ABOUT US

OUR HISTORY

The Eastside Network was formed in 1992 when the five co-founders met during testimony before Bellevue's Diversity Task Force. Over the course of the next three months, the founding members met over breakfast. The first official meeting was held at Highline Community Center in Bellevue and the featured speaker was State Senator Cal Anderson of Seattle. Over 100 people came to that first meeting. TEN has a current membership base of just over 80 individuals and organizations.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to promote an active, informed, and supportiveGreater Eastside Community for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender persons, their families and supporters, through education and collaboration.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

We believe and confirm the following values that guide our work to fulfill the vision and mission:

Creating a gay-friendly community on the Eastside, which is welcoming and inclusive.
Reaching out to Eastside Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender persons to educate, inform, and entertain.
Supporting our members professionally, personally, and emotionally, and by dispelling the sense of isolation.
Providing an environment which engages people to act.
Collaborating, cooperating, and networking with other organizations that support the values of TEN.
Giving voice and visibility to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender issues through advocacy.
Being a recognized community resource for information and guidance concerning these issues.
Valuing and celebrating diversity within the organization and the broader community.