Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center

What Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center does

The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded on March 1, 1981, in San Jose, California, and named after William Price (a.k.a. Billy DeFrank), an African American drag performer and LGBTQ+ activist. The center operates from 938 The Alameda and serves as the only dedicated LGBTQ+ community center in the South Bay area, hosting over 1,000 visitors weekly from a catchment spanning Foster City to Gilroy. Its core offerings span nine product areas: community gathering and event programming, HIV/HEP C testing (operated in partnership with AACI HOPE Program using the 4th Generation Alere Determine HIV test), the Billy DeFrank Queer Library (the largest LGBTQ+ book collection in the Bay Area with 5,200+ titles), identity-specific support and discussion groups (19 active groups covering trans, nonbinary, bi/pan, gay men's, women's, and asexual/aromantic communities), the Vintage 50+ senior program, social activities (karaoke, Rainbow Bingo, crafts, book club, game nights), a volunteer program, donation processing, and email communications.

The center's technology stack is operationally focused rather than product-focused: PayPal and Venmo process donations, Constant Contact manages email newsletters, Google Calendar publishes the events calendar, and Zoom enables hybrid virtual participation. The underlying "platform" is a physical community center augmented by digital communications — no proprietary software, APIs, or AI/ML systems are in evidence. All programs and services are offered free of charge, with nominal fees only on items like Rainbow Bingo cards ($15 for a 10-pack).

The business model is donation-driven: revenue derives from individual donations (one-time and recurring via PayPal), fundraising events (e.g., Pride Night at San Jose Giants), institutional sponsorships (Bohnett Foundation as core-tier, Horizon Foundation and others as minor), minor program/concession fees, and volunteer labor. Go-to-market is community-led through word-of-mouth, social media presence across Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Meetup, and event-driven engagement. Customer segments are horizontal by LGBTQ+ identity (general community, transgender/nonbinary, gay men, LGBTQ+ seniors, individuals seeking sexual health services), and the organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors led by President/CEO Gabrielle Antolovich with 9 paid staff total.

Name

Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center

Legal name

Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center

Website

https://defrank.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1981 in San Jose, California, serving as the only dedicated LGBTQ+ community center in the South Bay with 1,000+ weekly visitors, 19 active support and social groups, HIV testing services, and the Bay Area's largest LGBTQ+ library collection.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LGBTQ+ Community Center Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

LGBTQ+ Rights & Advocacy Organizations (BPAGAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Health & Support Communities (BPAMABAL), Community Center Education Programs (EDAAAFAB)

Keywords

• LGBTQ+ community services
• HIV testing services
• Peer support groups
• Social activities programs
• Community library services

Headquarters

HQ city

San Jose

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization accepting monetary donations via PayPal, Venmo, credit cards, and checks. Monthly and yearly recurring donations emphasized as most impactful.
2. Fundraising Events: Special event fundraisers such as Pride Night at San Jose Giants where ticket sales generate revenue for the center.
3. Program Fees: Minor program fees such as Rainbow Bingo ($15 for 10-pack) and snack/beverage sales at events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community center that provides free LGBTQ+-affirming programs and services in the South Bay area, including peer support and discussion groups, social and recreational activities (karaoke, bingo, crafts, book club), the Bay Area's largest LGBTQ+ library collection, free HIV/Hep C testing in partnership with AACI HOPE Program, and dedicated Vintage programming for LGBTQ+ adults 50+. The center serves over 1,000 visitors weekly at its San Jose location and through Zoom.

