Tributes have been paid after the death of one of the icons of Brighton’s gay community.

Professional actress, singer and landlady at a number of pubs in Brighton and Hove, Tracy Davenport was one of the key figures in the establishment of the city’s gay scene.

Tracy, who died last week aged 63, was the landlady of the Queen’s Arms, in George Street, Brighton, and the Queen’s Head, in the nearby Steine Street, and has been credited with starting the careers of many drag acts.

She was also the first to introduce alternative pantomimes to Brighton and wrote and starred in Sleeping Beauty and Aladdin, being in the title role of the latter. She wrote them with friends Dave Lynn, Scott St Martin and David Raven.

Her daughter Emma Parmenter, 40, said: “So many drag acts owe their career to her and she was a mummy to a lot of men and women.

“I’m her daughter but one Mother’s Day there was no need to buy her flowers – the pub was full.

“She was a fantastic mother. In her final years when she retired we grew very close.”

Friend Daron Hogg, who used to run show nights with Tracy at the Queen’s Arms, said: “Tracy was a very dear friend and we’ll miss her very, very much. Her laughter and sense of humour could not be bettered by anybody.”

Drag queen Dave Lynn said: “I absolutely adored her and I loved her.

“She had a wonderful personality – generous – and she was the best fun in the world to go out with.”

Tributes have also been pouring in to internet message boards.

Friend Pedro posted: “Tracy was a vibrant, charming and beautiful lady. When she glided into a room or bar she lit the place up.

“She treated everybody as equals, rich and famous to poor and humble. She had time for us all.

“Our friendship lasted over 20 years and I owe her so much.”

Tracy had a number seven hit song in the 1960s with Love Story and starred at the London Palladium under the stage name of Tracy Rogers.

She is survived by Emma and granddaughters Summer and Amy.

A celebration of Tracy’s life will be held at St Margaret’s Church, The Green, Rottingdean, next Tuesday at 1pm.

Guests are requested not to wear black and bring cut flowers only.

Donations to the British Lung Foundation may be sent to Christopher Stringer Funeral Services, 67 High Street, Rottingdean, BN2 7HE.