By Andrew Davis
Thom Dombkowski—an iconic figure in the LGBT community who was crucial to the formation of AIDS agency Chicago House and was a prominent member of the local leather gay community—passed away April 20 after a brief illness after living with AIDS for 22 years. He was 55.
Thomas Raymond Dombkowski was born in Rochester, N.Y., June 28, 1950, to Bernard and Helene, now deceased. He received his Bachelor's degree from Notre Dame and a law degree from DePaul University. Thom left a career with the Internal Revenue Service to devote himself to the needs of people living with AIDS.
Dombkowski's contributions to the HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities were unparalleled in many respects. At the Chicago Department of Public Health, he helped to give away over $150 million to local AIDS service organizations. He co-founded Chicago House ( the first area residence and support services for those living with AIDS ) and served as its second executive director. In addition, Dombkowski was a staff writer for Howard Brown Memorial Clinic.
However, those roles were just the tip of the iceberg for the seemingly tireless Dombkowski. As a volunteer, he was among the co-founders of IMPACT, a political organization. He was among the original major donors to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and funded the feasibility study that led Horizons Community Services to begin development of The Center of Halsted. Dombkowski also proposed and developed the creation of the Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame.
Dombkowski was also extensively involved in Chicago's gay leather community. According to the Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame ( which he was inducted into in 1992 ) , he became a part of the subculture in 1970 and was mentored by John F.G. Shawhan. Dombkowski became involved in contests ( first competing for the Mr. Gold Coast title ) and ultimately was an important part of IML ( International Mr. Leather ) , doing everything from coaching to writing speeches to judging. ( In fact, he served a decade-long term as IML's chief judge. ) He also judged numerous other related competitions, including Mr. Philadelphia Leather and International Ms. Leather. In addition, he was a charter member of the OGN ( Old Girls Network ) , and co-founded the Chicago Leather Kennel Club with Chuck Windemuth, Mr. Chicago Leather 1991, in February 2004.
At least one other passion that Dombkowski devoted himself to was traveling. He visited a total of 37 countries on all seven continents, and also saw all 50 states.
Dombkowski's partners Patrick Rossi and John Shawhan preceded him in death. Survivors include a brother, James, and his wife, Elizabeth, of Spencerport, N.Y.; a nephew, Christopher, and his wife, Karen, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and ( according to MrMidwestLeather.com ) dual partners K. James Owen of Chicago and David E. Harper of Berkeley, Calif. A memorial service will be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Dombkowski's name to the Leather Archives & Museum, the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus, the North Side Grocery Center ( of Vital Bridges ) or Equality Illinois.
Thom Dombkowski—Perspectives:
Thom Dombkowski left an indelible impression on everyone he met. Below are the impressions from just a few people whose lives he touched:
Rick Garcia, political director of Equality Illinois:
'In the passing of Thom Dombkowski, the gay community and the whole City of Chicago have lost one of our greatest treasures. But, his impact on us will remain for a long time. Our community is strong and vibrant today due in part to Thom's vision, foresight, insight and courage. His courage is exemplified in his responding to the AIDS crisis at a time when many others were unwilling to do so.
'Thom's exemplary commitment to our community serves as an inspiration and a challenge to those of us who continue to work for fairness and equality for all GLBT Chicagoans. We will miss Thom, but the organizations and institutions that he founded, supported and nurtured will serve as a lasting tribute to him. Eternal rest grant unto him and let perpetual Light shine on him.'
Kit Duffy, Mayor Harold Washington's LGBT liaison:
' [ Thom ] was a man I admired, liked and trusted immensely, and I am so sad at his passing. His contributions to the community and to the city were enormous and they are lasting. His leadership and his spirit led so many to believe in themselves and their ability to change the world. The inspiration he gave to us all survives him.'
Andrew Patner, Chicago journalist and broadcaster:
'Thom Dombkowski was the gold standard of our community. He spoiled me for other organizations and leaders for many years. It is sobering to think that he was just 35 when he set out to launch Chicago House and that he was just 36 when many of us from outside of the leather world first met him.
'I am also amazed at the number of people who are still alive/around from those difficult and intense years ( AIDS, the fights for the City of Chicago Human Rights Ordinance, the establishment of IMPACT, etc. ) who have re-emerged and re-connected in the wake of this news. Once again Thom is bringing people together.'
