Hiya darlings, it’s Emma, your fabulous time-traveling pink tutu enthusiast, bringing you the latest scoop from the fabulous annals of drag history!
This month, my magical pink tutu has whisked me back to December 12th, 1989 – a truly iconic date! Why, you ask? Because on this very day, the world of drag witnessed something truly spectacular: The 1st Annual Drag Ball in New York City! Talk about a history-making moment!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. How did a little drag queen from Derbyshire manage to attend an event like that? Well, let's just say, my pink tutu is more than just a fabulous fashion statement. It’s my time machine! And darling, it’s a true fashion gem – you should see the sequins!
I shimmied into that drag ball and found myself surrounded by an abundance of fabulousness. Drag queens from across the city, strutting their stuff in vibrant costumes, fierce makeup, and a contagious energy that could light up Times Square. They sashayed and posed, and my heart, oh, it just exploded with joy!
What I witnessed that night, darlings, was the culmination of years of drag activism. It wasn't just a ball; it was a statement, a celebration of drag’s power and diversity, a glorious tribute to a history built on resilience, artistry, and fierce dedication to fabulousness!
That evening, I mingled with some of drag's legends. *Do I have some stories to tell! Did you know Divine's famous "Pink Flamingos" film was banned in several cities? Imagine the scandal! Of course, a glamorous diva like myself has a touch of that naughty streak too. ;) *
Now, whilst we’re all dreaming of past glories, it’s vital to remember that 1989 was not all sunshine and glitter. The world of drag was still battling for its place, battling against prejudice, and even facing persecution. *You should see how many shows got shut down just for showing a little leg. Ugh, what a drama! *
Yet, that spirit of defiance, that refusal to be silenced, shone through. It gave birth to iconic venues like The Pyramid Club in New York and fueled the creation of groundbreaking shows.
So, darling, what can we take away from this whirlwind tour of December 12th, 1989? We see the relentless fight for acceptance and the sheer artistry of a generation of queens who paved the way for us all. They didn’t let prejudice stop them. Instead, they found ways to express themselves through their craft and in doing so, built a foundation of diversity and acceptance, even as they faced a society often unwilling to see beyond the sparkle and glitter.
Now, if you're still with me (and I do hope you are because this is going to get even more fabulous!), you know that every month I go on a time-traveling spree, exploring the glorious, fabulous history of drag! I mean, darling, how else could a fashionista like myself stay on top of the latest trends?! It's not just about being fabulous; it's about respecting and understanding our drag heritage. It’s about remembering where we come from and what it took for us to be the shimmering stars we are today.
*As for my time travels this month, well, here's what you need to know: *
Drag on the Stage
- The iconic Boy George and his Culture Club dominated the music charts. Their unique blend of New Romantic sounds and androgynous aesthetic definitely left their mark on drag fashion and inspiration. Who else has embraced that look and those outrageous outfits quite like Boy George?
- The 80s drag scene was a melting pot of creativity. New York was awash in performances that were bold, audacious, and completely out-of-the-box. Imagine the wildest disco party ever, add in a pinch of avant-garde theatre and a healthy dose of "let's-shake-things-up" attitude, and you’ve got yourself an 80s drag performance.
- On a side note: the makeup, darlings, the makeup! We’re talking about neon eyeshadow, contoured faces and lash-enhancing makeup tricks, the more the better. Talk about going BIG with your makeup, we had the queens for it in the 80s, believe me!
Drag Street Style
- The 1980s, darlings, was all about expression. Street style was an explosion of color, pattern, and texture, mirroring the bold, confident attitude of drag. Think vibrant leg warmers, leggings, ripped denim jackets adorned with statement badges and, of course, enough jewelry to sparkle from here to Mars! And those shoes, Oh honey! I’m talking platform boots, kitten heels, high-tops - it was all there!
My Monthly Musings:
Remember those sequins and fabulous dresses I told you about? Well, guess what? Every penny I earn from my amazing shows, whether it’s here in Derbyshire or my little trips through time, goes towards keeping this little website going and funding my epic time-traveling adventures! That means every time you pop in and read my little blogs, or share a laugh over a picture of a ridiculous but gorgeous pink tutu moment (did I tell you about the pink feather boa? The feather boa was truly a disaster... or was it? Maybe a triumph?!) - it keeps me in my glamorous pink tutu and lets me travel to new drag frontiers. Maybe someday we'll even find a pink tutu for all of us, what do you think?!
This is why your love for the pink tutu matters! It’s not just about fashion. It's about our shared love of drag, the journey of discovery, the endless possibilities that the world of drag has to offer.
So darling, don’t just scroll through your feeds and forget about our fabulous history. Let's celebrate it, embrace it, and carry the torch for the queens that came before us. Let's all keep spreading the sparkle and let's keep embracing the magic of drag - one dazzling pink tutu at a time!
Catch you all next month, when I’ll be off on another drag history adventure. Who knows where my pink tutu will take me? Stay tuned!
Your darling, Emma 💖💖💖
P.S. If you want to share your favourite memories of drag history, comment below! Maybe you’ll inspire my next trip through time! 💖
