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What is BDF Today?
"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." Center Hours
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Quick History of BDF
"The Billy DeFrank LGBT 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. 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.”' |
But I'm not gay...
Anyone is welcome to attend. Here are the mission and vision statements, they are all inclusive! Mission Statement Through collaboration and unity, the Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center strives to provide a diverse platform for our community to meet, learn, be challenged and grow. Vision The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center strives to be the community's premier resource hub and a recognized leader in promoting health, strength, diversity and inclusiveness. It's a SAFE Place We wanted a great place to share without judgement. What better place than an LGBT Center? |
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Where is BDF? How Do I get there?
The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center is located along the historic Alameda, ~1/2 mile from the HP Pavilion and the San Jose Caltrain station. 938 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 293-3040 View Map Getting here by public transportation Buses to Diridon Station: 22,64,65,68,180,305,522 Buses to the Alameda: 63,22 Or Take Ace, Amtrak, Caltrain or Lightrail to the Diridon station ** It is a lovely walk from the Diridon station and light rail through the neigborhood. You can either walk to The Alameda or walk via the back roads of the neighborhood from the VTA Light rail station (the Winchester/Mt View VTA line) Where do I park? Parking lot next to the BDF Center, between the Center and Cleaves. Note some of the nearby streets are permit parking ONLY and the City of San Jose does enforce these areas, especially when events are occurring at SAP Center (formerly the HP Pavilion) |
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What is around BDF to do?
A lot - eating, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, sweets shops... and further out SAP Center and downtown San Jose, historic and nationally acclaimed Rose Garden and downtown Willow Glen are all within 5-15 minutes away by car (10-30 minutes away walking) Crema Coffee Roasting - next door. Fellowship before, closes at 9pm during winter though. Chipotle - diagonally across the street, open until 10pm Freebirds - down The Alameda at Race Street, close at 9:20-9:30pm List of restaurants (not exhaustive) List of retailers The Alameda Business Association |
