Hello my darling darlings! It's Emma here, back with another slice of drag history from my latest time-travel adventure! This month, my fabulous pink tutu has whisked me back to August 8th, 1946 - a date that's about to give you major #DragQueenHistory feels! You won't believe what I've discoveredā¦
It's All About That "Miss Gay America" Pageant!
Hold onto your fabulous feather boas, my dears! This month, we're dipping our toes into the shimmering pool of the very first "Miss Gay America" pageant! Can you imagine, the OG drag competition?! The year is 1946, and in the vibrant city of Atlantic City, New Jersey, a pioneering event is about to take place. A historic pageant celebrating drag, celebrating its artists, and paving the way for a future overflowing with glitter and glorious expression.
Now, I know what you're thinking - thatās an absolute icon of drag history, but why on August 8th? Well, darling, the initial competition was actually planned for May 30th of the same year. It wasn't a walk in the park though - the powers that be tried to put a stop to it, fearing what it represented. But like the fabulous queens they were, the organisers, particularly Miss Jackie Miller, pushed forward, holding strong against opposition and securing that space for expression and celebrating drag.
They had to postpone the event until August 8th, which, you guessed it, landed right in the midst of the glorious "Miss Gay America" pageant, the original, and I daresay, the one that ignited the entire scene. They battled against those trying to keep them down and secured the right to perform, showcasing the incredible talents of drag. Talk about dedication, talk about strength, talk about the very roots of drag being all about claiming your space and showing them who's boss. I absolutely love how they pushed through and made their dream a reality!
Beyond the Stage:
But wait! This isnāt just about the "Miss Gay America" pageant ā there's so much more to explore on this fascinating day!
My little pink tutu-powered journey takes me through the bustling streets, the energy pulsating around me, and Iām getting major historical inspiration. The world's coming back to life after a long period of war. You've got all these amazing new styles popping up everywhere. Itās like an explosion of fashion, colours, and joy as everyone embraces that freedom we all yearn for. It feels just like the feeling when we get to put on that extra glam, don a killer dress, and strut on that stage!
Now, you can imagine how this explosion of glamour resonated with me, especially when I walked by a newsstand. The cover story was all about the legendary New York fashion designer, Adrian, whose name was already a hot topic back then. He was like a rock star of the fashion world! Imagine his influence, dressing up the Hollywood A-listers, bringing in those breathtaking silhouettes and fabrics - talk about pure drag fashion inspiration, and talk about a truly revolutionary spirit, much like those who took part in the "Miss Gay America" pageant.
That same day, right next door in Hollywood, some big movie magic was unfolding, but what does it have to do with drag, you ask? The premiere of āThe Yearlingā, a movie with that gorgeous, timeless Gregory Peck, was taking place. But what has this got to do with drag? Well, you see, he was about to become a movie heartthrob, captivating hearts all across the world - like, canāt you imagine him donning that feather boa, wearing the ultimate, divine, sparkly tutu, and stealing the show? His fashion, his movements, his charm ā all very ādragā donāt you think?!
What else was happening around the world on this exciting date in drag history?
The world was abuzz, but here's what also caught my eye! A fashion revolution was brewing in Paris, with Christian Dior's debut collection sending ripples of excitement throughout the global fashion scene. The "New Look", as it came to be known, brought in full skirts, fitted waists, and just imagine all those fabulous fabrics, just ready to be incorporated into a fabulous tutu! Now that's my kind of fashion! It reminds me of our drag community - so diverse, pushing boundaries, challenging conventions!
Then in Britain, on the political front, we had Clement Attlee taking the role of Prime Minister ā the same one who introduced the NHS! That's quite an exciting thing for everyone at this time ā a time of hope and new beginnings. Itās an echo of the freedom that drag provides - breaking through those boundaries and finding our voices in a space where we can be whoever we choose!
I truly believe there is always an inspiring message within each of those events - a story that speaks to the spirit of freedom and the magic that drag allows us to share.
But this adventure wasn't about simply observing ā oh no, darling! I just had to show off my own tutu skills! As the time-travelling drag queen that I am, I was already getting those outfit inspiration vibes. I hopped into a 40ās-themed bar with my gorgeous pink tutu, and to say that people were excited was a total understatement! The look was just so shocking, yet so much fun - I made the day just that bit more magical, as they say, the perfect pinch of āfabulousā - exactly what a fabulous, drag-filled time travel needs!
Pink Tutu Takeaway
So, dear readers, this 8th of August in 1946 was more than just a day - it was a day that helped to shape drag history. Weāre all celebrating that moment in drag, an evolution of art and artistry, of strength, and freedom, and we can celebrate that with all those fab tutus we all have! This is the moment I want to keep you all thinking about. The future of drag - full of excitement and sparkle - it's yours, my darlings. Just embrace those tutu dreams, darling, because anything can happen. Letās embrace the power of self-expression, wear our hearts on our sleeves and on our tutus. This is our history!
Stay fabulous, my loves!
Love, Emma xx
Don't forget to join me next month for more fabulous pink-tutu-powered adventures at www.pink-tutu.com. Until then, go forth and twirl, darling!
