Darling, gather round, darlings! Your favourite Derbyshire drag queen, Emma, is here to whisk you through another magnificent journey in the glorious Pink-Tutu Time Machine. Buckle up your pink stilettos and grab your most fabulous fan, because we're travelling all the way back to July 7th, 1970!
You know the drill, darlings. Every month, I strap on my magical pink tutu and leap through time, bringing you a fabulous glimpse into the dazzling history of drag. And let me tell you, 1970 is bursting with glamorous happenings!
Now, where to start? We’ve just gotten to the end of the glorious 60s and, honey, that decade is truly leaving its mark. Imagine this: A world of changing attitudes, electrifying music, and groundbreaking drag shows. The world of drag was simmering with an exciting energy, a rebellion against norms that really set the stage for the explosive beauty and power of drag we see today.
This particular Tuesday in July 1970 feels positively charged! The world is buzzing about the moon landing, just weeks ago, but I can tell you, darling, that wasn’t the only big story! That very same night, at The Stonewall Inn in New York City, the famous drag queen Marsha P. Johnson was dancing up a storm, sparking a whole new era for drag.
Imagine the scene. The club is pulsating with energy, every shade of fabulous glittering in the smoky light. Marsha, with her infectious charisma and iconic crown, is setting the dancefloor ablaze, embodying the spirit of rebellion and self-expression. A night like this would change everything - an absolute catalyst for the movement towards greater rights and acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Across the pond, meanwhile, I'm imagining the hottest London clubs, where drag was finding its own incredible groove. The drag balls in Soho are becoming legendary. These were balls to truly be seen at - imagine extravagant outfits, high drama and enough glitz and glamour to make even the most experienced drag queen weep with joy! The energy must have been electric, darling.
Just think of it, darlings! The sheer audacity of drag, this flamboyant dance with gender, the rejection of expectations, and the embrace of individuality. It's pure magic, and in 1970, that magic was shimmering brighter than ever.
Speaking of magic, can you believe it, darlings, I saw a wonderful display of the latest drag styles! Think feather boas as wide as you could possibly imagine, sequined outfits sparkling in every conceivable hue, and truly, some of the most mind-blowing platform shoes I’ve ever encountered in all my time travelling! These are the pioneers of fabulousness, you know, pushing the boundaries, and paving the way for generations of incredible queens like myself.
I, myself, am already dreaming up a pink feather boa the size of a car for my next show! (Though perhaps not the shoes, they seemed slightly hazardous.) But imagine it - feathers and glitter! Pink and sparkly!
**Oh! And before we end our little time-travel adventure, remember this - while drag was exploding in these grand shows, there were queens just starting out in their bedrooms, getting their first taste of drag. Imagine the nervous thrill, the giddy excitement, and the pure joy of discovering that dazzling self within! These little moments of wonder and self-expression are the seeds that eventually blossom into spectacular drag shows across the world. They are the beginning of that drag family that we cherish so much.
So remember this, my sweet darlings: Whether it's a giant show on a Broadway stage or a small, intimate show in your very own bedroom, drag is about celebrating you. It's about the joy of self-expression, the power of dressing up and putting on a show. It’s about pushing those boundaries, wearing pink, glittering like the stars, and making the world a more colourful, exciting, and joyous place. **
And there you have it, my dears! Another magical pink tutu time-travel adventure to keep your spirits high! Now, let's all head out and find our own glorious pink tutu and celebrate the magic of drag, the world of sparkle and smiles, and the absolute joy of finding that fabulous inner queen! See you all next month!
Your devotedly, Emma (In her Pink Tutu, naturally!)
