Darling, hello and welcome to Pink-Tutu.com! I’m your host, Emma, and this month we’re travelling back to…hold your fascinators, babes! 12th December 1967! And what a night it was…because honey, it was the night drag legend, Jackie Beat, first sashayed onto a stage. Can you believe it? This is what I’m talking about! Drag history, you guys!
Now, before we dive into this fab-tastic adventure, let me just give a shout-out to my incredible Patreon supporters who help make these journeys possible! Your generous donations help me keep my pink tutu looking fabulously fresh for each time travel escapade! (I am in the process of adding pink feathers, so expect a glam update very soon!)
Anyway, enough about my lovely fans! Let's go back to 1967.
I have to tell you, darlings, the journey back to 1967 was rather hectic. I mean, have you ever tried travelling through a time vortex with a pink tutu on? It's a nightmare! It was definitely one for the "Drag Queen Survival Guide" - let's just say that feathers tend to shed during these whirlwind escapades. I had a minor feather emergency but I made it, thanks to a magical bottle of hairspray! Thankfully, it also made the rest of the journey sooooooo much more stylish. The 60s just needed a little extra pink shimmer, don't you think?
Anyway, I landed in New York City, which was…a trip. The air, a heady mix of freedom, energy and a hint of revolution - a delicious heady cocktail! As soon as I walked through the portal, the vibe was so powerful I felt like I'd been shot out of a sequin cannon!
The city was buzzing. Even the taxi cabs were a riot of colours! But for a real explosion of glitz and glam, I had to find a drag show. I found myself standing in front of the infamous "Cafe La MaMa," an off-Broadway theatre tucked away in Greenwich Village. You're thinking, "Oh, honey, off-Broadway! This must be a real gem!" Oh darlings, it absolutely was! A place where drag queens like the amazing Jackie Beat were breaking boundaries, creating, and pushing the art of drag. It's where you could hear raw talent, unafraid and uninhibited, just…slaying.
I slipped into the venue, (I'm pretty sure it involved me showing off my best hair flip and an elegant "Excuse me!" with a knowing wink) and instantly, it was like the lights were blinding me with the gorgeous, intoxicating essence of the 60s. There, on stage, wearing a sequined leotard, platform boots and a cascade of dark curls, Jackie Beat.
Imagine my delight. She performed her original cabaret routine which was - I am not exaggerating, darlings! - a revelation. Think witty monologues, raunchy humor, amazing moves and songs so good, you couldn't resist tapping your feet. It was all done with a flair, sassiness and a hint of political commentary, which, in 1967 was groundbreaking, and so ahead of its time! You could feel that everyone in that audience was hanging on to her every word. The energy, the charisma, the talent – you could tell Jackie Beat was an instant star.
It's funny because although we weren't allowed to use certain words back then, Jackie managed to weave them in between witty jokes and daring monologues, creating something really special! In her own unique, captivating way, she really made you feel her strength and how drag queens are like beautiful, sparkly warriors, not afraid to express themselves, who fight for their voice to be heard! And it made me want to climb on stage, snatch that mic, and belt out a high note - with an extra added dash of my signature "pink magic," of course!
After the show, I managed to catch up with Jackie Beat for a chat, (let's just say a few strategically placed compliments went a long way!) and asked about the rise of drag in New York. You see, dear darlings, the 60s were a time of massive cultural upheaval!
In fact, while Jackie Beat was on stage, just across town, in San Francisco, the "T's" in "LGBT" were taking center stage as the city became the heart of the growing counter-culture scene. It was a heady mix of political change, liberation, and an atmosphere ripe for creative exploration.
There were countless, absolutely spectacular drag balls happening, and in these ballroom scenes, drag was a real expression of self! People used fashion and theatricality to express their creativity and highlight the beauty of diversity.
Just thinking about it gets my inner drag diva all worked up.
Later that night, I decided to join the party in the San Francisco ballroom scene! You bet your bottom dollar, my pink tutu was absolutely radiating under those disco lights.
Oh, but you must imagine it darlings! It was the wildest drag party, with dazzling queens dancing in their extravagant outfits – from gleaming jumpsuits and glittering mini-dresses, to fabulous boas, all in the hottest colours! They were so full of joy, the feeling was incredible!
While I danced the night away, I heard whispered tales of how these ballroom events had become the cradle of house music, with queens creating the coolest and most unique tunes! It was truly the birthplace of a genre that would revolutionize club culture across the world, honey.
Dancing into the early hours, I realised, darlings, that although the world might have been rife with injustices, drag queens and their unique art were forging a path, expressing themselves and building an entire community that cherished individuality, freedom and pure, joyous fun!
To finish, I'm going to share a few pearls of wisdom. I want you to keep in mind that history shows us that while drag may have faced many challenges, it’s a truly incredible art form and cultural force, brimming with creativity and spirit, always pushing boundaries and leading the way in fashion and expression.
This journey into the 60s is proof that drag is always pushing the boundaries of what is possible, whether it's in NYC on a club stage, a ballroom in San Francisco, or just out there, living your life loud and proud.
I believe drag can change the world – if everyone dares to express themselves and wear a fabulous pink tutu! I want every single one of you out there to feel inspired to wear what makes you happy! That’s how we create a truly more colorful, joyful and fabulous world, darling.
Remember, always be fierce!
Now, off I pop to the dressing room to finish accessorising my tutu. Next stop…the future!
Until next month darlings, stay fabulous!
Lots of love and kisses,
Emma xxx
