[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE BILLY DE FRANK CENTER

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                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2022

  Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 40th 
anniversary of the Billy DeFrank Center. The Center has been an 
incubator and catalyst for emerging groups and organizations working to 
meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
  The Billy DeFrank Center opened its doors on March 1, 1981, in a two-
room storefront. They turned opposition into opportunity by using funds 
from a failed campaign to repeal ordinances extending housing and 
employment protections to the gay community to finance their Center.
  The Center named itself after William Price, a popular African 
American drag queen, Billy DeFrank. A mural on the outside of the 
building honors his commitment to the community and his inclusive 
spirit.
  The Billy DeFrank Center housed several important groups, including 
High Tech Gays, a major force for change in the 80's and 90's. They 
successfully sued the Federal Government's Defense Industrial Security 
Clearance Office (DISCO) for discriminatory practices in issuing High 
Security Clearances to the LGBTQ+ community.
  Sister Spirit Bookstore, a cultural hub for queer women, moved to 
Billy DeFrank Center's new and larger site in 1986.
  Currently, the Center collaborates with various service providers and 
Silicon Valley Pride to build, unify, and strengthen the LGBTQ+ 
community in the South Bay.
  Throughout the past 40 years, the Billy DeFrank Center has been a 
beacon of hope, a place to be who you are within your chosen family, to 
share information to address the diversity of needs in the LGBTQ+ 
community. Please join me in celebrating this significant milestone.

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