The Toronto LGBTQ+ community is mourning the loss of Dr. Michael Fanous, a well-respected pharmacist, healthcare leader, and longtime HIV/AIDS activist, who passed away unexpectedly. As the founder of MedsExpert LGBTQ Clinic + Pharmacy on Church Street, Dr. Fanous was a pioneer in creating safe and affirming healthcare spaces for LGBTQ+ people living in Toronto and beyond.
The news of his passing was announced in a heartfelt statement on the official Facebook page of MedsExpert LGBTQ Clinic + Pharmacy:
“It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Michael Fanous. He was an incredible friend, brother, son, pharmacist and activist who touched the lives of so many with his kindness, passion and love. We will forever cherish the memories of Dr. Michael Fanous, may his soul rest in peace. Funeral details to come.”
A Lifelong Advocate for LGBTQ+ Healthcare
Dr. Michael Fanous’ career was defined by compassion, advocacy, and a commitment to breaking barriers in healthcare. He began serving the LGBTQ+ community in 2002, volunteering at the LGBT Youthline, an experience that sparked his passion for improving access to care for queer and trans individuals.
After earning his doctorate in 2008, Dr. Fanous worked at Maple Leaf Medical, Canada’s largest HIV clinic. There, he provided critical care and support to patients while also contributing to groundbreaking research on HIV and LGBTQ+ health. His work quickly earned him recognition as both a skilled pharmacist and a trusted advocate.
Throughout his career, Dr. Fanous collaborated with many organizations in Toronto’s Queer Village, offering services, education, and outreach programs that helped reduce stigma and increase awareness about HIV/AIDS. His leadership extended beyond medicine—he was a mentor, educator, and activist who inspired younger generations to continue the fight for healthcare equity.
Founder of MedsExpert LGBTQ Clinic + Pharmacy
Perhaps Dr. Fanous’ most enduring legacy is the founding of MedsExpert LGBTQ Clinic + Pharmacy, located on Toronto’s Church Street. The clinic quickly became a cornerstone in the community, offering not just prescriptions and medical care but also a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking treatment.
Through MedsExpert, Dr. Fanous championed accessible healthcare, particularly for people living with HIV, those facing barriers to care, and marginalized voices in the queer community. His vision for the clinic was rooted in inclusivity, compassion, and respect—values that continue to resonate deeply with the patients and staff he worked alongside.
Leader in HIV/AIDS Advocacy and Education
Dr. Fanous was widely recognized as a leading HIV/AIDS activist in Toronto. Beyond his clinical work, he contributed to research studies on HIV and gay men’s health at Ryerson University and the University of Toronto, ensuring that academic work reflected the lived realities of LGBTQ+ communities.
In 2015, he founded “Allies Against Stigma”, a collective of queer activists—both HIV-positive and HIV-negative—working to end HIV stigma in Toronto and improve access to care. The group became a vital force in raising awareness and challenging misconceptions about HIV, while also supporting individuals navigating their diagnoses.
Dr. Fanous also played a pivotal role in AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) programming. He developed and facilitated initiatives for newly diagnosed individuals as well as youth programs, offering education, emotional support, and pathways to treatment. His work with ACT touched the lives of countless people who remembered him not only as a healthcare professional but also as a compassionate guide during their most vulnerable moments.
Remembering Dr. Michael Fanous
Colleagues, patients, and friends describe Dr. Fanous as a man of deep integrity, unwavering kindness, and boundless passion. He was not only a pharmacist and educator, but also a mentor who encouraged others to speak up, advocate for themselves, and demand better healthcare access for marginalized communities.
His loss leaves a significant void in Toronto’s LGBTQ+ healthcare landscape. For more than two decades, he stood at the intersection of medicine, activism, and education, ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals—particularly those living with HIV—had access to the dignity, respect, and quality of care they deserved.
As the news of his passing spreads, tributes are pouring in from community organizations, healthcare professionals, and those whose lives he touched. Many remember him not only for his professional contributions but also for his generosity of spirit and his ability to connect with people on a deeply personal level.
Funeral Arrangements
Funeral details for Dr. Fanous will be announced in the coming days, as family, friends, and community members prepare to honor the life of a man whose impact will be felt for generations.
Legacy of Compassion and Activism
The passing of Dr. Michael Fanous is a devastating loss, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the programs he built, and the community spaces he created. From his early volunteer days at LGBT Youthline to his leadership at MedsExpert LGBTQ Clinic + Pharmacy, Dr. Fanous dedicated his life to fighting stigma, expanding healthcare access, and ensuring that every member of the LGBTQ+ community could find safety and dignity in care.
Toronto has lost a healthcare leader, an activist, and a friend—but the spirit of his work will continue to inspire future generations.
May Dr. Michael Fanous rest in peace.