Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, here to take you on another glamorous journey through history! As you know, we visit the past on the 5th of every month, so buckle up your fishnets, babes, as we're stepping back in time to a very special 5th of May – 1940!
Today, we’re kicking off the month of May with a pink tutu twirl back to a time that, as you all know, was not all peaches and cream. World War II was raging across the globe, throwing the world into chaos. But, even amidst the dark clouds, the spirit of drag lived on. Because, darlings, when life throws you a curveball, you twirl!
Now, if you’ve been following my time-travel antics for a while, you'll know that my magic tutu, Priscilla, lets me hop around history. I’ve been to Victorian London, the roaring 20s, and even ancient Egypt!
Today, my darling Priscilla has carried me to London in 1940, and the streets are a whirlwind of change. The air crackles with a sense of urgency and defiance. And while war rations might have limited the amount of makeup available, London’s drag scene was anything but rationed on energy!
Before we dive into the day’s drag happenings, I've got to share my own look with you lovely lot. I’m sporting a powder pink tulle tutu that’s practically bursting with frills. Think: ballerinas gone wild! A sprinkle of sparkly pink sequins add just the right amount of bling. For my top half, I've opted for a custom-made black satin top, complete with an exaggerated puffed sleeve. You know, channeling those Parisian ballrooms – oh la la!
Okay, ready to travel back to 1940? Let’s get this pink party started!
A Drag Queen’s Diary: 5th May, 1940
London is a city of contrasts, dearies. On one hand, the blitz had brought a sense of darkness, the threat of bombs casting a shadow over the city. On the other, life had to go on, and what better way to find some sparkle in the shadows than a dazzling drag show?
The Scene: The heart of London’s drag scene was hidden within the labyrinthine alleyways of Soho. Imagine cobblestone streets lit by flickering gas lamps, and bustling pubs that held secret gatherings within their dark wooden interiors. Drag queens, many forced to wear their street clothes in public, gathered within the dimly-lit taverns for private drag shows, creating havens of glittering escapism from the grim realities of the war.
Drag Shows Under Fire: I spent my afternoon mingling with London’s drag queens, learning about their underground scene. They weren’t afraid to show their colours, despite the threat of being targeted by the police and society. Many were risking their freedom and safety to bring joy and defiance to the people, proving that even in the most difficult of times, drag thrives, like a blooming flower amidst the concrete.
Street-side Spectacles: Even if they couldn't take the stage, some drag queens weren’t afraid to show their true selves, even in public. They were walking billboards of style and sass, defying social norms and making the streets their stage!
Think flamboyant boas on drab coats, a scarlet lipstick streak against war-weary faces, and the swagger of a thousand queens in every step. There was a rebellious spirit in the air, a silent defiance against a world determined to dull their sparkle.
A Glittering Twist: But as night descended, the real fun began! After hopping around a few intimate drag performances, I ended my evening at The Blue Angel Club, the place to be for London’s drag elite. The mood was electric, even despite the air raid sirens that echoed through the city. The drag queens on stage were fearless. Imagine glittery gowns defying gravity, sequins dazzling against a smoky backdrop, and the sound of laughter that wouldn’t be silenced. The war had brought a new urgency to the performance, each joke a weapon against the encroaching darkness, each laugh a resounding declaration of defiance.
Fashion Forecast: While the times called for more practical clothing, some queens found ingenious ways to use everyday objects for glamorous results! Imagine a gas mask case adorned with feather boas, a repurposed military blanket repurposed into a dramatic cape, and an old tin can adorned with ribbons as a glamorous accessory! There was creativity in every corner of London, a sense of 'make do and glam up', turning the hardships of wartime into opportunities to express their inner starlets.
And the World in Pink Tutu Time Travels: It’s not just in London where drag was shining. In New York, drag queens found their voice on the vaudeville circuit and cabaret stages. Across the Atlantic in Paris, legendary Parisian cabaret Moulin Rouge was a safe haven for performers and their devoted audiences.
You know what they say, honey? If a war can’t stop a pink tutu from shining, it ain’t stopping anything!
Sharing My Story with the World: The world in 1940 may have been a different place, but the passion and defiance of drag were undeniable. This trip brought home to me why it’s so important to celebrate drag in all its forms – a celebration of creativity, individuality, and yes, even a touch of sassy defiance!
I’m off to London’s vintage shops now, shopping for some wartime chic! But before I go, I want you to know that the world is your oyster, honey. And the most important thing? Never stop twirling in that pink tutu – even in the toughest times!
That’s it for this month, my darlings! Join me next month on Pink Tutu Time Travels – and until then, don't forget to get out there and make the world a more glamorous place.
*Find Emma’s other Pink Tutu Time Travel Blogs on www.pink-tutu.com and come say hi to Emma on social media! *
That was just the start! To write a 4,000-word blog post, you can:
Delve Deeper into Drag Scenes in 1940: Go beyond London! Explore what drag looked like in other cities:
- New York’s vibrant scene – could you talk about the drag scene in Harlem?
- The Paris of cabaret
- Are there stories about drag being used as a form of resistance or a way to raise morale?
The Drag History Facts: Find actual examples of drag queens and performances. Are there photos from this era? Can you mention any particular shows or venues that are historically notable?
- If possible, find some authentic details about what life as a drag queen was like, maybe with quotes.
- Are there examples of famous drag queens of that time, even if not universally known?
Creative Twists: You can play with the format! Maybe:
- Introduce a rival time-travelling drag queen
- Have a mini-fashion column
- Create a historical "Dear Emma" letter to answer a question from a reader from the 1940s
Remember to always present a light and upbeat message - drag history is full of grit and glamour, and that mix makes a truly unique story.
