The rise and fall of Jewel’s Catch-One, LA’s first black gay disco

In this day and age, where gay marriage is legal, gays and lesbians can serve openly in the US Armed Forces, and gay, lesbian, and transgender characters can be seen all over film and television, it’s easy to forget the battles that were fought to bring about that change. One of the front lines in Los Angeles was Jewel’s Catch-One, a nightclub near the corner of Pico and Crenshaw in South LA. For more than 40 years, it was a haven for gays and lesbians, especially African Americans. A new documentary about Jewel’s Catch-One and its proprietor, Jewel Thais-Williams, is being screened at Outfest this year. Press Play speaks with Jewel and the film’s director, C. Fitz.