Organizational History
The Billy DeFrank LGBT Silicon Valley Center opened on March 1, 1981 in downtown San José, California. The center was posthumously named after Billy DeFrank, the stage name of William Price (1936-1980). From San José, William Price was a well known African-American drag entertainer as well as a prominent gay rights activist who dedicated his talents to the development of gay communities throughout California. He was considered one of the "best-loved goodwill ambassadors" for the LGBT community. At the time LGBT activists were generally influenced by the political legacy of Stonewall. The Stonewall riots, the escalation of a series of violent confrontations between gay rights activists and police that began on June 28, 1969 outside the Stonewall Inn (a bar in New York City), became the genesis of an international gay rights movement focused on social justice and human rights for the LGBT community. The founders of the DeFrank Center concerned with practical challenges and most concerned about the lack of housing and employment protections for lesbians and gay men living in Santa Clara County envisioned transforming the legacy of the Stonewall riots by creating "a place to call home". The grassroots efforts to establish this LGBT center were driven by forces from within the Lambda Association Board of Directors of San José, San Jose Staté University's Women's Center, and other local activists. The center became the fulcrum whereby the large and diverse community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered in the South Bay could find refuge. The inception of the center's success was marked by an increase in activist support from local political figures such Mayor Janet Gray Hayes in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The center continues to offer a safe haven for a large and diverse community.
The mission of the Billy DeFrank LGBT Silicon Valley Community Center is "to strive to be the community's premier resource hub and a recognized leader in promoting health, strength, diversity and inclusiveness". The DeFrank Center affords its members opportunities to develop "positive social identification" and is committed to political advocacy on behalf of the community and to continue the struggle for civil rights. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people of all ages benefit from the resources and support services offered by the center staff of activists and volunteers. The Center facilitates vital sexual education programs through workshops and other social engagements for a broad-based community.
In collaboration with the Family and Children Service, the DeFrank Center provides a safe and confidential space for youths to gather and recieve counseling, as well as educational and professional medical resources. In addition, another youth centered program, the Gay-Straight Alliance Network, helps to empower youth activists to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools. The adult programs similarly provide a confidential space for HIV testing, and support groups for men and women including transsexuals, drug abusers, and groups focused on the family. The DeFrank Center provides community referrals to local agencies that address Aids/HIV, child and teen services, crisis centers, domestic violence, shelters and other similar services.
From the guide to the Billy DeFrank LGBT Silicon Valley Community Center Records, 1970-1999, (San José State University. Library.)
