Spearing, John Thomas Alysius

Hard of hearing. Born in London and during childhood found to have a slight hearing defect, just enough to qualify for the free St. John's Institution for the Deaf and Dumb at Boston Spa. Worked first as a cobbler, then taught himself accounting and worked as an accountant for various London financial firms. Despite being mildly hard of hearing, embraced the deaf community, including supporting sign language instead of strict oralism. Became secretary of the Society for Higher Education of the Deaf in 1947 and secretary of the Independent London Deaf Club in 1953. Founded and co-edited the short-lived deaf newspaper Independent Courier 1953-1954. Organized fund-raising events and also organized group tours for the deaf to several international deaf sports competitions. Inherited the estates of 3 elderly deaf ladies, but blew all the money on luxuries and failed enterprises. Instrumental in the founding of the (hearing) Brothers and Sisters Club, Britain's largest gay and lesbian club. Went back to accounting, in a variety of inconsistent and short-lived jobs and died in poverty, possibly from cirrhosis of the liver.