Greetings!

Over the past year, we’ve created spaces for healing, joy, and connection — but what we’ve really been building is a movement.

A movement that began with seven partner organizations —

Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus • Project Vida • Task Force • Alliance Care 360 • Pride In The Pews • Faith In Action • UBtheCURE

— who believed that together, we could create a culture of care for Black gay, bisexual, and same-gender-loving men throughout Chicagoland and beyond.

All across the world, people are working to reach Zero new HIV infections by 2030. Here in Chicago, we’ve chosen to walk our own path toward that goal — one that centers our stories, our voices, and our holistic wellbeing.

For us, Zero isn’t about numbers. It’s about direction. It’s the world we’re building together — one free from stigma, shame, and barriers to wellness.

This special edition is about clarity. It’s about naming who we are, what we’re building, and how every photo, class, conversation, and reflection moves us forward.

Because while our journeys may differ, the direction is shared.

This is what we mean when we say “This Way to Zero.”

And this is how we move — mind, body, and soul.

WHAT THE CHIWELLNESS MOVEMENT IS

The ChiWellness Movement grew from collaboration among seven partner organizations — six Black gay–led and one ally — united by one belief:

Collective care creates collective healing.

What began with Mind, Body & Soul classes has become a citywide culture of care — connecting people to wellness through conversation, creativity, and community.

Mind, Body & Soul isn’t just where we started; it’s still at the core of everything we do. Every class, every event, and every reflection lives in that rhythm.

DEFINING CARE

Care is how we walk the road to Zero.

It’s not about performing charity or providing treatment — it’s about presence, listening, and showing up.

When we choose care — for ourselves or for one another — we create the conditions for connection, belonging, and joy.

THIS WAY TO ZERO — OUR ROADMAP

Around the world, people are working toward a goal of Zero new HIV infections by 2030.

The ChiWellness Movement is our way of joining that effort — on our terms.

For us, This Way to Zero isn’t about erasing anyone’s experience.

It’s about designing a roadmap rooted in care — one that includes every brother, regardless of HIV status, and honors the lives and leadership of those who’ve carried this fight for decades.

This Way to Zero is the roadmap we’re building together — through our daily actions, our classes, our stories, and our shared commitment to one another.

Every time we practice care, we move closer to the world where Zero barriers to wellness already exists.

THE STORY OF ZERO — AND THE STORY WE’RE WRITING TOGETHER

In our podcast and upcoming book, a fictional student named Zero lives in a future where HIV no longer exists.

He discovers a roadmap called This Way to Zero — a record of how our community built a world rooted in care and connection.

Here in the real world, we’re writing that roadmap together. Every story, class, and collaboration becomes part of that history in motion.

Zero’s world is the one we’re building now.

THE CHIWELLNESS ECOSYSTEM — OUR GENIUS IN MOTION

Every movement needs a method — and ours is built on connection.

The ChiWellness Ecosystem is the network of spaces, tools, and stories that keep our movement alive.

It’s how we practice care, share knowledge, and build belonging across Mind, Body, and Soul.

From our weekly classes to ChiWellness TV, from the Megazine to the Pride 365 Directory, every part of this ecosystem works together — helping us move, learn, reflect, and connect as one.

This is what makes our approach unique: we’re not just talking about wellness; we’re building a culture that lives it.

When we say “This Way to Zero,” this is what we mean — a living, breathing system that keeps care in motion.

WHY THE CHIWELLNESS MEGAZINE MATTERS

The ChiWellness Megazine is our reflection space — where the movement’s stories and lessons live.

Inside each issue, you’ll find partner voices, community reflections, and stories of healing and belonging.

Reading, sharing, or contributing keeps the spirit of Mind, Body & Soul flowing through the Circle.

→ Flip Through the Megazine

WHY CHIWELLNESS TV MATTERS

ChiWellness TV turns our movement into conversation.

Through shows like Real Men Talk, Wine Down Wednesday, and This Way to Zero, we model what care looks like — real people having real dialogue about wellness, faith, and belonging.

Watching is participation. Sharing is leadership.

→ Watch ChiWellness TV

WHY THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR MATTERS

The ChiWellness Community Calendar is the movement’s heartbeat.

It’s where Mind, Body, and Soul practices come alive through weekly classes, workshops, and community events.

Each RSVP is more than attendance — it’s an act of leadership and care.

→ Explore the Calendar

WHY THE PRIDE 365 DIRECTORY MATTERS

The Pride 365 Resource Directory is our network of care — connecting community members to affirming providers, businesses, and wellness resources that keep care circulating all year long.

Every time you support a listed business or provider, you’re strengthening the web of care that holds our community together.

→ Search the Directory

THE STORYTELLING SERIES THAT GIVE US VOICE

LOVE IS

A photo series where community members define love in their own words — reminding us that love is the foundation of wellness.

SHOTS + PILLS

A video series exploring what care and protection look like in everyday life — reminding us that care is love in motion.

I AM ZERO

Our newest series — inviting you to finish the sentence “I am Zero because…” and name what connection, care, and joy mean to you.

Together, these series help our community speak the language of the movement — one reflection, one image, one story at a time.

→ See the Photos → Watch the Clips → Share Your Story

FROM THE WORLD OF ZERO

In the world imagined by our character Zero, HIV is history and wellness is culture.

Each month, we share a glimpse from that world — and an invitation to help build it here.

✏️ Reflection Prompt: What do you imagine your community looks like in Zero’s world?

→ Share Your Thought

A LEADER IN THE MOVEMENT

The ChiWellness Movement was started by seven partner organizations — but it continues because of you.

Every RSVP, reflection, and act of care makes you a leader in the movement.

Leadership here isn’t about title; it’s about practice.

When you choose care, you help move our community This Way to Zero.

THE CIRCLE IN ACTION — MONTHLY LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION

Each month, the ChiWellness Circle celebrates community members who embody care in action — reading, watching, showing up, sharing, and leading.

Every RSVP, reflection, and connection to care is automatically counted toward our Leadership Recognition Drawing, where one leader receives a $400 wellness stipend as a way of saying thank you for helping keep the movement alive and moving forward.

Every action counts — each one makes you eligible.

LEADERSHIP IN MOTION — WHERE WE GO FROM HERE

— Every member of the ChiWellness Circle is a leader in the movement.

— Leadership here isn’t about titles — it’s about practice.

— Each time you RSVP, reflect, show up, or share, you’re helping move our community This Way to Zero.

There are so many ways to lead — through wellness classes, storytelling, creative projects, or simple acts of care that strengthen connection and belonging.

And soon, you’ll have even more opportunities to amplify your voice and your impact.

Keep an eye out for the ChiWellness Interactive Studio — a pop-up experience where you can lend your image, your story, and your reflections to one of our community series.

The Interactive Studio will be live at November’s Friendsgiving Event and again at LoveFest in December.

Each moment of participation is another step in shaping the world we’re building together — one where care is our culture and wellness has no barriers.

KEEP IT MOVING

This movement is bigger than any one of us — but it begins with each of us.

Together, we are the ChiWellness Circle.

Together, we are the Movement.

Together, we are Zero.