Helloooo darlings! Emma here, your very own time-traveling tutu-wearing drag queen! Ready for a blast to the past? Today we're whisking back to 6th June, 1964 - can you believe it, nearly sixty years ago! It feels like just yesterday I was shimmying down a catwalk in a feather boa and a sparkly bra top, right? But for a fabulous drag queen, time really is a flexible concept, darling, like the fabric of that exquisite pink taffeta tutu I'm wearing.
Time Traveling Tutudaciousness:
It wouldn't be a #DragQueenHistory trip without some major glamour, and this time travel tutu takes me right to the heart of 1960s style, a heady mix of bold colors, geometric patterns, and a hint of retro rebellion! My tutu's a bright, electric pink with delicate tulle ruffles - a bit of a statement in the heart of the Sixties, but hey, I’ve always loved pushing boundaries.
Now, imagine this. I step out of my time machine, which is a pink telephone booth, mind you (no expense spared!), and into the heart of 1964. There are a lot of beige, browns and blues, and oh, the hats! Hats on hats, a whole world of fascinators. My pink tutu must be causing quite a stir! I feel like a walking, twirling beacon of colour.
The Scene in 1964:
My main reason for venturing into this period? Drag history darling, the juicy bits, the hidden gems, and the queens who paved the way for us to shimmy in those fabulous feather boas and sashes today. And 1964 was bursting with some seriously iconic drag, even though the drag balls back then were pretty much kept underground.
Imagine, dear, The Cockettes! These flamboyant drag queens in San Francisco were literally changing the game, blending drag, theatre, performance art, and, dare I say it, rock and roll, like nobody before! Picture the iconic image of a drag queen like Holly Woodlawn, her makeup sculpted with vibrant colours and an expression that said “I dare you!” – an absolute icon! And there was Divine – flamboyant, powerful and making her presence felt with the absolute wildest and most extraordinary outfits, paving the way for so many queens to come,
But, 1964, remember, it wasn't all about the balls, darling. It was also about the early stages of what we call drag street – just regular folks putting on wigs, lipstick, and embracing their individuality in a way that had never been seen before! Imagine a 1960s Drag Queen stepping into a 2023 nightclub – their look would still slay the floor, honey!
From Stage to Street:
On this very day in 1964, June 6th, The Beatles are topping the charts in the USA with their smash hit, "Can't Buy Me Love”. Talk about a zeitgeist! But beyond the catchy pop tunes, you had drag, a truly parallel universe that couldn't buy love - it forged love, broke down barriers and re-wrote what we considered “normal”. Think about that, darling - 1964, with all its societal norms and expectations - drag, as always, was right there, carving its own lane!
The drag queens in 1964 weren’t exactly doing social media, dear – they were living out their truths in small, clandestine clubs, or through their creative artistic ventures like The Cockettes, who paved the way for the larger-scale and inclusive queer culture that we have today. But, don’t think that these were a bunch of quiet queens! I've been doing a lot of digging, and trust me, those drag queens knew how to cause a stir! I'm talking about bold statements, scandalous fashion, and some seriously iconic drag queen sass!
Now, even though the LGBTQ+ movement was in its infancy, drag in 1964 wasn't all doom and gloom. It was a place where queer folks, drag queens especially, could escape, be themselves, and build a community. Those small, secret balls were their sanctuary, where they could dance, laugh, and love with all their fabulous hearts, honey!
Back to The Future
As I say my “Ciao” to 1964, it’s impossible not to be humbled by the legacy of drag queens who walked those very streets, those who went against the tide, breaking boundaries and daring to express their uniqueness! Their fearless spirit inspires me to continue to celebrate drag, to always be a shimmering beacon of light and encourage everyone to get their tutus on.
Because every tutu has a story to tell, and every story has the power to make a difference.
Until next month, darling, be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com and stay fabulous!
Yours truly,
Emma
Emma: I know what you're thinking, "Tutu Time Travels" sounds like a catchy drag show title! I may have just booked myself a gig for next week.
