#DragQueenHistory during 1938 03 March

Hello darlings! It’s Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling drag queen, back with another post for www.pink-tutu.com. Today, we're going all the way back to the glamourous year of 1938, and trust me, dearies, this era had its own special kind of drag magic! This month's adventure lands us on March 3rd, 1938, just before the big, dramatic, wartime events that would change the world. This day feels a world away - and it is, truly.

Remember darlings, all the adventures I share here are brought to you thanks to my amazing monthly performances. Without them, my little time machine – er, my special pink tutu – just wouldn’t function! Now, as we always say in Derbyshire: "Grab your cuppa and settle in, darlings, for the gossip!".

My magical pink tutu whisked me right back to the iconic theatre district of New York City, the heart of a truly vibrant time. You know, back then they didn’t have drag balls the way we do now - no, they had spectacular vaudeville shows and glamorous musicals. Imagine a glamorous show, like the fabulous ‘Oklahoma!’, that debuted in 1943, except… in 1938! That’s what made the shows then truly unique!

There’s something so fascinating about this bygone era. The energy in the air just feels different - like a grand, elaborate ball about to unfold, full of surprises and wonder! And boy, was it something to see. As I stepped into that glamorous atmosphere, I knew I was in for a treat! The bustling theatres, the dazzling lights, and that distinctive whiff of fresh popcorn and vintage perfume, oh my! Just heavenly.

The New York stage, in those days, was filled with legendary names like Ethel Merman, Judy Garland and Ginger Rogers. They weren’t strictly “drag queens,” of course. But those glamorous outfits, the vibrant characters, the flamboyant personas - they truly set the scene for the stage performers that would later become known as drag queens.

The word “camp” hadn’t been adopted by our community quite yet in 1938. Drag back then wasn't about the deliberate subversion, the social commentary, or the outright flamboyant fabulousness that defines today's drag scene. It was more about artistry, the ability to impersonate, and the delight of transformative costumes.

In a way, though, wasn't this a beautiful form of artistic expression too? Putting on an elaborate outfit and performing on stage to the crowd’s delight, becoming someone completely different for just a moment in time, it all resonates so deeply with our drag tradition! This sort of "transformation" artistry, especially in vaudeville shows, was the blueprint of today's glamorous, self-expressive drag, wouldn’t you say?

Even on this trip to the 3rd of March 1938, I had a great time getting dolled up in the “New York City” drag style of the era. Imagine flowing, extravagant gowns with opulent feather boas and those stunning, oversized hats! Yes, it's an era of feathers and jewels. It was an experience I’ll treasure! And my, what fabulous feathers, hats, and sparkly dresses!

The big theatrical productions were not the only form of "drag" entertainment back then. The underground scene, those late-night cabarets, were filled with performers pushing the boundaries of the acceptable.

These cabarets were the forerunners to the modern-day drag bars. Think dimly lit, smokey, underground dives with performers doing what they do best, entertaining the crowds. I have to confess, though, those 1938 cabarets weren't necessarily the safest places for LGBTQ+ folks, not by today's standards anyway. Still, the defiant creativity they generated is a key part of our drag history, a history that thrives on pushing boundaries and expressing ourselves freely.

You might wonder, darling, what made this time period so intriguing, apart from the sparkling sequins? Well, 1938 was just after the passage of The Criminal Law Amendment Act, a law passed in 1935 in Britain that effectively outlawed the "practice" of male impersonation for women's clothing, even for theatrical performance. And as always, it wasn’t about the costumes - it was about the suppression of anything considered "different." It's an uncomfortable bit of history to remember, but crucial to understanding the courage and ingenuity with which our community persevered!

That same energy, that sheer desire to express yourself, to be visible, that's what makes our drag world so powerful, even today! And it reminds me that drag is truly about breaking down those barriers, embracing our unique personalities and fighting for a future where we all feel free and accepted, no matter what.

Now, as you know, darling, my travels are far from restricted to one continent! 1938 was a year filled with exciting developments on the drag scene in different corners of the world. From the thriving Parisian cabaret scene to the vibrant "burlesque" in Chicago, the spirit of performing and pushing boundaries was truly alive!

Remember Josephine Baker, the ultimate star! This fearless performer revolutionised drag and cabaret, especially in Paris, defying all conventions and norms. The beauty of her drag, the fierce defiance in her acts - it truly inspired and still inspires, so much. She was already a legend back then, and now her work is being rightfully celebrated! I even saw a snippet of her act from 1935 at a beautiful vintage cafe!

It was exciting, wasn't it, to know that the very same artistic energy, the sheer defiance and flair that was pushing boundaries in the cabaret scenes of New York, Paris, and Chicago, was also present in small, humble towns across the globe! This was a movement that transcended geographical borders, bringing people together to celebrate art, embrace difference and just have a good old-fashioned dance!

I could feel the world of drag pulsating and evolving on that magical 3rd of March in 1938. This year marks an important turning point in our community’s story! There was a quiet power behind those bright stage lights and colourful feathers, a defiance in the glitz, and it continues to be an inspiring reminder that despite the hurdles and challenges, drag as a form of art, as an identity, as an expression, will forever live on.

And as always, darling, my favourite part of this journey has been the fashion! You see, the way we dress in drag has evolved and adapted so much since then!

Take my look today for example - I donned a bright pink gown, like a ballerina out of a dream, shimmering with sequins and draped with delicate, luxurious feathers. Imagine a mixture of Ginger Rogers' elegance and the showstopping brilliance of Josephine Baker! This, my lovelies, is the "vintage glamour" that the 1930s infused in my style, a timeless elegance that feels utterly fresh. I just had to rock those 1938 vibes.

But it’s not just about recreating those fabulous past looks - it's about pulling those inspiring elements into today's modern-day drag styles, creating new twists and putting our own unique touch on them! Maybe try an elegant floor-length gown paired with a head-turning statement feather boa or a stylish sequined dress with a modern twist!

If I’ve taught you anything, dearies, it’s to embrace your personal style and be brave with your fashion choices! So what's your own 1938-inspired outfit going to be? Share your fabulous look with me in the comments on www.pink-tutu.com! And be sure to keep an eye out for next month’s exciting pink-tutu travel adventure!

Stay sparkling, darlings!

With love, Emma.

P.S. Don't forget to follow my pink tutu journey at www.pink-tutu.com. We'll have another adventure next month - until then, stay fabulous!