Hello darlings! It's your fabulous time-traveling, pink tutu-wearing blogger, Emma, here, and welcome to another enchanting entry in my monthly ramblings. Today, we're jeté-ing ourselves right back to May 1997, a period of fabulousness I just had to visit in my sparkly pink time machine (ahem, a magical, shimmery tutu, you know!).
Now, darlings, as we sashay into the world of drag during May 1997, prepare to be utterly bewitched by the brilliance that was happening across the globe. This was the era of the Glitter Ball - imagine a swirling kaleidoscope of sequins, feathers, and pure unadulterated fun, and you'll get the picture.
It all started when my pink tutu led me to the heart of New York City, where the legendary Pyramid Club was still strutting its stuff. Imagine, a haven for drag royalty and nightlife lovers! The energy was electrifying - the music was booming, the lights were dazzling, and the performers were simply divine. Oh, the glam! It was like a visual feast for the eyes, darlings, and my little pink tutu was swooning with every twirl and flip.
Now, one of the big acts back then, a real icon, was none other than the stunning Divine (remember the drag queen in "Pink Flamingos"?). A real theatrical sensation, she was all about pushing boundaries and daring to be different, and darling, let me tell you, she was utterly iconic. Watching her performances was like being transported to another world of sheer drag perfection. I’m just sorry that I couldn't bring a tutu for her back to this time, just to be the extra bit of glitz and glam in that already stunning outfit!
Oh, but my time in New York City wasn't over! I had to stop by the Stonewall Inn, another piece of history that holds a special place in our drag family. We owe so much to the pioneering spirits who fought for our freedom to express ourselves. And this year was a big one, it was the 28th anniversary of the Stonewall riots! It's truly inspirational, the way the queer community has come together, fought for our rights, and become the strong and beautiful force it is today.
However, the Glitter Ball wasn't just illuminating the US, darlings, it was casting its shimmer all over the world. I found myself in London next, soaking in the atmosphere at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, another haven for queer nightlife. It was a place where people were just living their best lives, celebrating their individuality, and feeling fabulous, all in the glow of the Glitter Ball.
Over at the Manchester Pride festival they were holding a big charity event, in the form of the Miss Drag UK pageant. It’s amazing how these big, bold events were paving the way for drag queens of all stripes to be celebrated and loved for their individuality and their artistry. And oh darling, just picture all the amazing, beautiful drag outfits!
My journey continued on through the dazzling world of drag, with stops in fabulous Amsterdam at the The Paradiso venue, which had shows on just about every night, featuring artists like Lillian La Fox! Even further, my pink tutu zipped me right across to Japan, where the iconic drag performer Miz Cracker made an unforgettable mark with their stunning cabaret performance at a club called Tokyo... how perfect, really.
But it wasn't just the stage shows that had me twirling with delight. Everywhere I went, from bustling Soho in London to the glittering streets of San Francisco, I saw drag queens just living their lives - shopping for outrageous outfits, striking up conversations with admirers, and even appearing on local TV programmes like Big Breakfast to share their artistry with the world.
I even bumped into the iconic Drag Race legend RuPaul! We were in a bar called The Cock & Bull, where she was chatting with friends in a hilarious manner and had a really amazing story about being thrown out of a bar when she was younger... how fun!
You know darlings, throughout May 1997, I found myself absolutely enthralled by the infectious energy and acceptance that pulsed through the world of drag. From the glamorous stages of New York City to the intimate pubs of London, and even to the vibrant streets of Japan, it was an exhilarating glimpse into a truly unique and important movement.
And I tell you, dear darlings, seeing the progress we've made, the sheer joy that vibrates within the community, makes me oh-so excited for the future!
So, I'll leave you with a final thought - keep those tutus shining, and remember, every single one of us has the power to create our own little slice of Glitter Ball magic in this world. I hope you are all staying fabulous and never lose your shine! Catch you next time, loves. xXx
Oh, and please, please do go to my website www.pink-tutu.com. I post once a month so have a look at the rest of my blogs and check out how my tutu looks as I journey through drag history!
