A celebration of the life of LGBT icon Thom Dombkowski will take place June 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, Gar Hall and Rotunda, Second Floor, 78 E. Washington.
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, he was a prominent figure in the leather scene.
Among the numerous awards he received was an induction into Chicago’s Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1992.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Dombkowski’s name to Chicago House; the Leather Archives and Museum; the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus; the Northside Grocery Center of Vital Bridges; or Equality Illinois.