As the creator of Key West’s official philosophy, “One Human Family,” and the host of 1 Saloon’s popular weekly event, the Cock Shock, few have lived longer on the island, or are associated more with it, than James “JT” Thompson. But beyond this, what saturnalian talent does Thompson wish that he still had?
Where did you grow up? In Denver. How long have you lived in South Florida? Longer than I can remember. How long have you lived in Key West? For 39 years. What part of Key West do you live in? In Old Town. Specifically, in the Bahama Village. What do you like most about living there? I like that it’s a community where individuality is rewarded. Was Key West better 20 years ago, when it seemed more “gay”? We used to only hang at gay resorts. But the goal of “gay lib” was inclusion in society as equals. Key West is still gay—and more LGBTQ-supportive than ever—but we’re enjoying all of the resorts and activities in the island, not just the gay ones. What Key West venue do you miss that’s gone? The Copa was a heady, carefree time. Where do you hang out in South Florida? At my home bar, 1 Saloon. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m the founder of Key West’s official philosophy, “One Human Family,” I have fun being sex-proud in vids with Al Parker and later on Treasure Island Media, and I’ve hosted “Cock Shock” (which encourages everyone to be sex-proud and body-proud) at 1 Saloon for nine years.
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What philanthropic accomplishment or award are you the proudest of? The Equality Florida’s “2017 Voice for Equality” Award. What’s your day job? I’m a graphic designer. I used to do graphic design for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner as well. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? I swept floors for 35¢ an hour in 1967. That, and every job since, has taught me something about being a responsible and indispensable employee. How did you come up with your name? I was helping a friend raise her kids, and her two-year-old couldn’t say James, so we all went by initials. “JT” is short for James Thompson. Locals call me “Key West’s John Lennon” or “The One Human Family Guy.” If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As someone who promoted unity, equality and diversity. What do you want to live long enough to see? I’d like to see a return to presidential dignity, integrity and honesty. Will you ever retire? I love my work and don’t have a rocking chair, so probably not. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked you? I have fans…?
What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? I was on The Joan Rivers Show in 91’ talking about The Hung Jury, and I found her to be as joyous, genuine and honest as anyone I’ve ever met. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Men. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Amsterdam, for the Gay Games in 1998. Who would you like to be for a day? I’m too happy being me. Do you believe in an afterlife? Quantum physics needs 17 dimensions, and that means that they’re at least a dozen dimensions that we can’t sense. We also know that energy can’t be created or destroyed—it only changes form. So, our personal energies will continue in dimensions that we can’t see, and it will be guided by the unavoidable law of karma. Do you think that this is the most amoral time that’s ever existed? I’m deeply worried, and highly motivated! Who or what is the greatest love of your life? My dad, my mom and my doggies—Doe, Shadow and Beau. What talent would you most like to have? I used to be able to do it when I was young and flexible. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? To appreciate every day and every friend, and to take nothing for granted.
What did you learn from your parents? To stand up tall for what you believe in. Who’s your favorite performer? Jelly Roll Morton. What’s your best characteristic? Dependability. How do you enjoy spending your time? Hanging with my buddy, Beau (he’s a pit/lab from the shelter). What celebrity do you have a crush on? Sam Elliott and Joe Manganiello. Who do you admire? Eleanor Roosevelt. Partially, because she wrote the UN’s “Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Since I was a child, I’ve had countless past-life flashes involving Lincoln. I’d like to have a long lunch with him. Where would you go in a time machine? Let’s stay in 2018. We have a lot of fucked up things to undo and repair. What would your last meal be? Maybe a joint? What do you worry about? Health care getting so expensive that only the rich can afford to be healthy. What are you afraid of? America being pulled backwards in a time when we must instead be accelerating forward.
If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? We’re all methane horns already. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m not a predator or carnivore, so I guess I’m more like a sheep. Who depends on you, and for what? My clients depend on me for my work, the community depends on me for One Human Family, and my buddy Beau depends on me for love and doggie kisses. Who are you closest with? My dad. He’s always been my hero, and he’s ninety-years-old now! What would your autobiography be called? Today is the Only Day You Can Live, Love and Laugh. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Ragtime. What’s on your bucket list? Touring Egypt. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not appreciating people while I had them in my life. What’s something that you never told anyone else? I’m an open book; I have no secrets. Where can we see you? In Old Town Key West, driving the One Human Family’s 1930 Model A Ford, or at the Cock Shock at 1 Saloon every Friday night.