Home / Arts and Entertainment / More Than a Club: A Legacy of Black Queer Joy
More Than a Club: A Legacy of Black Queer Joy
19 Jun
Summary
- Catch One became a sanctuary for Black queer communities and a celebrity hub.
- During the AIDS crisis, Jewel Thais-Williams transformed the club into a lifeline.
- The documentary 'Jewel's Catch One' celebrates this vital queer history.
Opened in 1973 by Black lesbian entrepreneur Jewel Thais-Williams, Catch One in Los Angeles began as a disco but grew into a significant institution for Black queer communities. It attracted celebrities and served as a vital sanctuary during the height of the AIDS crisis.
Thais-Williams's vision extended beyond the nightclub. She established a vegan restaurant and a nonprofit health clinic, all driven by community needs. This holistic approach addressed a critical lack of resources, especially for Black LGBTQ+ individuals facing discrimination and neglect.
During the AIDS epidemic, Catch One transformed into a crucial support system. Thais-Williams organized meal deliveries and mobilized volunteers, turning the club's parking lot into a soup kitchen. She welcomed those shunned by society, earning the title "mother to thousands."
The documentary "Jewel's Catch One" meticulously preserves this history through archival footage and personal accounts. Community members contributed VHS tapes and photographs, saving a crucial chapter of queer resistance and Black queer joy for future generations.
The film also features numerous celebrity endorsements, including Madonna and Sharon Stone, who readily participated due to Thais-Williams's impactful legacy. The documentary's June 16, 2026, re-release coincides with Pride Month and the 10-year anniversary of the film, offering a timely reflection on Thais-Williams's enduring impact shortly before the one-year anniversary of her death on July 7, 2025.
