Darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing drag queen historian, fresh from another time travel adventure and ready to spill the tea on what happened on this fabulous day back in 1966.
You see, lovelies, this pink tutu has seen it all – the rise and fall of empires, the glitter of Studio 54, the glam of the golden age of Hollywood… you name it, my pink tulle has graced the occasion. But you know me, darling – a proper historian must document the small details, the moments that build a movement. And for a drag queen time traveller like me, there’s no bigger movement than the drag revolution, a glorious dance of acceptance, glitter, and absolutely fabulous style!
So, dust off those feather boas, grab a cuppa, and let’s dive into November 11th, 1966. Imagine, lovelies, a world without the likes of RuPaul, Bianca Del Rio, or even our darling Kylie Minogue. Hard to believe, isn't it? But fear not, this time machine tutu was designed to transport you to the glorious beginning of the modern drag movement – even if that beginning wasn’t always fully formed.
As I zipped myself into my magical tutu on a chilly Derbyshire morning (honestly, my mum always worries about my cold toes!), I whispered my favourite travel incantation – "Twinkle, twirl, take me back, to the past, a glorious track!" In a flash, I was swept away, and whoosh! There I was, right smack dab in the middle of November 11th, 1966!
Oh, darling, the sights, the sounds, the hair! It was like a time capsule straight from a glam-rock album cover, and I, my lovelies, was at the heart of it.
My first stop, the legendary, the absolutely fabulous "The Cockettes" – you haven’t seen drag, lovelies, until you've seen The Cockettes. They were the pioneers of "performance art drag," smashing the conventions of gender and taking camp to another level, darling. I found myself at their San Francisco club, The Cockettes' White Whale, surrounded by colourful characters in daring outfits that were ahead of their time.
And you know what I saw, darling? They had these incredible, feathered headpieces, which I totally recreated later in a glorious lavender feather boa, and don't even get me started on the shimmering gowns!
The energy was electric, lovelies – they had drag performances like you’ve never seen! It wasn't just about singing, it was about challenging the status quo. And you know what? They were fabulous at it, my dear! They wore tutus and boas and dresses that were dripping in sparkles and beads – and guess who was front row, taking notes, in her pink tulle tutu, channeling the most fabulous ballet muse imaginable?
You bet your bottom dollar, I was soaking it all in, feeling a real sisterly connection to these daring drag icons of yesteryear. But you know me, darling, I'm always looking for a good bargain – and guess where I ended up next?
Oh, the sheer delight of shopping at F.R. Tripler & Co on Fifth Avenue, darling! It was a treasure trove of fine men's fashion – think dapper, dapper men in the sharpest suits. The window displays were the envy of even the most discerning fashionista! But I wasn't looking for tailored threads, oh no, my darling, I was there for the glamour, for the accessories, for the jewels and the beads that make a queen! And wouldn't you know it, I stumbled upon a pair of silver platform shoes that were screaming "drag queen royalty!"
So naturally, my sweet lovelies, I just had to have them. A bargain for a time-travelling queen, darling, a mere $25! But you see, this shopping adventure isn't just about fashion, it’s about drag history! The "boys," the gentlemen of 1966, they may not have been rocking full drag, but they certainly had a certain elegance about them. It’s the beginnings of understanding the glamour, the self-expression, the artistry of it all.
The afternoon saw me at The Café au Go Go, darling! The hottest spot for live music in the city, the beating heart of New York's underground. I even saw The Velvet Underground – yes, darling, them! While their sound wasn’t quite "pink tutu" friendly, I found myself enjoying their performance in a surprisingly...well... unassuming drag.
You see, darling, this era wasn’t the RuPaul's Drag Race you know and love, but there was still that sparkle, that yearning for freedom. Drag queens then had to make do, use what they had, to make their dreams a reality. It was about crafting the art of the illusion on a limited budget – something I certainly identify with.
Now, I've travelled through many a historical period in my pink tutu – it’s my superpower, you see, darling! And each adventure I experience, I can’t help but see a little bit of drag reflected in the spirit of the times, even when it’s not always full-blown drag!
Remember, darlings, this story is only a glimpse, a little drop in the bucket, but that's why I post monthly – it's like a drag queen scrapbook, documenting the history we make and the history that made us. I’ll continue sharing those fascinating, glitter-streaked moments with you. And who knows what hidden treasures we might discover next month, when this time travelling pink tutu zips to another amazing destination!
And remember darlings, spread the word about the wonders of the pink tutu – don’t be shy about rocking your fabulous selves! Until next time, may your world be as glittery and full of joy as my pink tutu! Stay glamorous!
