Thom Dombkowski

Dombkowski was born on June 28, 1950, in Rochester, New York. He earned a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame and a law degree from DePaul University. He left a career at the Internal Revenue Service to focus on assisting individuals affected by AIDS.[2]

Dombkowski's contributions included distributing over $150 million to local AIDS service organizations while working at the Chicago Department of Public Health.[2] He co-founded Chicago House, the first support residence for individuals living with AIDS, and served as its second executive director.[2] Additionally, he was a staff writer for Howard Brown Memorial Clinic.[2]

As a volunteer, Dombkowski co-founded IMPACT, a political organization, and was a major donor to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.[2] 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.[2]

Dombkowski was also deeply involved in Chicago's gay leather community since 1970 and mentored by John F.G. Shawhan.[2] 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.[2] 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.[2][3]

• Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame (1992)[4]