PARTY ANIMAL

Meet 14K, The Godfather Of Black Gay L.A. Who Turned His Own Home Into A Lavish Nightclub

14K-gay-black-clubowner-los-angeles

After the last black-owned gay club in Los Angeles, Catch One, closed its doors for good, a man who goes by the name of 14K took it upon himself to create a place for the club’s displaced patrons to come together.

“With the club closing and having a place of my own, I like to come together socially with my friends and have a happy place with no drama, where we can eat, drink, [and] have fun,” 14K tells the blog Broadly.

Related: Guys Share The Biggest Hurdles They Face Being Gay And Black

14K turned his own home into a social club and community center catered towards gay black men, though people from all walks of life are welcome. The only stipulation: BYOB. And his goal: To give younger generations an outlet to have fun and be themselves, but also to be a positive role model.

“I try to teach them to get up, make something of themselves, go to school, get a job, get what you want out of life, and be honest with people. Don’t be taken with people.”

14K painted the walls bright yellow then brought in over-the-top decor, including fur rugs, a miniature Eiffel tower, extensive collection of clown statues, and even a fountain.

Related: Forgotten 1967 Documentary About A Black Gay Hustler Is Hilarious And Heartbreaking

“Over time, I designed the [interior of the house],” he explains. “The couches—those were not bought like that. I designed them and had my upholstery man come, told him exactly what I want, and he did it. [There are diamonds in the couch] and in the pillows. I don’t like going to someone’s house and having the same stuff they have. I like to be different.”

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