Hello my darlings, and welcome to my little corner of the internet where history, drag, and all things pink come together in a sparkly, tutu-tastic symphony! Today's journey takes us back to a pivotal time in drag history – July 7th, 1967 – and let me tell you, honey, it was a total glitter bomb of excitement!
I put on my magical, time-travelling pink tutu (yes, I know it's getting a bit of a workout!), popped on some rosy pink lippy, and with a flourish of my feather boa, found myself catapulted back to a time where the world was just beginning to embrace the magic that is drag.
Now, darling, let's be real, the 1960s weren't all daisies and sunshine when it came to LGBTQ+ rights. But, they did mark a pivotal moment for our community – a moment of awakening, of stepping into the spotlight, and making a bold statement.
This is where our story gets really interesting. July 7th, 1967 was the very same day that the first ever drag ball was held in New York City, organised by the "House of Dupree." Imagine – a grand ball filled with some of the most fabulous queens, decked out in outrageous costumes, twirling and dancing the night away! This ball marked the start of a vibrant movement that would eventually sweep the nation, spreading drag like wildfire.
Now, I'm not sure if my little time-travelling tutu was deemed "appropriately stylish" at that ball – though, to be honest, dear, I doubt any of those queens were too concerned about keeping up with current fashion trends, what with their incredible outfits and killer charisma! The most important thing about that night was the celebration, the freedom to express themselves, and the undeniable sense of community that pulsated through the room.
Now, before you start worrying about me being lost in a pre-Pride era where things were complicated – don't fret! You know I wouldn't have been caught dead (pun intended) anywhere near a situation that didn't sparkle and shimmy with inclusivity. My magical tutu allows me to teleport to safe spaces – ones where history and fashion can collide in a delightful whirlwind of acceptance.
It’s this kind of spirit of liberation and the undeniable talent that made the 1960s a defining era in drag history that inspires my blog. The pioneers of the scene, like those incredible Queens at the Dupree ball, have paved the way for the glittering galaxy of drag artists that we enjoy today.
But remember, darling, time travel in a pink tutu isn’t always about historical dates – it's about embracing every single aspect of this beautiful art form. It's about the community, the camaraderie, the outrageous performances, the hilarious comedy, and the dazzling fashion!
This month, for example, I had the pleasure of attending a breathtaking show in Manchester – “Glitter & Glam” at the fabulous ‘Grand Theatre’. A mix of seasoned pros and sparkling newbies filled the stage with such vibrancy that I almost popped a glitter bomb in my excitement. It was a stunning display of choreography, fabulous outfits (a pink sequin jumpsuit stole the show, honey), and comedic timing that left the entire audience howling with laughter.
And let’s not forget the fabulous drag balls in Derbyshire. The ‘Taffy’s Ball’ in Chesterfield and the ‘Derby Drag Extravaganza’ are the highlight of every drag enthusiast’s month. The atmosphere is electric with excitement, a melting pot of drag divas from across the country showcasing their talents and dazzling in their unique ensembles. There’s even a costume competition where each queen brings their absolute best – trust me, you don’t want to miss this fashion extravaganza!
So, darlings, grab your favourite pink tutu (because you know you have one!), sprinkle on some fairy dust (it’s all about the magic!), and join me on a fabulous journey into the wonderful world of drag! We're on a mission to spread glitter, love, and the undeniable spirit of acceptance that makes this art form so undeniably enchanting.
Until next time, remember, darlings: The future of drag is in our hands, so let's keep spreading that pink tutu love. 💖🩰
Xoxo
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
