Finding Aid to the Peter Thomas Papers Coll2015.009
Joseph Klice
ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California
909 West Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90007
(213) 821-2771
askone@usc.edu
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.
Arrangement
Folders are arranged alphabetically by title.
Biography
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.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
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.
Preferred Citation
[Box/folder #, or item name] Peter Thomas Papers, Coll2015-009, ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University
of Southern California.
Processing Information
Collection processed by Joseph Klice, March 2015.
Scope and Contents
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)
Box 1, Folder 1
Biographical information
1987, undated
Box 3
Leathers
Contents list
The collection includes a black leather hood, manufactured by ROB, Amsterdam; six black leather wrist restraints; two black
leather ankle restraints; a black leather fleece lined ankle restraint; a black leather thong; a black leather jockstrap;
a black leather 18” flogger; a brass cock ring; a black leather ball stretcher with steel chain; a black leather ball stretcher
with steel chains, metal clip, and round metal weight; a black leather parachute style ball stretcher with steel chains; a
pair of steel handcuffs in black leather case; and a hand-knit penis warmer.
Photographs
1987-1997, undated
Box 1, Folder 10
Chainmail models
1993, undated
Box 1, Folder 12
Family
1987-1991, undated
Box 1, Folder 15
Folsom Street fair
undated
Box 2, Folder 1
Friends
1991-1997, undated
Box 2, Folder 5
Kirkham Hot Springs
undated
Box 2, Folder 8
New York City Pride
undated
Box 2, Folder 10
Photographs of Peter Thomas
1996, undated
Box 2, Folder 11
Pittsburg Landing
1991, undated
Box 2, Folder 14
San Francisco Giants game
undated
Box 2, Folder 16
Unidentified negatives
undated
