Thom Dombkowski | |
|---|---|
| Born | Thomas Raymond Dombkowski June 28, 1950 |
| Died | April 20, 2006 (aged 55) |
| Occupation(s) | American activist for HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities |
| Known for | Co-founder of IMPACT |
| Partner(s) | Patrick Rossi, John Shawhan |
| Parents |
|
Thomas Raymond Dombkowski (1950–2006) was an American activist for HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities.[1]
Dombkowski was born on June 28, 1950, in Rochester, New York to Bernard and Helene (Skurski) Dombkowski.[2] He earned a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University.[2] He left a career at the Internal Revenue Service to focus on assisting individuals affected by AIDS.[3]
Dombkowski's contributions included distributing over $150 million to local AIDS service organizations while working at the Chicago Department of Public Health.[3] He co-founded Chicago House, the first support residence for individuals living with AIDS, and served as its second executive director.[3][2] Additionally, he was a staff writer for Howard Brown Memorial Clinic.[3]
As a volunteer, Dombkowski co-founded IMPACT, a political organization, and was a major donor to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.[3] He funded the feasibility study that led to the development of the Center on Halsted by Horizons Community Services and initiated the creation of the Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame.[3]
Dombkowski was also deeply involved in Chicago's gay leather community since 1970 and mentored by John F.G. Shawhan.[3] He participated in contests, such as Mr. Gold Coast, and contributed significantly to International Mr. Leather (IML), serving as its chief judge for a decade.[3] Moreover, he judged other competitions, including Mr. Philadelphia Leather and International Ms. Leather. Dombkowski was a charter member of the Old Girls Network (OGN) and co-founded the Chicago Leather Kennel Club with Chuck Windemuth in February 2004.[3][4]
Dombkowski died at his home in Chicago on April 20, 2006.[2]