Product overview

The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering a unified portfolio of community programs rather than a traditional tech product. The center's core offerings include the LGBTQ+ Community Center itself (providing gathering space and social connection), HIV/HEP C Testing Services (operated in partnership with AACI HOPE Program), the Billy DeFrank Queer Library (the Bay Area's largest LGBTQ+ book collection with 5,200+ titles), Support and Discussion Groups (identity-specific peer groups for trans, bisexual, gay, women's, nonbinary, and older adult communities), Vintage Activities (50+ social programs), Social Activities and Events (karaoke, bingo, crafts, book club, game nights), a Volunteer Program, and Donation/Fundraising Services. The center leverages technology integrations including PayPal/Venmo for donations, Constant Contact for email newsletters, Google Calendar for event scheduling, and Zoom for virtual group meetings. The center celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2025, having opened its doors on March 1, 1981.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HIV/HEP C Testing Services Free, confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing available on Mondays from 4-8PM, operated through a partnership with the AACI HOPE Program. Uses the 4th Generation Alere Determine HIV test with finger-stick blood sample, delivering results in approximately 20-30 minutes. Targeted at LGBTQ+ individuals and others in the South Bay seeking affirming sexual health services.
• Billy DeFrank Queer Library Largest exclusively LGBTQ+ book collection in the Bay Area, with over 5,200 titles. Library services include two-week book loans (with one renewal), volunteer assistance, and capacity to host author and artist events. Open to LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and library members in the South Bay community.
• Support and Discussion Groups Recurring peer-led discussion and support groups tailored to identity-specific LGBTQ+ subcommunities, including Women's LGBTQ+ Social Group, South Bay Transmen Group, Bi-Pan+ South Bay, Gay Men's Group, Transwomen's Group, Nonbinary Discussion Group, South Bay ACE/ARO+ Group, and The Road to Wellness Group. Some groups offer virtual Zoom participation.
• Vintage Activities (50+ Program) Social and recreational programs designed for LGBTQ+ older adults aged 50 and over, including Vintage 50+ Coffee gatherings, Vintage 50+ Luncheons (with free lunches provided by the Silicon Valley Rainbow Rotary Club on 2nd Wednesdays), and Senior Safari outings at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (4th Thursdays, free admission and parking). Aimed at reducing social isolation and promoting community integration among LGBTQ+ seniors.
• Social Activities and Events Recurring recreational activities and events for the LGBTQ+ community and allies, including Karaoke nights at Mexico Lindo (Sundays 7pm), GAYme Nights, Rainbow Bingo! ($15 for a 10-pack of cards with snacks and cherry bells for sale), Queer Craft Club, Billy's Book Club, The Coalition of Pen and Ink fiction writing group, Crafting/Crochet/Knitting sessions, and Hey Girl Parties. Held at the center and at partner venues across San Jose.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 weekly visitors
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AACI HOPE ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAACI (Asian Americans Community Investment) HOPE Program provides HIV/HEP C testing services at the Billy DeFrank Center on Mondays from 4-8PM. Uses the 4th Generation Alere Determine HIV test with finger-stick blood sample.
• San Jose GiantsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPride Night at San Jose Giants fundraiser event. Center receives ticket sales when community members use promo code DEFRANK or purchase through designated link.
• Silicon Valley Rainbow Rotary ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides free lunches for Vintage (50+) activities program on 2nd Wednesdays of each month.
• Second Harvest of Silicon ValleyminorOthersReferral partner for food assistance resources for Vintage/older adult program participants.
• Alameda Business AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on delivery robots community discussion event at the Center to provide community input opportunity before San Jose City decision.
• Happy Hollow Park & ZoominorOthersHost venue for Senior Safari program - free admission and parking for people 50+ on 4th Thursdays.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• San Francisco LGBTQ+ Community Center: San Francisco's flagship LGBTQ+ community center offering support groups, arts programming, health services, and youth programs. Directly comparable to Billy DeFrank in mission, programming mix, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit structure; the key geographic difference is SF vs. South Bay service area.
• Center on Halsted: Chicago's LGBTQ+ community center providing programming across youth, seniors, arts, and health. Closely comparable to Billy DeFrank in operating model (community center, broad programming portfolio, regional rather than national scope).
• Sacramento LGBT Community Center: Sacramento's LGBTQ+ community center offering support groups, youth services, health navigation, and community programming. Highly comparable to Billy DeFrank as a California-based regional LGBTQ+ center with similar program mix and 501(c)(3) structure.

Broad incumbents

• Los Angeles LGBT Center: One of the largest LGBTQ+ community centers in the world, offering health clinics, housing, youth services, and senior programming. Comparable mission and program breadth, but operates at materially larger scale than Billy DeFrank with paid professional staff across multiple sites.
• NYC LGBT Community Center (The Center): New York City's LGBTQ+ community center offering cultural, educational, health, and advocacy programming in a single physical facility. Operates the same integrated community-center model as Billy DeFrank but at substantially larger scale in a major metro.

Regional players

• Pacific Pride Foundation: Santa Barbara-based LGBTQ+ nonprofit providing support groups, youth programs, and community education across California's Central Coast. Comparable to Billy DeFrank in regional scope, volunteer-driven operations, and identity-specific programming mix.
• Out Boulder County: Boulder County, Colorado LGBTQ+ nonprofit offering community programs, support groups, education, and advocacy. Directly comparable as a mid-size regional LGBTQ+ community organization with similar programming breadth and nonprofit structure.
• Long Beach LGBTQ+ Center: Long Beach, California's LGBTQ+ community center providing youth, senior, health, and arts programming. Comparable to Billy DeFrank in California regional focus, programming breadth, and community-center operating model.

Others

• PFLAG National: National LGBTQ+ family and ally support organization with local chapters providing support groups and education. Comparable mission focus on community support and family/ally engagement, though operates as a federated chapter model rather than a single community center.
• GLAAD: National LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization promoting fair, accurate, and inclusive representation. Thematically comparable to Billy DeFrank in serving the LGBTQ+ community and advancing inclusion, but focused on media/advocacy rather than direct community-center programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC6C1rMwYkCRyVt5nraptmhw
• Facebookfacebook.com/billydefrank
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/billydefrank
• Instagraminstagram.com/billydefrank

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Center