INTRODUCTION: In June of 1994, Glenda Gardner, a local community leader, activist, archivist, and longtime friend of Gary Taylor (better known by her drag persona Raina Lea) interviewed a number of community leaders and friends of Taylor for an article in Alliance News, a local LGBTQ newspaper. Below is the second half of Glenda’s gathered memories from community members.
When it Raina’d … it shined: Part Two
Gary Taylor, the captivating Raina Lea, embedded his mark on Tarrant County on stage, in fledgling community organizations, and in the making of Gay Pride events. His friends and his associates keep his memory alive…
By Glenda Gardner
I found myself with a mission, almost a crusade, to not let our history go untold. Too often, it seems that when a culture is destroyed, the historians failed in preserving the legacy. I combed through old issues of This Week in Texas, Metro Times, Lambda News, and TCGA News to gather information, but there was still so much missing. Finally, in a desperate search for real insight into the essence of Gary Taylor, I interviewed community members so they could share their personal memories and thoughts about Raina Lea with those who weren’t fortunate enough to have known her personally.
James Allen, President of Tarrant Gay Pride Week Association (year?), Imperial Court member
“Raina was an ‘Entertainer's Entertainer.’ She was a team player who worked with the club owners, not against them, and never complained. Of all the entertainers I have worked with, I could always count on Raina. If she was booked a month in advance, you could rest assured that Raina lived on the telephone and brought a crowd with her to the performance. Every club who featured Raina made money because she had the most loyal fans of any entertainer in Fort Worth, in Texas, and in Colorado!”
Brad Quillin, Across the Street, Inc.
“In 1983, Raina was the guest emcee at the Miss Abilene Contest, which I won as Brandi Marshall. Raina loaned me a beautiful presentation gown with accessories so that I would be
properly dressed. She was always very generous. If someone needed something, she gave it to them. Raina shared her good fortune with others.”
Caress Riata, DJ's show director, Imperial Court member
Raina Lea came to spend the night with us after we had done a show on New Year's Eve and spied a jar of pickled pig's feet. Stella told Raina that it was a North Carolina tradition to eat pig's feet for good luck in the New Year. So as we slept, Raina ate the whole gallon with vinegar and hot sauce. The next morning, all I saw was a pile of bones on the table and I was afraid Raina had eaten my French Poodle! Talk about a ravenous appetite. Raina, I will always love you.”
Stella Wellfelt, DJ's entertainer, Imperial Court member
“In 1990, Larry and I purposely went to Denver, Colorado, to see Raina. We were treated like royalty! Raina was on top of the world because she had her own apartment and TV. And she was just as outrageous as ever. She had been dating a plastic surgeon from Colorado Springs for five months who did not know Raina was a man! I’m truly thankful we got to spend this precious time together for memories do last forever. I miss you my friend.”
Melissa Flories, former President of the Tarrant Gay Pride Week Association, Imperial Court member
“When I think of Raina, there are several words that come to my mind: friend, entertainer, community leader, and one of the founding fathers of one of the most beloved organizations in our community, the GPW Association.
One of the things that Raina did best was her ability to have members of our community at large understand the importance of their being as a gay individual; to be proud of who they are, be comfortable with what they are, and never be ashamed or embarrassed by being gay.
Meeting Raina at the time in my life when I did was very fortunate for me as I was coming out. I was in a new environment where I had no one to help me with the transition. Obviously, I could not turn to my parents, but I did have Raina, who walked beside me down a rocky road.
It saddens me deeply that he is not here to see the advances the gay community has made and will make in the future. But most of all, for the young people coming out in our community now, they will not have the opportunity to meet Raina, someone so full of life and so proud of what the gay community stands for.”
Bob Jackson, Emperor XV, Imperial Court
“Raina has been a very big part of shaping our Gay and Lesbian community and in starting our Tarrant County Gay Pride Week. The first picnic was attended by a small group at Forest Park that has grown to hundreds at Greenway Park today. Raina was very active in other organizations such as past Empress of the Imperial Court de Fort Worth/Arlington and a charter member of the Cowtown Leathermen. I always remember Raina having wonderful times talking and participating in many functions over the years. Raina Lea cared for our community and she worked hard at making whatever she was doing at that time a great success. In my mind, she was a very big part of my life in Tarrant County. I can honestly say she was a friend to me. Come join us Friday, June 3, 1994, at the Corral Club for the Emperor XV Show honoring Raina Lea (proceeds will benefit a local AIDS charity).
Rhonda Mae, Empress XV, Imperial Court
“I remember distinctly Raina Lea's last show at DJ's. I marveled at how Raina was a
‘Showman To The Last,’ exhibiting tenacity, endurance, and her true dedication to entertainment. No one ever has or ever will do New York, New York like Raina. She put more energy into a single number than many other entertainers expend for an entire show. Raina represented Fort Worth all over the United States and probably donated her talents in more than 1,000 benefit shows for charity. Raina will be truly missed.
Jerry Jones, owner of the Corral Club
“I remember Raina performing at the Bailey Street Wherehouse in the early 1970s, twirling her baton as a part of her numbers. It was quite a sight to see!”
