#DragQueenHistory during 1968 07 July

Hey dolls! Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire-born, pink-tutu-obsessed, time-travelling queen! It's time for another installment of my monthly drag history odyssey! This month, my magical pink tutu whisked me back to July 7th 1968 – a fabulous day in history!

I was ready to twirl! My tutu was positively bursting with 60s chic. We're talking bright, candy pink sequins, layers of ruffled tulle and a glorious pink feathered boa to top it off. The hair, oh the hair! A voluminous, candy-floss pink beehive held in place with an arsenal of hairspray that would make a drag queen blush!

Stepping out of my time-travelling tutu into 1968 was like stepping into a vintage drag magazine come to life. Think sleek, geometric lines, sharp haircuts, bold makeup, and daring ensembles. There was something undeniably electric in the air.

As I sashayed onto the scene, the first thing that caught my eye was the sheer abundance of drag. From underground bars in New York to the legendary cabaret scene in Paris, drag was alive and thriving in the 60s. In 1968, you didn’t have to wait for “RuPaul's Drag Race,” honey. Drag was happening every night!

I popped into the Stonewall Inn, a well-known haunt in Greenwich Village, a mere month before history would be made with the iconic Stonewall riots. It was already a hotbed for drag, a space where queens and kings could be themselves, unleash their talent, and live their truth, a beautiful, fearless community defying the boundaries of gender expression. I was blown away by the sheer talent in this space, every performance a dazzling blend of wit and showmanship!

Now, no trip to 1968 would be complete without a pilgrimage to the heart of Parisian cabaret. Imagine my delight, darling, when I stepped into the world-famous Moulin Rouge! This legendary cabaret was still radiating with the dazzling spectacle of the can-can. Think corseted bodies, daring hemlines, plumes, sequins, feathers and a generous dose of Parisian glamour! I'm telling you, my love for this vintage aesthetic, the corsetry and feathers, it was divine! The Moulin Rouge is where drag queens reign supreme. And let me tell you, the 1968 audiences were in awe!

Now, honey, while we can’t neglect the amazing performances of that era, it’s important to remember that 1968 was also a pivotal moment for the LGBTQ+ movement as a whole. In July of 1968, there were gay rights marches taking place around the globe, calling for change and challenging societal norms.

And, just as with modern-day drag, those events were powerful, transformative and served as an important symbol of hope and resistance. It is this spirit, this legacy, that continues to fuel the growth of drag culture around the globe!

Back in London, there was a new kind of drag scene taking root. Think nightclubs, theatre productions, and even fashion magazines that were making space for gender-bending, experimental and audacious performers. And let me tell you, those queens were living their best lives! The iconic Folies Bergère on the Shaftesbury Avenue was bursting with creativity and talent. And we can't forget Danny La Rue, a renowned and influential drag queen, who broke through in a time when drag queens were seen as outlandish characters! La Rue, with her exquisite talent and charisma, not only redefined drag performance, but paved the way for so many queens who would come after her.

However, it's not just about the glitz and glamour, darling. It was the underground scene in London that truly made an impression on me. Places like The Ritz Club, a legendary Soho nightspot. You wouldn't find tutus in the Ritz, no, instead the focus was on underground, rebellious, and provocative expressions of drag. The creativity and artistic brilliance I witnessed there were like nothing I’d ever seen. It truly resonated with the bold, outspoken attitude of the times, with so many challenging and rejecting gender expectations. I have to say, my tutu would have definitely felt a bit out of place there! But hey, there’s nothing wrong with embracing all types of drag, right?

Now let’s talk fashion. We’ve been exploring the glitz and glamour, the cabaret shows and the underground scene but 1968 fashion deserves its own spotlight! Imagine Yves Saint Laurent setting fashion trends with le smoking suit a suit made for the modern, fearless woman! It embodied the bold confidence and spirit of the times! And of course, we have Mary Quant’s miniskirts! Imagine that: miniskirts, bold eyeliner, sleek bobs, the whole lot giving off that fierce femininity! Now, that was a revolution in style that truly left its mark! I’m getting a little lost in the glory of that time period!

As I bid farewell to July 7th, 1968, I’m reminded once again of the incredible power of drag. It's not just about glamour and performance; it's a testament to our creativity, a defiant act of self-expression, and a vehicle for activism, progress and change. So, my fellow queens, as you walk down the street, as you prepare for your next show, or as you strut that catwalk with confidence and flair, know that you’re standing on the shoulders of queens from the past who broke down barriers, fought for their rights and lived their truth with boldness.

Next time you see a vintage drag magazine, darling, just take a moment to think about how far we've come and to appreciate those legendary queens who fought for every step of progress we’ve made today! Remember, wearing your pink tutu isn't just a statement of style, it's a testament to the amazing world of drag and all it represents: freedom, acceptance, self-expression, creativity, community.

Join me on www.pink-tutu.com to learn more! Until next month, my darlings, I’m off on another time-travelling adventure. Be bold. Be fierce. Be YOU! And always wear your pink tutu with pride! 💖