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The Elizabeth Taylor 50-Plus Network

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.

About Our Community

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

Ways to Get Involved

Wellness Coaching

Assess your own health through individual or small group sessions with a “wellness coach” and create an individualized wellness plan.

Making A Difference Projects

Go beyond talking and use your wisdom, time and creativity to give back to the community. Members brainstorm ideas and put them into motion.

Become a Wellness Advocate

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.

Meet Our Team

Vince Crisostomo

Program Manager, Elizabeth Taylor 50-Plus Network

Pronouns: He/him/his
415-706-4963
vcrisostomo@sfaf.org
Read Bio

Pronouns: He/him/his
415-706-4963 vcrisostomo@sfaf.org

Vince Crisostomo

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.

Dusty Araujo

Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Taylor 50-Plus Network

Spanish, Italian, French

Pronouns: Any/all
415-487-3132
daraujo@sfaf.org
Read Bio

Spanish, Italian, French

Pronouns: Any/all
415-487-3132 daraujo@sfaf.org

Dusty Araujo

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.

Alex Ray

Program Coordinator, Bridgemen

Pronouns: He/him/his
415-241-6705
aray@sfaf.org
Read Bio

Pronouns: He/him/his
415-241-6705 aray@sfaf.org

Alex Ray

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.

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Community Coffee Social

Get connected to other gay, bi and trans guys over age 50 at our weekend coffee social meetup.

The Doctor Is In

Free event series sharing the latest information and research about living with HIV.

Art Openings at Strut

Community events celebrating LGBTQ artists at a gallery space in Castro's health & wellness center, Strut.

Bridgemen

Community group for gay, bisexual, and trans men making a difference through social events and service work.

Positive Force

Your go-to for HIV info, linkage to care, learning and social events, and community.

Black Brothers Esteem

A program empowering gay, bisexual, and same-gender loving African American men who are at risk of HIV.

Latino Programs

Education, support, meals and community for Latinx community members.

TransLife

Group support and events for trans women, trans men, non-binary folks and genderqueer individuals.

Additional Activities

Contact us if you are interested in participating in these additional events.

  • Get Going: Social Activities and Events
    Get out of the house and meet new friends during fun events around town as we attend concerts, museum openings, walking tours and group dinners. You’ll be surprised how much you have in common with guys you’ve just met. When you attend an event, you’ll meet a staff person or peer who will facilitate the event and introduce everyone. Check our event calendar for more details.
  • TFTATFW Event
    On “The First Thursday After the First Wednesday,” aka TFTATFW, join 50-Plus & Bridgemen in exploring different neighborhoods and venues in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • 50-Plus/Bridgemen Monthly Meetups
    Interested in learning more about the Bridgemen and 50-Plus Network? We have regular joint meet-ups every month. This is your chance to meet new and returning members from both groups.
  • 50-Plus/Bridgemen Planning Meetings
    Come meet the staff see what we are planning and or bring your own ideas.
    1st Wednesdays / Location varies / Contact staff for details.
  • Giving Back: 50-Plus and Bridgemen offer a number of opportunities to connect, give back to the community, and have your voices heard. Contact us for details.

Our Services

Support Groups Advice, info & friendship in groups for people living with HIV, people addressing substance use & more   Housing & Financial Benefits Transitional housing assistance, rental subsidies and financial benefits counseling for people living with HIV   Substance Use Treatment No-judgement counseling and treatment for people interested in changing their relationship to drugs & alcohol   PrEP & PEP Highly effective HIV prevention medication with benefits navigation and insurance support    HIV Support & Health Navigation Testing and treatment for STIs, HIV medication starts and linkage to HIV care, health navigation & HIV testing  

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a member?

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.

Does it cost anything to join?

Our services and activities are usually free, but there are occasionally events that may cost money to participate in.

What if I am not HIV-positive? May I still join 50-Plus?

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.

What happens if I do not come a few times? Can I come back?

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.

How can I find out about 50-Plus events?

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.

How do I let you know I want to participate in a particular event?

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.

Can I bring a friend with me to an event?

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.

Are 50-Plus Wednesday dinners always at 1035 Market Street?

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.

Can women come to 50-Plus events? Can they join the group?

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.

Are 50-Plus events wheelchair accessible?

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.

Can I come to dinner if I am a vegetarian or vegan?

Yes. We request an RSVP and that you inform staff of any dietary needs, preferences or restrictions.

Can I join even if I am not quite 50 yet?

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.

Get Connected

Upcoming activities

Check out our events calendar for the latest outings for men over age 50.

Calendar

Let's get social

Join our private Facebook group for photos, event updates, and announcements.

Join

Say hello!

Do you have questions, comments, concerns, or just want to say hi? Email us at 50PlusNetwork@sfaf.org.