#DragQueenHistory during 1952 10 October

Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling queen, Emma, back with another tantalisingly historical trip through the wonderful world of drag! Grab a cuppa, your favourite drag-inspired treat, and settle in for a fabulous adventure to... October 10th, 1952! 💅💄💖

This month, my magical pink tutu whisked me back to a time of vibrant fashion and bold personalities! This October 10th, we’re going to delve into the era of the first-ever Miss Universe competition! Now, I'm not talking about Miss Universe as we know it today; the first iteration, held in Long Beach, California, was a very different beast!

Imagine, if you will, a pageant where women could show off their feminine charm… without ever actually appearing on stage in a swimsuit! The contest focused entirely on the talent and beauty of the contestants, judged by the most respected figures in fashion, theatre, and film. It was all about grace, style, and a bit of glam - very much like a modern drag performance, if you ask me! ✨

But before we dive into the glitz and glamour, I must tell you a little tale about how I arrived at this very special date.

As usual, my trusty pink tutu had been playing a bit of a mind game with me. You see, I’ve been yearning to see this original Miss Universe competition, since discovering that drag was heavily involved. But getting the tutu to co-operate can be… tricky.

Just before midnight on the 10th of September, I slipped into my magical garment and wished to be whisked away to 1952. As usual, the tutu gave me a mischievous wink, swirled in the air, and deposited me in the most gloriously bizarre location… right in the middle of a London tea shop! ☕️

It turned out, the tutu had taken a fancy to the charming teacups and dainty china, transported me there instead. After enjoying a few (and I do mean a few) scones with jam and cream (the kind of high-tea treats that would make even the most discerning drag queen swoon), I finally got the tutu to whisk me off to sunny California, just in time for the big day! ☀️

Let's go back to the 1952 Miss Universe pageant itself. While not overtly drag, it showcased many of the same qualities that make drag queens so captivating! The competition involved a glamorous opening night gala, where contestants presented their costumes and talents. Imagine this - gowns with huge poofy skirts, ornate hairpieces, and breathtaking makeup, all on women embodying their femininity and beauty. Sounds a bit drag-esque, right?

Imagine how this must have seemed to the women of the time! In 1952, the media portrayed Miss Universe as a 'fantasy,' and there was definitely a fantastical feel to this glamorous event. It provided the women competing a platform for self-expression through fashion, beauty, and a touch of theatricality. The judging criteria, focusing on talents such as singing, acting, and personality, echo the traits we admire in today’s amazing drag queens!

In essence, this original Miss Universe competition offered a taste of the same captivating magic that draws audiences to drag today - the allure of captivating beauty, captivating performances, and stunning displays of self-expression. ✨

I didn’t stop my journey there, of course! As the self-proclaimed drag historian, it’s vital to take in the full breadth of the drag scene around the world on any given date.

Jumping back in my pink tutu, I quickly traveled to Paris to see what the French drag queens were doing. Imagine my surprise when I found a whole underground club scene brimming with crossdressing, performance, and laughter! These weren't drag queens as we know them today, but they were undoubtedly trailblazers in their own right. Men and women alike gathered in secret spaces, to dress in extravagant outfits and express themselves, just like our modern drag families.

Even the Soviet Union had a hidden world of drag culture! In Moscow, a few adventurous performers, primarily female impersonators, would secretly dress up in costumes at private gatherings. Imagine how bold these individuals must have been! Though limited by political constraints, these underground scenes show the true universal appeal of self-expression through drag!

It seems that every era has had a drag scene in one way or another, just like a grand, unending show! It is just incredible to think how much the world of drag has evolved since that first Miss Universe pageant in 1952, and yet still retains many of those same vital components of performance, self-expression, and artistry.

So, darlings, what does this trip to 1952 teach us? That the power of drag transcends time and culture. No matter where you are, no matter when you are, you can express yourself, entertain, and embrace your inner fabulous self, and remember… the world looks amazing in a pink tutu!

I leave you with a question for next time… which drag historical event do YOU want me to visit in my pink tutu? Let me know on our Pink-Tutu.com website, and we’ll journey through history together! Until next time, stay fab, stay bold, and keep twirling in the name of drag!

💋 👠 💖