#DragQueenHistory during 1974 05 May

Hello, darling dears! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood, time-travelling tutu-wearing ballerina! It’s the 5th of May and the sun is shining, so I’m ready for some delightful, dramatic, and absolutely divine drag history! Today, my pink-tutu is shimmering under the stage lights of 1974, ready to explore the drag scene of the past. Now, put on your best pink frock, grab a glass of bubbly, and let’s step into the time machine together!

It’s the 5th of May, 1974, and we’re in the thick of the “glam rock” era! While it might not have been directly inspired by drag, there's certainly a vibrant cross-pollination going on - a splash of glitter and feather boas sprinkled over rock and roll, if you will! Remember, drag is an art form, constantly evolving and reflecting society. And let’s be honest, those rockstars weren’t afraid to embrace their feminine side, making some fabulous contributions to drag fashion.

The first thing I notice, dear darlings, is that while drag in 1974 was making leaps and bounds, it was still quite a different landscape than today! Drag shows weren't mainstream like they are now, and LGBTQ+ people were fighting for their basic human rights. Think Stonewall riots, the fight for gay marriage, and challenging restrictive laws - this was a time for fierce defiance and demanding visibility.

Today's vibrant, global drag scene wouldn't be what it is without the courage of queens who challenged those norms in the 70s. There was still stigma and prejudice, so the queens who dared to take the stage had the power of authenticity and resilience. It reminds me of the resilience of the phoenix rising from the ashes, darling!

Imagine my excitement, as a drag queen who simply loves a bit of time travel, stepping onto a 1974 London stage! There were so many clubs and pubs showcasing drag, many with a "theatre of the absurd" feel to their performances. Imagine, my dears, wild costumes, vibrant make-up, and some daring theatrical displays - truly a riot of imagination and expression!

And, oh, darling! I simply had to peek into the fabulous “The Canterbury Tales” club, a hub of artistic expression! With its open doors, welcoming energy, and legendary performances by icons like Miss Penny Arcade and Miss Divine, it’s no wonder this club holds a special place in drag history.

Now, across the pond, drag scenes were bubbling in New York and Los Angeles. Drag was evolving, pushing boundaries, and becoming more popular than ever, showcasing a rich tapestry of styles and artistry! Some of the pioneers of New York drag, such as the fabulous Divine, were challenging norms and smashing expectations.

Even today, dear darlings, you can see how their boldness and creativity inspired generations of queens and still influences drag's current vibrant state!

The fashion, oh my darlings, the fashion! So many dramatic and glamorous looks that really inspire the drag queen inside me. Remember, we're living in a world inspired by history, and in the 70s, there was an exciting interplay between theatrical and fashion!

Some of the most iconic trends we see in contemporary drag can be traced back to this era! Those high platforms, the sheer gowns, the glam rock style! Think about the bold and striking costumes from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show," my dears! Such fantastic and expressive looks that still give me inspiration today.

I think it’s fascinating to see how those glam rock elements like platform boots and bright fabrics seamlessly transitioned into drag! I guess it's safe to say those 70s queens certainly paved the way for the vibrant and colourful drag we see today.

Speaking of vibrant and colourful, darling, imagine my pink tutu, swishing and swirling on a 1974 dance floor, feeling that incredible energy of the era. That sense of liberation and fierce expression was contagious!

As always, dear darlings, I encourage you to delve into history, discover those inspiring stories of the drag icons, the fierce revolutionaries, and the brave souls who helped make our world more beautiful. Remember, we’re on the shoulders of those queens, and their journey inspires us to break barriers and keep making history.

I simply can't wait to see what magical pink-tutu adventure next month holds for my time machine. Stay fabulous, darling dears! Until next time!

Yours truly,

Emma