Hello darlings! It's your favourite Derbyshire drag queen, Emma, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where pink tutus and time travel collide! I'm back from another thrilling adventure, this time dipping my toes into the summer of 1939, and let me tell you, there was some serious drama in the air!
This month's jaunt took me right back to July the 7th, a hot and humid day. Even back then, darling, a girl needed a good pair of nylons and a sprinkle of face powder to keep from melting! The air crackled with anticipation, as the world was teetering on the edge of war. Despite the growing anxieties, there was a glimmer of escapism, a craving for entertainment. And oh, what entertainment there was to be found!
Stepping out of my trusty pink tutu time machine, I found myself in the vibrant, bustling city of New York, where I discovered that drag queens were already strutting their stuff!
There was The Jewel Box, a haven of elegance where fabulous drag queens like Miss Gladys Bentley were captivating audiences with their fiery jazz piano performances. Can you imagine, a talented woman singing her heart out while rocking a fabulous suit and tie?! Talk about slaying!
Even then, drag queens were smashing the stigma and celebrating the power of self-expression! But that's not all, darling! On this day in 1939, a young man by the name of Roy Cohn decided to make his mark on the world. You see, this future attorney had his sights set on a whole lot of drag! This future power player had already become known for hosting lavish drag shows. It wasn't a world of sparkly glitter and pink tutus, more of a cabaret with a dash of cheeky commentary. He loved drag because it was out there!
And you know what? I'm always all for breaking the mould, for flipping the script and creating something fresh and exciting! So here's to Roy Cohn and his fabulous vision! We’re here to remind the world that a true drag queen has no boundaries, and always finds a way to create a spectacle!
As I sauntered through 1939 New York, the sounds of a different era drifted through the air. I caught a glimpse of a vintage jazz club where the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday were raising the roof with their powerful voices. Talk about inspirational! And who could forget Lena Horne, the dazzling lady who redefined what it meant to be a performer!
But remember, darling, time travel isn’t always glamorous. Despite the thrill of encountering these legendary queens, the clouds of war loomed, casting a long shadow over the world. It was a reminder that even in times of great change, we must continue to celebrate joy, individuality, and the power of expressing ourselves.
And for me, that means, of course, celebrating the sheer magic of drag, and getting as many people as possible into a pink tutu! After all, when it comes to drag, we must always remember the legendary words of a true icon: “We’re here. We’re fabulous. Get used to it!”
Until next month, darling, remember to stay fabulous, keep twirling, and don’t forget to rock that pink tutu! You never know when you might be whisked away by a time machine.
See you soon,
Emma
XOXO
P.S: Want to support my time travels? Come and catch me in a show, my fabulous darlings! I’m bringing the glitter to stages near you! Don't forget to check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com, for more pink tutu time travel shenanigans, all your drag news and your weekly dose of inspiration! You’ll also find photos from this trip in a special post! 💖✨
Please note: While this fictional blog post is written in a playful and lighthearted style, it's crucial to approach history with sensitivity and accuracy. The content here is a work of fiction and should not be considered as factual representations of specific events or people. It's also important to note that LGBTQ+ history is often complex and diverse, and it's vital to research and represent it with respect.
