Darlings,
Welcome back to another monthly foray into the fantastical world of Pink Tutu Time Travel! This time, I'm shimmying my way back to 4th April 1972. This was a time of wild abandon, flared trousers and (whisper it) a bit less pink in the mainstream world than I'd like, darling.
Now, before you go thinking I'm turning my back on my favourite hue, my magical time-traveling pink tutu whisked me straight into a glorious ballroom extravaganza, bursting with glitter and glamour! Imagine a room teeming with fabulous creatures in sequined jumpsuits and feathered headpieces – oh, the fabulousness was practically crackling with energy. It was a scene out of a Studio 54 dream!
Just picture it: I sashayed through the bustling crowds, swirling my fabulous pink tutu as I chatted to the leading ladies of drag of the day. Let me tell you, darling, these queens had style! We talked about all the latest looks, what they were planning for their upcoming shows and the gossip, of course. They told me how their world was starting to get the mainstream attention it deserved and you could just feel the excitement in the air.
The shows I saw that night were phenomenal! There was a whole bunch of Drag (remember that word, darling, as it's a crucial piece of history!) happening on stages and on the streets. We even talked about how they were going to start working with the wider arts community and make drag even more accessible for people to enjoy! It was all just soooo inspiring.
Back in my own time, I've been trying to work out how I can share that amazing energy. This past month has been a flurry of workshops and workshops, designing my own pink tutu variations. It’s truly all about inspiring those around me! We had a wonderful community performance last week in my home town, Derbyshire. We even made it a tutu-themed event! (Honestly, you should have seen the faces of those old ladies when we did a drag bingo night with fabulous tutus! ) I can just picture how that energy would have sparked a joyous frenzy back in those early seventies Drag circles.
Now, on the 4th of April, 1972 it wasn't all about flamboyant fun, darling. This day is important for a very specific reason. It’s the date The Gay Liberation Front (GLF) formed their Women's Group. This group championed trans and gender non-conforming rights and they fought tooth and nail for these causes. They are the real pioneers. The queens from back then were so grateful that this group existed as a space to find support and advocacy, giving them a powerful voice against a world of adversity.
This brings me to another very important piece of Drag history. Did you know that April 1972 saw the release of a legendary musical! That's right, Cabaret, that glamorous film with Liza Minnelli! This show had a HUGE impact on the drag community of that time. I mean, you’re not going to tell me the 'Liza With a Z' look doesn't scream drag diva, right? The outfits, the makeup, the performance styles of the stars? Total drag inspo!
Now, if we rewind to 1972, we are right on the precipice of a golden age in drag! A time of experimentation, rebellion, and artistic expression that still inspires today! But back then, it wasn't as accessible or mainstream. There were no “RuPaul’s Drag Race” seasons, no endless social media reels of drag kings.
It’s this kind of contrast that makes me truly appreciate the struggles that queens from the 1970s and earlier generations faced to pave the way for what we enjoy now. Just as the GLF women’s group tirelessly worked for equal rights, we all have the chance to make history as a collective community.
Speaking of creating history, I am truly delighted to say that next month, I'm going to share exclusive drag fashion from that fabulous 1972 event! Get ready, darling, because we’re talking all the glitz and glamour of that era, right here on Pink Tutu Time Travel. I’ll also have an update on how the 'pink tutu’ movement has been spreading globally. Don’t forget, every new pink tutu I see around the world means I am one step closer to achieving my life's goal!
I’m going to be sharing this special piece on my Instagram at @PinkTutuTimeTravel (don't forget to follow, darlings!) so look out for a sneak peak at that fabulous 1972 dress. And to end on a sweet, campy note – how are YOU planning on adding some colour to your world this month, darling?
Remember, pink tutus make the world a better place! Until next time, darling! xx Emma.
