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A tribute is poured into honor Jewel Ty Williams, a pioneer and icon of the LGBTQ+ community who passed away this week at the age of 86.
Thais-Williams is famous for opening gem catches in the 70s. The current longtime disco club was the first black-owned LGBTQ+ nightclub.
Gerald Garth ran through La Pride and he spoke about her influence. Starting with the club, it was a safe space for the community that needed it.
“A lot of what she brought to the movement was brought into the community. Much of what Jewel did helped people know that they were loved, they helped people bring joy and beauty to the movement when they weren’t given other times at other times.” “It’s essential that you have a blessed, joyful space where you move around the world, at the intersection of identity, people are very vocal about how they feel about you, and the gems have created it.”
Jasmine Canic, who runs South La Pride, reflected those feelings.
“It feels like she knows what the facility is and what the space means to the community,” Kanic said. “And now, in 2025 there’s a whole new generation that’s creating their own stories with Catch One.”
But Kanic knows that Ty Williams’ influence is far beyond the club. Trailblazer was very active in the community, and at one point opened a clinic next door.
“When I think about gems, I think of dynamic women who really care about the whole community,” Kanic said. “Was she a black lesbian woman like me? But she cared about the trans community, but she cared about how HIV and AIDS were affecting black gay men.”
The Los Angeles Black Pride was celebrated on the weekend of 1988 until July 4th, and tradition continues to this day. Karma Dickerson reports NBC4 News on Monday, June 30th, 2025 at 5pm.
Cannick said he is grateful for the entire LGBTQ+ community to be grateful for their gratitude to Thais-Williams.
“In 2025, there will be a lot of young people who can live the best gay life, the best queer life, the best trance life for women like Jewel Taiyce Williams,” Kanic said. “For the leader who opened the way, opened the door and left the door open for other people to come.”
While she was alive, her achievements were celebrated. In 2019, she became the first black woman to have a dedicated square in Los Angeles. Jewel Thais-Williams Square is the instant catch-one.
And after she passed on Wednesday, county superintendent Holly Mitchell honored Ty Williams at the Superintendents’ meeting.
“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to cross paths with her in this lifetime and have the opportunity to really get to know her,” Kanic said.
Now, my friend wants to continue her important work.
“Now she is one of our ancestors and we have a responsibility to ensure that her legacy continues to live,” Garth said. “The phrase I consistently say reminds the community that we all have a role: “If we all do something, then none of us have to do everything.” And in memory of Mr. Jewel, we invite all of us to do something about us. ”
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