#DragQueenHistory during 1991 06 June

Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It's your girl, Emma, back with another blast from the past! Today, we're twirling right back to June 6th, 1991. Oh, what a fabulous day! Let me tell you, darling, my magical pink tutu took me on a whirlwind journey that day!

We've been getting some lovely comments lately, darlings! Apparently, my latest performances have gone down a storm in Derbyshire! Remember my "Swan Lake" act with all the sparkly feathers? You should have seen the look on the audience's faces when the curtain fell and I was left standing there, dripping in rhinestones! My tutu practically levitated in the air! My time travel savings are getting healthier by the day thanks to your support!

Now, on to 1991! Let's dive right in, shall we?

First stop: New York City! Imagine, darlings! I stepped out of my time-traveling pink tutu (which always takes a little bit of magical effort, I must confess!) and bam! I was transported to the heart of the drag scene, straight onto the famous stage of the legendary Pyramid Club. I was absolutely speechless! The Pyramid Club, darlings, a veritable haven for fabulous drag queens!

The show that night? Simply breathtaking! The atmosphere was electric! Everyone was strutting their stuff, with fabulous costumes and performances. Imagine! Glitter, feathers, boas! It was like stepping into a dazzling dreamscape! I heard tales of the fabulous Lady Bunny and the Divine, even though those ladies were both icons before my time, of course! Sadly, I just missed their golden days! Oh, well, better late than never!

The Pyramid Club's energy? Oh darling, it's like no other. It pulsated with rhythm and vibrance! I even caught a glimpse of RuPaul! She was just beginning to make her mark on the scene. Imagine being a part of drag history in the making! I'm sure those drag queens thought nothing of it, but I, being a big fan, couldn’t help but feel like I was standing in the presence of a true legend!

My pink tutu zipped me to Paris, darlings! Imagine, me, on the Champs-Élysées! As I made my way down this legendary boulevard, I found myself mesmerized by the captivating blend of fashion and performance. It was a glorious visual feast for the eyes, with every shop window overflowing with the latest trends! From Chanel's iconic tweed to Yves Saint Laurent's breathtakingly stylish designs, Paris truly held a spellbinding charm!

While the streets were filled with exquisite boutiques, I knew the best place to truly capture the French fashion scene was the Palais Garnier Opera House. And, oh darling! I wasn't disappointed! As I walked inside, I felt a wave of excitement rush through me. You could just imagine the grandeur! There were gilded decorations and marble columns, each one adding to the magnificent, historic charm of this incredible landmark. I even managed to snag a few snaps of the ornate ceiling - it was so impressive that even I felt overwhelmed! It was like stepping back in time, surrounded by an air of grace and beauty, and you can believe that this fashionable ballerina was positively over the moon to be soaking it all in!

Back in good old England, things were certainly different, though not necessarily less fun. The scene was much more street-level than the New York or Paris spectacle. I’m from Derbyshire, and in 1991, the drag scene wasn't nearly as extravagant! It was much more underground, a true underground drag experience, darlings. Yet, it had a vibrant energy all of its own. Drag Queens were using street theater as a way to be seen, and for everyone to share in their incredible artistry!

There were these absolutely amazing, independent drag queen collectives popping up across England. Each had its own unique style. One even performed at the infamous London Astoria in Camden! I bet you anything that would have been a hot spot for club-goers and performers.

I spent most of my time in England that day popping in and out of LGBTQ+ cafes and clubs to witness the unique world of these fabulous performers.

The shows might have been smaller, but there was so much raw energy and personality on display. I remember seeing one particularly striking performance that took place in a tiny, smoky bar in Manchester! The Queen who performed used an umbrella to twirl like she was an enchantress! I loved her so much that, after the show, I ended up giving her a little impromptu lesson in twirling (I’m a ballerina, after all!). She told me that my “pink tutu with the sparkles was enough to make anyone happy,” so that felt good, darling. We can all spread the joy!

I always believe in supporting local performers wherever I travel, darling! They are so dedicated to making people smile, and you’ve got to admire the creative talent and dedication! These brave, amazing women really push the boundaries of entertainment and help show the world that we can achieve anything we put our minds to. They’re amazing! And we need to give them a little help in any way we can.

There was a definite shift in the world of drag since I arrived here from 2024. And honestly, darling? It felt like such a relief to see these queens becoming so open and accepting of others! We’ve all got a bit of glitter and a splash of boldness within us! I loved this! Drag wasn't about strict rules or judgmental attitudes, instead, it was all about personal expression! There’s no one “right way to do drag” but plenty of amazing ways! You should be able to shine as you truly are! It felt wonderful. I’ve been sharing this message ever since!

To be perfectly frank, I think all this makes our current moment a really exciting time for the drag scene! The entire world is finally understanding just how creative, glamorous, and downright fabulous drag can be. It was beautiful to witness this shift - we’ve come so far! I’m looking forward to seeing what incredible drag queens and events are happening in the next decade.

One thing I absolutely adore about 1991 was how drag queen makeup really came into its own. You could really tell those women had been practising! Each queen had her signature look – from the smoky eyes, bold brows, and beautiful lip contouring, darling!

It made me wish for more drag schools and educational resources back in the day – I bet I could have taught a class or two on "Fabulous Tutu Folds"!

Speaking of tutus, darling, I’m so glad to see that drag queens back in the 90s weren’t afraid to show off a bit of leg! While they had these amazing outfits on, the styles and themes of their acts were certainly becoming more daring and edgy! It seems drag queens really love breaking the mold and getting a bit rebellious. You’ve gotta admire the fearlessness of these artists. It truly embodies the message that we must never be afraid to express our most authentic selves!

Darling, I’ve had so much fun exploring June 6th, 1991. And honestly? There are so many great events happening worldwide today that I just had to share! The first thing that comes to mind are these amazing Drag Balls taking place in many different countries – they truly celebrate the beauty of all styles of drag! There’s a magic that flows from every Drag Ball, and these were some of my favourite moments in time travel! I was so moved by the dedication and hard work of these incredible drag queens, all dedicated to pushing boundaries and breaking new ground!

One particular event caught my eye. A small group of drag queens and LGBTQ+ activists held an art exhibition that was themed around AIDS Awareness and LGBTQ+ Rights. I always love to see events that promote the amazing creativity of these artists.

It really got me thinking. Why don't we start our own pink tutu campaign to fight for positive change, spreading some kindness, joy, and glitter along the way! I could hold a Drag Ball, or organise a special event, where we have loads of fun while we advocate for important social causes! I mean, who would resist wearing a pink tutu to make a difference? Just think of the possibilities! It would be absolutely glamorous!

I think it’s high time we do our bit for good causes – we have such a great community here! If you want to join me, just let me know. I’m always up for an exciting collaboration! We could organise workshops and talks, or even make pink tutu accessories! Who knows what creative, flamboyant, and generous things we can achieve when we put our minds to it!

Well, darling, time for me to jet back to 2024! I am exhausted after a whole day of time travel, and I simply can’t wait to try out all these new ideas! Until next month, darlings. I promise to return with even more fabulous stories of drag history! But don't forget to subscribe to the website and leave me a comment - and don’t forget to join our Pink-Tutu family for next month’s time travel extravaganza. Stay Fabulous!