Black Gay Clubs, Bars and Lounges of the PAST??? (San Francisco: houses, theater)

[leonnorman1814]

I am trying to amass a list of Black Gay Establishments of the past, PRIOR TO 1990. The white gay experience is often written about but not much Black Gay History in this country is known. If you know or have the names, addresses, pictures or ANY OTHER information about Black Gay Clubs, Bars, Lounges, Bath-Houses, Theaters or ANYTHING ELSE...PLEASE LIST THEM IF YOU DON'T MIND.

Where are/were the Black Gay communities in your town?

Anything prior to 1990, although current establishments would be welcome also.

I would definitely appreciate it.

[CNYC]

The Catch or Catch 1 it was called. All Black Club

[hjt123]

Jewels Catch One was the first black LGBT club in the USA I think

[disgruntled la native]

Originally Posted by hjt123

Jewels Catch One was the first black LGBT club in the USA I think

Yes. Jewel's Catch One is the only predominately black LGBT establishment in LA, and its history goes back to 1972.

That's about it for LA.

[leonnorman1814]

I am truly shocked...THIS CAN'T BE TRUE!? California is the second most populated city in the US behind NYC and there is only ONE? Is it possible that there were secret clubs. (Guess that's a dumb question as if they were secret you couldn't tell but...forgive me but I am shocked).

I'm hoping you mean only one prior to 1990? Surely there are more than one now? I know my research is mainly on past establishments but that would really be sad if this Jewel's Catch One is all there ever was and still is.

I'm surprised and really saddened to hear that but if that's what it is then....WOW!

NYC is built up so everybody is close together but California is spread out so I just assumed?

Let me ask one other question then,

Where was the black gay scene in the 70's and 80's? Where did they go to hangout, act out, or just chill out? Does anyone know?

Please forgive my ignorance but I was expecting a long list (LOL)


PS Maybe I should the exact years on NY's clubs while I am at it.


Thanks folks

[disgruntled la native]

There may have been secret ones, as well as small ones that no poster will know about unless they were likely gay and black in the 70s and 80s.

Back then there were dozens of gay bars across the LA area. Now there's just a few mashed together in West Hollywood, with a handful in Silver Lake and the Valley.

Today there are no gay black bars or clubs in LA except the one mentioned above. Some places have black themed nights usually revolving around hip hop but that's it.

[LuckyGem]

Here's an idea.

You might want to contact the LA Weekly for some archival information.

They've been around since the late 1970's and likely have some historical information on that subject.

[leonnorman1814]

Originally Posted by LuckyGem

Here's an idea.

You might want to contact the LA Weekly for some archival information.

They've been around since the late 1970's and likely have some historical information on that subject.

I will definitely try the LA Weekly but it is so shocking it makes my stomach hurt literally!


One in L.A.
None in San Francisco (the one they had closed because the owner was caught discriminating against blacks in his other club so he bought the black one and closed it)

NYC - In the past 10 years Black Gay New Yorkers have seen literally all but ONE closed down. I believe to or three new ones have popped up in the last few years but it makes one wonder.

Anyway, thank for the help and if anyone else has anything to add please feel free.

[jw2]

Originally Posted by leonnorman1814

I will definitely try the LA Weekly but it is so shocking it makes my stomach hurt literally!


One in L.A.
None in San Francisco (the one they had closed because the owner was caught discriminating against blacks in his other club so he bought the black one and closed it)

NYC - In the past 10 years Black Gay New Yorkers have seen literally all but ONE closed down. I believe to or three new ones have popped up in the last few years but it makes one wonder.

Anyway, thank for the help and if anyone else has anything to add please feel free.

I am neither black or gay and do not identify with either. But I will offer a couple of possibilities

1. The black population in California is waning.
2. It could be that the blacks and whites do not feel they need a separate club, they are just fine hanging with each other.

The fact that there are no private businesses that suit your purpose and that hurts your stomach is preposterous. If you want segregation, try somewhere else.

[LuvSouthOC]

Catch 1 was predominantly black but no by means all black or even all gay for that matter. The main dance floor was pretty much black but the smaller one had women, straights, more whites etc. It was the ONLY place in LA that was anything close to a NYC club, with good music, etc. And I know because I was a patron. OP, PM me if you have questions.