Hello, darlings! Your fabulous friend Emma here, and as usual, I'm buzzing to whisk you away on another dazzling adventure through drag queen history! Today, we're shimmying back to 12th December, 1961, where, as always, we'll find the world of drag glittering, fabulous, and ever so slightly scandalous!
Oh, the excitement! Today is going to be such a hootenanny. The year's coming to an end, and it's Christmas season! Even the most austere queen is sure to have a little sparkle in their eye at this time of year.
Firstly, before we head off on our trip, did you see that divine shade of pink in the sky this morning?! It was almost the same shade as my new Tutu – I absolutely adored it. Now, we wouldn't be Pink Tutu Time Travellers without a good pink tutu to keep us comfy during these temporal jaunts. It's not just about the looks, you know! When you travel through time, comfort and safety come first! We are a proper traveling ensemble. So strap yourself in, my dears, and let's be off!
This month, I'm leaving my beloved Derbyshire to take us on a journey around the globe to see what the world of drag is getting up to! There's just so much going on, and we're only a pink tutu twirl away. The beauty of these historical hops, dear readers, is that we can witness the genesis of drag's evolution across all these different places, cultures, and, oh, so many sparkly gowns.
A Spotlight On The Drag World!So, where are we heading first, my dears? It’s New York City! This buzzing, brilliant city is a true melting pot of talent, where drag performers push boundaries and redefine glamour!
Now, New York City wasn't quite the "Drag me Queen" Mecca it is now, but even back in 1961, it held its own with the famous Greenwich Village club scene! We can see this history reflected in so many talented queens, like Julie Livingston, a charismatic entertainer who played at a club called “The Bon Soir”. Julie’s story, you see, my darlings, reminds us of the long and glorious history of cross-dressing for entertainment that even precedes the term "drag”! It's a true reminder of how these brave artists, like Julie Livingston, paved the way for drag performers like myself!
Now, while in the U.S., I do think we must swing by Los Angeles and catch a performance at the famed “Chez Paree. ” In 1961, “The Boys” were a sensation - a duo of young drag queens (sometimes known as the Two Lesbians, so wonderfully rebellious!) who wowed the crowds with their glamorous attire.
"Chez Paree" had become quite the Drag destination and, even back in 1961, you can be sure the place was packed with glitterati, society women and folks in all sorts of outrageous, fashion forward ensembles, just soaking up the scene. The music of the night is always a good soundtrack to get your twerking muscles ready! It’s easy to imagine these fabulous entertainers moving, grooving and creating an electrifying atmosphere – imagine a night of glamour and camp where everyone is dressed to impress.
Drag In Other Lands!It’s impossible to talk about the drag scene globally without touching base with London! You all know London's my hometown after all! Of course, being in London means a stop at The Windmill Theatre.
It might seem that a lot of you won't recognise the name, but this was one of London's most famous Drag stages for over half a century! At the time of this journey, however, "The Windmill Theatre" is going strong, my darlings! With a history of putting on full scale, fabulous, and quite scandalous drag shows for years on end! There’s something truly magical about a long-standing Drag venue with a strong and beautiful history. Imagine the shows that were once held at The Windmill, it's an experience I’d give anything to have lived through. It really was the heart of drag in London and played a significant part in its history. Imagine a showgirl in an ornate and stunning gown strutting their stuff on the stage while the audience applauds! That's exactly what you'd get at The Windmill, my dears!
The 1960s were the Golden Era of Drag for The Windmill! You can't be talking about 1961 without acknowledging it, you just can’t! The Windmill was known for putting on these incredible “Revue shows” - think glitzy ensembles, singing, dancing, and, as they said in the newspapers at the time, “more naked flesh than could shake a stick at!” It certainly sounds shocking for the time, but then, we are Pink Tutu Time Travelers who love our showgirl sparkle!
Oh, and don't forget our glamorous friends in Australia! Yes, there’s a wonderful drag scene down under! Sydney has been a drag powerhouse since the 1950s! So imagine those Sydney Drag Queens strutting their stuff on stage in that warm weather. Can you imagine? What an incredible feeling it must have been for those queens to be performing on stage in a world which may not have always embraced the queer community! They are so inspirational, darlings.
Even India, as wild and far away as it seems, was having some drag magic happen! In Mumbai, there was already an underworld of cross-dressing, theatrical drag performers, so even back in 1961, you can see how drag culture has always existed. It's something we can learn from; it proves that the desire to express oneself through drag truly knows no boundaries!
Now, all this globetrotting is leaving me in need of some glamourous treats and some pampering! Drag has always been so closely linked with fashion, you know, it's one of the most exciting elements of the world of drag! This really goes without saying. It's been fascinating to see how the look of drag has developed in such wildly different environments all across the globe, just for 12th December, 1961!
Drag’s Fashion, Glamour and StyleAnd of course, we've got to mention our absolute fashion inspiration from the time period – think Audrey Hepburn, she’s the quintessential stylish and sophisticated dame - think of her in a glamorous evening gown on the silver screen - effortless style! I’ve definitely picked up some amazing tips from her for putting together my own wardrobe and getting my own drag looks going!
It's time to do some shopping. But this is not just any shopping - this is vintage-inspired drag fashion shopping! Oh, my, don’t you just love the excitement? It's absolutely thrilling to dive into second-hand shops, sifting through clothes from the past to discover some sparkly jewels!
Today's trip has really given us a glimpse into the sheer magic of how drag history unfolds! The diversity, the creative expressions and how each individual area in the world had its own flair, it's jaw-dropping! I’m off now, darlings! We must go and celebrate the history of drag! Why not try your hand at putting together a fab vintage-inspired drag outfit? Next time, I'm taking us on a trip to see the wild drag scenes in the world today! Have fun, darlings! Don't forget, be kind, be fabulous, and wear lots of pink tutus!
Until next month,
Your fabulous, fashionable, and perpetually pink, Emma x
