Hello, my darling darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-clad time traveller, back for another magical journey through the history of drag! This month, we're twirling back to April 4th, 1969 - a date filled with sparkle, drama, and a touch of historical intrigue. Oh, darling, I simply adore a good mystery, and this month's journey was truly a whirlwind of fabulousness.
As always, I was blessed with a vision - this time, a vision of a dazzling cabaret in New York City. Can you imagine, my darlings, a cabaret back in 1969? The glamour, the feather boas, the cigarette smoke - a vision worthy of a true queen!
So, I hopped into my trusty time-travelling pink tutu (yes, you heard that right - a magical, shimmery creation that allows me to skip through time!) and landed in the heart of Manhattan. I'll be honest, my dear, there wasn't quite as much pink in 1969 as I'd hoped. Lots of brown and beige. But darling, what this city lacked in pink, it more than made up for in fabulous drag performances!
My first stop? The famous Stonewall Inn - the birthplace of modern queer activism! Yes, my darlings, it was a landmark moment in our community, a night that ignited a movement for acceptance and equality. Though the Stonewall Inn wasn't known for drag performances back then, it served as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, a place where individuals could be themselves, free from judgement and fear.
While I didn't find any drag shows at the Stonewall that night, I was mesmerized by the vibrant scene. A sense of camaraderie, rebellion, and joy emanated from every corner of the bar. It was electric!
I knew then that I had to find more drag. So, my darlings, I strutted my stuff through the city, channeling my inner 1969 fashion icon, feeling the rhythm of New York City beneath my pink tutu.
And find drag, I did! I stumbled upon a secret drag show in a basement club. It was intimate, raw, and full of raw talent. Imagine, a tiny stage, a few flashing lights, and performers in bold, vibrant outfits that challenged every norm! There was a truly captivating drag queen with a mischievous grin and a stunning, sequined dress, performing a truly powerful rendition of "I Will Survive." It was a truly breathtaking display of artistry and vulnerability. Oh, darling, it was electric! I practically felt my sequins vibrate with the power of her performance.
But it wasn't just New York that had me spellbound. As I continued my travels, my tutu led me to other fascinating places around the world. I found myself at the famous Scala Theatre in London, watching a hilarious double-act by two fabulous drag queens. One, with a bright, scarlet wig, had the audience in stitches with their comedic timing. The other, a statuesque, glamorous beauty, had everyone swooning with a sensual, soulful song about love lost and found.
Back in America, I found myself mesmerised by the fabulous Cockettes in San Francisco, an avant-garde performance group blending drag, theatre, and visual art. Their flamboyant style and outrageous makeup were like nothing I'd ever seen! And they even used some pink in their outfits! Oh, my darlings, I was in my element!
Finally, I found myself on a stage myself, participating in a small, but incredibly spirited drag show in Chicago. Darling, you wouldn't believe it, the audience loved me! I even taught a few local queens how to do the classic “attitude twist.” Honestly, I have such a knack for choreographing. We had everyone in the audience shouting for an encore!
I had a fantastic time in 1969, my darlings. The year truly was a pivotal year for our community, and it gave me a renewed appreciation for how far we've come. But even then, with the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, drag served as a form of empowerment, defiance, and pure joy!
Oh, darling, this journey reminds me why I love drag so much - the community, the creativity, the courage! So, as I twirl back to my own time, I hope I've inspired you to learn more about this history. Remember, my darlings, it's important to know our past, to understand how far we've come and to celebrate the pioneers who paved the way for the glorious drag scene we enjoy today.
Until next month, my sweethearts, stay fabulous, embrace your inner queen, and remember, pink is always the answer!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. I've already started saving up for my next trip, and I'm thinking 1980s New York - darling, imagine the hairstyles, the sequins, the wild fashion!
