Amber Whittington of Amber’s Closet fame TALKS TO NIC CROSARA about love, life and activism

Growing up without the internet, Amber Whittington didn’t have the tools queer youth benefit from today for learning about identities. It took Amber a while to understand her lesbian identity and come out to her family. Her mum wasn’t surprised and informed Amber she’s known her daughter was a lesbian ever since she caught her, at 10 years old, “rolling around playing house with this girl”. ››

Photo Martin Salgo @mrdn

“I came out with so much energy, because I was in the closet for so long”

“Bette’s my girl. She was, still is, so fine. I’m still trying to get a kiss…”

Launching her iconic YouTube channel @AmbersCloset in 2012, Amber has nurtured a space where lesbians and queer people of colour can feel seen and heard. With over 800K subscribers, she uses her platform to share her style, opinions and everyday life, as well as utilising it as a way to raise her voice within her activism work. She’s an entrepreneur, style icon, celesbian and tireless activist. What keeps her motivated and focused on her passions? Let’s find out…

My cheeks immediately flush as Amber joins our transatlantic Zoom call from her home office in Los Angeles. She’s dressed in an orange jumper, her signature hairstyle is complemented by a black headband and her statement jewellery shines in the morning light drifting in from her window. As she greets me, she instantly comes across as grounded and downright charming. A clothes rail of some of her outfits can be seen in the background and it’s hard not to notice the awards displayed behind her which recognise the changemaker for the work she’s done for causes such as HIV awareness and bringing community together, especially when it comes to Black queer folks.