July 12, 2024 | Will Eikenbary

Tom Goss: from late bloomer to L.A. boom

Tom Goss’s journey, from college wrestler to Catholic seminarian to beloved queer musician, is a story of resilience and reinvention.
Photo by Dusti Cunningham

With seven albums, numerous music videos, and thousands of live performances under his belt, Tom has carved out a unique niche in the music industry.

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.

“I fell in love for the first time with a classmate,” he shares. “He was everything I wasn’t accustomed to – kind, thoughtful, shy. Falling in love opened me up and made me feel less robotic.”

However, seminary life proved challenging.

“It’s full of individuals who are not integrated emotionally, sexually, or spiritually,” Tom explains. “I had a stalker, and after six months of intense, inescapable energy, I decided to leave. It was a complete blowing up of everything. I chose to remain in D.C., but it was super liberating.”

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.”

Photo by Dusti Cunningham
Tom Goss

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.

Tom and his husband, Mike

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.

If you would like to contribute as a blog writer please contact us.

recent blog posts

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.