Stan Sloan, CEO of Chicago House, and Matt Towey, development director of Chicago House:
'Thanks to Thom Dombkowski's courage, vision, and energy, more than 1,500 Chicagoans living with AIDS have found solace and care at Chicago House. In 1985, he was a mobilizing force as one of our founders, opening the doors of the city's first housing and hospice organization for our dying partners and friends. He served as executive director during the agency's first years, and rallied the larger community during this critical era. According to longtime Board Chair John Chester, 'When I joined Chicago House, we were in Thom's basement.' By the time Thom left Chicago House in 1990, the agency had three houses, 12 staff members and a million-dollar budget.
'In recent years, Thom remained quietly active at Chicago House as a donor and volunteer. He sat down with us and videotaped his earliest memories of AIDS and Chicago House, providing an invaluable archive for future generations. Most recently, on the exact date of our 20th anniversary last September, Thom led our staff retreat and shared stories of our first years. He spoke of the backbreaking renovations on the houses and the nearly daily fundraising events, but mostly he described the community of Chicago House and the residents themselves. He described the laughter and tears, life and death, and heartbreaking scenes of those days.
'Thanks to Thom, the spirit of Chicago House continues today. His passion, charisma and concern inspire the current Chicago House team of care to continue his work on behalf of all people living with HIV and AIDS.
'In a recent reflection, Thom wrote, 'All of us involved were motivated by the memories of those we most loved, and by our desire to make life easier for others whom we know would be facing the challenges presented by a deadly virus. We did good.'
'Thom, you did good.'
Dean Ogren, member of the leather community:
'My fondest memories of Thom will be the way that he loved to 'orchestrate' how things would work around him. Of course if he did not, things that he played a hand in founding might not have had the starts they did. It is a sad day and a reminder of the devastation that HIV continues to drive into our lives each day. He lived with HIV for over 20 years and in that time, we have to know that the drugs that he and others are taking are now beginning to show some of the long-term effects. Although many show no signs of problems with the cocktail, this is yet another grim reminder of the battle not being over.'
Lori Cannon, LGBT-rights activist:
'What a huge loss. He leaves an incredible legacy. I think about the early days of Chicago House. A call was put out for volunteers and I, like so many others, responded—and there we were: part of that first wave to sign up with this bold, innovative housing program for the AIDS community called Chicago House. People like Andrew Patner, Tico Valle [ and ] Sheryl Holtzman—we were all part of that historic weekend of volunteer orientation that was under the tutelage of Thom Dombkowski, who offered leadership and direction to [ us ] . We were Thom's tribe and he was our shaman, and the rest is history. Every day, there was Thom—making a presence and making sure things were done right. I feel really lucky to be part of that first wave. Thom ultimately gave AIDS a face. What remains of him is goodness.
'These last few weeks have been very difficult and uncomfortable for Thom; he suffered terribly. After he came home, he wrote me a letter that was delivered to me the day of his passing. The very last line of the line read, 'Your friendship has been a treasured gift, old pal.' And, might I say, ditto Thom. May he rest in peace.'
Chuck Windemuth, director of Chicago Leather Kennel Club ( CLKC ) :
'The loss of Thom Dombkowski is a huge loss for the many men and women who were fortunate to know him here in Chicago and around the world. He was one of the first prominent leatherman to welcome me back into the Chicago leather community after my 10-year absence. Thom encouraged me to pursue working with Chuck Rodocker and David Boyer to restart a dormant Mr. Chicago Leather contest as well as set up a community-based contestant support group known as the Chicago Leather Kennel Club. Thom served as our head judge for the Mr. Chicago Leather event since its resurgence in 2004. He was always doing what he could to allow each contestant to gain the best possible experience out of our contest, inspiring them to develop and grow within the leather community worldwide.
'I will forever cherish the many hours we spent together and will never forget the valuable lessons I learned from Thom. I know I speak for my brothers and sisters of the CLKC when I say we plan to continue with the help and support that Thom gave to so many leathermen and leatherwomen. I have always regarded Thom as 'my rock' in many areas of life and it is on that solid foundation that we plan to continue to help others as we move forward.
'Thom's legacy will live on and I know he will be forever with us all.'
