Peter Thomas papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: Coll2015-009

Staff Only

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.

Dates

Creation: 1987-2003

Creator

Thomas, Peter (Person)

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.

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.

Extent

2.1 Linear Feet (1 archives carton, 2 archives boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

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.