About Me

I’m Michael J. Horne, MichaelJohn, or as everyone knows me as – MJ. I was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1950. Soon after my family moved to Mexico City to start my father’s business. My father, Charlie, owned and operated a successful business, Charlie’s Flavoring and Fragrance Laboratory in Mexico City. My father was a chemist, Shriner, and savvy business owner who taught me the importance of collaboration and philanthropy. Growing up, the spirit of philanthropy was embedded in my upbringing — to give back and support those in the most need. My father contributed to the development of hospitals for children with severe disabilities and families living in poverty. 
My mother, Esther, was an attorney and social worker that graduated from Southwestern University in Los Ángeles in the late 1930s. She worked on federal projects to supply services to braceros working in the fields in Flagstaff, Arizona and Imperial Valley in California during the mid-1940s. When we moved to Mexico City, my mother worked at the U.S Embassy where she translated and assisted low-income families prepare the required documentation for visas and special requests at the U.S Embassy. 
My parents were committed to helping communities in need of resources and instilled those values in me. Giving back to communities in need is how I honor their memory. 
In 1968, I graduated from American School Foundation (Founded in Mexico City in 1888, The American School Foundation is the oldest continuously operating accredited American School outside the U.S.) in Mexico City. Shortly after I attended college at the University of the Americas and landed a job as an assistant to Lonka Becker, at the time the most powerful agency in Mexico and the coordinator for all the American film production shooting in the Mexican Republic. Lonka Becker was the liaison that facilitated U.S. film production companies to interact with the Mexico studio system (Churubusco, Azteca, Televicentro). I’m fluent in English and Spanish and worked as a translator, location scout and general facilitator to assist the needs of the American film crews while in Mexico. This granted me the opportunity to work with countless film directors, producers, crew members, and actors in both Mexican and American films and television.
In 1975, I left Mexico City and moved to Los Ángeles, California. I landed a job through Lee Stahlmaster as an assistant in the executive offices of Norman Lear and Jerry Perenchio at tandem T.A.T., and then for Alan Horn, president at Metromedia. I then transferred to the publicity department as the assistant to Barbara Brogliatti, the head of publicity. I didn’t see my future in this type of business so I chose to bartend at popular gay bars in Los Angeles, from 1983 to 1991. 
In 1992, I noticed a need in the business community and partnered with the owners of the Gauntlet II to open my first private social club. In 1998, the City of Los Angeles began to crack down on unlicensed sex businesses, which were illegal at the time. The next step was to request support from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) who were at the time enforcing, regulating, and closing down unlicensed adult-use businesses. Various city and county departments graciously assisted my adult business in finding the right location legal per land-use zoning. Soon after, I bought a building and opened Slammer Los Angeles in the year 2000 – still operational today. I’m genuinely thankful for the partnership of various City of Los Angeles departments including the LAPD and Building and Safety. My business would not have been possible without their support and dedication to serve the business community. 
In 2003, I bought a dive bar in Silverlake and completely renovated it to open up MJs, which became a popular bar/dance club. In 2007, I decided to sell MJs to Eastside Entertainment. Over the years, I have managed to balance my involvement and leadership in the entertainment industry, public service, and philanthropy. As a member of the LGBTQ community I served as the President of Aid for AIDS from 1986-1988. I also served on the LGBTQ Police Advisory Board and served as one of the early founding representatives on the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council. Other public boards and commissions I sat on: 
  • CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD Human Services Commission (Chair) 1992-1997
  • CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD Public Safety Commission (Chair) 1998-2002
  • SANTA MONICA BLVD Advisory Board 1998
  • P.A.T.H. HOMELESS Angel 2003-2004
In 2021, the Los Ángeles LGBT Center celebrated the grand opening of the Michaeljohn Horne & Thomas Eugene Jones Youth Housing. The contribution of my husband and I helped finance 25 supportive housing units, ranging from 279 to 329 square feet that include support services for every individual. LGBTQ youth in this housing will have the opportunity to access the Los Angeles LGBT center’s wraparound services. I am positive that this project will assist countless of LGBTQ youth in need of housing and support services to transition into living a healthy and long life. 
Throughout the course of my life, my commitment to others is nurtured with my philosophy of gratitude. As a businessman I’m blessed with the opportunity to run successful businesses and give back to those in need. I am committed to giving back and ensuring others can experience the opportunity to live fulfilling and joyous lives. 
Much gratitude, 
MJ