Growing up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Tom’s path to self-discovery was anything but linear.
“I was a late bloomer,” he recalls. “My parents got divorced when I was 10, and their animosity towards each other made me cautious of relationships. I thought I was asexual for a while because I wasn’t attracted to women, but being around men all the time didn’t register much either.”
Tom’s journey took a significant turn when he entered seminary in Washington DC, intending to become a Catholic priest.
After leaving seminary, Tom met his now-husband Mike within weeks.
“I immediately fell in love and was happy,” Tom says. “Mike provided me with a place of shelter to grow up in my queerness. We know who we are, and it’s crazy what we have to overcome.”
Tom’s music career blossomed in DC, where he found a vibrant and supportive community.
Tom’s latest album, Remember What It Feels Like, is a reflection of his journey and his resilience. The album features a collection of fun, summery pop tracks that highlight themes of memory and emotional strength. The music is a testament to his evolution as an artist and a person, blending lively melodies with heartfelt lyrics.
Reflecting on his journey, Tom emphasizes the importance of authenticity.
“Tell your story as authentically as possible,” he advises the next generation of LGBTQ+ individuals. “Who would’ve thought that saying ‘chubby guys are cute’ would be impactful? But it was. We’re all human, self-conscious, and afraid, and that’s okay. Your story can reach someone who needs to hear it.”
Now, Tom is focused on his music and his role as the CEO of Sounds Awesome LLC.
“I feel my age acutely in LA, and I’m on the verge of something,” he says. “I’d like to bring my skills to start a new generation of queer storytellers and help get their narratives out into the world.”
Tom’s commitment to his craft and his community continues to inspire. His journey from seminary to music is a testament to his resilience and authenticity, and his advice to the next generation of LGBTQ people is a reminder of the power of personal stories and the importance of being true to oneself.
The concept for this web site was envisioned by Don Schwamb in 2003. Over the next 15 years, he was the sole researcher, programmer and primary contributor.
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The concept for this web site was envisioned by Don Schwamb in 2003, and over the next 15 years, he was the sole researcher, programmer and primary contributor, bearing all costs for hosting the web site personally.
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