The Billy DeFrank Lesbian and Gay 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 gay and lesbian community of the South Bay, and they celebrated an important victory. Since then, the DeFrank Center has continued to inspire purposeful action and ensure a safe place to gather for all in our community.

More than two 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 people of all ages and backgrounds find resources at the Center that are not available elsewhere.

Each month over a thousand people visit us at our current quarters on The Alameda, and many more call our Information & Resources telephone number. From as far north as Foster City and as far south as Gilroy, people visit and call seeking information, support and services.

Our mission is to provide a broad array of opportunities and programs, a dedicated and caring staff, a corps of volunteers, and a spirit of community that celebrates the many facets of our broad-based Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender constituency.

While the DeFrank Center's history is only a little more than half the age of the Stonewall events, our movement is fueled by the events of that time. William Price (Billy DeFrank) knew it and his legacy remains a call to action for our community to continue his important work. We continue to fight for our rights, advance liberty and justice for all and provide opportunities for positive social identification. The DeFrank Center is “a place to call home.”

Mission Statement
The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center will provide Community, Leadership, Advocacy, Support, and Services to Silicon Valley’s LGBTQ people and allies.

Vision
The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center accomplishes its mission by developing diverse resources that empower and support the LGBTQ community and their allies.

HIV Testing: Monday-Thursday, 4-8PM
The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Community Center offers a rapid test that uses an oral swab (no needles, no blood!) and results are available in approximately 20 minutes. You can choose between Anonymous (no ID required, results delivered verbally) and Confidential (valid state ID required, written results provided). Please bring photo identification if you want confidential testing (written results provided). Upon entering the building, inform our front desk volunteer that you are interested in receiving an HIV test and you will be directed to our testing room. Though the test itself takes just a few minutes, each test counseling session lasts approximately 30-40 minutes (some clients have more questions than others). There is no counseling time limit per client. For more info please call 408-293-3040 or send e-mail to malaya.arevalo@aaci.org.

Gay & Lesbian (LGBTQ) Community Center