Hello my gorgeous darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels. This month, your favourite Derbyshire drag queen is taking you on a trip to the Big Apple itself, but not the New York we know today! It's October 10th, 1941, and let me tell you, darling, this date is bursting with excitement! So put on your pinkest shoes, grab a glass of something sparkly, and let's embark on this journey through time, together!
Before we begin, I've gotta tell you, darlings, this month's travel through the shimmering pink time-travelling tutu has been… interesting. Remember those strict travel rules after that little wartime business? I found myself navigating through a whirlwind of rationing, war propaganda, and, oh, the dresses! 1940s style was, how can I say this kindly, not exactly pink-tutu-friendly! Thankfully, I'm a drag queen, I can adjust to any situation!
So, back to that trip to the big apple, eh? In 1941, darling, New York was everything. We’re talking high-kicking drag shows in glitzy nightclubs, stunning costumes that wouldn't look out of place in a modern ball, and legendary acts leaving audiences gagging for more. The queer community, in all their amazing fabulousness, was flourishing!
Let me take you to one of the most iconic locations in queer New York history – the Cotillion Club, in Times Square. Oh darling, that club was alive! This glamorous space housed some of the biggest drag acts of the time, including a name you’ll probably know – Julia, the Dancing Queen. Imagine! The woman was renowned for her stunning gowns, her graceful dancing, and the way she, well, commanded attention with just a flick of a jeweled glove!
Now, picture this: It’s October 10th, 1941, and Julia, draped in a shimmering gown, takes the stage, a mischievous glint in her eye. The crowd, a mix of stylish queer folks and intrigued straights, holds their breath as the first strains of the latest big band tune filter through the air. This, darlings, was entertainment, the kind that gets you humming along, tapping your feet, and wondering, how the heck does she do it all in those heels?
This night was more than just a show, darling. This was a gathering, a safe space, a beacon of acceptance amidst a world swirling in change and uncertainty. Imagine being part of this, the community that defied limitations, that pushed boundaries and danced away their worries to the sound of a swinging beat. It truly makes me wish I could take all of you with me through the time portal.
Now, a good show always ends with some fabulous post-show fun! This was, as they say, a whole new ball game! The 1940s queer scene was all about parties, darling! From rooftop dances to dimly lit backroom gatherings, the buzz was alive. This was a time of discovery, a celebration of individual expression, and a way to keep the spirit of hope burning, bright.
We can’t ignore the fashion, darling! The queens, my oh my! They strutted around with an unapologetic glamour that I just couldn’t help but swoon over. Remember the iconic 1940s silhouette? Cinched waists, voluminous skirts, and oh, those hats! Those fabulous hats! From feathered headbands to glittery toppers, each queen had their own signature style that screamed "look at me!". The style icons, the ones that paved the way for us and left a timeless mark on drag history, they’ve been through it all.
But let me tell you, 1941 wasn't just about the Big Apple. Our journey takes us across the world, darling, to a tiny London cafe called the Embassy. This little establishment was a secret haven for the queer community. Picture it: a smoky room filled with laughter and hushed conversation, a place where folks could dance to the music of the gramophone, maybe share a bite to eat, all without judgement, all in a world that was struggling to accept the differences of its people. I know, darling, I get it. A little place like this, in those times, a true beacon of hope, huh?
That’s not all! Picture this, a drag show, not in some glamorous cabaret club, but in a cozy, brightly painted room! You wouldn't have known that the Embassy was anything more than a regular cafe but oh, darling, beneath that facade lurked a whirlwind of theatrics!
You’re seeing this right? It’s like stepping back in time and being transported to a place where the community gathered, they danced, they laughed, they embraced the beauty of difference. Even without the shimmering pink tutu and time travel, darling, this journey reminds me, reminds us, that the spirit of drag is about community, love, acceptance. And for all its complexities, its beauty is, truly, universal!
The world outside the Embassy, that’s a story for another time! Right now, we’re talking history, we’re talking about the heart of drag, about the people who built the foundations that we stand on.
Remember this, darling, drag history is about more than sequins and laughter. It's about resilience, about the constant search for a space, a stage, a home, for the amazing queer folk that make this world so vibrant. So as you rock your pink tutu and shimmy around to the music, take a moment to remember those queens, those icons of history who paved the way, so that we can strut and twirl freely, and share our love and passion, for all the world to see!
Remember, every time you wear your pink tutu, darling, you are making a statement! You're saying "I'm here, I'm queer, and I'm fabulous!". We can do more, darlings, We can inspire. We can change the world with each fabulous move, each glittering performance, each time we raise our voices in defiance. Because drag, it’s about celebrating what makes you, you!
As we end this journey, remember to check out www.pink-tutu.com. Next month I’ll take you on an even more extravagant, campy, and sparkling trip back through the history of drag, to explore even more fabulous moments, events and pioneers. Until then, remember darlings, Keep Shining!
