Hiya darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling drag queen, back with another fabulous trip through drag history!
This month, we're twirling back to the 11th of November, 1947, and oh honey, let me tell you, things were getting juicy! Now, I know what you're thinking, "Emma, why 1947?" Well, dear readers, this date marks the birth of a drag legend, the queen of camp, the undisputed, untouchable, divine Divine! Yes, yes, you read that right! That iconic, big-haired, larger-than-life goddess was born Harry James Harris on this very day.
So, naturally, I donned my most vibrant pink tutu and whizzed through time to see what drag scene was bubbling in the States! I just had to be there when this drag superstar was first emerging! Now, remember, the '40s were a time of major change - America was still shaking off the dust of World War II and things were getting groovy, like the introduction of rock 'n roll. The stage was set for a completely different kind of drag!
As soon as I stepped into that time-warp, I felt the energy change! I could see the underground scene pulsing, full of life and rebellious fun. And here's what really got me excited, my dears - drag wasn't confined to theatres and nightclubs. Oh, no! There were "drag balls" - a massive street-style celebration of drag artistry! I mean, imagine a block party just for drag queens! The energy, the creativity, the boldness! That's where Divine was getting her start, you see - right in the streets!
And this brings us to a very important point. When we think about drag history, we need to remember that drag didn't start in the glamorous clubs or in glitzy TV shows. It started in the streets, at drag balls, in people's homes! It was about community, it was about expression, it was about embracing the boldest, most authentic version of yourself, whatever that meant!
Speaking of the streets, the 11th of November, 1947 wasn't just about Divine, honey, it was also about a burgeoning drag scene that wasn't afraid to take to the streets! You'd see drag queens strutting around town in their best feather boas and sparkling dresses, turning heads and bringing a sparkle to the streets. And, as if it couldn't get more exciting, those were the early days of ballroom culture.
Now, ballroom culture may be in the mainstream now, with iconic TV shows like Pose bringing it to a whole new audience, but in 1947, it was just starting to blossom! In Harlem and the Bronx, the Harlem Ball started gaining momentum. Think competition, think glamour, think showstopping outfits! These queens weren't just doing drag, they were creating drag, pushing boundaries and redefining beauty.
Can you imagine, dears, strutting your stuff down a New York street, all glammed up, feathers flying, knowing you're creating something revolutionary, something powerful!? It's hard not to get chills just thinking about it.
And remember, those queens weren't just dancing and having a laugh. They were part of a movement, challenging societal norms, fighting for recognition, carving out their space in a world that wasn't always welcoming.
Now, back to my favourite Divine, who, by 1947, was still finding his own unique voice. He was exploring fashion, playing with character, developing that larger-than-life personality that would one day captivate the world! Divine was the kind of drag queen who knew how to grab your attention and make you laugh. And remember, humour is such an essential part of drag - it breaks barriers, it brings people together, it's about having fun, and letting loose.
Imagine a world without drag! A world without fabulous performances, without the boldness of those feather boas, without the laughter, the joy, the art of transformation! It wouldn't be the same.
It was such a privilege to see where it all began, and to see the foundation of a movement that would go on to change the face of entertainment and give a voice to the most extra among us.
As for my adventures, the pink tutu continues to whisk me through history, showing me that drag isn't about trends or rules, it's about being brave enough to express yourself, no matter how extra you choose to be! And that's what makes this journey so magical.
Now, my darlings, I gotta dash! I'm already off to my next pink tutu-filled escapade in history! Remember, you can find all my fabulous posts on www.pink-tutu.com and follow me on @PinkTutuTimeTraveler for all the latest drag news and adventures! And remember, dear readers, embrace your own inner fabulousness, wear pink, wear glitter, wear your fabulousness loud and proud! See you all next month!
