Hiya darlings! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time traveller, back for another whimsical journey through the history of drag! I know, I know, you're probably all "Emma, how can you keep coming up with new adventures in the world of drag? The world's full of it!". And you're right! But listen, darlings, my fabulous pink tutu just won't stop swirling me to different decades and across the globe, so I have to share these amazing journeys with you!
This month, my magical tutu deposited me in the year 1965, on the 9th of September, a gloriously sweltering day for some high-octane drag adventures! The first thing I noticed, as I twirled onto the cobbled streets of London, was the distinct lack of pink! It was all beige, browns, and muted blues. Shocking! I made a beeline for the nearest fabric shop and swiped a couple of metres of vibrant fuchsia for good measure - I couldn't be caught dead without a pink accent, darling!
As I strutted down Oxford Street, feeling like a delightful explosion of colour, I couldn't help but wonder what the London drag scene was all about in this era. Now, remember, this was before RuPaul, before Drag Race, even before Madonna!
But let's rewind a bit, darlings! 1965! That's just two years after the sensational release of "A Hard Day's Night," the iconic Beatles film that took the world by storm. Could it be, dear readers, that the sheer boy-band power of the Fab Four had influenced the drag scene, causing a shift in attitude, a daring evolution of fabulousness? Oh darling, this is a drag queen time-traveler's dream come true!
Off I went, determined to uncover the secrets of the 1965 drag scene!
My first stop: The Red Lion Pub, nestled in the heart of Soho. This legendary haven, steeped in the rich history of London's bohemian spirit, was the perfect place to soak in the energy of the times. It buzzed with life, a glorious mix of performers, artists, and all manner of unconventional individuals, with a playful twinkle in their eyes and a penchant for pushing boundaries.
To my delight, the bar was graced by a true legend, Danny La Rue, a comedic drag performer whose reputation was sky-high! The crowd adored his campy style, his hilarious performances, his uncanny resemblance to Dame Edna Everage, before Dame Edna was even a twinkle in Barry Humphries' eye!
My little pink tutu got lost in the whirlwind of cheers and applause, as Danny charmed the room with his witty repartee, his cheeky dance routines, and his infectious laughter. Oh darling, how I wished I had a recording of that night! The world needed to witness this talent, to soak up the joy and sparkle that emanated from this charismatic entertainer!
But my adventures weren't limited to London! A quick spin on the tutu-time-machine took me to the bustling metropolis of New York, a city buzzing with creativity and rebellion. The Cafe La MaMa was the place to be, the epicentre of avant-garde theatre, a crucible of counter-culture!
And who do I encounter there but the divine Divine, aka Harris Glenn Milstead! Still in his early days of building his incredible persona, but oh darling, that talent! That charisma!
I was transported to a world of sheer performance art! Imagine! Divine, with that outlandish hair, a chaotic, unbridled energy, and a knack for transforming himself into outrageous characters, pushing the limits of artistic expression! It was nothing short of mesmerizing! He held the stage hostage with a combination of humour and daring theatricality. The energy in the room was palpable, an explosion of laughter, awe, and perhaps even a bit of apprehension!
This incredible scene, these incredible individuals! That's what I love about this time travel experience! It’s not just about finding fabulous drag queens – it’s about understanding the larger context, the social movements, the societal pressures, and how they shaped the evolution of drag as we know it today.
I learned a vital lesson on that day in 1965, a truth that shines brighter than the most glittery eyeshadow palette: drag is more than just makeup and wigs! It's about individuality, it's about freedom of expression, it’s about daring to be different, to be fearless, to be truly yourself.
The beauty of it all? Those brave souls from 1965 laid the foundations for what we enjoy today! They were the pioneers, the trailblazers who dared to defy the norms, to break down barriers, and to pave the way for future generations of drag icons.
As I twirled back to my present-day existence, feeling both inspired and invigorated, I knew I had to share this treasure trove of historical wonder with the world. I encourage each and every one of you to dig deeper, to learn about the drag scene of 1965, to celebrate the remarkable lives and performances of these fearless icons. Let's all raise a glass (or perhaps a gin and tonic) to the incredible history of drag!
And remember, my dear readers, don't forget to wear a pink tutu! Let’s make the world a more glamorous and joyful place! I’ll be back next month, with more tales of daring and sparkle from my amazing adventures in time!
Until then, stay fabulous! xx
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
