In Memory of Paul Thompson

Article from Gazette by Greg Horton:

From Oklahoma Gazette, Paul Thompson, a social activist for 40 years in the metro area, died March 4 after what is described by friends as a “brief and unexpected illness.” Thompson was admitted to Mercy Hospital following a stroke, and passed away days later from a heart attack. Memorial services were held on Sunday, March 14.

Thompson, 70, became a social activist after he was arrested leaving a gay bar 40 years ago. Georgie Rasco, a longtime friend and co-worker, said the arrest was the impetus to Thompson’s decades-long fight for justice for all people.

“He was arrested leaving a gay bar with some friends, and they were all charged with lewd and lascivious behavior,” Rasco said. “Paul fought the charge and won. He realized that injustice was happening all around him, and he wanted to help.”

Thompson was one of the organizers for the original Gay Pride Parade, and he served as co-chair until 2009. Friends remember his courage in the face of opposition as he put together the first Gay Pride event in the metro.

“Before the first parade, the Ku Klux Klan vowed that they would not allow a ‘queer parade’ in Oklahoma City as long as they could do something about it,” said Jim Nimmo, a friend of Thompson’s. “The Klan positioned themselves at the bottom of the hill at N.W. 39th and Penn. When they saw how many participants were marching, they tucked their tails and left.”

Thompson’s activities were not limited to the LGBT community. Nathaniel Batchelder, director of Peace House in Oklahoma City, knew Thompson for 25 years, and he spoke of his friend’s commitment to all minority groups.

“Paul served as a board member of the NAACP for more than 15 years, and he served on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade coalition for 15 years,” Batchelder said. “Here’s a white, gay guy stepping up in a big way for civil rights, and he made a huge impact on thousands of African-Americans, helping them fight their battle. He saw himself as working for the mutual benefit of many minorities in the civil rights struggle.”

Thompson also helped form the Oklahoma City Human Rights Commission. Rasco said it was another accomplishment in the life of a man who refused to stop fighting.

“He didn’t just fight for gay rights,” she said. “He worked with many organizations, and he fought for the rights of everyone.”

Thompson was born in Oklahoma City on Nov. 19, 1939. He graduated from Central High School and worked several jobs before starting his own design firm, PRT Designs. According to Nimmo, people were his real passion.

“He never did the whole Twitter, Facebook thing. He preferred to meet people face-to-face. He wanted to get the message out that all minorities are important, and all deserve the equality they are born to as citizens of the United States.”

Obituary from Oklahoman:

Paul R. ThompsonThe whole community is mourning the loss of a native son, Paul Thompson, who died on March 4, 2010 after a brief and unexpected illness. Born on November 19, 1939, Paul dedicated his life to numerous organizations, all aimed at bringing peace and justice to OKC. Paul owned his own decorating company, PRT Designs, but his true love was defending the injustices of the world. He believed everyone was created equally, regardless of their skin color, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin, and he put action into his beliefs. He helped organize the first ever gay Christian church in OKC, the MCC. Over 22 years ago, he helped to organize the first ever Gay Pride event in OKC and continued to serve as a co-chair of Pride, Inc. until last year. He served for many years as a member of the NAACP Board, member of the MLK Day Parade committee, helped form the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission, served as co-chair of the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, proudly served the Oklahoma County Democratic Party, and worked tirelessly on many, many political campaigns and social issues. He made the OKC Gay/Lesbian and African-American community his family, and he will be very missed by all. Paul was the oldest of 6 siblings, and he had 3 children, 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a host of friends who loved him like family. Please honor Paul's tradition by wearing your favorite rainbow color to the memorial, which will be held on Sunday, March 14, at 2:00 pm, Unitarian Church, NW 13th and Dewey. A community wide potluck dinner will follow the service and will be held at Sober Grounds, NW 31st and May Ave. According to Paul's wishes, he will be cremated, and there will be no visitation. Donations will be accepted at the memorial to help cover final expenses.