Oh my darlings! It's your fabulous pink-tutu wearing time traveller, Emma, back for another exhilarating trip into the history of our glorious drag world. You know how much I love my tutus, and believe me, that love borders on obsession. Honestly, who wouldn't love swirling around in a frothy, pink confection, knowing they look like a dazzling dream? It's what inspired me to hop in my magical time-traveling tutu and, oh, dearie me, where did this one take me? Back to May 5th, 1965!
Now, imagine a young Emma, fresh-faced, sporting a glorious shade of bubblegum pink, complete with a sequined headband and, of course, a stunning tulle tutu that made me look like a marshmallow cloud with legs. I was ready to absorb all the drag brilliance this era had to offer. And it didn't disappoint!
First things first, let's talk about fashion, darlings! 1965 was an era of transformation. Fashion was becoming bolder and more expressive. Just picture Twiggy, all impossibly long limbs and dramatic eye makeup, or the ever-so-stylish Audrey Hepburn in her chic little black dress.
Now, if we talk drag, those looks were even more exaggerated, giving us an idea of how daring the performers of that time must have been. Just imagine walking out on stage in a flamboyant outfit, daring to be your true self, facing a world that didn't quite understand the beauty of it all. But let me tell you, darling, they paved the way for the dazzling shows we see today.
Here's the thing - in 1965, we weren't even at the stage of drag queens becoming the 'It girls' on television! Drag, dearie, was a underground scene, often found tucked away in dingy bars, smoky nightclubs and theatre stages that weren't always receptive to them. It was risky, exhilarating and truly daring! But let me tell you, the courage and bravery these early drag queens displayed were absolutely phenomenal.
Oh, and let's talk about the world-famous Ball on this day, darlings! Yes, May 5th, 1965 was the day of the infamous Stonewall Ball held at the very glamorous New York Hilton. Now, let's imagine, for a moment, how much I would love to have attended this! A ball held in a five-star hotel? Absolutely darling! Just think about it! Gorgeous ballroom, elegant, sparkling gowns, and dazzling drag performances – oh, it makes me wish I had a bigger time machine! But alas, we can only learn and marvel from the memories, can't we?
Did you know that, darling, the Stonewall Ball was one of the many balls organized by Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson? Two absolutely incredible drag queen icons. You see, darlings, 1965, was a year before the Stonewall riots – an event often cited as the spark that ignited the modern gay rights movement, and these two women were front and center in all the fights, standing up against prejudice and pushing for acceptance!
While there was this immense resistance towards the LGBTQIA+ community, there were also incredible achievements during the time. You see, this very same day - May 5th, 1965 – was also the date of the passing of The Sexual Offences Act of 1967 in England. Yes, darlings, England, home of Derbyshire, my dear county.
This historic piece of legislation was groundbreaking, decriminalizing male homosexual acts for men over the age of 21! It was an incredible step towards greater equality and acceptance. While there's a long way to go in terms of fighting for equal rights and understanding, this legislation opened the door for much more positive developments, leading the way towards the kind of social progress we are experiencing today! Isn't it fantastic!
But the true magic, darlings, the part that makes me jump for joy every time I time-travel, is the spirit, the passion and the incredible talent of the drag performers. From the early balls held in clandestine locations to the captivating theater performances – each performance, each bold statement was an act of courage and resistance. These drag performers weren't just performers; they were artists who created art from the heart, paving the way for today’s drag queens and creating a movement of self-expression that continues to shine brighter than ever.
Oh, but that isn’t all, darlings! Remember that little theatre where drag queens would sneakily perform? Well, imagine if there were only men in that audience! Can you imagine a scene more exhilarating? It was this atmosphere that sparked creativity, innovation and the pursuit of acceptance! Drag became more than just an art form; it became a social and political statement!
The truth, darlings, is that our glorious drag community is made up of people with diverse stories, each offering their unique interpretation of this art. Some have experienced hardships, fought for equality and stood against injustice; others have been on the path of creative self-expression, breaking down barriers and paving the way for new artists!
That, my darlings, is what makes this history of drag so amazing! The journey of drag, from its humble beginnings in underground scenes to its powerful voice in the mainstream, is a story worth telling and celebrating. It is a history of courage, resilience and creativity that empowers us all, showing that expression knows no boundaries!
I must say, as I gently swirl around in my sparkling pink tutu, the stories I've witnessed, and the energy of the performers I've met make my heart sing.
You see, darling, that's the power of drag. It's more than just make-up and glitter – it's a statement of self-love, self-expression and a powerful act of standing up for who you truly are. It is, darling, a gift that unites us all and makes us embrace our differences, just like those incredible pioneers who dared to dream.
But wait, my darlings, it's time for me to wrap things up. You know, I love to keep things short and sweet so that I don't exhaust you all with long winded talks, but I must admit, I could talk about the history of drag for days, but there is so much more to share. I need to keep travelling and discover all the stories hidden within those wonderful pink-hued threads of time! But darling, don't you worry! I’ll be back next month with a brand new time-travel blog post to inspire, to illuminate and to bring joy.
Until then, darlings! Stay glamorous! Don't be afraid to glitter your hearts out! And always remember, there is no rule that says a drag queen can't look fabulous, and, of course, wear pink! Especially in a dazzling tutu, like me! Love always, Emma x
