ANTHEM AWARDS

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The purpose of Gay and Sober, Inc. (G&S) is to enhance sobriety from alcohol and substance misuse, encourage unity, and promote harm reduction for the LGBTQ community. G&S was founded in 2009 in response to the alarming rise of crystal meth use primarily among gay men. We realized that there was a direct correlation between substance misuse and HIV infection rates. It is well-documented that LGBTQ individuals have dramatically higher rates of substance misuse and addiction than their heterosexual counterparts. Substance misuse can lead to disinhibition, affect cognitive capacity, and impact immune function. 

G&S’s mission is to provide safe, fun, and enriching experiences to the sober LGBTQ community. Activities include providing safe spaces for LGBTQ people to gather in-person and online for health, wellness and educational recovery programming. In-person gatherings create community for those who otherwise feel isolated, particularly in places lacking a large LGBTQ support community. We offer year-round health and wellness programming, education, and events led by medical experts. We hold a special annual event in NYC during Pride Weekend devoted to celebrating recovery and a 3-4 day gathering for those who are curious about or are already well into their recovery journeys. These events offer a highly curated program of educational, social, and health and wellness workshops, keynote speakers, harm reduction and 12-step abstinence-based meetings. Our virtual and in-person programming offers holistic and mental health recovery services to the community. Each day we offer social events at which participants start to realize that they can live life to the fullest, have fun, dance, date, and work without needing alcohol or drugs. These participants carry that positive experience with them post-event; many make new lifelong friends, start their own gatherings in their places of origin, and leave with a stronger support network.