DJ had a strong connection with Mormonism, especially through Affirmation, Reconciliation, and his Salt Lake City singles ward in the Avenues. Years after coming out, he was still attending that ward and discussing gay issues with his bishop. DJ was a strong advocate for gay rights. He was proud to be gay and proud to be Mormon.

DJ lived in many places and tried very hard to find happiness. He loved French culture and once traveled to Paris as an artist's assistant. He loved movies, paintings, and art. He loved hiking, nature, and animals—especially cats. He loved to grow flowers and was a talented cook. At the time of his death, DJ was living with a gay couple near Kingman, Arizona. He was very frustrated over the LDS Church's involvement with Proposition 22 in California and the recent suicide of Stuart Matis.

DJ committed suicide near Kingman, Arizona, on March 9, 2000. He was 32 years old.

On March 19, 2000, in the middle of a raging snowstorm, Affirmation held a memorial service at St. Mark's Cathedral in Salt Lake City. Some 200 people and the Salt Lake Men's Choir gave tribute to DJ and Stuart Matis. Friends played some of the songs that DJ requested in his letter.

DJ was survived by his parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his Affirmation friends. He is buried at the South Jordan Cemetery in Utah.

Words by DJ:

"It is unfortunate that the lives of good people such as Stuart Matis, Matthew Shepherd, and many others go unnoticed. I see Proposition 22 as a last straw in my life-long battle to see peace in the world I live in."

Sources:

DJ Thompson's Final Goodbye

Creating Lifelines of Love: Helping Youth

Who is Responsible?

Stuart and DJ Remembered

Local and National Religious Organizations Join with the Gay/Lesbian Mormon Community in Responding to Recent Suicides

Gay Mormon Suicides Mourned in Prop's Wake (Sunstone 118 [April 2001]: 90-91).