Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center

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About Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center

The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center opened its doors on March 1, 1981 in a two-room storefront on Keyes St. in south downtown San Jose. A year earlier, the DeFrank Center's founders had watched with concern as Santa Clara County residents voted to repeal ordinances extending housing and employment protections to lesbians and gay men.

The new DeFrank Center emerged from a desire to respond to this setback. As its first visitors entered they crossed the threshold to a new era of possibility for the LGBTQ+ community of the South Bay, and they celebrated an important victory. Since then, the Billy DeFrank Center has continued to inspire purposeful action and ensure a safe place to gather for all in our community.

More than four decades have passed since those modest beginnings on Keyes St. Today the Billy DeFrank Center serves a large and diverse community. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and nonbinary people of all ages and backgrounds find the resources they need by connecting with the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center.

Each week over a thousand people visit us at our current quarters on The Alameda, and many more call our Billy DeFrank Resources telephone number. From as far north as Foster City and as far south as Gilroy, people visit and call seeking information about what is happening at the Billy DeFrank Center, and what LGBTQ+ affirming services are available in the community.

While the DeFrank Center's history is 12 years shorter than the Stonewall events of 1969, our movement is fueled by the events of that time. William Price (a.k.a. Billy DeFrank) was part of the LGBTQ+ activism in the 1970's. He was a popular African American activist who loved everyone. He financially supported many LGBTQ+ organizations and causes via his drag performances as Billy DeFrank. Although he died of a heart attack in 1980, the Billy DeFrank Center embraces his Spirit of Inclusion, Love and Generosity. The DeFrank Center is “a place to call home" as a building with his heart.

The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center provides community, leadership, advocacy, services and support to the Silicon Valley’s LGBTQ+ People and their Allies.

The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center strives to be the community's premier resource hub and a recognized leader in promoting health, strength, diversity and inclusiveness.