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Thomas (Peter) Papers
Coll2015.009
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California
Title: Peter Thomas papers
creator:
Thomas, Peter
source:
Bradford, Fred (Frederick Pomeroy)
Identifier/Call Number: Coll2015.009
Physical Description:
2.1 Linear Feet
1 archives carton, 2 archives boxes
Date (inclusive): 1987-2003
Abstract: Personal correspondence, photographs, and chainmail clothing designs of Los Angeles resident Peter Thomas, 1961-2003. The
photographs include images of friends, family, and gay leather and motorcycle events. Thomas relocated to Los Angeles after
being disowned by his father; he worked at the Pacific Design Center and as a professional escort. He died of complications
related to AIDS on March 4, 2003.
Folders are arranged alphabetically by title.
Peter Thomas Pomonis was born December 12, 1961, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. He was one of three children. After his parents'
divorce and his mother's remarriage, they relocated to their stepfather's ranch near Spokane, Washington. During this period
Thomas was repeatedly sexually abused. For his freshman and sophmore years of high school his biological father paid to send
his son to military school. Thomas was also sexually abused at the military school. After his biological father learned that
his son was gay, Thomas was disowned. At that time Thomas dropped his last name and was known as Peter Thomas.
He supported himself by working at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. He later moved to Los Angeles, California, and worked
at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.
Thomas developed a drug habit, and in order to support his habit, he offered his services as a "high class escort." Aware
of his HIV positive status, he practiced safer sex, and was known by his clients for his cautious and safer techniques. He
traveled with clients to San Francisco, New York City, Fire Island, Europe, and Africa.
Thomas died of complications related to AIDS at his home on March 4, 2003. His family and friends held a memorial service
at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden in Long Beach.
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical
items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Deed of gift dated, March 08, 2015.
[Box/folder #, or item name] Peter Thomas Papers, Coll2015-009, ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University
of Southern California.
Collection processed by Joseph Klice, March 2015.
Personal correspondence, photographs, and chainmail designs of Los Angeles resident Peter Thomas, 1961-2003. The collection
includes photographs of friends, family, and gay leather and motorcycle events such as the Satyrs Motorcycle Club’s Badger
Flats Run, Mr. LA Leather Competition, Folsom Street Fair, and New York City Pride. Photographs also include visits to Hermit
Falls, Arcadia, California, Kirkham Hot Springs, Boise National Forest, Idaho; Pittsburg Landing, Idaho; and San Francisco.
The photographs also include gay personalities, including Mr. LA Leather Competition winner Kevin Craft, Michael Pereyra,
and Carl Hardwick. The collection also includes photographs and examples of Thomas’ chainmail pieces and his personal leather
goods. He died of complications from AIDS on March 4, 2003.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Photographs
Gays -- Correspondence
Leather garments
Thomas, Peter
Thomas, Peter
Bradford, Fred (Frederick Pomeroy)