Houston black gay clubs

In observance of Black History Month, OutSmart magazine is shining a spotlight on a little-known and oft-forgotten part of Black Houston history. Studio 13, a premier gay club in Montrose from until aroundwas launched by owner Wendell Statchuk at Westheimer.

The 10 Best LGBTQ Bars & Gay Clubs in Houston | Lex's Guide to Queer Nightlife in Texas

Several performers from that era are still active in Houston, gay OutSmart talked to three— Tommie RossKofiand Ivy Tondalayo—who generously took the time to share their fond memories of Studio In that era, news of clubs opening or re-opening spread mostly through word of mouth. In houston, it was LaCook who first asked Kofi to be a guest.

I think I judged a couple of contests there first. Actually, I think my first experience was judging an amateur night or something like that. Then I performed a number, as well. He saw me perform black a few times, and he asked if I would be interested in working at a club he was club to open called Studio I agreed, and the rest was history.

Similarly, Ivy Tondalayo, who worked three nights a week at the Midnight Sun, received an offer from Statchuk. Studio 13 was a younger audience. Back in those days, everybody pretty much knew, or knew of, everybody. She and Kofi were also close friends. Both Kofi and Ivy Tondalayo remember Statchuk as a friendly boss who took care of his employees.

While Kofi and Ms. In the back, there was a high-walled patio with a hot tub, but it stayed covered—especially after Houston started experiencing the first wave of AIDS deaths. It allowed you to get away from the crowds and noise inside. Ivy describes Studio 13 as cozy and comfortable, resembling a Dutch farmhouse.

There was a walkway all the way around on both sides, and the stage was centered at the back. Ivy, some clubs would ask darker-skinned patrons for multiple IDs. At night, she says, parades of cars would drive down Westheimer and the suburban straight people inside those cars would honk their horns and yell gay slurs.

According to Ms. It was the kind of place you could go into and you knew that almost everybody was gonna be friendly to you. You were like a part of the family. The dance music was great. The DJs were great—I mean, they were out of this world! So it was a real cozy club to go to.

It was a safe place for Black kids.