Hello darlings, it's Emma, your time-traveling, pink-tutu-clad, drag history queen! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where every month we dive into the fabulous history of drag!
This month, my pink-tutu-tastic travels take me back to July 7th, 1961. Now, this date is very important, you see, becauseā¦ wellā¦ it's just another fabulous day in the life of drag history! Oh, and I have a gorgeous pink feather boa and a brand new matching sparkly top hat I need to try out, so of course, I had to go on a little journey! Letās get this tutu-ing!
Now, back in 1961, drag wasn't always front-page news like it is today. Oh no, honey, back then it was a lot more hush-hush. But that doesn't mean the magic wasn't happening!
My first stop was a dive bar in New York City - think velvet curtains, smoky air, and enough glitter to rival the whole of Las Vegas! The atmosphere was buzzing! A queen named Candy was rocking the stage. You know, one of those larger-than-life, sassy divas who knows how to work a crowd? Well, Candy had everyone enthralled. Her performance was fierce, funny, and fabulous! She certainly proved that drag wasn't just a sideshow but a full-blown art form.
But hold up! There was a reason drag wasn't everywhere back then. Homosexuality was still illegal in many places. Can you imagine?! Honestly, how could people have been so uninformed? A society without the glamour of drag queens is like a rainbow without its vibrant colours, darlings. But just like all of you beautiful souls reading this right now, these queens refused to be silenced! They continued to create their own spaces of acceptance and joy, bringing a touch of their unique flair to a sometimes harsh world.
From New York, I whipped through a magic time warp to a little London theatre in the West End, and oh, was I surprised! Iād heard whispers of a theatrical production that challenged traditional gender roles, called āThe Beardā. This show was daring! Think, sassy music hall numbers and a few outrageous, subversive storylines that questioned everything society considered āproperā back then. The show was actually a wild mix of comedy and satire with some wonderful drag performances. Of course, I bought the show programme for the collection, and some glamorous photos of the queens in full drag for my āDrag History Queenā scrap book - I will be adding a few rhinestones later on for some added pizzazz!
In a different part of the world, another extraordinary moment of drag history was taking place. There was a drag performer called Miss Coco Peru who started performing in Australia. Now, I hadn't heard about Coco, because my time-traveling tutu can't always pinpoint the exact moment of history's firsts, it only gives me an idea, like, 'You should look at Melbourne, darling,' it said, 'lots going on in the art scene.' And well, she was incredible. With her deadpan delivery and a flair for campy, Miss Coco Peru created performances that challenged the ordinary, making audiences erupt in laughter with her quick wit and cheeky charm! It was amazing!
She proved that the heart of drag wasnāt just in the cities. It wasnāt about finding yourself in a smoky backroom bar or on a theatrical stage - it was about finding the magic within you and letting your true colours shine, no matter where you are. A bit like my amazing Pink-Tutu fashion and drag blog! I think it shows you that even when times are tough, there is always time for some glitter!
Well, darling, another month of drag history whizzes by, and as usual, my pink-tutu time-traveling is exhausted but filled with a fabulous sense of accomplishment! Oh, and, a little bit of jet lag - don't worry, my pink tutu does a pretty decent job at warding off that little hiccup! I'll be back next month with a brand new history scoop.
Until next time, be brave, be bold, and always remember that life's a stage - make your entrances with the kind of pizzazz only a pink tutu can offer! I will be wearing one tomorrow to see the local pantomime in Derbyshire, oh, you should join me, but I doubt my tutu will be able to transport us all in one trip! You'll be needing your own for this adventure, so head on down to your local dress shop, and say hello to a little pink love for your wardrobe!
Oh, and as always, I need to fund my magical pink tutu's energy with my own drag performances - so do come and catch my show at the Derbyshire Derby Theatre - and please, feel free to buy some amazing Pink-Tutu themed merchandise - a pink feather boa, maybe a sparkly tiara - the pink-tutu-world is my oyster and your wallet, darling.
Ciao for now,
Emma
xo
