Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and it’s time for another blast from the past. September the 9th, 1967, darling! Can you believe it? Just imagine the hairstyles! The fashion! It’s practically a drag queen’s dream! And let me tell you, this time trip has been a real eye-opener.
We all know drag has a history as long as your arm and as colourful as your favourite rainbow sequin jacket. So put on your dancing shoes, grab a cuppa, and get ready to take a trip down memory lane with me.
This time around, my time-traveling pink tutu deposited me smack-bang in the middle of… San Francisco, California! And let me tell you, it was positively fabulous. This was the peak of the San Francisco “Summer of Love”, and everywhere I looked, there were groovy outfits, psychedelic posters, and a spirit of free-love and expression that made my little drag queen heart sing!
Now, you may think that 1967 would be an odd year to land in for a drag history buff. But you’d be oh, so wrong! Drag was practically thriving on the West Coast!
This wasn’t your classic ballroom drag. Oh no, this was something bolder, more theatrical, more… well, frankly, more hippie. Think vibrant colours, platform shoes, headbands galore, and just a touch of flamboyant eccentricity. The city was a melting pot of creativity, a whirlwind of experimentation, and you know me – I absolutely adore a good experiment in drag!
The streets of San Francisco were a vibrant mix of musicians, poets, and performers. The scene wasn’t just limited to theatre. There were underground parties happening at every turn. I even saw a group of drag queens performing in a local park, much to the delight of the gathered crowd! Imagine that, dancing and dazzling in a park, the epitome of “free expression.” It was a drag queen's dream come true.
Speaking of parties, I must tell you about a truly unforgettable one I stumbled upon. This legendary gathering was at The Cockettes, a theatrical group who were truly the avant-garde of San Francisco's underground scene. This troupe was pushing boundaries in a way no one else was. They were all about camp, satire, and outrageous beauty, just my style!
Think outrageous costumes, drag balls, and an energy so potent it practically crackled. Imagine glitter, feathers, boas, and a whole lotta love. The Cockettes embodied that wild spirit that I simply adore. You couldn't help but feel the magic, the liberation in their performances. It truly was a glimpse into a magical time where drag was a way of life, a statement, an act of defiance.
Speaking of magical moments, imagine this: my sparkly pink tutu brought me right to the centre stage during a show, next to one of the Cockettes, a woman called Hilda. Talk about an angel! Her makeup, darling, just absolutely breathtaking. A stroke of genius! We chatted for ages, giggling about the history of drag, the joys of fabulous outfits, and of course, the importance of a perfectly applied lipstick.
She told me about the struggles they faced, the discrimination, and the fight for acceptance, but her optimism was infectious. You see, they believed in using drag as a platform to challenge norms, to break down barriers and embrace inclusivity.
Now, that's my kind of drag queen history. It wasn't all glitter and glam, darlings. There were struggles, and like every era, it wasn't always a rainbow. But the beauty of it, and something I learned from Hilda, was how the Cockettes used drag to express themselves, to find their voice, to make a statement about the world they lived in. They dared to be different, to challenge the status quo. That kind of bravery? That's true drag history.
However, back in the Derbyshire hills, I find myself reflecting. How are we using drag today?
As always, I urge you all to take inspiration from these brave pioneers. Use drag to make a statement. Use drag to push boundaries. Use drag to inspire change. Use drag to express yourself, and, most importantly, darling, use drag to spread joy and love to all who watch.
This trip through time reminded me why I love drag. It’s about expression, individuality, and having a darn good time! I want to see even more tutus, more colour, and more joy. Who wants to wear pink? I’m waiting!
Love, Emma x
P.S. Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com to see the rest of my time travel escapades. Every month, I take a dip into the drag history pool and discover what fabulous shenanigans were happening back in the day! You never know where I might end up next! And don't forget my shows – it's how I fund my adventures! Catch me next week, you won't be disappointed!
