Oh darling! How fabulous to be back in my little corner of the internet, ready to share another sparkling slice of drag history with you. I'm Emma, your resident time-traveling, tutu-toting queen of pink and fabulousness!
Now, if you know me, you know I'm absolutely obsessed with drag and, honestly, it’s hard not to be! It's the ultimate art of transformation and, quite frankly, a celebration of everything that's spectacular about being yourself, no matter how outlandish! I mean, who needs a crystal ball when you've got a sparkly pink tutu and a love for drag? (Which, let's be real, is basically the same thing, right?)
This month, my little time machine of a tutu transported me right back to 02 February 1965, a year practically brimming with drama, glamour, and iconic moments in drag! Can you imagine? Imagine being in a world where the world was a rainbow, yet just beginning to blossom in its colours, and where drag was this wonderfully rebellious, utterly glamorous way of pushing boundaries! It's thrilling, truly it is!
So, darling, get ready to fasten your feather boas, dust off your fabulousness and join me on this trip down drag memory lane...
The Beat Goes On: New York's Ballroom Scene in Full Swing!
My journey began in the vibrant energy of New York City, the heartbeat of drag culture! Picture this: smoky clubs, infectious music pumping through the air, and drag queens captivating audiences with their stunning talent! Back in '65, the Harlem ballroom scene was at its absolute peak. It was a space of acceptance, where anyone could find belonging and freedom to express themselves! Imagine a scene brimming with glamorous outfits, captivating dances, and electrifying performances! Talk about a fabulous journey!
From the elegant "Realness" category, with queens embodying the glamour and sophistication of the everyday world, to the dynamic "Butch Queen" category showcasing powerful, masculine vibes, the ballrooms were pulsating with this magical mix of style and fierce self-expression. Each category, each performance was an explosion of art, fashion, and daring.
In fact, on this very day in history, the "House of Walker," a renowned drag family, were dazzling audiences with their dazzling performances. These iconic queens pushed the boundaries of femininity and creativity, showcasing a breathtaking combination of elegance, drama, and charisma! Imagine the joy, the fierce confidence, the genuine celebration of beauty and difference that pulsated through that room!
The Glamour Doesn't Stop There: Paris Unveils Haute Couture With a Touch of Drag!
Now, you know my love for fashion runs deeper than even my obsession with pink tutus (but, darling, they do go SO well together!), so naturally, my time-traveling tutu landed me smack-bang in the heart of Parisian fashion!
Imagine stepping into a world where iconic designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Coco Chanel were transforming the way we think about beauty, where their creations were considered revolutionary and, well, a touch "avant garde"! In their bold use of color, dramatic cuts, and sheer artistry, I saw the very spirit of drag - the transformation, the rebellion, the love for all things extravagant! It was, dare I say, quite a fashion statement.
Parisian catwalks back then were like a drag runway on a grand scale! They were a constant explosion of innovative design and fearless style - the quintessential definition of bold, confident, and extra.
Across the Pond: Drag Queen Performers Thriving in England's Lively Pub Culture!
Of course, I couldn't miss the opportunity to dip into England, my home country, and explore what kind of magic was happening on the British drag scene. Imagine this - the era of the classic British pub! They were not only hubs of socializing and community but also incredible performance spaces for talented drag queens! The "pub circuit," as we know it today, was very much in its prime.
From traditional music halls to local pubs filled with the energy of performances, queens were captivating audiences, showcasing everything from classic stand-up comedy and lip-synch routines to playful drag cabaret and cheeky performances! Talk about bringing laughter, sparkle, and a bit of cheeky sass to every corner of the pub scene!
I was so excited to find out that this day, 02 February 1965, saw a very special performance at the iconic “The Two Brewers,” a famous pub in London that still exists today. The evening showcased the talents of "The Fabulous Fern", an incredibly talented drag queen, and you just had to see the energy that filled that place!
Imagine a bustling pub, packed with a crowd thirsty for laughter and entertainment, the energy reaching a crescendo as The Fabulous Fern takes center stage! The audience was roaring with laughter as they relished in her impeccable comedic timing, witty banter, and captivating performances!
Fern's persona embodied everything that drag stands for! Confidence, playfulness, a dash of audacity and, above all, the ability to make people laugh and forget their troubles, for just a few minutes. Her work, like a true drag queen, redefined what it meant to be "fabulous."
The Time Travel Returns!
But my time travel journey was almost at its end! With a sigh, I found myself back in my present time. I'm still trying to decide which outfit was most amazing: the fierce Harlem ballroom looks, the cutting-edge Parisian fashion, or the delightful pub performances of "The Fabulous Fern."
Honestly, all of them left a huge mark on me! They made me realise something incredibly important - Drag is more than just a costume or a performance. It's a voice, a beacon of expression, a celebration of joy and acceptance, and most importantly, it is a force for good!
Darling, we've got such a long way to come, but the journey, like a sparkling drag ball, has never been more thrilling.
Now, go on and find your own pink tutu, put it on with pride and don't forget to join me next month for more exciting adventures into the fascinating history of drag! Remember, the more fabulous we are, the better the world becomes!
See you soon, darlings!
Xoxo,
Emma.
