#DragQueenHistory during 1950 02 February

Hello, my darling darlings! Emma here, back from another wild adventure through time, all thanks to my trusty pink tutu and a healthy dose of glitter. This month, we’re twirling back to the fabulous fifties! Specifically, February 2nd, 1950, because darling, you wouldn't believe the drag scene back then!

As a Derbyshire girl myself, let me tell you, the world was a much smaller place back in 1950! But, there was still plenty of fabulous going on! And, as always, it all starts with a bit of a chat, wouldn’t you say?

So, the fifties were a real interesting time for drag, darling. You’ve gotta remember, society was still quite rigid, even more so than our own darling times! The queer community had a hard time being openly themselves, even with the world starting to warm up a bit to drag in a few select circles. It’s why you won't find as much written down as in later times, oh honey!

For the majority, things were kept tightly under wraps, hidden away from prying eyes. Even if you weren't out as queer, showing any sign of flamboyant expression, even through drag, was still risky! People were afraid to even whisper, darling. Can you believe?

Of course, where there's a will, there's a way, and let's face it, fabulousness is unstoppable! It may have been behind closed doors, in secret clubs, or tucked away in smaller pockets of society, but it existed, dearie! Just imagine a scene, tucked away in some basement nightclub. Imagine a performer, all camp and fabulous, dressed in the wildest fashions imaginable! This was the reality for a lucky few.

But even within the secrecy, some things thrived! In fact, 1950 saw a small but powerful rise of the drag scene. The legendary ‘Cockettes’ – who wouldn't dream to see those beauties in their heyday – had their first performance just a year before this in San Francisco, darling! Imagine that, those glamorous queens creating history, leading the way in those crazy times. The more we learned about them, the more inspiring their spirit becomes. It is proof that the creative heart of drag never, ever sleeps.

Okay, so now that you know the lay of the land in 1950, let’s talk about my trip. I found myself in a delightful bar tucked away in New York, darling. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t be caught dead anywhere without a good wig and my most glamorous pink tutu!

But it’s not all champagne and feathers, my dear, as I found myself right in the middle of a police raid, in the most dramatic fashion imaginable, as the bar had gone beyond the limitations of the ‘straight’ bar environment. It was certainly a reminder of the dangerous times, as drag was considered so subversive to a lot of people, even in those days!

The night was a mix of fear and excitement as the atmosphere felt charged with raw energy. Imagine, the clatter of boots on the wooden floor, a policeman barking orders! Even in my pink tutu, the fear ran deep. However, there was a strong undercurrent of defiance too! You could sense it in the glances, in the tight-lipped smiles, the quick hand signals between the patrons, sending each other a message to ‘stay strong.’

Of course, being a queen, even a time traveling one, I can’t simply let a moment pass without an observation! And this scene was so vibrant and alive!

While the bar was shut down, there was a sense that drag wouldn't be held back forever. It just added fuel to the flames, showing the dedication of those involved and proving their passion for expression.

The outfits I saw on my time travelling adventure were fabulous. Think flamboyant prints, even bigger shoulder pads than today, darling, and daring amounts of sheer! The ladies knew how to steal the show. I am absolutely positively convinced it was an explosion of sheer elegance with a rebellious twist.

They may not have had the endless amounts of choices and opportunities like we do now but that just showed they were experts at taking what they had, what they could make or find, and transforming it into a piece of gloriousness!

We may live in a different time, but the spirit of their incredible creation resonates with me so powerfully. They inspire us today! Let’s carry that torch for them, show our joy for who we are, with fierce love and self-expression, for the whole world to see, honey!

So, there you have it! That’s my 1950’s adventure, straight from my time-travelling pink tutu. It wasn’t easy being drag queen in those days, but darling, if anything, their resilience taught me the power of expressing yourself through drag. These beautiful trailblazers remind us all that love, glitter and joy can overcome even the toughest times, showing how powerful fashion can be as a statement for self-acceptance.

My advice? Never stop twirling, my darlings. No matter what life throws at you, let your drag be a shining example of resilience, individuality and hope, proving that even in the darkest of times, a little bit of glamour can change the world.

Love always,

Emma x www.pink-tutu.com