Jimmie Polley, Mr. Gay Pride 1993-94, Imperial Court member
“Raina Lea's desire was for all of the organizations to pull together in Fort Worth. She was adamant about everyone participating in our common goals. She wanted each of us to understand that even though we were striving for individual achievements, we were moving all within the same community. We are all extremely fortunate to have had Gary/Raina on our side. The dedication to the present stems from the gratitude to the past and the future begins with you.”
Josey Gallegos and Darlene Smith, owners of DJ's Bar and Restaurant
Darlene: “Raina tried to keep the community united. She did not like to argue or fight. She wanted everyone to be happy and made everyone feel wanted and special. We miss her but there are times when we feel she’s still with us.”
Josey: “Raina was a wonderful entertainer. She had many loyal fans and brought a lot of business with her. Everyone liked her. Remember Raina by Last Dance, for she was everyone's last dance.”
Jerry Cassidy “Big Mama,” Magnolia Station
“Raina lived a wild, fast life and did a lot of things that would not be considered politically correct today, but we loved her anyway! She was an excellent entertainer. One of my fondest Raina stories happened when she lived in an apartment that was in need of "serious repairs." One day, the living room floor fell in and Raina propped it up temporarily with all of the drag trophies she had won. So original, so Raina.”
Barbie Doll, Empress 1, Imperial Court; Empress 1, all of Texas
“As Empress II of Dallas and Empress V and VI of Fort Worth, Raina Lea had a dream of a Gay Pride Week of Fort Worth." It was not just a dream, she accomplished her goal.”
Mary Beth Williams, Imperial Court member
“In 1978, four beauties were headed for a show at Madhatter's in Arlington when their old car had a blowout. As I drove down I-30, I see Raina Lea getting butch while Lynn Christopher, Tonya Lynn, and Bette Sheba supervised in full drag. Being the ever-gallant butch, I stopped and changed the tire for the ladies in distress. I remember Raina, as always being the first one to lend a hand in a time of trouble.”
Debbie Roy, Corral Club
“I can still see Raina Lea, April Love, and Miss Ricky when they were the ‘Goodwill Queens’ of the 500 Club. Even without Raina's beautiful gowns of later years, she did fabulous shows with lots of comedy. The 500 Club would be so packed that customers would sit on the floor, and Raina was notorious for pulling them playfully out onto the stage to be a part of her number. Raina was always kind to all of us and we were family. I smile every time I think of Raina.”
Jack Guthrie, Emperor IV, Imperial Court
“Raina was vivacious and full of life. She never met a stranger and was always fair and
wise in dealing with people. Raina once told me that being Empress of Fort Worth was the most rewarding experience of her life. Her goal in life was to serve the gay community which she did without hesitation and with complete commitment. And in her own way, Raina reached that unreachable star.”
Charles Aaron, Charles/ Angela Aaron Productions
“For the Miss Gay Fort Worth pageant 1992-93, I established the Raina Lea Miss Congeniality Award. I bestowed this upon Raina Lea for being the most congenial, compassionate entertainer and friend I’ve ever known. When the 20th annual pageant is held at Casa Manana on June 10, 1994, we will once again honor her as we can never forget that Raina Lea was the very first Miss Gay Fort Worth.”
Countess, 651 Arlington
“Raina taught me many things. She taught me about laughter, fears, and dying with dignity.
We shared so many happy times together! She was the most outrageous queen and when being mischievous, she would emit the mad cackle that will always be remembered as the signature Raina laugh.
But Raina also had two great fears – not reconciling with her family and that the people of Fort Worth would forget her. Both were unfounded. Raina's brother attended her memorial service at Trinity MCC where about 175 people came to pay their respects. The Rev. Jo Crisco of Trinity MCC and I worked closely to make sure Raina's last wishes were followed exactly. The service was inspirational and uplifting, as Raina requested.
My only regret is that when I went to pick up the things Raina had left to me, everything was gone. I truly wanted something tangible to remind me of Raina, but most important are my memories and no one can take those from me! Raina will live in my heart forever.”
Kimberly Matthews, Director of Development and Volunteers, John Peter Smith Hospital, Healing Wings Unit
“Plaques will be hung to honor Raina Lea when the new Healing Wings unit is completed at John Peter Smith. Construction should begin in the Fall of 1994 and be completed by the fall of 1995. Funds of more than $3,000 were distributed to Healing Wings by the Raina Lea Memorial Fund to honor Raina’s memory.”
Sylvia Sans, entertainer
“When I was the show director at TJ's Back Door (about 1972), Raina Lea begged us to let her in the shows. When she came to the audition with her ‘baton,’ we all laughed but she fooled us all! Raina would twirl and toss her baton and incorporate it into her numbers. Raina always had so much fun, would fill in whenever needed, and loved to do the Supremes medley. I remember Raina used sign language in her numbers because she worked with deaf children. Raina had a tremendous heart and always seemed to love everyone. I feel very honored to have shared those early years with Raina and believe she's still working that baton in heaven. We love you, Raina.”
