The Billy DeFrank Center is still asking for proof of vaccination for all in person events at the Center. Masks are optional.

Center Hours

• Mondays: 4-9PM (HIV testing 4-8PM), Gaymes in the Queer Library 6PM - 9PM, and check the calendar for extra activities from time to time
• Tuesdays: check the calendar
• Wednesdays: 7PM, doors open 6:15PM,  Rainbow Bingo, $15 for a 10-pack, snacks and cherry bells for sale
• Thursdays: 6-9PM - check calendar
• Fridays: check calendar
• The weekend: check calendar
• For Special events and groups: contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Holidays (to help with these events email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
  • Thanksgiving Day (11/28/24) Noon - 3PM Potluck
  • Xmas Day (Wednesday, 12/25/24) Noon - 3PM Potluck
  • Xmas Day, Wednesday, Rainbow Bingo 7pm, gates open at 6:15pm, leftover Xmas food
  • New Year's Day Rainbow Bingo (Wednesday, 1/1/25) 7pm, gates open at 6:15pm, free pizza and salad

Mission Statement
The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center is building community by hosting discussion and leadership groups, and diverse educational and social activities and events

Vision
The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center promotes LGBTQ+’s to be their full identities to create a more diverse world.

Location
The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center is located along the historic Alameda, ~1/2 mile from the SAP Center and the San Jose Diridon Caltrain station:

938 The Alameda
San Jose, Ca 95126
(408) 293-3040
View map

History

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 is a 501(c)(3) organization.