Greetings -

In just one month, Silicon Valley‘s first inclusive LGBTQ+ history exhibit will be a reality. "Coming Out: 50 Years of Queer Resistance and Resilience in Silicon Valley," the museum exhibit opens with an in-person community celebration at History San Jose on Friday, June 25. Learn more about it in the BAYMEC Community Foundation’s latest newsletter (note the opening date has changed since this newsletter was sent).

What makes this launch even more exciting is the level of community support this exhibit is receiving. The seed money for the project came from a generous grant from the County of Santa Clara. Since then, I am proud to announce that we have every federal and state elected official representing Santa Clara County, every member of the Board of Supervisors, every member of the San Jose City Council, community organizations, and supportive members of our local LGBTQ+ community. See a full list here.

Now, I want to make sure that you don’t miss your opportunity to be on the list of supporters. Just $1,000 qualifies you as a major donor to the exhibit. Major donors are listed on the wall inside the exhibit at History San Jose’s Arbuckle Gallery, posted on the Queer Silicon Valley virtual exhibit, and acknowledged in our forthcoming companion documentary. You and one guest will also be invited to a special VIP reception and exhibit preview on Thursday, June 24. Become An Archivist and we will add your logo when you make a donation of $5000. Finally for a donation of $10,000 you or your organization will join our History Makers, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent of current IRS regulations. In addition to helping pay for the construction of the exhibit and the creation of the documentary, your gift funds panels, workshops, and guest lectures to enhance the educational opportunities of the exhibit. Once the exhibit closes after a year, your support now and ongoing will allow the exhibit to tour education and community facilities throughout Santa Clara County. With an ultimate goal of a permanent home for these and other items yet to be discovered, your donation will be a foundation for something we hope to be a source of hope, inspiration and education for decades and generations to come.

Thank you for taking the time to consider becoming a major donor for this project. I am so excited to share our community’s incredible and moving stories with the public. You can donate online at https://www.baymecfoundation.org/donate or mail a check to BAYMEC Community Foundation, 1855 Hamilton Ave., Ste. 203, San Jose, CA 95125. Please feel free to reply to this email if you would like to talk more about this opportunity.


Best wishes,
Ken