Building off one of Atlantic City’s most popular LGBT events—the Miss’d America drag queen pageant—the city’s marketing arm has appointed a drag queen character to be the resort’s ambassador to the LGBT community.
The Atlantic City Alliance named drag queen Miss Richfield 1981—played by female impersonator Russ King—to represent the city.
The character “conjures up the persona of a beauty pageant winner who charms audiences … combining homespun warmth and edgy improv, leaving audiences in hysterics,” according to a press release from the alliance.
“As Atlantic City continues to diversify its appeal with non-gaming attractions and new events that draw new visitors here, we look for personalities who can help spark potential visitors’ interest in coming,” said Atlantic City Alliance executive director Jeff Guaracino. “Miss Richfield has an active database of travelers, a strong social media presence and performs in front of LGBT and straight travelers all year – especially in our key markets. This is part of a strategy to enhance the image of the destination, to reclaim our position as a top LGBT-friendly destination and to diversify our visitor base.”
As Miss Richfield, King will promote the city during appearances across the country and while performing during gay and lesbian cruises and vacations, the release said.
Planned Atlantic City events for the LGBT community in 2015 include:
The Sand Blast AC event on the weekend of July 17. Last year’s San Blast attracted 1,500 gay and lesbian partiers over three days, the alliance said.
FIBO, a three-day event catering to LGBT African Americans, comes on August 7.
Miss’d America, a drag queen revue that spoofs the Miss America competition, September 26. On the same weekend, the city will also host the StandOUT LGBT Expo.
