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Keif Albert Arriola was born on November 7th, 1942, in a predominantly Japanese neighborhood in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, that was a direct consequence of the Japanese internment camps of WWII.
The son of two Mexican parents, his family of 6 kids stood out as one of the few Mexican families in the “self-contained neighborhood,” where everything they needed was of access. Keif describes his childhood home as La Casa de los Secretos or the House of Secrets. His “step-father” (actual father), Papa Juan would take Keif and his siblings out on weekends in secret, and tended to their emotional wellbeing. Refusing to acculturate, Papa Juan introduced them to Marimba music, taking them to eat exclusively Mexican food, and Spanish rock & roll.
Kief’s sexual awakening came early, as a 10 year old in the Cub Scouts, where he naturally developed an attraction to another boy. A product of the year 1957, Keif would continue exploring his sexuality in secret, while still struggling to come to terms with his sexuality.
At 16, Keif’s mother filed for divorce (in secret), then re-married with Papa Juan. A strong, beautiful Mexican woman, her utmost priority was keeping the family together and demanding respect for herself as a wife and mother. A priority she was not afraid to carry out even if it meant using typical Mexican techniques like chasing Keif around the house with a broom. Although an otherwise boring high school experience, Keif held his priorities around academic pursuits that were hardly acknowledged by his family. His pursuit landed him at Los Angeles City College (LACC) where he studied acting and theatre. Liberated from the confinements of his upbringing, it was here that Kief found himself at the Annex West on Melrose Boulevard, his first gay club
After graduating from Cal State Northridge, he dated a professor at UCLA who encouraged Keif to apply for a PhD program in international comparative education at UCLA. His experience was unpleasant, a dismissive program with resentment toward affirmative action and inability to account for minorities in higher education. This degree, however, allowed him a job after graduation and inspired his involvement in the Chicano movement.
At the age of 28, Keif spent weekend nights in glittery West Hollywood. It was here where he met his first boyfriend, and partner of 47 years, Earl. His dream man, Kief and Earl would live the “relationship he wanted as a child”, enjoying years of luxurious travels and experiences. But most importantly, providing Keif an emotionally grounded connection.
Realizing his parents were getting old, Earl helped him enjoy their company more. When his mother began suffering from early signs of dementia, Kief became fully responsible for his mother, with little support from his siblings who did not approve of his partner, Earl. In a necessary decision, Keif moved to Hawaii with Earl, forcing his siblings to care for their mother. Hawaii served more as a reality check than a dream. Keif found himself having to work to make ends meet for both Earl and himself. The youthful fun was in the past and a culture clash worsened daily life.
To regain his sense of autonomy, Keif moved to live in a furnished small home by himself. Due to his health worsening, Earl passed away shortly after. Keif remembers him as a companion that taught him true friendship and love, and as someone (and one of the only people) who listened and valued Keif and his interests deeply.
Now a Shaman and healer, he is happy to be a role model and understands the power of not being limited. Keif continues to be a true icon of sexual liberation, reflecting how, “over 60 years…I’ve gotten my share of dick and ass.” At 82, Keif expresses more than ever the need to be seen, “to be out there as a gay Mexican man”. With Keif’s radiant blue hair (and nails to match) he carries a clear understanding of how his queerness, Mexican heritage, and Apache history is the beautiful, conjoined matter that makes him unapologetically, Kief Arriola.
