Jewel Thais-Williams on the cover of THE FIGHT, September 2018. Photo by Dusti Cunningham
Los Angeles is deeply saddened by the passing of Jewel Thais-Williams, the trailblazing businesswoman, LGBTQ+ activist, and beloved community matriarch, who died on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 86.
Thais-Williams leaves behind an indelible legacy, most notably as the founder of Jewel’s Catch One, the iconic nightclub that served as a sanctuary for generations of Black and LGBTQ+ Angelenos.
Opened in 1973 on Pico Boulevard, Jewel’s Catch One made history as one of the nation’s first Black-owned queer nightclubs and the longest-running Black gay dance bar in Los Angeles.
At a time when discrimination against Black patrons and LGBTQ+ individuals was rampant in nightlife, Thais-Williams courageously created a space of acceptance and liberation. The club quickly became a cultural institution, attracting a diverse clientele that included A-list celebrities like Madonna, Sylvester, Janet Jackson, and Rick James, earning it the moniker “the Studio 54 of the West Coast.”
More than just a dance club, Jewel’s Catch One evolved into a vital community hub. During the height of the AIDS epidemic, Thais-Williams became a fierce advocate for those affected, co-founding the Minority AIDS Project and establishing Rue’s House, a pioneering housing facility for women and children living with HIV/AIDS.
Her commitment to health and wellness extended beyond the club; she earned a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine and later opened the Village Health Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing affordable holistic healthcare to underserved communities.
Thais-Williams’ unwavering dedication to social justice and community empowerment garnered widespread recognition. In 2016, she was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Los Angeles Pride Festival.
Three years later, the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Norton Avenue, where Jewel’s Catch One stood for decades, was officially renamed Jewel Thais-Williams Square in tribute to her profound contributions.
“A visionary, activist, healer, and mother to many, her legacy transcends nightlife, reverberating through community health, advocacy, and the fight for acceptance and safety,” read a statement from the current operators of Catch One.
“She welcomed everyone under her roof and transformed our city. Today we honor her spirit and aim to carry forward her message of love, resilience, and unity.”
Jewel Thais-Williams’ life was a testament to courage, compassion, and a tireless pursuit of equality. She is survived by her wife and partner of over 40 years, Rue. Her impact on Los Angeles and the broader LGBTQ+ community will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
