Jewel's Catch One
One of the first Black discos in the country.
In celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and recognizing the vibrant community of Angelenos that work at the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, we are bringing you stories from L.A.’s LGBTQ+ past and present.
Los Angeles is home to many vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ communities, and Jewel’s Catch One is just one story of people, places, organizations, and events that have shaped Los Angeles and beyond.
Watch Val Hatcher, Gallery Interpreter, as she shares the history of Jewel Thais-Williams and her legendary night club, Catch One.
Val Hatcher (she/her) is a Gallery Interpreter at NHMLA. Val wanted to highlight Catch One and the incomparable Jewel Thais-Williams as just one example of the way people fight for intersectional Gay and Lesbian bars and the value those spaces have as places to connect, celebrate and find sanctuary. “Gay bars aren’t just places to party, although they certainly are that. I am endlessly inspired by the work that Jewel has done, and her impact on the world. She stood up against systems that made that work very, very hard for a very long time; she is a healer and a guardian.”
HELP US DOCUMENT L.A.’S LGBTQ+ PAST AND PRESENT BY SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCES
These stories are just a few representations of LGBTQ+ stories in L.A. In every neighborhood and community, LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations have historically shaped the city, and they continue to do so today. Visit ONE Archive’s Queer Terrains to explore a map of more historic locations.
We also want to hear your stories! If you were to make a map of your LGBTQ+ L.A., what would you add? What places have shaped you and the communities you are a part of? Where do you see LGBTQ+ history being made today?
Upload a photo on your Instagram story and tell us why that place is significant to you. Tag @NHMLA with #PrideMonth and your post could be featured on @NHMLA’s Stories!