Darling Divas,
Well, this monthâs time travel adventure landed me right smack dab in the middle of 1976! Buckle up, my dears, because weâre headed for San Francisco to experience the absolute fabulousness that was The Cockettes!
Now, for those of you unfamiliar with the Cockettes, let me spill the tea! They were, are, will forever be a truly revolutionary collective of drag performers, artists, and dreamers, a mish-mash of queer liberation, counterculture, and artistic genius! They embodied everything about the drag world that made me fall in love with it, in the first place â playful, subversive, and undeniably fun!
As my pink tutu twirled me through the swirling mists of time, I found myself transported right into a dimly lit San Francisco bar â imagine if a bordello got a makeover from Willy Wonka! Glittering sequined curtains, feather boas draped over every corner, and enough lipstick shades to rival the entire spectrum!
Before my eyes, the most outrageous, extravagant performances unfurled - I saw men in full-length ballgowns, drag queens doing outrageous dance numbers with a level of sass I never knew existed, and singers belted out soul-wrenching melodies that captured the true heart of the moment!
But the Cockettes werenât just about flamboyant looks and extravagant performances, my lovelies! Their art was political, their theatricality a rebellion against the norms and the restrictions of the time. They embraced everything that made them unique, celebrating diversity and challenging the worldâs perception of gender, sexuality, and, most importantly, what it means to express oneself.
Watching their show, I felt an overwhelming sense of connection to the history of drag. This was the spark that ignited a revolution in the drag world! It was all there, simmering under the surface of every high kick, every sequin, every theatrical gesture: a celebration of queer identity, an embrace of self-expression, and a potent force of resistance.
You see, dears, it wasnât just the performers on the stage, but the energy, the atmosphere, the joy in the room that captivated me. Every face in that audience had the same radiant light, the same glimmer of rebellious defiance. The Cockettes brought the community together, creating a space where people could feel safe, be themselves, and be celebrated for their true, beautiful selves.
After the show, as the energy of the Cockettesâ performances reverberated around me, I felt inspired, motivated to push boundaries, to create something dazzling and outlandish and uniquely mine.
The Cockettes served as a constant reminder, an inspiration that pushed me, encouraged me to embrace my authentic self and express it freely.
While the Cockettes were based in California, their legacy spread far and wide. That night in the bar, amidst the swirling plumes of feather boas and sequins, I knew, dear divas, that my little pink tutu-wearing journey through time had brought me to a significant moment, a place where drag was evolving and shaking up the world!
Now, letâs move on to some of the incredible drag happening around the globe on this glorious day, June 6th, 1976:
New York City: The legendary Stonewall Inn was a bustling hub of queer energy, where the city's diverse community, both drag queens and supporters alike, would gather, drink, and dance to celebrate liberation and pride.
London, England: A legendary drag queen, Divine, performed with his drag group âThe Dreamland Singersâ at a local cabaret! He was known for his over-the-top makeup and theatrical stage presence, captivating audiences with his unique, flamboyant personality.
Paris, France: The drag scene was taking the streets by storm, with street performers and artists showcasing their flamboyant style, breaking the traditional mold and celebrating the avant-garde in all its forms!
**Remember, dears, drag is not just about the makeup and the glitter, it's about the message, the power of self-expression, and the relentless pursuit of your truest, most fabulous self! Don't be afraid to break boundaries, be brave, embrace the absurdity and embrace the incredible possibilities of self-expression! And remember, pink tutus are a universal symbol of celebration, joy, and rebellion. Wear them with pride, my divas, wear them with confidence!
Until next time, darling divas,
Stay Fabulous!
Emma
XOXO
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. My dear darlings, I'm eager to hear your stories about your favorite drag experiences. Comment below, let me know about those unforgettable drag queens, those shows that blew you away, or maybe about a time when you bravely donned a pink tutu! Remember, sharing stories, spreading the joy, is what makes this drag world so dazzling!
