#DragQueenHistory during 1939 04 April

Hello darlings, it’s your girl Emma, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! You wouldn’t believe what a whirlwind of a month I’ve had – I’ve been strutting my stuff in Parisian cabarets, getting my glam on in the Big Apple, and oh, the stories I could tell about my latest encounter with the legendary Judy Garland! But today, let’s put the spotlight on a rather poignant date, April 4th, 1939, a day that would see the world on the cusp of dramatic changes. And you know me, love – wherever there’s drama, there’s definitely drag!

Now, my dearest readers, you all know I'm a girl who loves her history, especially when it's served up with a generous helping of sequins and a whole lot of sass. Today, we’re focusing on a world buzzing with energy and anticipation, the world of 1939. It’s a time when the world is slowly stepping away from the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age, ready for something different, a bit bolder. Let me whisk you back in my magical pink tutu to that era!

*(Disclaimer: as usual, please note my time travels, as you can tell from the pink tutu, are always fabulous and family friendly. No need to worry about any bawdy cabaret show mishaps happening today darlings! 🩰 ) *

So let's kick off with our main drag highlight - what was on in the world of drag on this very day back in 1939? Well, imagine my surprise - no sequins or feathered boas in sight in London's West End theatres! This is a stark contrast to the flamboyant cabarets I was enjoying in Paris, where even a good dose of makeup and a cheeky frock was considered out of the ordinary, never mind something like drag! It seems the only drag happening in London at the time were some panto shows and you can't really say that's the pinnacle of drag entertainment! I mean, where's the sass, darlings?

But all that's about to change, you know. It’s this period that will sow the seeds for a true drag renaissance in London’s entertainment scene, where drag queens and kings would blossom like flamboyant, fierce flowers!

Let me tell you, it's this very historical contrast, this ‘before and after’, that gives my time travels their real spark! To experience these seismic shifts first hand, to feel the ground start to rumble just before the earthquake of social change hits, that's what keeps me coming back to my pink tutu time-travelling adventure.

Now, to put all that history into context, let’s go on a whistle-stop tour around the world and check out what was happening in drag during the year of 1939.

• Across The Atlantic In New York: You're not going to believe it – the hottest spot in New York for drag entertainment was in Harlem! Yeah, it's a world away from Broadway and the famous drag balls happening today, but that’s exactly what I love about my travels. This is a time when the cultural lines are beginning to blur, with jazz and blues filling the air and inspiring a generation. Think Madame Queen and her Queen's Jubilee Revue and imagine what an incredible melting pot of performances this was, filled with vibrant stories, musical flair, and raw talent.
• In Parisian Cabarets: Oh, darling, if I could tell you just one little secret about drag in 1939 Paris, it's the iconic "Chez Michou" nightclub wasn't even a twinkle in its founder's eye! No, we're talking about those legendary French cabarets, full of swirling can-cans, feathered headdresses, and a touch of scandal! It was here in Paris that the "transvestite cabaret" scene began to thrive, with a hint of crossdressing appearing in some performances, but I am definitely talking a whole lot more than the London theatrical world. The key is this: it was the place to be for a taste of glamorous rebellion, a little daring, a lot of fun!
• The UK’s Theatrical World: While drag itself is taking its sweet time to take hold in Britain, the seeds of that revolution are being sown in the shape of variety theatres! From "The London Palladium" to the iconic "Holborn Empire" these variety halls were buzzing with entertainers from singers, comedians, dancers, and even illusionists! Think dazzling costumes and outlandish make-up, the very kind of spectacle that's gonna light the fuse for drag's arrival in the UK!
• The Other Side of The World: Meanwhile, in places like India, drag entertainment, especially of the Hijra form, was woven deep into their culture. Imagine vibrant performances blending theatre, music, and storytelling, blending together sacred rituals, traditional clothing, and captivating beauty, truly a unique kind of drag art.

It's important to acknowledge, though, that these early drag pioneers weren't living life in the carefree way that we know today, you know, a few well-placed lip sync battles and social media selfies! Nope, for them it meant pushing boundaries, embracing who they were in a world often unready for their brilliance!

Let's bring ourselves back to 1939, darlings, to 4th April and to all the global buzz that’s going on. I've got to confess, 1939's vibe isn't necessarily a joyous one, but it's certainly a pivotal year that’ll influence drag for generations to come!

• New York City's A Hub Of Creative Energy: Think about it. You've got this whole mix of new musical genres, from the upbeat sounds of jazz to the soulful blues – these tunes are seeping into the heart of NYC’s artistic scene, fueling the fire of individuality and paving the way for a dramatic rise of new performances, including a special, flamboyant form of performance – drag!
• World War II Casting Its Shadow: As we travel back to London's West End in 1939, there’s a somber tone to the theatre world. It's all business as usual at the Royal Opera House with ballets like Swan Lake but everyone knows the clouds of war are gathering on the horizon. The nation’s focus is shifting – the joy of the theatre is getting dampened down and it’s starting to feel like something far more serious is on the horizon. I couldn't have imagined how quickly those anxieties would turn to a full blown global conflict, bringing so much tragedy!

Oh darlings, it was difficult not to feel a chill in the air during those visits. While we’ve certainly got plenty to celebrate in the world of 1939’s drag, the future’s going to demand some resilience. Drag artists are going to face more challenges and, dare I say, perhaps the opportunity to show just how powerful a force they can be in times of adversity.

That’s a wrap, my loves. And what do you know – it's always about the resilience. Even when things seem a bit cloudy, I still believe the strength of self expression, the energy of celebration, the beauty of art – all these elements will keep on shining through. Just as in 1939 when new artistic movements, even in times of trouble, became a driving force for change. It’s like a gorgeous new stage being set, ready for our flamboyant cast!

So, let’s make sure we don't forget those incredible drag queens and kings who made it all happen. Let’s raise a glass to them – the ones who were fearless, full of life, ready to shine no matter what. Because that, my lovely friends, is what makes drag so powerful and important! It's our very own reminder of what we can accomplish when we celebrate, express, and, of course, embrace a little glitter along the way!

You all know, the reason I'm always wearing my fabulous pink tutu, it's a little reminder that there's always hope, there's always glamour, there’s always beauty! And in the most unexpected places, sometimes on a rainy 4th April in 1939, we can discover the greatest inspiration.

Until next time, stay fabulous and don't forget – always rock a pink tutu with pride! Now I'm off to get myself a fabulous new one for my next big drag performance in Derbyshire! See you next month on pink-tutu.com darlings!