In his hometown of San Fernando, Trinidad, in the Caribbean, Osei Blackett spent most of his childhood in the kitchen with his mother and grandmother. Whether it was shelling peas for pelau, a traditional dish of meat, peas and coconut milk, grating cheese for macaroni pie or chopping vegetables, Blackett loved being in the kitchen. He likes to say he comes from a “family of cooks.” Both of his grandparents on his mother’s side were bakers, and other relatives owned catering businesses.

Rainbow pride flags can be found year-round on nearly every surface at Julius’, a bar in the West Village. Photographs of patrons and celebrities that have come throughout the years and pieces of gay history, like magazine covers and newspaper clips cover its walls. It’s a welcoming space for everyone who visits — making it difficult to imagine that many years ago, three gay men were refused service there.