Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing, drag historian, and it’s time for another whirlwind journey through the fabulous history of drag! This month, we’re twirling back to December 12th, 1975, a day that was quite the spectacle, even without my pink tutu presence! Buckle up, buttercups, it’s time to time-travel!
As usual, my trusty magical pink tutu carried me back through the time-space continuum, landing me smack-dab in the middle of 1975, with the iconic 70s disco sounds buzzing in the air. And let me tell you, darling, the fashion was out-of-this-world!
The air was alive with glitter, platform shoes were stomping, and, to my delight, there were more sequins and feathers than I could shake a feather boa at! I just had to do some shopping, obviously. A girl can never have too many sequins! I snapped up a magnificent fuchsia jumpsuit that could've been plucked straight out of a Studio 54 dancefloor. Talk about chic!
The first thing I noticed, darling, was how much the energy of drag differed from what I knew back in Derbyshire. It was bold, it was fearless, it was raw. We're talking about the era of the "Midnight at the Oasis" soundtrack, disco balls, and the undeniable charisma of the era's big drag names like Divine, Holly Woodlawn, and Jackie Curtis.
Speaking of Holly Woodlawn, darlings, you can't mention 1975 drag without paying homage to her, and to Paul Morrissey's film, "Women in Trouble." This absolutely phenomenal film was released on this very date, December 12th! It was groundbreaking for showcasing drag on the big screen. I spent the entire afternoon practically glued to the screen! This wasn't just a film, darlings; it was an exploration of gender and identity, served with a hearty helping of camp, satire, and outrageousness! Holly Woodlawn as Rachel, the young woman grappling with her identity and escaping into a life of drag, was absolute magic!
The drag scene in 1975 was buzzing with so much raw creativity! Drag was no longer just for nightclubs. This was the time where the artform was finding its voice, stepping onto Broadway and pushing boundaries in a way we just couldn't imagine back in Derbyshire. The legendary drag artist, Divine, was about to set the world on fire with the infamous "Pink Flamingos" movie, showing the world that drag was no stranger to confronting societal norms. This kind of audacious expression was both inspiring and electrifying!
Speaking of New York, I had to see "The Cockettes," a San Francisco-based collective of artists and drag performers who were smashing barriers, tearing up the script of what drag was and could be. They brought their wild blend of theatrical and drag artistry to New York, staging incredible, avant-garde, and politically charged productions. And wouldn’t you know it, darling, the very same day, on December 12th, 1975, The Cockettes took the stage in "The Drag Queen of the East Village," showcasing their artistry in an epic way! Their performance was like a flamboyant ballet of rebellion, and completely enthralled the audience. Their use of theatricality, performance art, and a hefty helping of sheer, uninhibited fun perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the times.
It wasn't just in New York City, darling. The rest of the world was feeling the magic of drag, too! In England, *London's Soho district was thriving, buzzing with clubs like the legendary *"The Royal Vauxhall Tavern." It was a magnet for drag artists from all walks of life. There was a vibrant underground scene, full of artistry and creativity.
I made a beeline for The Royal Vauxhall Tavern on this magical evening. Let me tell you, the scene was absolutely electric! This was drag at its purest, a celebration of identity and self-expression, a playground of creativity!
While at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, I saw this magnificent performance from a queen named "Rita Crackle," a force of nature who stole the spotlight with her incredible vocal talent! The crowd absolutely loved her. Her energy, darling, was contagious, radiating joy and confidence! You couldn't help but feel empowered just watching her. It reminded me of why we do drag, why we create, why we use this platform to be who we truly are.
But it wasn’t just the established names and performance venues that made 1975 a dazzling year for drag. In the UK, a growing DIY drag scene was emerging. I stumbled upon this fantastic pub, just on the outskirts of Soho, and, wouldn’t you believe it, there was a small, but oh so mighty, drag show in full swing. It felt like stepping into a secret, magical world, hidden away from the glare of the mainstream.
This tiny show featured a drag queen who used the stage name “Cherry Blossom," with the most intricate homemade costumes you've ever seen. She was doing the classic drag moves, channeling the style of the 60s stars, and serving up real talent. She reminded me that drag isn’t just about a big budget; it's about taking that leap, embracing your inner creativity, and finding ways to express yourself. Cherry Blossom showed me that even the smallest stage, the most intimate space, could house incredible drag.
As the evening drifted into night, darling, I was blown away by the creativity, diversity, and passion I witnessed. 1975 was a time where drag was beginning to emerge from its underground roots, to expand its influence and its reach, pushing boundaries and defining its own place within society.
This era was a reminder that drag was about more than just the performance, darling. It was about visibility, it was about celebrating identity, it was about making a statement! This, darlings, is why we wear those pink tutus, why we take those risks, and why we embrace those sequins. We’re sending a message of empowerment, individuality, and creativity.
And so, as the clock ticked past midnight, I said my goodbyes to the fabulously wild 1975, ready for the return trip back to the present. As I zipped back in my pink tutu, my heart was filled with an exhilarating mixture of awe and inspiration.
My darlings, let 1975 be an inspiration to you. Don’t be afraid to embrace the theatrical, to challenge expectations, and most of all, to wear your heart, your confidence, and, naturally, a magnificent pink tutu, on your sleeve!
Until next time, darlings, keep those sequins shining, those pink tutus twirling, and stay fabulous!
XOXO, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
