Tom Manuel of TomsCafe, died 20 years ago today.

[HockeySkirt]

My diary reminded me that today is the anniversary of Tom Manuel's death. I was rather shocked, to say the least, to realize that Tom died 20 years ago today. Where did the time go?

Who is Tom Manuel? Tom created an online forum called TomsCafe, which was the direct precursor to SkirtCafe. Tom was a warm and passionate man, who did so much to encourage men to be themselves and put on a skirt if they wanted to. Thanks Tom -- I miss you still.

When Tom died, a number of dedicated custodians kept TomsCafe/SkirtCafe open and helped it flourish. All whilst most of TomsCafe’s peers long disappeared from the Internet — including such legendary forums as IMFF, The Atrium, and Kiltmen.

I’d like to thank Noodles, Bob, and crfriend for doing so much over the past 20 years to keep this forum going.

A few months before Tom died, he attended the ambitiously title Million Skirt March in New York (I think there were about 100 men in skirts?). Many of the attendees went to dinner, and someone recorded a speech that Tom Manuel gave on the history of skirt and kilt forums on the internet.

I thought it might be a good occasional to share Tom's Speech again.

Cheers Tom. I hope you are happy and skirted wherever you are now.

[Brad]

Wow 20 years. I was fortunate to meet Tom at the Million Skirted Men march in February 2004. He wore kilts but was open minded about freestylers as well. There was another man, Lar who helped organize the march. I'll never forget the feeling of freedom marching down Park Ave NYC past fancy apartment buildings with the police blocking cross street traffic for us. When I was new to the internet I was happy to find Tom's Cafe and Kris' Atrium and find others like me. I miss Tom too. His contribution to my life is priceless. It's encouraging to know that 20 years later the board he founded is still going strong under newer leadership.

Hockey Skirt- thank you for sharing Tom's speech.

[crfriend]

HockeySkirt -- Thanks for the fitting memorial for Tom. He is gone, but certainly not forgotten, and sometimes it's best to take a look back and reflect upon our roots.

Sadly, I never got to meet Tom. The timing was just plain bad.

[Grok]

I’d like to thank Noodles, Bob, and crfriend for doing so much over the past 20 years to keep this forum going.

Agreed!

[Uncle Al]

My diary reminded me that today is the anniversary of Tom Manuel's death.
I was rather shocked, to say the least, to realize that Tom died 20 years ago today.
Where did the time go?

I thought it might be a good occasional to share Tom's Speech again.

Thanks for reminding us of our(Skirt Cafe's) beginnings and "The Voice" behind it all

It was great hearing Tom's voice again

Uncle Al

[Mouse]

Obviously I hope we all live forever, but we all know our time will end. I was wondering whether there is any plan for when the current custodians exit the stage?
I also find it hard when members suddenly stop posting and we know no more of their story.
Mouse feeling his age.

[Warren]

Time flies, I remember Tom's Cafe and can only praise the dedication he must have had to open and maintain a forum in a niche area of interest. Obviously I never met him but he seemed like a very nice chap based on his posts.

[Pleats]

I was on TomsCafe in the early days. I did not post much as I was not in a position to wear skirts or kilts because of a non-accepting spouse. The Cafe helped me to know I was not the only guy that thought skirts should be part of our wardrobe too. Around 2010 I was in a position where I could take kilts and skirts more seriously. Kilts were the easiest to go into. More accepted as a man's garment. My friends and family had no issues with them. Skirts were still a bit of a challenge. Now I wear kilts all the time with skirts becoming more of my wardrobe. Today I have no issues with wearing a skirt out shopping, restaurants, etc. I wear skirts as a man.

I listened to the audio. Brought back memories of other websites and the people involved. Thanks for posting the link.

Pleats

[STEVIE]

It is wonderful to hear that voice, and be aware of those to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.
Interesting comment about disagreement on a suitable skirt for men.
Now, where have I heard that before?
Steve

[Modoc]

As a person who came late to the party, I find it very interesting to hear about the beginning. I am glad to have found this community and want to thank Tom and all who have created, maintained, and participated since the onset.