Billy DeFrank National Coming Out Day 2023 Newsletter

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The Center is adding more days and activities. Go to www.defrank.org for ongoing updates and special events.

The Billy DeFrank

LGBTQ+ Community Center

938 The Alameda, San Jose,

CA 95126

Tel: (408) 293-3040

Visit our website

Billy DeFrank Social Media

LGBTQ Older Adults, 50+

Vintage means Valuable:

Vintage@defrank.org

Billy DeFrank's Queer Library and Cyber Center:

Fabulous@defrank.org

National Coming Out Day

Wednesday, October 11th

at the Billy DeFrank Center

Vintage Luncheon: 11AM

Rainbow Bingo: 6:30pm

"Coming Out"

"Inviting In"

"Coming Out” has been the common term for someone who acknowledges being LGBTQ+ and it is used throughout resources. However, it is important to note that this language centers the persons we are coming out to rather than us LGBTQs. It gives the impression that people who don’t identify as cisgender or heterosexual are hiding something from society, rather than acknowledging how homophobia and transphobia create an unwelcoming environment.

When publicly identifying as LGBTQ+, you are inviting people into a part of your life that should be protected and celebrated. You are not asking for permission to be you. You control the narrative, as well as who and what you allow into your life.

We are not alone, no matter where we are in our journey. We want a life free from bias, discrimination and hate — and we are working hard every single day to make sure that is a reality for us.

From HRC.org

There is now a concerted effort to take over California School Boards, including in Santa Clara County, to pass policies to rid curricula regarding LGBTQ's, ban books in schools which include LGBTQ+ content, and make demands on schools to inform parents that their child has changed their name/gender.

Billy DeFrank Organizing Committee meets at the Billy DeFrank Center

Tuesday

October 24th at 7PM

Enter from the front of the building

Please bring your proof of Vax

There are other issues we will address simultaneously - bring your concerns to the meeting - look forward to seeing you.

You can also use this form to write & submit your concerns or to sign up to attend one of our meetings:

https://forms.gle/G5rkffZXcS8Q3fnGA

Rainbow Bingo Every Wednesday at the Billy DeFrank Center

Wednesday, October 11th we will be celebrating National Coming Out Day at RAINBOW BINGO

At the Billy DeFrank Center

Every Wednesday is

Rainbow Bingo

Bingo games start at 7pm

$15 for 10 Games

Entrance at the back of the parking lot

Gate opens at 6:15pm

Win Prizes

Win Games, Cherry Bells

Win Friends, and

Bring proof of Vax and, Bring your best buddies!

On Wednesday, November 1st we will be honoring

dia de los Muertos

and if you like, wear your dia delos Muertos or

Halloween costumes

to RAINBOW BINGO

The Billy DeFrank Center Holiday Schedule

Mental Health First AID Training at Billy DeFrank

Mental Health First AID Training

at the Billy DeFrank Center - in person -

provided by Momentum for Health

Saturday, November 4th

10AM - 3:30PM

To register and get more information please email: Sarah Warhaftig SWarhaftig@momentumforhealth.org

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, there are resources to help 24/7. Learn how to support and be an ally to your

LGBTQ+ loved ones: https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/lgbtq/

A Taste of Thursday Nights at Billy DeFrank

Join the Billy DeFrank Center and Caminar's Heart Program for the Healthy Relationships discussion group now 2nd AND 3rd Thursday of the month at 6pm - in person - at the Billy DeFrank Center

The South Bay Bi+ discussion group usually meets on Zoom at 7PM 1st and 3rd Tuesday: Go to https://www.meetup.com/Bi-Plus-South-Bay/

2nd Thursday at 7pm, the group meets in person at the Billy DeFrank Center

Vintage Program for those 50+ held at the Billy DeFrank Center

Vintage Means Valuable

The Vintage, older adult program (50+), either meets out in the community or at the Billy DeFrank Center, or on Zoom.

Vintage Discussion Group about the Positive and Fun side of Life

The group is open to everyone, all genders 50+. Although the group normally meets 1st Tuesday of the Month at 11AM, for July only it will be the 2nd Tuesday: Tuesday November 7th in person at the Billy DeFrank Center.

Monthly Vintage Lunches for 50+ and Friends.

2nd Wednesday of the Month 11AM, Wednesday, October 11th and November 8th, at the Billy DeFrank Center. Lunches are free, provided by the Silicon Valley Rainbow Rotary Club

For Vintage in-person events, enter from the back of the parking lot and bring proof of vaccination, masks optional.

Vintage Zoom Meeting, Fridays at 11AM. For all genders 50+

Contact: Vintage@defrank.org

For more about the Vintage 50+ Program go to:

www.defrankcenter.org/vintage-program

Want Information, or Interested in Quitting Smoking/Vaping?

For the downloadable information LGBTQ+ Tobacco Issues, please go to: https://www.defrankcenter.org/3-news/newsflash/1076-documentorme-documentaries or email Fabulous@defrank.org

All LGBTQ Tobacco work done via the Billy DeFrank Center

is funded by Breathe California

Secondhand Smoke Helpline

Call: 408 999 0500

For the Ash Kickers Quit Smoking/Vaping Services go to:

https://lungsrus.org/quit-smoking-services/

Billy DeFrank Virtual Discussion Groups and other Activities

All the Billy DeFrank

Activities and Discussion Groups

are coordinated by peer facilitators and volunteers.

Thank you for keeping the activities and groups going.

If you are interested in facilitating a group or activity

please email: Fabulous@defrank.org

To access Billy DeFrank discussion groups and activities, go to: www.defrank.org

Volunteers Keep the Center Running Smoothly

Volunteers are Us!

The Billy DeFrank Center is 100% Volunteer-run. That means, when we are open, we run the front desk to greet people, direct them to the activities and groups, answer questions, answer the phone (usually people are looking for resources, and what's happening at the Center). We vacuum, clean, dust, and make the place feel fabulous. Our Managers on Duty (MOD) are in responsible during their shift to trouble shoot issues, keep the Center safe, and work with the team of volunteers on duty.

To Volunteer visit the #BillyDeFrank Center Website: www.defrank.org