Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-loving, tutu-twirling time traveller, Emma, back with another fabulous trip into history! This month, we’re twirling back to December 12th, 1939 – a time of uncertainty and war, but also a time when drag queens were finding their voices, defying expectations and shining brighter than ever!
As always, I popped on my magical pink tutu, said "ta-ta!" to the 21st century and found myself in the midst of wartime London. It wasn't quite the festive scene I'd envisioned – there were no glittering Christmas decorations, no festive carols filling the air, just a sense of tension and unease hanging heavy.
But you know what, darlings? Even in the darkest of times, the human spirit, and especially the drag spirit, shines through! My travels led me to a smoky little cabaret tucked away in Soho, where, hidden beneath the din of bombs and news reports, a small but dedicated crowd gathered to witness a glorious drag performance!
The show was truly sensational! Think sassy drag ballads with a hint of melancholy, daring makeup, feathers, sequins and an abundance of glam that wouldn’t have been out of place in a modern-day club! I'm talking dramatic gowns that could have doubled as parachute, and show-stopping feather boas that would give a modern queen a run for her money!
The queens were phenomenal! The emcee, a vision in a leopard print gown, kept the crowd entertained with quips, witty repartee and glamorous numbers, showcasing a talent and resilience that defied the hardship of the times.
The night was filled with laughter, dancing, and enough glitz and glamour to light up the entire city. In that moment, the fear, the anxieties, and the world's problems were left at the door. Inside, there was nothing but a shared love of performance, a community coming together, and a joyful escape from the bleak realities of wartime.
And that's the beauty of drag, darlings. It’s an art form that can transcend even the toughest of times. Whether it’s a community of friends coming together in a dingy nightclub or a glamorous stage performance in a grand theatre, drag has a way of reminding us that, despite the hardship and anxieties of everyday life, we can still find joy, escape, and acceptance through our shared love of performance.
Now, I couldn't just twirl back to the 21st century without picking up some inspirations! My shopping haul was pretty amazing, darlings! A stunning feather boa, an incredible emerald-green, beaded-gown and an ornamental crown from a little shop in Soho, just waiting to make a dramatic entrance!
I'm already looking forward to showing off my haul on stage – it’s a whole new ensemble for my next drag show at The Red Velvet! Tickets are available online, darlings, and all proceeds are going to the "Rainbow Refuge," a wonderful local charity supporting LGBTQ+ youth! So come on down and show your support for a good cause.
Now, darling, back to my journey:
I don’t want to be too melancholy – December 12th, 1939 wasn’t all wartime gloom! While war was raging across the globe, in a quiet corner of Derbyshire, I discovered a fascinating tale that exemplifies the sheer audacity of drag!
It seems that in the sleepy Derbyshire village of Chesterfield, a group of courageous women known as the ‘Camp Girls' had taken the village by storm! With homemade costumes and a rebellious spirit, these extraordinary women performed local vaudeville acts and held regular dance parties. Think fabulous dresses, dazzling headpieces, and hilarious slapstick skits that would leave the village folk in stitches!
While these ‘Camp Girls’ might not be well-known outside Derbyshire, their story highlights how drag, in all its dazzling glory, can thrive even in the most unexpected corners of the world!
Now, we can't talk about drag in the 1930s without talking about The House of Garibaldi, one of the most legendary gay bars in New York City! Founded in 1938, it quickly became a vibrant center of New York City's LGBTQ+ community, where, every Saturday night, a stunning array of performers, from cross-dressing performers, to glamorous women, to burlesque dancers and comedians would take the stage. It became a sanctuary for drag queens, giving them the space to explore their identities and connect with one another in the face of adversity.
While history doesn't record any spectacular drag shows happening in New York City on December 12th, 1939, we can imagine the atmosphere at The House of Garibaldi - a vibrant blend of music, laughter, and daring performers breaking the barriers of social convention.
This journey through history just shows us that drag, with its dazzling blend of performance, theatricality, and a touch of rebellion, has always existed as an artistic force and a symbol of freedom! It has been around long before our time, and it continues to inspire, entertain, and break boundaries in all its fabulous glory.
So, as you enjoy your weekend, darlings, take a moment to appreciate the amazing journey of drag history! It's filled with fearless performers, incredible artistry, and moments of sheer joy and escape.
And remember, darling, whether you're a drag queen or just a drag fan, the spirit of drag is in the air. Let’s celebrate it and spread the love of fabulousity! And never forget to "Keep It Pink!"
Until next time, darlings!
Love, Emma,
Pink Tutu Queen of Time!
P.S. Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, vintage drag footage and more pink-tutu filled fun! We are also on social media, so find us on Facebook and Instagram!
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