Hello, my darling darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu-toting time traveller, ready to whisk you off to a fabulous flashback! This month, we're taking a twirl back to June 1968 – the swingingest, most transformative year the world had ever seen (right after, you know, 1967)! I, your fabulous narrator, happen to have my very own sparkly time-traveling pink tutu, courtesy of some very generous fairies. It lets me bounce around in time – and let me tell you, June 1968 was just a total delight!
The Scene: From the States to the City
First, we sashay on over to New York City, the heart of the American drag scene at the time. You had places like The Tenth Muse and The Mine – oh, those drag bars, just oozing with glitter and excitement! The hottest thing in town was the legendary drag queen, Jackie Curtis. Picture this: a wild, unashamed drag artist who defied every stereotype. She wasn’t afraid to push boundaries – and trust me, she definitely did. Jackie was this kind of gender-bending genius who inspired so many, blending theatre, performance art and a hefty dose of camp! I bet, even now, if I was there, I’d be captivated by her work, especially the Heaven and Earth Show she was doing. Jackie's stage presence was electric!
Speaking of the States, did you know June 1968 saw the first annual Miss Gay American Pageant held in Texas? It might have been a very early stage of a long-standing pageant but a major milestone all the same! The Miss Gay American Pageant went on to become one of the most famous and influential drag events in America! We can thank the Miss Gay American Pageant, and queens like Jackie, for laying the groundwork for all the dazzling drag talent we enjoy today.
A Stroll Through Soho and Beyond
Jumping on my time-traveling tutu, we’re popping over to London, the home of all things theatrical and chic, for a delightful little wander down Soho. It’s a haven for everyone – everyone who’s creative, fabulous and daring! It’s where The Blue Angel nightclub is, attracting both London's theatre folk and those simply seeking a glamorous night out!
The theatre scene was brimming with daring and creative shows. Take, for example, a production called "Hair," a rock musical celebrating a different era, but showing you can embrace change, diversity and a little bit of rebelliousness! Oh, my goodness, we all need a little bit of that in our lives. This whole counterculture thing that was swirling was just captivating – full of passion and vibrant expressions of change! The atmosphere was just bubbling with creative energy and individuality.
Of course, you can't discuss drag in 1968 without mentioning The Lady's Lounge! I can practically hear the music as we arrive at the scene - a bit of jazz, a sprinkle of soul, and the roar of the crowd! That place is an iconic haven for drag in London!
A Global Drag Delights
We’re zipping around the globe next! I hear Tokyo is already an emerging drag scene – just full of life and flair – and we need to get over there before this tutu shrinks again! I bet there's a fantastic drag scene building – and I’d be thrilled to be in a room where people can explore their artistic souls through the vibrant language of drag!
From the heart of New York to the streets of London, then Tokyo, and probably places I've never heard of but can't wait to find!
And Now, a Call to Action!
I’m a huge believer in making history – our own drag history – happen, one fabulous pink tutu at a time. I know this isn’t about just a sparkly outfit! It's about embracing expression, having the courage to be you, and a little bit of magic! It's about celebrating our history, our pioneers, our incredible community.
Don’t forget! We are on a mission. The pink tutu world awaits! You've got your own unique fabulousness to share! I’m going to be at www.pink-tutu.com for our monthly check in and let’s get this fabulousness on! Remember, dear darlings, the only thing more exciting than a pink tutu is the journey it takes us on. Keep sparkling, my dears!
