Hello my darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling drag queen from Derbyshire, England. I've just whizzed back from October 10th, 1972, in my trusty pink, sequined time-traveling tutu, and let me tell you, this little jaunt was a real corker! Buckle up, lovelies, because you're about to be transported to a time where drag was bursting with energy and individuality.
The Beat Goes On... (But The Rhythm's Different!)
As the magical glitter-dust settled, I found myself right in the thick of things, right in the heart of New York City. The city was buzzing with the beat of disco, but 1972 had a raw energy, a "we're changing the world" kind of vibe, and trust me, drag was very much part of the energy! The drag scene back then was different from what you see today. More intimate, more grassroots, and bursting with a defiant, fierce attitude that echoed through the streets. It wasn't just about glamorous gowns and show-stopping lip-syncs. It was a platform to express yourself, challenge conventions, and create a haven for a community hungry for belonging.
Queens of the Streets and Stage
I stumbled upon a truly inspiring drag show that night. Think underground bars, dim lights, and smoke clinging to the air – it had that edgy, thrilling feel you only get from something truly genuine. There were dancers twirling, lip-sync battles that wouldn't have looked out of place in a drag ball today, and these iconic drag queens with names like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera - absolute icons of the scene! You could see the passion in their eyes, the fire in their voices as they reclaimed their spaces, their individuality, their strength.
It's important to remember, drag in the 70s wasn't just a night out; it was a movement, a call for acceptance. Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were trailblazers in the fight for LGBT+ rights, leading protests and organizing, and they used their platform as drag queens to make a powerful statement. It was an amazing reminder that drag has always been more than just a form of entertainment, it's a powerful statement of identity and liberation.
Shopping and Seeing the Scene
Now, if you think a day of drag in the 70s was all about underground shows and political action, you’re wrong! It was about the fashion too, darling. I headed to a funky little shop in Greenwich Village called "The Pink Flamingo". It was crammed full of glittering, vintage gowns and dazzling hats, perfect for channeling those flamboyant vibes of the era. Imagine sparkly, velvet, bell bottoms, shimmering platform shoes and some seriously fabulous afro-wigs! It was a treasure trove for any drag queen!
Pink Tutu Inspired!
You know me, I love to blend my love for fashion and history, and that trip through 1972 got me thinking! If those amazing queens could break barriers and embrace their creativity, so can we! So, here's a call to all my lovely readers, go for that vibrant pink tutu, let your imagination run wild, and find ways to be bold in your own unique way! Drag has the power to bring communities together, express individuality, and spread joy, whether it's in the underground scene or the bright lights of the West End.
Let's make the world a more fabulous, accepting, and fun place!
Lots of love and sparkle, Emma xx
