The Diana Foundation, America’s oldest continuously active gay organization, will honor Houston meteorologist and community activist Frank Billingsley with its Diana Award for Community Achievement at the 67th Diana Awards on Saturday, March 14.
Billingsley first called Houston home in 1989, joining KPRC as Chief Meteorologist in February 1995. Inducted as a 2018 Social Book “Houston Treasure,” giving back is a key to his personality and just last year he found himself giving more than fifty speaking engagements—and it’s not all hurricane talks. Houstonians may have seen him as an emcee for a previous Diana Foundation Awards Show, an HRC gala, or a fundraiser for Citizens for Animal Protection, the Galveston Humane Society, Juvenile Diabetes, CanCare Cancer Awareness, Arms Wide Adoption Services, Bluebird Children’s Neurology Clinic, or Legacy Community Health Services, just to name a few.
Proudly, Frank’s 10th Annual Legacy golf tournament tees off this April 29th. In the last decade, this outing has raised more than $500,00 for Legacy. Recently, Frank used his television platform to highlight the importance of men getting the PSA test, publicly sharing his own successful journey with prostate cancer.
“Being selected for the Diana's Community Service award, a group whose primary mission is to help make this world a better place, is truly humbling,” said Billingsley. “Giving back and helping others is simply what we all do. I have found that supporting the needs of any group fulfills my life but it's especially rewarding reaching out to the groups who need it most. In the past, we in the LGBTQ realm have relied solely on each other and fortunately there have been those willing to step up. The Diana's have for decades led the way and I'm just a cog in the wheel and that's why I'm honored to be recognized.”
Nathan Wright, Diana president, stated that Billingsley represents what is great about Houston’s LGBTQ community. “Frank has used his platform to raise awareness and lift up our community,” said Wright. “He is a role model, a great friend, and one of the most deserving individuals to receive our Foundation’s highest honor.”
The Diana Award for Community Achievement was created in 1984 to recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to the Houston LGBTQ community. Past recipients have included Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, former Houston mayors Annise Parker and Kathy Whitmire, and philanthropist Carolyn Farb.
Billingsley’s career includes “Best Weathercaster” awards from the Associated Press, the Houston Press Club, the Houston Press newspaper and the Dallas Press Club. The Houston Chronicle named Frank the "Ultimate Weatherman.” He resides in Houston with his husband Kevin Gilliard, and recently authored his book titled, Swabbed & Found: An Adopted Man’s Journey to Discover His Family Tree recalling his tireless search and emotional reunion with biological family. The book also highlights his own coming out story.
The 67th Diana Awards will take place on Saturday, March 14 at the Ballroom at Bayou Place in downtown Houston. Proceeds will help support Out for Education, The Botts Collection, and PWA (People With AIDS) Holiday Charities. The Diana Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and tickets are available online at www.TheDianaFoundation.org.
