The Elizabeth Taylor 50-Plus Network is a social support network for gay, bisexual, and trans men age 50 and older, inclusive of people who are HIV-negative and living with HIV. If you are interested in developing a health and wellness plan, building friendships and social connections, join us.
50-Plus offers a number of activities designed to foster connection that build community through social and civic engagement. Our “menu of opportunities” include personal share and support groups, social activities and volunteer opportunities meant to give back to our community via projects that make a difference, and last but not least, helping our brothers who need a helping-hand.
Whether HIV-negative or living with HIV, we have survived the HIV/AIDS epidemic that killed nearly two-thirds of those who were diagnosed. Consequently our community has been fragmented and scattered. Many of us have experienced the stigmatization of being gay, bi or trans and are still traumatized by the HIV epidemic. Now we are considered too old for the pop youth culture.
We have disproportionate rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation. Those of us coming out as gay, bisexual or trans men (GBT) in past decades were often shunned by family and society. We came to San Francisco for community.
We strive to empower ourselves, using affirming psychology and psychosocial approaches. We embrace the philosophies that we are not pathologies, we are not broken, and we do not need to be fixed.
“The support I received from this gathering has given me more hope, more opportunities for healthy conversations, more vitality and more awareness as to how to do even a better job at taking care of myself, both as a very long term HIV/AIDS survivor and a loving person.”Marty Carls 50-Plus member
Assess your own health through individual or small group sessions with a “wellness coach” and create an individualized wellness plan.
Go beyond talking and use your wisdom, time and creativity to give back to the community. Members brainstorm ideas and put them into motion.
Volunteers check on homebound 50-Plus members, provide a friendly ear, brief social interaction and a gentle nudge to get them out in the world.
Program Manager, Elizabeth Taylor 50-Plus Network
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-706-4963
vcrisostomo@sfaf.org
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Pronouns: He/him/his
415-706-4963
vcrisostomo@sfaf.org
Program Manager, Elizabeth Taylor 50-Plus Network
Vince is a gay Chamorro (Pacific Islander) long-term HIV/AIDS survivor who believes in the power of community and has dedicated more than 30 years to HIV/AIDS activism and LGBTQ communities. He is passionate about bringing health care and social justice equity to people of every sexual identity, HIV status, gender, race and age.
Vince currently runs a program for long-term HIV survivors at San Francisco AIDS Foundation. He also co-chairs the HIV & Aging Work Group of the Mayor’s Long Term Care Coordinating Council. Vince has led a number of grassroots HIV advocacy organizations both in the U.S. and overseas. He was executive director of the Coalition of Asia Pacific Regional Networks on HIV/AIDS, founded the Pacific Island Jurisdiction AIDS Action Group, and served as a United Nations NGO delegate for the Asia Pacific.
Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Taylor 50-Plus Network
Spanish, Italian, French
Pronouns: Any/all
415-487-3132
daraujo@sfaf.org
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Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Taylor 50-Plus Network
Dusty has been an activist in the LGBTQ/HIV community for over 30 years, working on issues of human and civil rights, equality and social justice.. Additionally, he has been an advocate for LGBTQ parenting rights and a speaker with Community United Against Violence (CUAV) San Francisco LGBTQ Speaker’s bureau. Dusty joined Elizabeth Taylor 50-Plus Network as a member in 2014 before joining SFAF in December 2017, since then he has been working with his peers that make-up the HIV generation providing support to aging members who may or may not be HIV+, who may be coming out of isolation and engaging them back to community through social activity.
Program Coordinator, Bridgemen
Pronouns: He/him/his
415-241-6705
aray@sfaf.org
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Pronouns: He/him/his
415-241-6705
aray@sfaf.org
Program Coordinator, Bridgemen
Alex joined Bridgemen as a member in 2015 and was one of the most active members of that time. He became program coordinator in 2017.
Get connected to other gay, bi and trans guys over age 50 at our discussion group with dinner.
Get connected to other gay, bi and trans guys over age 50 at our weekend coffee social meetup.
Free event series sharing the latest information and research about living with HIV.
Celebrate aging as a gay, bi, trans man. Discuss drugs, sex, health, family and aging with dignity and pride.
Community events celebrating LGBTQ artists at a gallery space in Castro's health & wellness center, Strut.
Community group for gay, bisexual, and trans men making a difference through social events and service work.
Your go-to for HIV info, linkage to care, learning and social events, and community.
A program empowering gay, bisexual, and same-gender loving African American men who are at risk of HIV.
Education, support, meals and community for Latinx community members.
Group support and events for trans women, trans men, non-binary folks and genderqueer individuals.
Contact us if you are interested in participating in these additional events.
Become a member by attending one of our events and giving us your contact info. For more information, contact our team at 50PlusNetwork@sfaf.org.
Our services and activities are usually free, but there are occasionally events that may cost money to participate in.
50-Plus is a group for gay, bi and trans men. We welcome men who are HIV-negative and men who are living with HIV.
Yes, you’re always welcome at 50-Plus. 50-Plus offers a “menu of opportunities” that you are welcome to attend or not attend. Contact staff if you have questions.
Sign up for our email list by sending a request to: 50PlusNetwork@sfaf.org.
Visit our event calendar to see upcoming events.
Join the 50-Plus Facebook page (closed group) to access group information.
Find 50-Plus and Bridgemen on Meetup. You must be a Meetup member to access group information.
To participate in a particular event, RSVP to 50PlusNetwork@sfaf.org or call 415-487-3132. You can also RSVP on Meetup.com/50-Plus-Network.
Guests are often welcome at 50-Plus, but this can change depending on the event, the cost of the event, and capacity of the venue.
We meet on the third, fourth and fifth Wednesdays mostly at 1035 Market Street, but this is subject to change. We recommend consulting with staff, checking out our monthly mailing, or refer to listings on Facebook or Meetup.
We are a social support network of gay, bi & trans men who have sex with men. Our Wednesday night Share & Support Dinner and Discussion are for men. We do have socials and special events where, if guests are permitted, we welcome other community members.
We make every attempt to convene our activities in venues that are accessible to all. Occasionally there may be a circumstance where this is not the case. We try to list this in the event description.
Yes. We request an RSVP and that you inform staff of any dietary needs, preferences or restrictions.
We welcome all gay, bi & trans men who have sex with men, but the focus is on those over 50 years of age. We have had attendees who are in their 30s, 40s, 50s and above.
Check out our events calendar for the latest outings for men over age 50.
Calendar
Do you have questions, comments, concerns, or just want to say hi? Email us at 50PlusNetwork@sfaf.org.
