Jewels joined by sister Elissa Kikendall. Photo courtesy of Elissa Kuykendall.
Much can be said about Jewels and the role she plays in not just the local LGBTQ scene but Long Beach as a whole. Entertainer. Witty as all hell. Collaborator. Drag culture connoisseur. The list is endless but there is one characteristic that is inarguably her best: she is unquestionably dedicated to making Long Beach and its gay community better and more connected.
This is why House Resolution 43 and Senate Resolution 49 recognized her, actor and activist George Takei, and eight other Californians who have stood up for, fought for, and continue to push the LGBTQ community toward a brighter future.
“Being honored by Senator Lara and the LGBT caucus was an experience I will never forget,” Jewels told the Post. “The love and respect shown by both houses of California state government was both overwhelming and inspiring—truly an amazing day for our state and our world.”
For those within the Long Beach gay scene, Jewels is a cultural staple—and not just within the nightlife scene—she is probably single-handedly responsible for lifting drag culture in the LBC up to its current state—but within the community as a whole. Her drag persona has her intelligent, sarcastic hand in everything that has to do with the LGBTQ life (including a platter of deep-fried mac’n’cheese balls from Hamburger Mary’s, which she has little shame in admitting). Be it a random night at the Falcon or hosting an event at Pride, she works restlessly for money just to give as much of it away in the name of charity.
“Jewels is a role model and icon in Long Beach’s LGBT community and throughout California,” said Senator Ricard Lara. “Jewels’ energy, charisma and confidence serve as a staple in the Southern California drag circuit and has inspired new generations of performers.”
Joining Jewels and Takei in being honored were:
- Donna Brown & Colleen Foster, Stockton LGBT community leaders
- Azature, fashion and jewelry designer
- Todd Gloria, San Diego City Council President
- Kate Kendell, Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights
- Bernard Mayes, founder of the San Francisco Suicide Prevention Hotline
- Tracie Jada O’Brien, Transgender and HIV Activist
- Rick Welts. President and COO of Golden State Warriors
“The dreams of equality that our forbearers fought so hard to achieve, being uplifted and honored by our state government, ignites the fire to continue the struggle for fully inclusive rights across the wide and varied spectrum of our community,” Jewels said.
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