Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite time-traveling, pink-tutu wearing drag queen, Emma, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where we’re diving headfirst into the world of drag history, one glittery, fabulous year at a time.
Today, we’re celebrating May 5th, 1975, a date that, for me, just screams "pink tutu" – which, of course, is a look that always deserves celebrating! My fabulous time-traveling tutu whisked me back to the swinging seventies, and oh, my dears, it was quite a scene! Think glam rock, think disco balls, think sequins, feathers, and the most iconic drag performances the world has ever seen!
The scene in New York was hotter than a drag queen's makeup on a summer's day. At the legendary The Continental Baths, the epicentre of New York's drag scene, Divine, the queen of camp, was tearing it up! You know Divine, the drag queen who inspired so many, and is even considered one of the "original drag race girls" – can you believe that? They were known for their incredible, outlandish costumes and performances that were bold, brave, and, dare I say, sassier than a chihuahua in a tutu (though obviously not as fabulous as me in mine, haha!).
And let's not forget about the pioneers of the art form, the drag kings like Jackie Curtis and Marsha P. Johnson. They were breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries, and bringing drag to the forefront of social commentary and entertainment. It was a truly electrifying time to be alive and performing!
While the drag queens of New York were blazing a trail of sequins and sass, there was also something brewing in Los Angeles – something hotter than a glitter-covered microphone in the spotlight. In the Hollywood scene, the Whispers nightclub was pulsating with the vibrant drag scene. Think stunning lip-syncs, breathtaking costume changes, and drag queens bringing their fierce, bold energy to the stage. The world was becoming obsessed with the power of drag, and the Californian drag queens were making a name for themselves!
Speaking of making a name for yourself, I was lucky enough to bump into Sylvia Rivera, the iconic transgender rights activist and drag queen! Imagine a glamorous woman with fierce red hair and a fierce smile that could light up a room. We were both, naturally, adorned in fabulous tutus! She shared some incredible insights into the challenges and triumphs of the drag world during that era. We even did a little choreographed walk – a testament to the shared language of movement that unites all queens, past and present!
Now, I know what you're thinking, "Emma, where are you taking this? How does this relate to me? How can I rock a pink tutu with all this?"
Fear not, my lovelies, because there's something for everyone! I always believe that fashion and drag should be accessible, joyous, and reflective of your own unique flair! My philosophy is simple – wear pink and wear it loud, but most importantly, wear it proud!
Let's go back to the glorious May 5th, 1975! Think of those fabulous seventies costumes. What colours? PINK! Of course, darling! It was an era where bright colours and bold patterns were making a statement, with pink taking centre stage. Think about it, if Divine and Sylvia Rivera are rocking their pink tones, who are we to disagree? Pink wasn’t just for princesses and ballet shoes anymore, it was about celebrating boldness and femininity! And, naturally, a tutu? An essential item for any Drag Queen, from the most celebrated to the one strutting their stuff in a club on a Friday night.
So, how to translate this 70s flair into a fabulous look that's you, darling? Think about vintage inspired styles! Those amazing disco ball gowns? Think satin and shimmer! Want to add some glamour to your look? Pink is your friend – add a splash of colour to any ensemble, from your handbag to a sequined bolero!
Let's look at the modern world of drag, because guess what? Pink is still having its moment!
The iconic RuPaul's Drag Race continues to champion colour and originality in its costumes, inspiring a whole new generation of drag queens to express themselves boldly and fearlessly. Drag queens like Aquaria and Miss Fame continue to push boundaries with their innovative looks, incorporating everything from couture to street-inspired designs, always keeping that touch of pink!
The world of drag is evolving, and the embrace of colour is key to this evolution. It's about representing everyone and encouraging a sense of inclusivity, which is what I love about the drag community.
I've mentioned my monthly blog posts and time traveling, and that leads me to my biggest ambition: to make everyone embrace their inner drag queen, even if it's just by adding a pink tutu to their lives! Think of it as a little dash of magic, a way to feel empowered, fabulous, and, dare I say, a little bit fabulous, darling!
Don’t forget, if you’re interested in getting to know more about this amazing and beautiful history of drag, please keep on checking my blog here, and head over to Pink-Tutu.com for more drag updates, stories, and your next pink tutu fix!
Keep sparkling, keep dreaming, and keep rocking those pink tutus!
Love always, Emma
