Photo taken by Stephanie Campos in Dallas, TX, July 2011
I've always said, Erica Andrews was one of the last of the real showgirls in San Antonio. Granted, she lived the last years of her life up in Dallas, she made San Antonio a staple in the drag circuit. If you are a gay man in Texas, it was almost a given that you knew the Andrews name. It's a gay household name, and now the last "real" Andrews is gone.
I considered Erica a Texas icon. She held so many titles as a performer, including Miss Gay Texas USofA 1997, Miss Gay USofA 1999, Miss Texas Continental 2001, Miss Florida Continental 2004, and Universal Show Queen 2004, according to a fan-made Facebook page.
But Erica was more than a performer, she was a genuine person. She was one of the first "showgirls" (as they are known at The Saint in San Antonio) I ever saw perform, and she was one of the last greats of my time, mid to late 90s, the time when I first came out. And I don't mean to sound disrespectful to the craft, but she isn't like the performers today, who seem more obnoxious and loud than anything. Many of the queens today also seem to feel entitled for some reason. Respect and love wasn't just something Erica earned on stage, it was something she earned from her everyday personality.
The first time I met Erica was for an interview in Spots Magazine, September 2004. She would pose as Wonder Woman for the cover that issue. From the knee-high boots to the golden tiara, she would have brought a twinge of nostalgia even to Lynda Carter's eye. She talked about performing in San Antonio for the first time.
"I think that was like in 1988," Andrews said. "It was a place called Phazez. I hadn't gone through my transition yet, so I was like a little young gay boy in drag. I was (impersonating) Cher back then. It was horrible, but the audience loved it. I felt like a star. It was the best feeling."
She worked magic with makeup. It's no wonder she was so successful working for MAC Cosmetics. Erica may not have been born male, but many women I know could have learned a thing or two from her. Many friends were devastated by the news of her passing, but many of them had a story to share.
My best friend Mary quickly recalled the days of hanging out at another friend's place, Michael, for Melrose Mondays back in the late 90s. Yes, Erica could often be found there tanning, along with other friends and fellow performers such as Melissa Crawford, and Henrietta (aka Hot Henrietta). Melrose Mondays were tradition, and at the time Melrose Place was a really good show.
Another friend, Conrad, said he was grateful to know her. In fact, one of the things he loved about her was that she remembered him immediately after they first met. Being the icon she was, he said he never would have expected her to even remember his name, but she did...everytime thereafter. But that's who Erica was. She had this way of letting you know she was acknowledging your presence. My acknowledgement from her was always a wink and a smile. It's something I will always remember.
Rest in peace, beautiful lady. You worked hard to get where you were, and now it's time to go home. Your time here will never be forgotten. Goodbye Erica Andrews (1969-2013).
