Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your fabulous time-traveling pink-tutu aficionado, here with blog post #593, straight from my (slightly rumpled but still divine) pink tulle time machine! This month we're stepping back in time, all the way to May 5th, 1969! Can you imagine, darlings? It was a world on the brink of change, and I just knew I had to grace the era with my own brand of pink tulle-tastic fabulousness!
As my pink tulle time machine zipped through the vortex of history, I was so thrilled to catch a glimpse of the incredible drag scene buzzing around the world back then! And, oh darling, let me tell you, it was quite the spectacle.
Now, picture this, lovelies: 1969, a world pulsating with possibilities and pushing boundaries, especially within the vibrant drag community. Back then, there was no Instagram to instantly capture the beauty and talent, no YouTube to watch on repeat, no TikTok to create a viral dance craze. It was all about live performance and the magic of real-time entertainment.
I started my journey in New York City, the capital of fabulousness. Oh darling, the sheer audacity! The Stonewall Riots had just taken place, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights was bubbling under the surface, and the energy was electric. You could almost feel the liberation brewing in the air.
That evening, the legendary Stonewall Inn was teeming with life. A hotbed of talent, filled with a kaleidoscope of personalities, the Stonewall Inn wasn’t just a bar, it was a sanctuary. And who do I spy inside? Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera and their fabulous squad! They're an iconic sight, embracing themselves and each other. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights might have been far from over, but they were a blazing trail of boldness and self-expression, creating a world where everyone could live their authentic truth. And that, my dears, is the essence of true drag – to be unapologetically you, even in a world that doesn't always understand.
And the talent, darling, it was exquisite! It wasn’t all just about loud and brash personalities; I spotted a graceful drag performer named Holly Woodlawn, known for her feminine allure and captivating presence. She epitomized the cool, sophisticated charm of New York’s glamorous underground scene, radiating a ‘look at me, but look at me with respect’ vibe. She had me, my dear, utterly smitten!
Later, as I time traveled, the streets of San Francisco were practically dripping with flamboyant style. It was like the city was on the verge of bursting with energy. There, in the heart of it all, I found the famous Cockettes, an ensemble of drag performers whose unique mix of camp, counterculture, and performance art was captivating.
The Cockettes were all about individuality, pushing the boundaries of what drag could be. From elaborate costumes and extravagant makeup, to theatricality that blended the lines of art and performance, these bold souls truly captured my attention. They embraced an all-encompassing sense of theatricality, blending performance, costume, and music into a cohesive and dynamic entity. Their influence in the drag world is still visible today.
Next, I zoomed over to London, and oh darling, it was as if London was trying to emulate New York City, but with its own British style! London was filled with so many diverse queer spaces, filled with drag queens, and of course, I made sure to check out The Black Cap and The Royal Vauxhall Tavern. They were both buzzing with exciting acts and vibrant performances, truly a must-visit for any discerning drag enthusiast.
Oh, and you know, I even saw a fascinating performance at a theatre called The Mermaid, where the show featured a mix of camp, burlesque, and comedy! The audience were utterly captivated by it all, their energy contagious!
From the glittering spectacle of New York, to the avant-garde artistry of San Francisco and the charming queer spaces of London, it was so inspiring to see how drag had taken shape across the world.
While the year 1969 is a significant chapter in drag history, the journey didn't end there. Every day since, the scene has continued to evolve and break new boundaries, leaving its undeniable mark on the world.
And now, I'm going to tell you a secret: 1969 isn’t just a time travel adventure for me. It's a constant reminder of why I continue to be so passionate about spreading the love of pink tutus! I think these queens from back then, in their boldness and defiance, would have approved.
So, darling, how are you going to celebrate drag history today? Are you going to check out a local drag show? Try a new fabulous makeup look? Or just embrace your own fabulous inner queen?
Whatever you choose to do, remember the amazing history behind the world of drag, the incredible talent and the resilience of queens like the ones I met. And of course, remember to put on a pink tutu, you magnificent queen, you!
I'm signing off for now, but I’ll see you again next month. Don't forget to check out my website www.pink-tutu.com, for more amazing drag history stories! Until then, keep it fierce, keep it pink, and keep it twirling!
Love, Emma x
