QueerMagnet.com is happy to be able to release
a tribute in the memory of Tara Richmond.
In January of 2005, we were able to receive this
incredible information from Tara's husband Ray
Glenn who was her partner for 17 years.
Born as Richard Henson on April 29, 1961, Tara
Richmond began practicing the art of female illusion
at the age of 18 when she became a cast member
at the Twilight Lounge. While a cast member at
the Twilight, Tara was taken under the wing of
Brandy Lamonte, who then became her "Drag Mother".
After holding the position of Show Director at
the Grotto II, Tara then went into retirement
for over 8 years.
Returning to the stage in April 1996, Tara was
crowned Miss Mardi Gras in 1997. Tara was also
crowned Miss Columbus Gay Pride in 1998, and reigned
as the first Miss Ohio Gay Pride also in 1998.
This title afforded Tara the honor of performing
at the 1999 Gay Pride Celebration in Columbus,
Ohio.
Tara was then crowned Miss Gay Columbus America
1999 as well as Miss Remo's 1999. With the support
of Remo's, Hidden Woman, Tremont and South Bend
Tavern, Tara competed in the 2000 Miss Gay Ohio
America Pageant. Winning the categories of Creative
Fashion and Evening Gown. Tara placed as First
Alternate, qualifying her to compete in the National
Miss Gay America Pageant. Tara was then crowned
Miss Wall Street 2001, and competed again for
the Title of Miss Gay Ohio America in 2001. Winning
the category of Evening gown, Tara placed again
as First Alternate, qualifying her to compete
a second time in the national Miss Gay America
Pageant.
Tara was also the first winner of the Spotlight
Magazine Award for Best Female Illusionist, and
was also honored with the Golden Teddy Bear Award
by the Columbus Centurions for her outstanding
fundraising efforts. Tara was Show director at
Tremont, South Bend Tavern, Remo's, Garret's Saloon,
Club Utopia and Woody's. Tara hosted Shows at
Tabu' every other Saturday Night with her friend,
Brazon, and performed regularly at Pyramid and
the Columbus Eagle. Tara also held the position
of Events Director for Hidden Woman where she
hosted the Hidden Woman Rising Star and Hidden
Woman Search for the Stars which was a talent
contest showcasing new female impersonators.
Tara traveled throughout Ohio and West Virginia
performing in various clubs and Pageants. It was
not unusual for Tara to perform every night of
the week. A witty comedienne and a wonderful dancer,
Tara loved the stage and enjoyed working with
entertainers like Brandy Lamonte, Coco Kayne,
Amanda Kayne, Lita Mannon, Darah Landon, Georgia
Jackson, Jonda St. John, Vivi Velure, Vanessa
Brown, Amanda Love, Cari Wayne, Amber Marie, the
Legendary Brazon, and many, many others.
It was Mary Ann Brandt who named Tara the "Queen
of the South". Sadly, Tara died unexpectedly of
a heart attack on July 28, 2002 at the age of
42. Tara is survived by a daughter, 2 sisters,
a brother and a very loving family in addition
to a group of very dear friends and many adoring
fans who keep her name and memory alive.
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If you have more information you would like to
share about Tara Richmond, please e-mail the webmaster
at: nick@queermagnet.com
