Hello my darling dears! Emma here, your time-travelling ballerina queen, fresh from another adventure in the magnificent machine that is time, a.k.a. my glorious pink tutu. August 8th, 1971, darlings, we're stepping back to a time of disco balls and flared trousers. But guess what? This month's journey is not just a journey into the past, it's a journey to the heart of queer history.
It was on August 8th, 1971, that Judy Garland - legendary diva, and queen of the sequins - played a gig at the infamous Stonewall Inn. Itâs a date forever etched into history, the start of the Stonewall riots, and the beginning of the modern gay rights movement. The Stonewall Inn, as you know my dears, was a gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York. This was a time when being LGBTQ+ was illegal and the police would frequently raid these safe havens, causing fear, violence and injustice. Itâs the kind of story that fills my heart with anger and fury - how can something so unjust exist in a world of love and rainbows?
But this wasn't just another ordinary raid, darling. The queer community, finally had enough! The Stonewall riots started in response to police brutality. People stood up, demanding their right to be themselves, and they bravely fought for equality. They threw bricks, they danced in the streets, and they changed history. It's truly a moment in history that deserves to be celebrated.
Judy Garland, a true legend of the silver screen, playing in this haven for LGBTQ+ people, at the heart of this storm. Imagine the energy in the room, the sheer defiance of the community - this was a performance with a punch, darlings. And just as she did for a generation of her fans, she was bringing her magical, glamorous aura to the LGBTQ+ community at Stonewall. The very next day, the riot happened. Judy may have just been singing for the joy of it, but her presence helped fuel the fight, a beacon of glamour in a place desperate for a little bit of joy, in a fight for fundamental rights.
Imagine, darlings, if you were there! Maybe you'd be shaking your glitter and chanting in the streets with Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnson and the others. Maybe you'd be belting out your heart along with Judy, her powerhouse voice soaring through the smoke-filled room. I feel it in my bones, darling. The courage, the rebellion, the sheer love that fueled this incredible movement. Itâs the kind of history that warms my heart even as I type this post.
We've come a long way since 1971. We have pride marches, Drag Race, and fabulous drag queens rocking the world! But this legacy doesn't exist without the brave hearts that paved the way at the Stonewall Inn. Their spirit still lives in the glittering fashion, the electrifying shows, and the vibrant community we celebrate.
I know you love fashion as much as I do, darling. And there's no doubt the flared jeans and groovy shirts of the 70's were giving a serious fashion statement! Think about those wide-leg flares, and the statement boots - we all know boots were made for walking, and walking into Stonewall and demanding justice. But the real highlight of 70's fashion? The sparkle! The shine! Remember, it's all about the fabulousness. And, of course, every single drag queen from the era was looking flawless in their stunning glam.
Back in my time, darlings, I was out with my gal pals in a packed club, living our best lives. We'd been sipping martinis (I only had a little pink lemonade, mind you) and catching up on all the local goss when suddenly the world started spinning! BAM! Time travel in my magical pink tutu. The music changed from cheesy pop tunes to funky disco rhythms, and I found myself staring at the legendary Stonewall Inn! It was like a dream. And then I realised⌠my drag queen radar was on the fritz, I had to see Judy!
The Stonewall Inn was the place to be! So I waltzed in, tutus a-fluttering, and my, oh my! Judy Garland, all sequins and smiles, had just started singing her famous tune âSomewhere Over the Rainbowâ! It was magical, darling! Everyone was cheering, and the air was thick with excitement.
The audience were dancing with unrestrained joy. You could see the joy on Judyâs face, she loved it too! And I'm not going to lie, it felt very satisfying for this ballerina queen to finally understand the real history behind those sparkly shoes! Itâs amazing to experience a moment of such historical significance, to feel the atmosphere of defiance, and witness such an iconic legend in action.
The performance ended in a thunderous applause. Youâd have thought I was in one of those legendary musical movies they make with sequins and sparkly dresses, all glamour and glitz. It was like stepping into a vintage drag film, the excitement electrifying the room, it was almost tangible.
Now I have to get ready for the next performance, I have a feeling a couple of Pink Lemonade-lovers at The Birdcage in Nottingham are about to meet a time-travelling ballerina queen.
Do you want to know about some legendary drag queens of this era, darling? Tell me all about your favorite drag looks, what are you going to rock next? And did I mention I have some stunning new pink tutus for sale? Donât forget to check my new line! Theyâll definitely make you sparkle like a star!
Yours in sequins and smiles,
Emma
P.S. Make sure to check back in a month's time, dear! Iâve got a trip to ancient Rome all planned, to see how the Romans were dressing, darlings. Think togas, sandals, and perhaps a pink tutu, if I can convince them, I'll be sure to share my adventures with you!
