In his 51 years, John Thomas was an activist, leader, protestor, plaintiff, performer, mentor, pioneer, and was described by one of his peers as “Dallas’ most visible gay role model.”

Thomas served as the first executive director of what is now known as Resource Center Dallas, from 1988 to 1995. He was also the co-founder of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center, which was renamed in his honor in 1998.

Thomas was also a plaintiff in the first state lawsuit challenging Texas’ sodomy law in the 1980’s and a plaintiff in a suit to improve care for people with AIDS at Parkland Hospital. He took part in protests against drug companies and governmental agencies in Dallas, New York, Washington and San Francisco, and was arrested for his civil disobedience. His leadership on HIV/AIDS issues was recognized not only in north Texas, but nationwide.

A founding member of the Turtle Creek Chorale, Thomas performed with them for nearly two decades. He was also the first openly gay person to address the Republican National Committee, and was instrumental in supporting or founding nearly two dozen GLBT organizations in the Dallas area.

After stepping down from the Center, Thomas became the co-leader of a national fundraising campaign for the Cathedral of Hope. The church’s seven-story bell wall is named in his honor as a “National AIDS Memorial.” More than a thousand people attended his funeral at the Cathedral of Hope in January 1999.