There are those in the community who are icons because they are vocal—recognizable at all the events, speaking behind podiums and appearing in the papers—and then there are those that are icons because they are always around, week after week doing their job and making our community better for it. Mike Hlyzoff is one of these people. A fixture at BoJangles nightclub since its early days in 1984, Hlyzoff can be found there still, serving as manager of the club where many GLBTI youth get their first taste of the Sacramento GLBTI community.

Hlyzoff, 39, was born and raised in Sacramento. “I’ve traveled around quite a bit. I’ve lived in L.A., San Francisco, Houston, Denver, even Kansas City. But Sacramento is home.” Hlyzoff claims he has known he was gay since age 5. Growing up in Roseville, he was openly gay in High School. “I had no problems—it was a very accepting environment. All I’m going to say is the captain of the football and boxing teams thought so too.” Hlyzoff’s family is Pentecostal, making religion a fascination for him during college. He has a degree in Theology from Southwestern Bible College in Oklahoma. “It was actually a very liberal college, believe it or not”, he says, “God has given us the intelligence to pick and choose which religions fit our lifestyle.”

Hlyzoff started in the bar business in 1984 as a bouncer for BoJangles, an 18-and-over nightclub then located on Folsom Blvd. near CSUS. After a break for a 3-year stint in the U.S. Army, he returned to BoJangles, then owned by Randy Chan and became manager for one year. In 1988, Hlyzoff started working for FACES as a security officer—something he continues to do to this day. When BoJangles relocated to Club 21 in 2001, Terry Sidie tapped Hlyzoff to manage it. “I was an obvious choice, having run the club before. I know the people, I know the environment. And I am grateful that Terry has placed his trust in me to do this”.

Hlyzoff notes many changes that have occurred over the past 20 years in Sacramento’s GLBTI community. “It’s a different mindset now. Back in the 80’s, you never would have seen straight people in a gay bar like we do today. Being gay is not the hideous thing it once was. This is a positive thing!” As well, many of the original customers from the previous days at BoJangles have changed as well. “I don’t see many of them anymore. The club is simply too young for them. Young gay people can have a certain attitude—if you’re old, you’re old. This hasn’t changed in 25 years!” Yet older patrons do frequent the club. “Straight men like younger women and Gay men like younger men. This is the nature of life. It’s natural and positive.”

Hlyzoff is also currently serving as Sacramento’s Reigning Emperor with CGNIE. “I have been a part of the Court on and off for 15 years. Drag queens have raised millions of dollars locally and nationally for this community—many organizations would have folded long ago without this support.” With much travel and fundraising to do, the second job keeps Hlyzoff busy. “It’s been a lot to handle in s short time. We did a fireworks booth this summer that raised $2500. I’ve traveled and met many others doing the same thing—raising money for their community. It’s been a great way to bond, get new ideas and grow.” Strongly committed to the cause, Hlyzoff sees the CGNIE as a positive force for the community, particularly its annual pride event, “Rainbow Festival is actually our largest annual fundraiser. It’s kind of the gay version of the Jerry Lewis Telethon.”

Hlyzoff would like to see more money flow to several overlooked organizations. “Avalon House, WEAVE and Fairy Godfathers’ fund need our support. I want to see some money flow to different groups—particularly AIDS charities.” HIV and AIDS is a big issue for GLBTI youth, and Hlyzoff sees many challenges every day at BoJangles. “I am very open minded, but I don’t understand the current glorification of HIV. If you are a gift giver or bug chaser, when the chips are down you will have no one to blame but yourself. HIV is a horrible, horrible disease and these kids need to understand that.”

Asked about his own future, Hlyzoff beams. “I will work at BoJangles as long as Terry owns it. I am blessed to work for someone who has been Emperor, who understands charity. BoJangles is more than just a job—it’s a family.” This ‘family’ has produced many of the icons we see in other clubs. “Jon Williams, Tony Campos, Mark Simpson all started at BoJangles. It was the place to be, and since December 25, 1976 it still is for the young or young at heart.”

Finally, Hlyzoff answers the one burning question many have asked over the years—why he is known as the ‘chameleon’. “Everyone assumes I am Mexican or Hawaiian because of my olive skin. I am actually Russian, Chinese, Irish and Cherokee Indian. Wherever I go, people think I’m one of their own. While I do speak Russian, I don’t speak a word of Spanish. It’s funny!”

Mike Hlyzoff can be found at BoJangles inside Club 21
1119—21st Street, Sacramento Wednesday and Sunday 9pm-2am
www.clubbojangles.net