Ray Taylor

Name

Ray Taylor

Biography

Ray Taylor founded the Mystic Krewe of the Druids and dedicated his life’s mission to supporting West Alabama AIDs Outreach, now Five Horizons. Taylor’s life began in Rural Silas, Alabama, growing up in a musically gifted household, Ray believed he was destined to be a minister of music at the time. However, Ray’s sexuality prompted evolution within religion to where he dedicated his life to a new mission: AIDS. Through his childhood and adult life, Ray holds strong family values and is especially close with his younger sister, Cindy. He holds their memories close and recounts personal anecdotes fondly. Ray’s friends encompass a vast variety of individuals, he describes himself as shy and to the point but could probably make friends wherever he went. Through his life art serves as a grounding point for Ray, from his work in his family’s musical group to his theater experience, the arts consistently provide Ray with a safe space to express himself, in his own words when he’s up on stage “it’s not Ray anymore.” Through travel, Ray finds another sense of expression and belonging. He especially enjoys traveling to New Orleans and exemplifying the points of inspiration in his travel, chose the Mystic Krewe of the Druid’s masquerade ball as a transference of this happiness. The Krewe originated as a progressive dinner with twelve of Ray’s closest friends. Ray’s openness about his sexuality enabled him to act as a group spokesperson for the other members who were not all out yet. His legacy continues as every year the Mystic Krewe of the Druids holds their masquerade ball to raise money for Five Horizon’s projects. In his later life, Ray hopes to retire and move to Florida to be close to his sister Cindy.