Hiya darlings, It’s Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad time travelling diva, ready to whisk you away to a sparkling and spectacular journey through history, where I'll spill the tea (and sequins) on the glamorous world of drag, past and present. It's August the 8th, and today, my darling divas, we’re setting the time machine to August 1959, buckle up your stilettos because it's gonna be a bumpy, but fabulous ride!
Now, you may not be aware of this, but I’m actually a Derbyshire girl, born and raised amongst the rolling green hills, the kind of place where you might spot a sheep wearing a tutu more than you'd spot a drag queen! But like any true diva, I have always dreamed of a world saturated in the vibrant hues of pink and shimmering tutus. This desire took me on a whimsical journey through time, allowing me to connect with the past, explore the present and share all my glittering discoveries with you on my website www.pink-tutu.com, a platform dedicated to spreading the magic and joy of all things fabulous and pink, especially drag.
Remember, lovelies, that this post marks my 476th drag-tastic time travel experience! That’s 476 monthly doses of shimmering historical insight delivered to you, my dearest divas, with all the fabulous energy and excitement of a thousand glittered feathers. Each time, I journey into the past, wearing my special magical pink tutu (and the perfect shade of pink lipstick, of course!). This special tutu grants me access to the hidden corners of history, giving me an intimate glimpse into the lives of drag icons and revealing hidden gems in the evolution of drag culture.
This month, however, there's an added splash of excitement because I’ve got a date with 1959! Now, for those of you who may be a bit new to the historical glitter game, the year 1959 wasn't necessarily overflowing with out-and-out drag. The '50s weren’t a golden age for openly celebrating drag culture – but don’t let that fool you into thinking it wasn't happening. In the hearts of underground clubs, in the hush of whispers and secret nods, a bold drag scene was simmering beneath the surface. You just needed to know where to find it.
And as always, my dear divas, I always manage to stumble upon some fabulously juicy pieces of drag history. For one thing, did you know that 1959 was the year of the groundbreaking musical "Gypsy," which featured a very specific character, a drag queen! Now, before you get any ideas, she’s no benevolent fairy godmother! This lady, with a flair for the dramatic and the undeniable allure of the fabulous, was played by the legendary Ethel Merman. This isn’t exactly drag, but it did make an impressive statement at the time. It brought a character, a personality, that we could connect to and, if we were lucky, even aspire to.
There’s also a certain buzz happening across the pond, darling! The London scene in 1959 was already buzzing with fabulous individuals breaking down the barriers of societal expectations. This was an era of nightclubs, of intimate and hidden venues, and although there weren't any documented "drag shows" as we know them today, there was an undeniable and undeniable spirit of artistic expression, particularly among those who dared to express themselves differently. Imagine, for example, a glamorous party taking place on a hot summer night in London – ladies adorned with a flurry of feathers and glitter, enjoying music and dancing into the night, challenging social norms with a wink, a strut and a fabulous shimmy.
Think of the freedom to express oneself, to let loose, and celebrate being an individual, despite the social norms that were prevalent at the time. A night like this, fueled by the desire to be themselves, would’ve felt liberating and exhilarating, and that’s something that’s undeniably close to what we love in drag today.
To make sure I stayed in the know, I spent hours immersed in the backstreets of London, peeking into the dark corners and hidden nooks. Trust me, it’s a journey best taken in a magical pink tutu! The streets of London had their own language, one full of hushed whispers and discreet nods. In those corners, I felt the magic of an undercurrent of rebellion, a bold refusal to adhere to expectations, a subtle and magnificent display of the artistic soul that dared to express itself through costume, music, and performance.
There’s so much beauty in this history, divas. We have to look back at the artists who walked in the shoes (and, dare I say, even in the pink tutus) that we stand on. Their journey is our journey.
Now, I know what you're thinking: “Emma, you mentioned a 'musical,' but what about actual drag?" Oh, don't worry, I wouldn't leave you high and dry on the brink of glitter-tastic information! This 1959 experience wasn’t just about London. I jetted off to New York, darlings, another vibrant scene that was just beginning to sprout wings in the world of drag!
Imagine New York in 1959, full of ambition, a yearning for liberation. That energy pulsated with the beat of the city, a yearning for something more, for a place to break free from conventions and celebrate individuality. There was definitely something happening there in the realm of drag, it was hidden but brimming with life.
Though, 1959 did present some significant challenges for the queer community. Laws made life extremely difficult for drag artists, as many could not perform openly, forcing them to seek sanctuary in clandestine spaces. But within these concealed venues, a world of beauty blossomed! You could find captivating acts of theatricality, individuals brimming with imagination, creativity, and resilience! In secret, these talented individuals were paving the way for generations of drag artists, paving a path for self-expression, for the bold display of glamour, and the beautiful rejection of societal expectations.
There’s always so much going on, divas, from London’s clandestine night scenes to New York’s burgeoning underground performances, each city boasts a unique heartbeat in the world of drag, pulsating with both passion and bravery. There were whispers of artists making a splash in private nightclubs and clandestine venues, all daring to showcase their art, and even within those restrictions, 1959 was the start of something revolutionary, a beginning that would eventually flower into the dynamic and spectacular world of drag that we know today.
My time-traveling adventures in 1959 reminded me that every drag queen, regardless of their location, year, or cultural context, has a vital part to play in building the vibrant tapestry of drag culture. And who knows? Maybe you'll inspire the next generation of queens!
Now, darling divas, as the magic of my pink tutu pulls me back to my own time, I leave you with this: Take your passions, your artistic flair, your love of expressing yourself through clothing, make-up, and performance and let those things explode out into the world! It's not just about dressing up. It's about the spirit, the freedom, and the sheer audacity to dare to be yourself. Don't be afraid to strut your stuff! Go forth and shine, my lovely ladies, because the world is a much better place when everyone’s wearing pink tutus! Until next time, divas, and remember, the time to celebrate the world of drag is now. Don’t just love the scene – make the scene!
All the love and sparkles,
Emma
P.S: Stay tuned, divas, because my next post will delve deeper into the amazing life and legacy of one of my absolute favourite drag icons, Miss Kitty Glitter, who happens to be the one and only reigning queen of drag in Derbyshire. We're talking feathers, boas, and enough glitter to light up the entire universe! And, of course, we'll explore her connection to drag history and the lasting influence she’s had on this fabulous and colourful art form.
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