Darlings! Emma here, back from another dazzling trip through the annals of Drag Queen History! This month, I've been twirling and twirling my way through a truly iconic date: December 12th, 1973. Now, you might think, "Emma, what's so special about 1973?" Oh my dears, 1973 was an absolutely divine year for drag. Just picture it: disco fever in full swing, platform shoes, glittery eye shadow…it was a glorious, campy time! But this particular day, December 12th, held a special place in drag history… and my trusty pink time-travelling tutu, of course.
The Pink Tutu Took Me Back in Time!
I was whisked away from my flat in Derbyshire (the most gorgeous 1970s flat, by the way, with wallpaper like you wouldn’t believe!), and landed smack dab in the middle of what I can only describe as a Drag Utopia! The 1970s in New York, dear readers, were an entirely different world. It felt like every building on every block was buzzing with some sort of drag show, or theatrical extravaganza. I felt a million miles away from my beloved Chesterfield, in the best possible way!
Now, let's dive into the FABULOUS things I saw:
The Original, The Icon, The Legendary Divine! My sweet Lord, seeing Divine live in performance was a spectacle for the ages. I mean, can you even imagine the wigs, the costumes, the sheer brilliance of that queen? Divine was the epitome of larger than life, and I could just about die from the camp and charisma. She wasn't just drag; she was an entire genre unto herself and seeing her live made me practically fall off my (thankfully very sturdy, platform-heeled) shoes.
Drag Balls and Glamour! In 1973, New York was teeming with drag balls! You could find a ball on any night of the week - from the infamous Harlem Ballroom, where legendary figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera strutted their stuff, to the divine Continental Baths in the Village! Let’s just say I twirled and twirled my tutu throughout those dazzling halls. And you just know, I even snagged a couple of gorgeous gowns in those days!
A World of Talent: It was the era of legendary drag performers like Jackie Curtis, Holly Woodlawn, and our darling, Marsha P. Johnson. All these iconic queens had their own distinct styles, their own individual sparkle, their own undeniable beauty. It was an absolute feast for the eyes, the ears, and the soul!
It Wasn't Just the Drag that Was a Sight To Behold…
Honestly, everything about 1973 was glamorous, in the true sense of the word. The streets of New York, the music playing in the clubs, even the cafes where you'd spot the drag queens having their midday tea and gossip... Even just popping into a vintage store (they were abundant!), was like being transported into a different time and era.
Now, one might think all the pink, all the glitz and glamour were a bit too much to handle. But for me? Absolutely not. It’s a timeless magic that only those who have felt the shimmer on their own skin can truly comprehend. There's a magic to the era that is just… pure unadulterated joy!
Inspiration for My Next Runway Look!
You already know that my greatest love is for my tutu. But, after experiencing the 1970s, I just had to find ways to weave in a bit of that 70s flare! You see, the 70s were not just about glamorous costumes; it was a period of experimentation. They were breaking boundaries, and experimenting with colors and shapes.
That's why my latest tutu creation is an absolute masterpiece (if I do say so myself!): A hot pink tutu, naturally, adorned with feathers from the tail of a pheasant! It’s an absolute must for my next show at The Regal Crown – a little vintage style mixed with my own signature Emma style! I think the folks at The Regal Crown will simply adore it!
So Much More to Discover in Time Travel!
As always, darlings, my journey was simply phenomenal. From Divine's captivating performance to the legendary drag balls that New York was famous for, it was a whirlwind of glamour and excitement. It wasn’t all sunshine and roses though, some things have remained painfully similar across the decades: the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, the constant battle for recognition and acceptance, the fight for a fairer, more equal world. But the amazing resilience of the queens of 1973 showed me that drag is more than just glitter and feathers. It is a weapon for social justice, for self-expression, for the fight against oppression.
I cannot wait for my next time travel adventure. Stay tuned!
All the love in the world, Emma xoxo
