Darling darlings! It's your fave Derbyshire drag queen Emma, and guess what? Your girl's back with another sparklingly fabulous post from my pink-tutu-powered time travel adventures!
Today, we're gonna be jetéing all the way back to January 1st, 1937. Hold onto your feather boas, babes, 'cause we're stepping into a dazzling era of entertainment!
As a big believer in fashion, and you know my girl is always looking fierce in her pink tulle creations, I gotta start with the trends. This year, 1937, saw fashion with a dramatic edge! Think floor-length gowns, bias-cut silhouettes, and a little splash of the oh so daring plunging neckline. I'd be styling myself with some dazzling art deco jewels and a feather boa draped nonchalantly around my neck, don't you think?
But enough about the glam on the streets! Let's dive into the world of drag! Now, it might seem surprising, but 1937 was already buzzing with drag!
Let's imagine ourselves waltzing into a glamorous New York nightclub like The Copacabana or the glittering Palladium. Back then, "drag queens" would have been known as female impersonators - the word "drag queen" wasn't really a thing yet. It wasn't all about sequins and feather boas though, imagine fabulous drag performances where glamour blended seamlessly with social commentary, a true artistic force.
I bet it was like one giant drag show, with cabaret, variety performances and stand-up comedians pushing boundaries! You might even see drag performers channeling famous film stars! Remember Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo? Those were the icons of the time! Can you imagine?
Imagine walking into a 1937 show and catching a performance of a fabulous transvestite * (yes, darling, that was the term back then) with a velvety voice and witty social commentary.
Back then, drag, like so much in our world, existed in an uneasy space. We know how important representation and visibility are for the community, but 1937? Things were pretty different, though a bit more chaotic, let's just say! The idea of gender nonconformity and LGBTQ+ people existing wasn't as universally accepted as it is today. But despite the social context, drag persevered, making its mark on stage and leaving a glittering trail for future queens to follow.
Now, if we're talking about the history of drag, we can't forget our ancestors in drag - the female impersonators of the Edwardian era. These fabulous folks, known as "pansies" in the newspapers, started shaping the foundations of drag culture, even in the face of harsh laws. The very idea of putting on a wig and embracing theatricality was a subversive act in those days, like sticking your tongue out at the establishment.
Imagine, darling, how they would feel seeing our own glitterati on "Drag Race"! It's like we're living in their wildest dreams, full of rainbow flags and accepting audiences!
Even before the dawn of "Drag Race", drag was evolving and changing - it was a chameleon adapting to the changing world. It wasn't just a few performers on stage, darling. It was a subculture of glamour and subversion.
Just imagine: A fabulous gathering, full of camp humor, playful gender expression, and just a whole lot of tutu-wearing, in your girl's case, of course!
Speaking of which, what should I be wearing for my little journey into 1937? I'm envisioning a voluminous tulle pink tutu with intricate floral embroidery, an opulent crystal-studded bodice, and those sleek, knee-high boots. Maybe a hint of sparkle in my eye, but, as always, with a sprinkle of my Derbyshire sass!
You know I can't resist a bit of shopping. Now, let's see what 1937's version of Zara is serving! I'm so excited about what my 1937 closet looks like!
Stay fabulous, darlings! See you next time when we travel to another glittery date in history. Until then, keep shining, keep sparkling, and remember...
EVERYONE can be a drag queen with a little pink tutu and a whole lot of fabulousness!
Love,
Your Tutu Queen Emma!
