#DragQueenHistory during 1934 12 December

Hiya darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina queen, back with another fabulous installment of the Pink-Tutu Time Travel Blog! This month, we're waltzing back to 12th December 1934 – a date ripe with history, intrigue, and (of course!) drag!

As you know, my dear readers, the world of drag is a gloriously intricate tapestry woven with threads of courage, creativity, and camp. And to truly appreciate this colourful world, we need to understand its rich history. So, climb aboard my sparkly pink time machine, fasten your feather boas, and let's take a whirl back to 1934!

Landing in 1934 was a sight for sore eyes! The streets of New York City were abuzz with excitement, full of bustling activity and elegant dress. Picture this: art deco buildings gleaming in the winter sunshine, men in pinstriped suits, ladies in flapper dresses, and, most importantly, a wave of vibrant drag queens.

Of course, I made a bee-line for the theatre district – it’s the drag scene for a reason! Imagine, my darlings, Broadway ablaze with glitter, glamorous drag queens dazzling in shimmering gowns and flamboyant feather headdresses. Oh, the glamour!

This was the era of the legendary Midnight Frolic at the Gaiety Burlesque Theatre, a beloved drag show showcasing a cast of captivating female impersonators. This wasn’t just any old drag show, darlings – it was an explosion of artistry, wit, and undeniable charisma. From talented song and dance numbers to quick-witted comedic sketches, these queens had the crowd roaring with laughter and admiration.

But let's not forget our roots, my darlings! I took a spin over to a London speakeasy – an underground bar bustling with both illegal booze and equally illegal drag performers. Oh, the glamour of it all! There were cabaret shows with glitzy ensembles, raucous audiences, and drag queens performing for their lives – a sight to behold! It was a fascinating glimpse into the clandestine, secret world of drag performance that had to thrive in the shadows of prohibition.

I felt an intense connection to these brave queens – their resilience, their artistic talent, their defiance against societal norms… they were trailblazers paving the way for generations of drag queens to come, including yours truly!

As the day unfolded, I also popped into Paris for a spot of shopping. And wouldn’t you know it, I found the most amazing pair of shoes! Vintage-inspired stilettos, with pink feather boas wrapped around their heels. A perfect touch for my pink tutu!

But, my lovelies, 1934 wasn't all about glitz and glamour. Sadly, societal acceptance of drag was still incredibly limited. These brave queens, my inspiration, had to navigate prejudice and discrimination with remarkable fortitude. Yet, their artistry shone through, radiating defiance and joy.

This is what makes drag so incredibly important: it's a form of art that champions diversity, breaks down barriers, and celebrates individuality. The queens of 1934 were true pioneers, paving the way for drag to become the global phenomenon it is today.

As my time travel experience drew to a close, I found myself inspired, my heart brimming with gratitude for those brave queens who came before me.

It's incredible to witness how far drag has come since then – a testament to the unwavering resilience, artistry, and activism of generations of drag queens. And while we’ve come a long way, my darlings, there’s still a long way to go. Let’s continue celebrating drag, embracing its history, and amplifying its importance.

My dear readers, remember, it's never too late to embrace the world of drag! Whether it’s learning about drag history, rocking a dazzling pink tutu, or simply showing your support for the LGBTQ+ community, we can all be part of the magnificent tapestry of drag.

So, keep twirling, my lovelies, and remember… a pink tutu is always a good idea! And be sure to join me again next month for another incredible Pink-Tutu Time Travel adventure.

Stay glamorous,

Emma x