Darlings! It’s your favourite Derbyshire diva, Emma, back with another whirlwind tour through Drag Queen History. I’m on the hunt for some stellar fashion inspiration, some glittery glamour, and of course, to share my pink-tutu-loving message with the world, one fabulous time travel jaunt at a time.
Now, my sweet dears, let’s talk about December 12th, 1968. The date feels as fabulous and colourful as a feathered boa, and I’m positively bursting to tell you all about it. Hold onto your feather boas, because we’re about to step back in time!
A Tutu Time Trip:
It’s always exciting stepping through the fabric of time, but today felt especially special. Stepping out of my shimmering pink time travelling tutu, I landed in… New York! Now, the Big Apple has always had a place in my heart (and a certain kind of vintage sequin dress too!), but 1968 had a certain something going on, don't you think? The air hummed with the energy of change and liberation. The movement was in the air!
The Stonewall Riots & A Turning Point in Drag:
Now, as most of you fabulous creatures already know, 1968 saw the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights. I may have arrived a few months later, but the reverberations of this amazing moment were undeniable! It was about so much more than a fight; it was about defiance, love, and acceptance. The queer community in New York had had enough of police brutality and discriminatory laws. It was about finding your voice, claiming your space, and being loud and proud of who you are! I’ve gotta say, a strong sense of "that's my drag" reverberated across those streets! I believe that every day we should celebrate, be ourselves, and express our true selves unapologetically, even if you are not in drag! It makes you more fabulous!
I could feel the shift happening. This wasn’t just a local rebellion, darlings. This was the start of something big! I knew, deep in my sequined soul, that Stonewall had ignited a flame that would burn brightly for equality, visibility, and love, shining a glorious light on all things queer, including drag!
A Night in Greenwich Village:
And oh darling, what a night in Greenwich Village it was! The city was pulsing with this infectious energy. Imagine it – dark, smokey clubs with wild lights. I walked into the most stunning cabaret! Imagine – flamboyant drag performers prancing and singing their hearts out! One look at these fabulous individuals and you’d know that their drag was fierce and uninhibited! Think of a blend of camp, wit, and raw talent, just a smidge of vaudeville thrown in, and you’ve got yourself the heart of Greenwich Village!
I had the best time sipping my champagne cocktails (the sugar, oh my!) and watching the performers show off their amazing costumes! Some wore outrageous feather boas that would put even the most daring of modern queens to shame, while others rocked tight sequined dresses that were dripping in glam!
You see, before the Stonewall riots, drag had a somewhat more underground feel, often found in hidden clubs and tucked away in smaller theaters. But after Stonewall, it felt different. There was a renewed energy, a bold expression of freedom, a “you can’t stop us” vibe to it all. A collective “you bet we will keep showing up and showing out!”.
Shopping For Vintage Treasures:
I wouldn't be a true pink tutu-loving diva without indulging in a spot of vintage shopping. Oh my god, Darling, you'd be smitten by the racks at this little shop on 8th Street! I found some gems—a glittering beaded bolero, a beaded hat, a beautiful feather boa that's positively shouting "showbiz"! I may not be wearing my pink tutu right now, but that's going to be on my next shopping list! I need the perfect outfit to wear when I travel back in time again!
Meeting Drag Royalty:
There's nothing quite like meeting a drag legend. Well, imagine my delight when I bumped into Divine! (Well, let’s be real, she would’ve towered over me. I’m just short, darling!). She was filming “Hairspray” (the 1968 one! I can’t wait to time travel forward to watch it!), looking fabulously outlandish, just how I adore! Now, if I could just get her to sign my time travelling pink tutu! I am a little jealous of Divine! That is definitely going on my to-do list, my loves, next month’s post perhaps!
Taking the Time to Reflect:
As my time travel tutu took me back to my own time, my heart was overflowing with pride. Looking back on 1968, I felt the importance of what we had seen – of Stonewall, of this vibrant drag scene, of the courage of a community that wouldn't be silenced. It was a beautiful reminder of why I love my pink tutu so much. It represents the joy of expression, of being who you are, of finding your sparkle and letting it shine.
My darlings, in 2023, the world of drag has changed. We've moved from small clubs to major TV shows like RuPaul's Drag Race, showcasing an incredible array of talent, personality, and artistic genius. But let's never forget where we came from. The struggle, the resilience, the creativity of drag in 1968 and all those who fought and championed it.
It’s important to remember those early days. To keep shining that spotlight on drag's legacy and the foundations on which it stands. Let's continue to use our platforms, our voices, and of course, our fabulous pink tutus to celebrate all that drag embodies – the joy of self-expression, the strength of community, the power of being true to your fabulous self! Now, darlings, who's ready for some tutu-tastic fun? Keep spreading those rainbow sequins and shining those fabulous faces!
Love,
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
