#DragQueenHistory during 1955 11 November

Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu clad, time-travelling, drag historian! I'm so excited to be writing to you today, because we're going on a truly fab journey back to the glorious fifties!

This month, I've decided to channel my inner "I love Lucy" and time-travel to 11th November, 1955. The world of drag was humming with excitement on this date, believe you me! Just think, darling, the legendary Liberace was absolutely dominating the music scene, and while I didn't make it to his shows in Vegas (I think even my magical pink tutu can't bend space-time THAT much!) the gossip in the air was buzzing! He was a true icon, smashing stereotypes and being fabulous. That's the kind of spirit we need more of in the world, wouldn't you agree, darlings?

But what's the biggest story of all, you ask? Well, I found a whole new dimension to 1955's drag scene that you simply have to know about! It's a true story of inspiration, community, and the undeniable power of drag. Let me whisk you back in time, dear readers!

Before you even utter the word, "Stonewall", darling, I know what you're thinking! Were there secret drag balls happening before 1969? Absolutely! It seems that 1950s New York was a hidden treasure trove for the queer community. Imagine it: cafes filled with the aroma of smoky jazz, a touch of glamour hidden beneath the surface, and underground gatherings bubbling with drag queens!

Imagine the sheer delight of dancing the night away, swirling those twirly skirts and flaunting some truly glamorous attire! The scene in the 1950s, especially amongst drag queens, was a tight-knit network, with individuals supporting each other in a world where being "different" was frowned upon. This sense of community, the resilience in the face of societal pressures, reminds me of all the wonderful queer families I see today. It makes me so proud to call myself part of this vibrant, ever-evolving scene.

I've been doing some intense research, darling! While information about these hidden drag balls in the fifties is sparse, there are clues!

Here are a few things that I've unearthed so far:

1. "The After-Hours" Scene: Think about the underground clubs where queer folks could gather. Imagine small, smoky bars with music thrumming beneath the air, hidden away in backstreets or basements. There, within these hidden oases, drag queens could step onto a makeshift stage, creating moments of magic and dazzling entertainment. Imagine those glamorous gowns flowing, and those perfect, expressive faces captivating audiences. Now that's something worth travelling for!

2. "Drag As Protest": It may surprise you, but drag played a powerful role in defying social norms back in the day. By presenting a more open, daring version of their identity, drag queens challenged restrictive societal standards, even in those times of relative social conservatism. They became a vibrant representation of defying expectations and living authentically. Imagine, just imagine! I adore the fact that even in those days, the human spirit of creativity and expression shone through.

3. "Finding Our Families": Let's face it, darling, throughout history, gay communities were more hidden and had to find their way, which is exactly what those queens did. Finding that support network, those places where you could let your flag fly, be who you truly were? Imagine the sheer thrill of discovery! Just like we have "the scene" today, those underground gatherings allowed them to create a space, their space, where they were loved and accepted.

I know I just went on a little trip there, darling! But what a trip it was!

I had to try and put a "vintage fifties" drag look together for my latest time travel jaunt. Here’s the tea on this month’s look, and it is one you’re going to adore, darlings:

• The Tutu, Obviously: Darling, my tutu is a classic fifties, pink confection! Think “pleated” to the maximum, soft, pastel hues, and delicate tulle. Think pink chiffon and lots of tulle with just a dash of white for extra oomph It was absolutely perfect for my little time-travelling adventure!

• “Tea Room Chic” Top: This wasn't a vintage find, but let’s get real: it’s going to look fabulous in any time period! I styled my look with a little pearl button top. Think, just think! It added an element of feminine grace and delicate, vintage beauty, and paired perfectly with the tutu!

• Hair? It’s A “Curls Up High” Situation: This time I went for an iconic 1950s look with perfectly sculpted, glamorous, and utterly magnificent curls piled high atop my head. I don’t know what is more divine: my pink tutu, or these perfectly crafted, sculpted waves? Let’s just say my hairdresser is in awe of this era! It adds a vintage air of refinement that makes you feel as though you’re waltzing right onto the silver screen.

• Makeup? Like It’s 1955: A lot of "smoky eye" and "cherry red lips." A bit more dramatic, with winged eyeliner and defined, feminine features, oh darling! This look is all about drama, glamour, and just a little hint of vintage flair. It’s a classic look, perfect for any night out on the town in the 1950s or beyond. I might even just keep my makeup routine the same for next time I visit!

**This time travelling journey to 11th November 1955? It's the most wonderful example of how drag and its power to embrace identity is, as ever, unforgettable and inspiring!

And that, my darlings, is why it's essential we always celebrate the fabulous history of drag. Don’t you just love to see how much drag has evolved, while still keeping true to those timeless elements that are essential to its very soul? It’s those foundations, those stories of courage, resilience and sheer artistic expression that keep us twirling forward today, darlings.

As always, darling, thanks for joining me for another drag history adventure! Catch you next month, at www.pink-tutu.com ! **

Until then, darlings, don’t be afraid to make a bold fashion statement. I believe in the power of a pink tutu, darling! It says, "I'm fabulous," "I'm fearless," "I'm here to twirl the night away!" So go forth, embrace your inner diva, and sashay the day away!

Big hugs and even bigger, pink tutus,

Emma

* P.S. You can check out Emma's drag performances on YouTube! Search "EmmaPinkTutu".*