Hello darlings! Welcome back to the fabulous world of #DragQueenHistory! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing, time-traveling, drag-obsessed blogger, bringing you a monthly dose of queer history, glamour, and a whole lotta pink! Today's post is extra special, as we're diving into a super fun date: 1970-06-06! So, grab your feather boas, dust off your sequined fanny packs, and join me on this whirlwind adventure through the colourful world of drag!
*(This post is number 606! For a full calendar of #DragQueenHistory posts, visit www.pink-tutu.com. I'm posting a new blog post every month!) *
💖 Tutu-Time Travelling: The Time Is Now!
Now, you know how much I love my pink tutu - it's not just a piece of clothing, it's a symbol of freedom, empowerment, and all things fabulous! And just like my signature style, I'm determined to get the whole world rocking pink tutus. (We can all be a bit more pink and fabulous in our lives!)
That's where my secret, magical pink tutu comes in! It's a vintage dream, with a dash of sparkly time-travel enchantment. It allows me to whisk myself through the annals of drag history - talk about a fabulously flamboyant commute! ✨
💖 Drag On This Day: A Glamorous Gander
Stepping back to 1970, I can just feel the energy. The disco scene was blooming in its glory, and a new wave of flamboyant freedom was rippling across the world.
So, what was the drag scene looking like on June 6th, 1970?
Well, my dear divas, it was a time of vibrant change and bold expressions! Let's get a bit more specific, shall we?
(Spoiler alert: The "pink" might be lacking, but there was still plenty of sass and fabulousness in this timeline!)
👑 The West Coast, USA: A Mecca for Drag Royalty
In San Francisco, the Cockettes were taking the stage by storm! They were a collective of artists and drag queens who blurred the lines between theatre, performance art, and social activism. Imagine glitter, glam rock, and a whole lotta political commentary! (Talk about leaving your mark!) They had already held their legendary "Cockettes on the Road" show a year prior in 1969, but their impact would last for years to come! They were a powerful force for queer liberation, challenging gender norms, and pushing boundaries.
🔥 New York, New York: A Stage for Rising Stars
Across the country in New York City, a wave of drag shows were taking root in various spaces. Drag performances in Greenwich Village, Harlem, and Chelsea were becoming a vibrant fixture in nightlife. "The Upstairs Gallery", on West 10th Street in Manhattan was attracting big names including Divine. Remember her, darling? She was a star before "Hairspray"! "The 9th Circle", also in Greenwich Village, became an influential location known for hosting groundbreaking drag and underground performances, shaping the evolution of the New York drag scene!
🕺 Across the Atlantic: The Drag World Keeps Spinning!
We can't forget our friends in Europe! Drag, with its diverse expressions, was already establishing a presence in several cities. The underground scene was heating up with performers daring to be different, pushing boundaries and celebrating their unique personalities!
Imagine the energy of this vibrant, evolving world of drag! It was a time of exploration and transformation!
(Okay, I admit it, not everything was rosy-coloured back then. We're not shy about the challenges that existed within the queer community back in the 70s. We'll touch on those challenges later, darling! This is a journey and the full history is full of twists, turns, and a lotta sass!
💖 A Few Of My Favourite Things (and a Trip to the Dressmaker)
1970 - the era of sequins, platforms, and all things glam! Think disco balls, feathers, bold colours, and dramatic hairstyles. As you know, a drag queen’s true love lies in finding the perfect attire that complements her style and embodies her persona! Now, I’m a huge fan of ballroom drag. There's a unique beauty in the exaggerated silhouettes and attention to detail that transcends all things drag.
The iconic 1970s looks are a testament to the timelessness of glam! The styles are always a source of inspiration for my drag performances, too! Speaking of inspiration... a little trip to my local dressmaker's in Derbyshire is in order, I need to find some more amazing pieces to bring out the vintage spirit!
*(Don't forget to watch my latest performance on YouTube and let me know in the comments if you would love to see my collection. It's all vintage, darling! #pinktutuvintage!) *
*💖 Drag Queen Time Travelling Tips! *
Now, a few helpful tips to stay fabulously prepared for your own drag queen time travelling adventures!
1. The Tutu Must-Have: Whether you’re heading back to the roaring 20s or soaring into the future, a sparkly, vintage-inspired pink tutu is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
2. Safety First, Darlings! Travel with caution and remember the social norms and sensitivities of each era. Always prioritize inclusivity and respect, even when experimenting with your time-traveling looks!
3. A Dash of Confidence! Drag is all about owning your style and embodying your inner fabulousness!
💖 A Pink and Positive Ending
My dears, there is a beautiful energy in every time period in our queer history, whether it’s 1970 or right now. The most important message to bring home is to never be afraid to express yourself and stay true to your individuality! You never know what doors might open - whether it’s stepping onto the drag stage, sharing your history with the world, or stepping into a magical pink tutu and discovering your own destiny. ✨
And just like any good story, this one is always unfolding, with each chapter writing new tales!
That’s all from me this time, darlings! Make sure to follow #DragQueenHistory, because I will keep you up to date on every pink and glamorous event, drag performance, and milestone! Keep it fabulous! ✨
