Hiya darlings! It's your girl, Emma, back again with another fabulous voyage through the kaleidoscope of Drag Queen History! Grab your tiaras and a cuppa, 'cause this month we're venturing back to 6th June, 1944 - right in the thick of World War II! My oh my, this trip was quite the rollercoaster, but let me tell you, it was totally worth it!
You see, darlings, being a time-travelling drag queen ain't just about twirling in my fabulous pink tutu through history (though, let's be honest, it's a big part!). It's about connecting with the drag queens of the past, discovering their stories and celebrating the incredible evolution of our art form!
Now, you might think the war would've been a drag - pun intended - for the queens of this era. But darling, we queens are never ones to be defeated! We’ve always been the embodiment of resilience, and I was eager to witness how these courageous women defied hardship to express themselves.
But first, let's get a little backstory, shall we? The world was in a turmoil on that fateful June 6th. The allies were pushing back against Nazi Germany, the Normandy landings had just begun, and Britain was still very much in the midst of the Blitz. With the bombs still dropping, I had to be extra careful with my time-travelin' pink tutu - one little flicker of tulle could attract some unwelcome attention from the air! I packed my sparkliest costume for a wartime-chic look. You know, a tutu made with parachute silk - that was my best-kept wartime secret - paired with a vintage military jacket and a sprinkle of sequins for extra glamour.
It wasn't easy navigating the bustling streets of wartime London, darling! I felt like I was in a wartime musical: bomb sirens wailed, people huddled in makeshift shelters, and I had to sidestep fallen debris, all while gracefully twirling in my tutu! The hustle and bustle wasn't stopping anyone from expressing their joy, though. A vibrant community of drag performers flourished in London at the time, defying the restrictions and hardships of wartime life.
I wandered through darkened streets lit by the eerie glow of searchlights, a touch of whimsy and joy in the middle of the grim realities. Imagine it, my lovelies! Hidden from the bombs in dingy backrooms, tucked away from prying eyes, there were hidden parties and secret drag shows! These were some seriously fierce queens - braving the darkness, fear and uncertainty to spread a little glitter and glam!
These clandestine gatherings, often dubbed “blackouts,” gave a glimpse of what the world could be. Imagine the daring acts: glamorous ladies impersonating sailors in swashbuckling drag, campy shows taking a witty swipe at wartime rationing, and fabulous fashion shows with make-up using whatever ingredients were on hand. It was raw, it was real, and it was incredibly inspiring!
I caught one particular show at the Windmill Theatre, which despite being one of the only London theatres that didn’t shut during the war, was known for its naughty, vaudeville-style humour. They were practically bathing the audience in sequins, laughter and wartime charm!
One performer in particular, a lady who called herself "Betty Buttons" caught my eye! She wore an improvised but stunning gown made from wartime ration coupons! I just knew I had to chat her up! She regaled me with tales of performing through air raids, blackout conditions, and the sheer joy of bringing laughter and joy into a world full of hardship. Betty Buttons wasn't just a drag queen, she was a survivor. She taught me that no matter what, drag queens will always find a way to shine.
I spent a gloriously decadent night with Betty, and several other ladies, as they showed me around their hidden wartime glamour hub. They were using whatever materials they could get their hands on for outfits - rationed fabric, bedsheets, and even recycled paper were all transformed into fabulous gowns and costumes! It was a stark reminder that drag, like all forms of artistic expression, thrives on innovation and creativity, and finds beauty even in hardship!
The energy in that clandestine club was electric, fuelled by a mixture of laughter, hope and determination. The music was upbeat and the air was filled with an infectious optimism, almost defying the realities of the war. I spent the evening mingling, sharing my tales of future drag (you should have seen their faces when I told them about a drag queen wearing a prosthetic head!).
The war years saw a vibrant undercurrent of defiant individuality and creativity in the form of these courageous, talented queens. The Blitz may have been a period of bombs and blackout curtains, but it was also a period of artistic flourishing! It was a time when queens, in a true show of resilience, proved that our art form could bring people together, even amidst adversity.
I've learned that, for many drag queens in the Blitz, drag became a vital source of community, camaraderie and comfort, offering a ray of glamour, wit and escapism in times of uncertainty. The queens used their talents to bring light into the darkest of times.
I returned from my time-travel adventure with a heavy heart, filled with immense respect and admiration for these pioneers. They risked so much to keep their passion for drag alive. It was a poignant reminder of the strength of human spirit, the power of community, and the everlasting appeal of glamour, even in the darkest of times.
Darling, every journey through time reminds me of how lucky we are to be part of this glorious art form. I encourage all of you to explore drag history! Every story we discover will be filled with powerful lessons and amazing journeys, teaching us so much about our past, and where we are going in the future. Don't forget to pick up a vintage costume while you're at it, darling!
And remember, there is power in tutus, in being loud, proud and always celebrating individuality.
Keep twirling, my lovelies, and always embrace the glamour!
Love and sparkle, Emma
P.S. Be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest updates, photos and sneak peeks of my next fabulous time-travel adventures!
