by James Whitely - SGN Contributing Writer

POZSeattle monthly social October 14 The Cuff

The Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) Seattle is sponsoring POZSeattle's monthly social this month on Wednesday, October 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the Cuff. MCC offered to host the event in celebration of National Coming Out Day and National Lesbian and Gay History Month.

The social has been a POZSeattle tradition since the organization's inception just over 10 years ago, taking place the second Wednesday of each month at the Cuff. This is the first time that an outside organization has sponsored POZSeattle's monthly social with a full-on meal.

"We do [the monthly social] to have a safe place to come and be who you are without having to worry about discrimination," POZSeattle volunteer T.J. Elston told SGN. "I am very grateful for MCC's involvement with POZSeattle, and with this month's social.

"As they have stated before, MCC was known as 'the AIDS church' in the late '80s, ministering to families and survivors of those who had died of HIV/AIDS-related illness back when this epidemic first came around, and when no other agency or church would [offer] support, let alone mention the words HIV or AIDS. Today they embrace and celebrate those living with HIV/AIDS, and their families and friends.

"This is evident by their sponsorship of our October Social with a ham and chicken dinner that will also include salad, baked beans, rolls, and dessert," T.J. said.

The social is free of charge, except for the cost of drinks, and is intended for all HIV-positive men and their friends and family, regardless of age, shape, size, gender, or color.

POZSeattle also plans to have two full-on dinner socials in November and December, courtesy of volunteers. Make sure to drop by the Cuff every second Wednesday of the month to get involved with and support POZSeattle.

POZSeattle - its name a spin on the word "positive" - is an all-volunteer-run organization run for and by Seattle-area HIV-positive men. The 300-member organization is the only one of its kind in the Puget Sound area that coordinates social events for HIV-positive men. POZSeattle is committed to planning and promoting fun social activities and support for HIV positive men and their friends and families.

In addition to the monthly socials, the group has sponsored kayaking trips, bowling nights, movie nights and other various community-building activities. "We're expanding our horizons," said T.J.

For more information on POZSeattle or to plan your own social event with POZSeattle, visit www.pozseattle.org.

This month's sponsor, MCC Seattle, is the first and oldest "welcoming and affirming" church in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. It was founded by and for the LGBT community in 1972.

MCC Seattle meets in the chapel at Temple de Hirsch Sinai, 1441 16th Ave., every Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

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