Hello my darling dears! Your favourite time-travelling tutu-tastic queen, Emma, is back with another peek into the glittering world of drag history! This month, my magical pink tutu whisked me back to the 12th of December, 1943. Hold onto your tiaras, loves, this oneās a real corker!
Now, you might be thinking, 1943? Thatās during the war, right? You betcha! But even wartime couldnāt keep the fierce spirit of drag down. It was a time of darkness and uncertainty, but amidst the shadows, drag provided a glimmer of joy, escapism, and above all, absolute fabulousness!
As I sashayed through the smoky bars and dimly lit theaters of 1943, it was like stepping into a vintage film noir. The ladies, they were truly glamorous, darlings. Think pin curls, full-blown gowns, and those stunning hats that would make even the Queen envious! It was truly a testament to the resilient nature of the drag community that they could maintain such elegance even in the face of adversity.
Of course, not everything was easy. You had to be a bit cheeky, a bit daring, to get away with dressing in drag during those times. Many venues were underground, secret gatherings that served as safe havens for those who dared to express themselves outside of societal norms.
Imagine this, darlings! Picture yourself in a smoky basement, the music low and pulsating. Itās hot and close, filled with whispers and the clink of glasses. There you are, bathed in a spotlight, dressed to the nines, delivering your heart out, creating an illusion of magic and beauty amidst the gloom. That was drag in 1943, a beacon of hope in a world that sorely needed it.
I had the absolute delight of stumbling upon a rather extraordinary performance in a dingy but oh-so-charming underground cabaret in New York City. The headliner, a divine drag queen known simply as "Lola," was the spitting image of Jean Harlow! She had this mesmerizing way of moving, all those sultry, come-hither glances that made even the toughest guys melt! Imagine, if you will, a shimmering sequined gown with a neckline that could practically put you in a trance, coupled with ruby red lips and a perfectly sculpted wave of auburn hair. You simply couldnāt help but be enchanted! Lolaās performance was a triumph, a testament to the sheer power of self-expression. The audience roared their approval, showering Lola with adulation, a wave of love and acceptance that transcended even the direst of times.
My own adventures in 1943 led me further afield, a delightful journey to London, the capital of cool! While war-torn London wasnāt exactly a beacon of bright lights and glitzy nights, I did stumble upon a charming little gathering, a private soiree held in the back room of a pub. They called it āThe Lavender Lounge,ā a secret sanctuary for the local drag queens, a safe space for laughter and liberation.
Now, these girls were tough, darling, survivors! Theyād put their hearts and souls into their looks, repurposing fabrics and materials to create show-stopping gowns and fabulous wigs. It was a lesson in ingenuity and resourcefulness, and those wartime girls absolutely owned it! They didn't have fancy couture houses to cater to them, but with creativity and a sprinkle of flair, they made something spectacular out of nothing.
We sang along to war-era swing music, a mixture of sadness and defiance that spoke to the complexities of the time. The drag queens, they told stories, they shared jokes, and they reminded us that even amidst the hardships, laughter and self-expression were more than just a distraction ā they were an act of resistance, a way of saying, "We're here, we're fierce, and we're not going anywhere."
You know, darling, thatās the beauty of drag ā it has this remarkable ability to rise above any adversity. Whether it's a world war, a political turmoil, or just plain bad taste, the spirit of drag finds a way to flourish, to bring laughter, joy, and above all, a celebration of individuality! And you know, that's what my mission is all about: to inspire every one of you to embrace the joy of being you! Let your freak flag fly, and rock that fabulous pink tutu, darling. Because when youāre rocking it, you're owning it!
And with that, my dears, it's time for this tutu-tastic time traveller to sign off! Be sure to check back next month for more dazzling drag history adventures. Donāt forget to spread the love, the glitter, and the pink!
Lots of love and lip gloss,
Your Tutu-Tastic Queen, Emma xx
