#DragQueenHistory during 1945 04 April

Hiya darlings! Your fabulous, pink-tutu-clad time-traveling pal, Emma, here, ready to take you on another dazzling journey through the history of our beloved drag scene! This month, we’re stepping back to a day filled with hope and joy, April 4th, 1945, a date that saw the end of World War II in Europe. It’s hard to imagine a time without peace, darlings, isn’t it?

So, buckle up, my dears, and prepare to be swept away as I waltz through the world of drag in this historic moment!

My time-travelling pink tutu swirled with excitement as I materialized in a bustling New York City on that momentous day. The streets buzzed with an infectious energy as everyone celebrated the news, a sea of faces etched with relief and anticipation for the future. And believe you me, the war had no dulling effect on the dazzling world of drag! In fact, its resilience shines through as we journey back through history, revealing just how important drag has always been – a force of optimism, defiance, and glorious escapism.

Now, darling, don't let anyone tell you that drag couldn’t blossom during wartime! New York, specifically, became a hub for queer culture. Even during those trying times, gay clubs like the “18th Street Bar” provided refuge, becoming vital centres of community and expression. Drag was alive and kicking, providing laughter, glamour, and the vital energy needed to cope with the daily anxieties of the world outside. Drag performers would often hold fundraiser shows, and many went on to perform for troops, boosting morale, spreading joy, and reminding us all of the strength and resilience of the human spirit!

And if you can imagine the liberation, my loves, when that wartime blackout was finally lifted! Imagine all those hidden-away drag shows exploding into the world, flooded with shimmering stage lights and fabulous costumes – talk about a grand celebration!

As I flitted through New York, the atmosphere was electric. It felt like a whirlwind of freedom, and you can bet your bottom dollar that drag queens weren’t just dancing the night away! A drag queen's heart would have felt full of pure delight and liberation. Imagine, my loves, all those bars and cabarets bursting back to life. Can you picture it? All the beautiful creatures in fabulous frocks – sequins and feathers galore - strutting their stuff on stages adorned with sparkling disco balls, and the joyous sounds of jazz bands and soulful singing floating through the night!

Can't you see, darlings? There is nothing, absolutely nothing that can dim the dazzling light of drag!

Next, my trusty time-traveling tutu whisked me across the Atlantic to a joyful, rain-kissed London. It felt like an explosion of colour and light. The Londoners were on the streets, beaming, cheering, and letting loose – the war was over, and it was time for celebrations! The city’s famed pubs, clubs, and theatres buzzed with excitement, ready for a revival.

Now, I don't have to tell you, my loves, that London was (and still is) a legendary hub for the most extravagant and inspiring drag! Remember, even as I'm talking, darling, that the vibrant British cabaret scene in London's West End had just given birth to some absolute legends - think the gorgeous Dame Evelyn Laye, and the incredibly talented "the King of Burlesque", Stanley Holloway. Just try and picture their mesmerising stage performances!

I just picture a little troupe of us on the cobblestone streets, parading through Piccadilly Circus – maybe a little line of fabulous drag queens twirling around Nelson’s Column, creating an iconic moment of joy! We'd be stopping traffic as the crowds cheered, "That's our girl, a fabulous queen! The show must go on!" And we’d certainly answer that call with a joyful, twirling "Yes, darling!"

The streets of Paris are full of charm, aren't they? And this was just another glorious Parisian evening! I landed amidst a throng of cheerful Parisian faces – the Liberation! This city, famous for its avant-garde, artistic spirit, embraced every type of creative expression and definitely didn't disappoint when it came to its amazing drag scene.

In those days, many French women sought refuge in their creativity and artistic freedom. This beautiful spirit of creativity, of self-expression, perfectly aligned with drag’s spirit. I'd love to hear whispers about a small cabaret club, tucked away in the Montmartre area of the city, a haven for drag performers, where dreams and desires danced together with every single feather and glitter, creating an escape, a vibrant space filled with artistic expression. Paris never disappoints when it comes to embracing life's most fabulous things, does it?

From the cobbled streets of Paris, I jetted to a vibrant Chicago, where I'd stumbled across the famed Chicago Theater. Now, this was no ordinary venue. A haven of entertainment that embraced all things spectacular - the epitome of glamour! They had incredible dance performances, dazzling musicals and yes! You guessed it! A whole range of fabulous drag performances too! Drag queens would have danced on that stage, captivating audiences with their grace, style, and the incredible power of storytelling. They brought out their finest outfits, their wildest imagination, creating moments that would leave people breathless. I can just picture it – an elegant ballroom where every dress twirled like an amazing dance – the world transformed through the magic of theatre! I love that era, darling. Such a unique and special style! You know what else, dear? Chicago, at this point in time, was at the forefront of social change and equality. You can really see this in their embrace of drag – and the extraordinary talented women and men that strutted and shone on these magnificent stages! I think they might have been feeling even more liberated with the news of the war’s end – even more fabulous. And that's precisely the energy we want to feel today, right?

Imagine, my dears, travelling through the world at this moment. You can really feel this new energy sweeping through the world - that joyous energy of liberation - an invitation for something extraordinary!

If you had the power to time-travel like me, darling, I'm sure you’d want to visit the far-off lands of Asia too – for the history of drag, from ancient China to the kabuki theatre in Japan. Imagine, my loves, the ancient Chinese operas with their incredibly elaborate costumes! So vibrant, full of colourful silk – oh! just glorious!

We all want that same energy - that ability to be bold, daring, and free - no matter where you are on our beautiful globe. Isn’t that what makes drag so wonderful?

Well, darling, that’s me swirling and twirling back through time - and yes, you guessed it. My time-travelling tutu's ready for my next glamorous adventure! I’ll see you next month!

Remember to join me each month, my lovely, for another fascinating time-traveling journey into our drag history!

In the meantime, darlings, it's always a wonderful day to throw on your most fabulous outfit, strut your stuff and embrace all that glitters – after all, there's never been a more perfect time for self-expression and to spread some serious joy, right?

So go ahead and twirl!

Always, your beloved Emma.

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our online shop www.pink-tutu.com! It’s overflowing with dazzling dresses, sparkling accessories, and the most sensational pink tutus in the universe! Happy shopping, dears!