Thom Dombkowski
American activist
- Bernard Dombkowski (father)
- Helene Skurski (mother)
Thomas Raymond Dombkowski (1950–2006) was an American activist for HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities.[1]
Biography
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]
Death
Dombkowski died at his home in Chicago on April 20, 2006.[2]
Recognition
- Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame (1992)[5]
References
- ^ "Thomas Dombkowski". Chicago Tribune. 28 April 2006.
- ^ a b c d "DOMBKOWSKI, THOMAS RAYMOND". Chicago Tribune. 2006-04-25. Retrieved 2023-10-17.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "A Hero Falls: Thom Dombkowski dies". Windy City Times. April 26, 2006.
- ^ Rhodes, Dave. "Chuck Windemuth passes on February 7, 2013 - The Leather Journal". The Leather Journal.
- ^ "THOM DOMBKOWSKI".
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