Twenty-five years have passed since the first cases of HIV/AIDS were reported, and some members of San Diego POZabilities wonder if a group like theirs is still necessary.

But then they hear stories like that of the young man who, upon disclosure of his HIV-positive status during a first date, was told “see ya later.”

Because HIV-positive people are still stigmatized in our society, even within the GLBT community, San Diego POZabilities steering committee member John Hallinan says there is definitely still a need for a group like his.

Since the mid-1990s, San Diego POZabilities has tried to focus on the social aspects of living with HIV. According to the organization’s Web site, San Diego POZabilities is a supportive network of HIV-positive men and their friends that connects members “through diverse social events in a safe, welcoming environment.”

While a number of HIV/AIDS support, education and outreach organizations exist throughout the county, POZabilities fills the social gap. Coffee socials are held twice a week at The Other Side Coffeehouse in North Park, and a number of special events such as pool parties, barbecues and theater outings are also scheduled regularly. The group is currently planning a trip to Catalina Island in August, Hallinan said.

The group’s steering committee, comprised of all volunteers, provides direction for the group, but members are encouraged to submit ideas for outings and events.

Hallinan said a programming shift is underway right now at POZabilities. “We are trying to talk more about dating in the HIV-positive community now,” he said.

While the group does not plan to change any of its format or regular meetings, they do hope to plan more events to give HIV-positive men the opportunity to meet each other in a comfortable environment and explore dating possibilities. A singles social mixer is planned for August in a meeting room at a local church.

Hallinan has been a member of POZabilities since 2001 and joined the steering committee in 2005.

“After I ended a long-term relationship, I realized that one of the challenges HIV-positive guys face is meeting other HIV-positive guys,” he said. “That’s why I started to go to the coffee socials and [to] other activities. And I just kept coming.”

The group welcomes everyone, and they hope that those who attend for the first time will keep on coming, he added.

While there is no official roster or procedure for membership, the steering committee estimates that more than 200 men are associated with POZabilities at any given time. A typical Saturday morning coffee social boasts as many as 40 attendees.

According to Hallinan, the group has had different formats and membership make-ups throughout the years, but the primary focus of providing a social outlet for HIV-positive men has remained.

As is the case with many all-volunteer organizations, leadership comes and goes, which often causes difficulties for the group. In spite of these challenges, POZabilities has remained active throughout the years, and is now served by a steering committee of seven.

Members of POZabilities have the opportunity to use the group as a social outlet or as a way to get involved in the community. Hallinan said he appreciates that, as a steering committee member, he “is given the opportunity to try to make San Diego a better place for guys living with HIV.”

One of the group’s largest events of the year is the Annual Dinner & Celebration. This year marks POZabilities’ sixth event. The semi-formal affair, themed “A Taste of Hawaii: An Evening of Leis” this year, will take place at the San Diego Doubletree Club Hotel on Saturday, July 22, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The evening serves as a celebration of the group and its members, and is a chance for POZabilities members and community guests to enjoy an evening together. The event is open to the entire community. Raffle drawings, prizes, dinner and entertainment are all planned for the affair.

POZabilities maintains a Web site, www.sandiegopozabilities.net, and an e-mail discussion list. On the site, visitors can obtain information about the group, as well as access a calendar of events and other links to other HIV-positive social, support and health resources. Tickets to the Annual Dinner & Celebration are available for purchase through the Web site.