let alone obtain a master’s. Today, as a thriving AIDS activist, a co-founder of Ontario Positive Asians (OPA+) and the Canadian Positive People Network (CPPN), and a steering member of the global Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) campaign, Hui is working for more inclusion and equity for people living with HIV.
How did you come to TMU?
At one point in life, I gave up hope and didn’t think higher education was in the cards for me. In reality, my experience opened up a lot of doors and allowed me to do the work that I do today. I chose TMU because the faculty are very accessible and supportive compared to other institutions.
What is the science behind U=U?
Research has shown that with effective HIV treatment, sexual transmission of HIV does not occur with people living with HIV who are virally suppressed or possess undetected viral loads. The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Toronto Public Health medical officers have both supported the science behind U=U, which has helped reduce HIV stigma and change policy on the criminalization of HIV non-disclosure cases.
How did your TMU graduate education prepare you for your career?
TMU enabled me to utilize my lived experiences and knowledge to benefit the community, which has meant something very special to me. The MSW program’s anti-oppressive framework helped me think critically through deconstructing the system and to equalize power by working toward equity.
Photo: Narrative Drive