Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing, time-travelling drag queen Emma, back for another glamorous romp through history. It's time for post number 637 on the fabulous www.pink-tutu.com, where we celebrate the magnificent world of drag through the ages!
Today, my little fluffballs, I'm taking you all the way back to January 1st, 1973. A whole whopping 50 years ago! Can you believe it? Time just flies when you're having this much fun. ✨
And speaking of fun, I simply had to wear my most magnificent pink tutu for this trip! You see, January 1st is all about fresh starts, and let me tell you, darling, there was nothing fresher than the burgeoning drag scene in 1973! We're talking about the dawn of a new era of drag, filled with sass, sparkle, and so much unbridled creativity it could make a crystal chandelier weep tears of glitter.
Now, I must admit, dear readers, it was quite the challenge to travel through time wearing a tutu. The time machine... well, let's just say it's still in its prototype stage. It's basically a gigantic, sequined pink tutu that you slip into, twirl, and POOF! You're whisked away! It's definitely more magic than technology, but trust me, it's worth the occasional wardrobe malfunction. 😜
But anyway, back to 1973! Where should I even start?!
The drag scene was absolutely thriving across the pond. New York City was, of course, the epicenter of drag artistry, bursting with new talent and groundbreaking concepts. Just picture this: The Cockettes, a legendary group of performers pushing the boundaries with their unique blend of drag, theater, and art. And Holly Woodlawn, the glamorous queen known for her role in "Women in Trouble" (and later, the unforgettable "The Wild Angels"). I absolutely adored her sense of style! That bouffant, those sharp looks... I simply adored the drama of it all!
New York City had so many fantastic venues back then. Imagine, legendary drag queens like Jackie Curtis performing on a regular basis! Oh, how I wish I could see "The Invasion of the Cockettes," their musical extravaganza. It was revolutionary, my dear. The audacity! It's said the play featured nudity, puppets, and everything else under the rainbow - and more than likely, in a shade of pink, too!
And while we're on the topic of revolutionary performance, let's talk about "The Divine Sister," Jackie's captivating 1970 film! It's a true testament to the beauty and strength of drag, showcasing her own powerful drag persona. I'm sure you can all picture this scene - Divine strutting around in a bold, pink-tinted dress, challenging all notions of gender and sexuality with pure and unadulterated charisma.
But it wasn't just New York City, darling! Los Angeles was also a hotbed of drag activity. The city hosted the legendary "Drag Mothers", an iconic drag queen competition that fostered incredible talent and brought the whole city together under the banner of glitz and glamour! Oh, to have been there, in that smoky room, amongst the crowd of drag fans, watching these extraordinary queens compete! The sheer amount of creativity must have been inspiring.
And as for London? The iconic "Lady's House," a gay pub, and "The Royal Vauxhall Tavern," also a much-loved LGBTQ+ hub, played host to fantastic drag performers every night. The drag queens of the day really embraced their community, darling. Imagine performing in front of a packed house of supportive faces! What a rush it must have been. And just the energy... that buzzing, vibrant energy! My oh my.
Back in 1973, these incredible venues and talented queens were a lifeline for the LGBTQ+ community. It was a time when being openly LGBTQ+ wasn't always safe or accepted, and these drag shows became spaces where people could truly express themselves. And these spaces were about community, about celebration, about finding your tribe. It’s something we should never forget.
And oh, the fashion! Oh, the fashions! 1973 was the year where every single rule book got thrown out the window! Forget that boring old "masculine/feminine" thing, honey! Disco was booming, and the bold, bright, and glamorous colours of drag fashion took on a life of their own. Glitter? Loads of glitter! Platform shoes? Absolutely! Feathered boas? Of course, honey! I must admit, my time-travelling pink tutu fit right in with the whole fashion revolution. It was practically meant for a 70s disco!
I've just got to tell you about my day. After exploring the heart of London, I took myself on a whirlwind shopping trip down the high street of Shoreditch! I mean, a gal needs to keep her tutu wardrobe up to date, doesn't she? All those bold prints and exciting colours really sparked my creativity. They had so many fabulous shops and department stores. I had to get myself some real flares! It was a fashion paradise!
Of course, it's all about embracing the beauty of those times, while reminding ourselves that drag is still about self-expression, and finding our voice in the world. Whether you're performing on stage, marching down the street, or simply showing your unique self in everyday life, it's all about feeling empowered and celebrating what makes you fabulous!
Now, darlings, I know you're all wondering: where's that pink tutu?!
As much as I love time travelling, I'm a bit of a homebody at heart. My pink tutu and I will be back at our little base of operations: my glamorous, shimmering apartment in the Derbyshire countryside! We're busy getting ready for a weekend at a little LGBTQ+ arts centre down in the Peak District. You wouldn't believe the amazing talent we find in those parts! And we've just received news that our first pink-tutu flashmob in the Peak District has been approved! We can't wait to fill it with dazzling, pink-hued, tutu-wearing delight. I really think I've found the best place in the whole world to embrace my passion for pink tutus and the wonderful world of drag!
Don't forget to keep those fabulous minds sparkling! Join us next month for another fantastic trip into the past on www.pink-tutu.com! Until next time, stay stylish, stay fierce, and always remember the power of a pink tutu! 💕
Emma ✨💖
