By Amy Wooten
On June 26, a memorial was held in celebration of the late and iconic Thom Dombkowski at the Chicago Cultural Center, where friends, family and fellow activists remembered his dedication and inspiration to the city's HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities.
Dombkowski, who co-founded the AIDS agency Chicago House and was a prominent member of the gay leather community, passed away April 20 due to a brief illness after living with AIDS for 22 years. He was 55.
At the memorial, Dombkowski was remembered not just as a tireless activist but also as a mentor and friend, lover, avid traveler and joker who was fond of obscure musicals and old movies. He was also remembered for his ability to bring people together—whether through organizing family reunions or galvanizing those in the LGBT and AIDS/HIV communities.
'Thom Dombkowski was not only a friend but a personal hero—a model of selfless commitment in the face of death and indifference,' said Vital Bridges' Lori Cannon, who first met Dombkowski in 1987, and attributes the activist she is today to him. 'He challenged and inspired everyone to do their part—to contribute whatever they could—to support those being cut down.'
'As I look around this room I see so many faces,' Cannon continued. 'Most of them are living, but there are many ghosts here with us, as well. Old friends. Clients. In some cases, old enemies. And a host of those we never got to know when we had the chance. They are all here with us tonight because both the living and the dead owe a debt of gratitude to Thom Dombkowski.'
In 1985, Dombkowski was caring for his AIDS-infected partner Patrick Rossi. He promised his dying partner that he would care for people with AIDS. After Rossi's death, he left his career with the Internal Revenue Service and dedicated his life to addressing the needs of those living with the disease. Dombkowski rented what was dubbed 'The House on Malden,' and Chicago House was born.
Dombkowski started one of the first 'buddy programs' to train volunteers and make sure that people living with AIDS would not be alone. He also helped get Open Hand Chicago off the ground in the late '80s.
He tirelessly contributed to the HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities, helping give away over $150 million to locals AIDS service organizations at the Chicago Department of Public Health. He served as Chicago House's executive director, was a co-founder of IMPACT and helped create the Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame.
Dombkowski was also a vital part of Chicago's leather community. For 10 years, he served as chief judge of International Mr. Leather. He was a member of the Old Girls Club, and co-founded the Chicago Leather Kennel Club.
One of Dombkowski's cousins, Roger, spoke about his devotion to bringing people together. Dombkowski was known as the family's historian, and organized reunions and get-togethers.
Dombkowski had many families, those at the memorial remembered, from his own to the gay, leather and HIV/AIDS communities. 'He has been the common binding thread through all of our lives,' said partner K. James Owen.
Former executive director of Howard Brown, Judith Johns, who described Dombkowski as her 'mentor,' also spoke at the memorial. She fondly remembered Dombkowski fixing up her hair and outfit at a gala, performing with her at the Baton Lounge and taking her to IML. Among the sadness and hard battles was glory and fun, she said. 'It was our time,' she recalled.
'Without Thom, the world is a less beautiful place,' said Stan Sloan, executive director of Chicago House, who added that Dombkowski nurtured the AIDS organization 'like his own child' for years.
'But it is equally true that the world is a more beautiful place because Thom was in it, and it's probably more true that the world is a more beautiful place because he is continuing to be in it. If you listen close enough, you can hear him,' Sloan continued. 'Inside all of us Thom continues to make the world a better place.'
