#DragQueenHistory during 1962 11 November

Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! It's November the 11th, 2023, and guess what, my lovelies? Today, I'm whisking us back to the fabulous, frothy year of 1962. That's right, it's time for a little time-travelling escapade to explore the world of drag back then! Buckle up your fabulous pink tutus, my dears, it's going to be a delightful trip!

Now, 1962 - what a year! The Beatles were conquering the charts, JFK was President, and in the world of drag, things were getting…well, interesting! I have to admit, darlings, this year wasn’t the most visible time for our LGBTQ+ community. The “homosexuality is a mental disorder” line was still floating around, but that never stopped the drag queens, right? They were there, thriving in underground spaces, challenging norms and creating a glorious world of camp and sparkle!

Imagine it, darlings! 11th November, 1962, and you're strolling through the cobblestone streets of New York City, or maybe dancing the night away in London's West End. There, tucked away in some charmingly-named pubs or clubs, you'd find the most brilliant drag queens of the day! They were pioneers, true revolutionaries in sequins and feather boas, defying societal norms and demanding a space for expression and acceptance.

Before we go all history buff, let's get this show on the road, darlings. Today's episode, inspired by my recent performance at the fabulous "A Touch of Glamour" drag brunch, is a whirlwind journey through 11th November 1962 - but in the glorious Pink Tutu Travels style. Because for us, every day is an opportunity to wear fabulous pink tutus!

I must say, finding accurate records from this period was quite a challenge, like trying to find a good fish 'n' chips shop on the moon! But let me tell you, darling, the sheer joy of discovering hidden stories of these brave, bold queens filled me with a thrill I haven't felt since the time I accidentally time travelled to the invention of the sequin!

Our first stop? New York City! Imagine the bustling energy, the vibrant colours, and that quintessential NYC grit! In the city that never sleeps, we discover the iconic Stonewall Inn. 1962 is years before the infamous Stonewall riots, but even then, the bar served as a haven for the LGBTQ+ community. There, the drag scene flourished in its secret glory. We can just picture the stunning drag queens, shimmering under the dim lights, throwing shade like confetti, their laughter echoing through the night. It's a secret world brimming with hidden beauty and resilience, darling!

Now, across the pond, let's take a stroll through London, baby! In the capital, theatre performances played a vital role in creating safe spaces for our LGBTQ+ icons! I picture a fabulous dame with a magnificent wig, a smile like a million suns, captivating a whole theatre with their stunning presence! Maybe, just maybe, we'll catch a glimpse of "The Duchess of York," a London club where drag was thriving! Or perhaps we'll pop into the iconic "The King's Head" pub, a landmark known for its welcoming environment for the queer community. I imagine them serving pints of perfectly poured beer alongside a side of fierce drag performance. Now that's a night out worth time-travelling for, wouldn't you agree?

It wouldn't be a trip through time without a sprinkle of Parisian flair, would it, darlings? Now, I'm no Parisian, but imagine: chic boutiques, glamorous parties, and a city filled with undeniable charisma! I just know those legendary Parisian drag queens, decked in feather boas and daring make-up, would have been fabulous additions to any street performance! Oh, the sheer confidence they must have exuded!

Of course, it's not all New York, London, and Paris! The drag scene was blossoming worldwide! Think of those courageous queens in bustling cities like Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Berlin – all challenging the status quo and pushing boundaries through their incredible art! I can practically hear the laughter echoing through those intimate gatherings, the sound of heels clicking on cobblestone streets as the queens confidently strutted to the next stage!

Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, all these fancy outfits, those dazzling sequins and boas…are they really THAT important?”

Darlings, the drag scene is about so much more than fashion. It's about art, it’s about courage, and it's about the pursuit of expression. These queens were walking statements of identity, blazing a trail through prejudice and pushing for acceptance. Every dazzling dress, every dramatic wig, every expertly painted face was a defiant act of claiming a place in a world that didn't always see them. They were pioneers, breaking down walls with laughter, kindness, and incredible style!

Now, let's take a minute to appreciate the true icons of the day. Imagine, darlings, a world where it was harder to be yourself, to show your true colours. These drag queens were the trailblazers! Their courage inspired, their art brought joy, and their fashion? Let’s be honest, it was legendary. They showed us that being yourself is the ultimate power.

And you know what, darling? That's what we need to remember, today and every day! Each of us has the power to wear our truth with confidence. Like those 1962 queens, let us inspire, create art, and live life as beautifully as a pink tutu twirling under a spotlight!

Remember, darling, your pink tutu is more than just an outfit; it’s a symbol of your unique style, your courage to stand out, and your love of pure, fabulous, glorious fun.

As we head back to the present, we can all channel the fearless energy of these trailblazing queens! Let's go out there, my lovelies, let’s make a statement. Let's dance, let’s shine, and most importantly, let's continue celebrating the beauty and power of the world of drag!

Until next month, darling, don't forget to follow us on www.pink-tutu.com, because next time, I’m bringing us to a glamorous location, and trust me, you'll want to see it with your own eyes!

Lots of love and sparkle,

Emma xx

P.S. Have you ever wondered about your own drag name? My pink tutu might have an answer! Check out my **Drag Name Generator on the Pink Tutu Travels website. It's fun, darling! Just like my trip back to 1962!