Amber Richards
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Amber Marie Williams (November 17, 1957 - May 13, 1996 in Marion, Indiana)[1], better known by the stage name Amber Richards was an American female illusionist, model, and television guest. Amber began her performance career in the late 1970's and was active in drag pageantry for close to twenty years competing in Miss Gay America, Miss Continental, Miss Florida FI, Miss Gay USofA, Miss National and others[2]. Amber was crowned Miss Florida FI in 1985[3] and Miss Continental in 1991[4].
Early life and Career
Amber was born Richard "Rick" Atkinson in Marion, Indiana on November 17, 1957 and graduated from Marion High School in 1976[5]. After graduation, Amber began her drag career at the Famous Door nightclub in Indianapolis, Indiana. Amber also performed at The Hunt & Chase located at 107 South Pennsylvania Street in Indianapolis, Indiana which was the location of the Miss Gay America pageant from 1979-1982. Early in her career Amber became well known for her exotic beauty and high energy stage performances. Amber competed in the very first Miss Gay Indiana America and was crowned the Emeritus Titleholder for 1979[6].
Amber moved to Atlanta, Georgia in the 1980's and was a mainstay of Atlanta nightlife performing at Backstreet Atlanta and The Other Side Lounge where she served as Show Director. Amber also appeared on television including an episode of The Jerry Springer Show entitled "My Girlfriend Is A Man."
Death
Sadly, Amber died from smoke inhalation in a house fire on May 13,1996[7].
References
- ^ "Amber Marie Williams Richards (1957-1996) - Find..." www.findagrave.com. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- ^ "Drag pageantry", Wikipedia, 2020-09-14, retrieved 2020-10-12
- ^ admin (2019-06-18). "Miss Florida F.I." Our Community Roots. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- ^ "Miss Continental", Wikipedia, 2020-09-06, retrieved 2020-10-12
- ^ "U.S., School Yearbooks, 1880-2012"; School Name: Marion High School; Year: 1976
- ^ "Miss and Mr. Gay Indiana". www.missgayindiana.com. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- ^ "Creating Community: A History of Early Transgender Support in Atlanta (2015)| Dallas Denny: Body of Work". Retrieved 2020-10-12.