LA Weekly has been a fan of designer, club promoter and performer Ernie Omega since the mid-2000’s club scene heyday, when we’d often encounter him on the dance floor and admire his creative, flamboyant get-ups. We always had to snap a picture for inspiration. Omega remains one of the most prominent figures on the club scene to this day, from dancing for Perry Farrell’s Heaven After Dark events to hosting and go-go-ing for parties like Sex Cells and Evita. Back when he threw the fabulous alt-fashion-driven party called Runway, he launched his first Misfit Toy Drive (NYC legend Amanda Lepore was hostess) and now, a decade later he’s still doing it.
The nonprofit charity drive remains a way for nightlife patrons to give back to the community and have a raucous good time. Held at the popular gathering called We Own the Night, this year’s drive will benefit displaced youth on DTLA’s Skidrow and the Tran Wellness Center Los Angeles️. Attendees are asked to bring unwrapped toys for all age groups and blankets as well as basic living necessities and hygiene products. Donations will be distributed through street outreach to youth on Skid Row on Christmas Eve, with transitional items going to the Trans Wellness Center.

“I invite everyone to start your new year off right by dancing away the discord of 2022 while polishing your karma by helping someone that’s less fortunate than you” Omega says. “I can personally guarantee that your donation will go to someone that needs it and it will brighten their existence.”
With COVID more under control, nightlife is back and We Own the Night, known by many as “the only true LA underground,” continues to attract the city's most uniquely stylish pansexual party people, 12 years and going strong. They welcome everyone 21 and over,  "regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation" and tout "no velvet ropes and no attitudes, just real music lovers with open minds and open hearts getting together to party." Produced by DJ Scott K, the shindig highlights hot house DJs and revered electronic music legends. As their motto goes “if you know, you know,” and now you do.
Sat., Dec. 17. More info at weownthenightla.com
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