Country Tate, Imperial Court member, Trinity MCC member
“I always chuckle when I think of the joke we played on Raina at Coronation VI. Raina's face tape started to come loose so we warned the first three rows to duck so they wouldn't be hurt in the fallout! Raina laughed louder than anyone, as usual.”
While researching this article, I've been blessed by reliving so many good memories from the past, but unfortunately, I've had to revisit too many sorrows as well. Recently, while looking through old photographs, laughing and smiling, suddenly I burst into tears as a flood of grief and pain engulfed me. I cried for an hour! I cried not only for Raina but for all of the wonderful, caring people we have lost. I cried because they were too young, went too fast, and can never be replaced in our hearts. I cried because their lives weren't finished and I just didn't want to let them go even though I believe they are truly in a better place now than we who have been left behind.
Through my pain, I realized that we as a community have had to become somewhat hardened just to survive. We as individuals have endured more grief, loss, and sorrow than any other 10 persons experience in their entire lifetimes! But somehow, we continue to serve our God, raise our families, comfort our friends, and fight for what we know is right. Perhaps God knows that we are strong enough to endure this tragedy and will become stronger and more united as a community because of our hardship.
I know Raina not only fought courageously for life but also for every person in this community. We must never forget. We must honor our history and those who have gone before us. We must unite for equality and freedom for every individual so that our friends and loved ones did not die in vain!
Epilogue: Raina, as I kneel one more time, I am overcome by my own sorrow. I reach out and touch the brass crypt plate (Gary Freeman Taylor (1949-1991) - Find a Grave Memorial) and slowly trace GARY F. TAYLOR 1949 - 1991 with my fingers believing that somehow it might bring me closer to the essence of you. It's not enough. I become angry. It should be more. One tiny little plate to acknowledge someone who shaped the destiny of thousands within our community. There is nowhere to put my flowers. I want to do something but the attendant says, "Only the family can add a holder and nothing can be left on the floor of the mausoleum." But doesn't she understand that I am part of the family that Raina chose to love? Doesn't she know that the family we choose can be just as important, if not more so, than the family we are born to?
Suddenly, I realize that the marble floor I have slumped down on has become very cold. I rise, brokenhearted that I must leave you this way, but I can make you the promise that you won't be forgotten. For the gay community of Fort Worth, your memory will live forever!
GARY TAYLOR/RAINA FACT SHEET
BORN: JULY 28, 1949
DIED: AUG. 28, 1991
AGE OF DEATH: 42
INSPIRATION: Ruta Lee, actress (Lee borrowed Raina's tiara for the 1980 production of The Unsinkable Molly Brown at Casa Manana.)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Tattoo: USDA Choice Beef
PAGEANTS AND TITLES:
First Miss Gay Fort Worth
Miss Gay Arlington
Competed twice in Miss Gay Texas Pageant
Miss Oldies But Goodies
Multiple Club Pageant Titles Received:
Miss Aub's (won all categories including Miss Congeniality)
Miss Madhatter
Miss Split Image
Miss Other Place
Miss Bailey Street Wherehouse
Miss Downtowner
SUPPORTER
Early gay church movement
Tarrant County Gay Alliance
Fort Worth Counseling Center 1985 (Founder - Dr. Daune' Littlefield)
First Fort Worth "Safe House" for persons living with AIDS (FWCC - 1987)
IMPERIAL COURT
Empress II of Dallas (won on a write-in vote, did not campaign)
Empress V & VI de Fort Worth/Arlington
First back-to-back Empress
Empress with the largest court
Approximately 300 total members
Approximately 175 working members
Implemented:
Halloween Candy Drive (F01t Worth State School)
Toys For Tots Christmas Benefits
GAY PRIDE
Founder -Gay Pride Picnic 1982 at Forest Park (called Raina Lea Hill)
Mr. Gay Pride
Ms. Gay Pride
Grand Marshal with Jerry Cassidy -Gay Pride Parade -1990
MEMBERSHIPS
Cowtown Leathermen, Charter Member
Texas Gay Rodeo Association
OTHER HONORS
Living Legend Award 1990
Good Samaritan Award
TWT Entertainer of the Year for Fort Worth (3 times)
Fort Worth Bar Awards -Best Entertainer Multiple categories/years
MEDIA HONORS
Articles written by Hollace Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Numerous articles by This Week in Texas
Alliance News
SIGNATURE ENTERTAINMENT NUMBERS
New York, New York (beaded Mickey Mouse T-shirt)
City Lights
I Am What I Am
Ring Them Bells
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother (Sign Language)
Sounds of Silence
Fire
Supremes Medley
Bye, Bye Blackbird
Coming Out of Hiding
One (Chorus Line)
Music in the Mirror (Chorus Line)
What I Did For Love (Chorus Line)
That’s What Friends Are For
Surround Me With Love
ESTABLISHED RAINA LEA HUMANITARIAN AWARDS (1970s)
1978 Recipient was Alan Gellman (TWT)
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