Remembering Our Dead

Tina Tanner

Tina died as a result of wounds suffered on 11th March, 1992, when she was attacked by two individuals with baseball bats.

The life and times of Cameron "Tina" Tanner, the avuncular manager of a bar that features drag performers, will be celebrated Saturday during a benefit scheduled to run from noon to midnight.

Mr. Tanner, 45, died Tuesday, six weeks after he lapsed into a coma following a battering by a bat-wielding assailant March 12 as he walked on 16th Street near South Van Ness Avenue.

Mr. Tanner, a resident of The City for more than two decades, was crowned Empress of San Francisco in 1988, a titled bestowed by the Tavern Guild, an association representing gay bar owners. The titlist typically serves as hostess during social and fundraising activities.

Mr. Tanner also has worked in banking and as a controller, according to friends. He had worked at Lily's bar since last summer.

Described by friends as a "clever entertainer," Mr. Tanner's drag performance specialities included "Bang the Drum" and a pantomime during which he accompanied himself on the accordion. In addition to Lily's, Mr. Tanner appeared at such night spots as Kimo's and the Peter Pan Lounge.

A $20,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the attackers. Anyone with information should call (415) 553-1145.

https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-transgender-p/143221977/

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10_JeZ7LEIRhvewTCoL5mVkH6MQJzf7fSXl4-P6QJ0v0/edit#gid=0

Report added: 17 Feb 2019. Last updated: 7 Mar 2026

Close