Oh darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! It's Emma here, your resident time-travelling tutu enthusiast, back from a fabulous jaunt through the shimmering annals of September 1977. Did you know September is actually "National Honey Month" in America? Not sure why, but I'm all for anything sticky, sweet, and oh-so-decadent. Speaking of decadent, I'm serving you a scoop of Drag Queen History this month, dipped in glitter and topped with a cherry of Camp, because darling, September 1977 was a veritable sugar plum of a month for drag!
So gather around, my sweet darlings, in your fanciest, glitziest, pinkest tutus (the more ruffles the better!), pour yourselves a pink gin (or, well, whatever your tipple is - I'm not one to judge!), and let me spill the tea!
Tutus and Tea, darling, It's 1977!
First, darling, we need to address the elephantine elephant in the room - Disco Fever is raging hotter than a firecracker! And who, who are the queens bringing the HEAT in that musical playground?
Think glitter, think flair, think silk, and feathers, darlings! Imagine that, but all on the dance floor, and that's the scene we're living! A true Dragtopia!
I was tickled pink to stumble into the world-famous Studio 54 in New York, where the likes of Divine, with her larger-than-life personality and outrageous fashion choices (think a giant silver sequin hat!), and The Cockettes with their bohemian flair, were slaying the stage! These girls weren't just dancing - they were performing an artful experience of glam rock, theatre, and high camp. Divine, bless her soul, was a true pioneer of the drag queen image, shattering those outdated stereotypes with a sharp wit and a show-stopping presence that was larger than life.
Across the pond in our beloved London, we find the world of Drag was just as sizzling. It was all about creating those electric moments on stage! Think drag balls, legendary underground parties, and a healthy dose of "out there" attitude! I was blown away by the glitz of the club scene – I felt like I'd stepped into a David Bowie music video!
And can we talk about fashion? The world of Drag was practically dripping in a vibrant blend of vintage, re-worked, and DIY outfits. Think sequins, glitter, feathered boas, platform shoes – everything sparkly, everything fabulous!
But hold on a sec! There was more going on than just the big cities!
My trusty pink tutu took me on a trip around the world and to smaller cities! It was magical to see the Drag world was thriving everywhere, my dears! The vibrant, creative drag scene wasn’t just in the big city hot spots – it was spreading like wildfire through local theatre scenes, small clubs, and underground communities all over. In Australia, the drag queens were breaking boundaries with groundbreaking performances that explored societal norms, challenged stereotypes and were a beacon of change and diversity. They were, frankly, a powerhouse!
Meanwhile, in places like Tokyo and Osaka, I discovered the Drag world was an amazing mix of tradition and innovation, pushing creative boundaries with theatrical productions and live shows. These performers were true masters of the art!
And my dears, it wasn't just about performing! It was about community, brotherhood, and sisterhood. A safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves and find acceptance, a place to be themselves, unashamed and proud.
Now, the year 1977 * wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows all the time, But the drag queens of this era were brave and powerful – and that's *a beautiful thing, darling. They paved the way for future generations and paved the way for our own journeys.
So what do we learn from our little journey through the fabulous, glittering wonderland of September 1977? Oh, just a few things, dears, a few things indeed.
We learn that Drag is about self-expression, community, and a deep love for the art of theatre, performance, and fashion!
And just like a tutu itself, Drag is fluid, it’s always evolving, always getting more glamorous, and more vibrant. And that's exciting, isn't it?
A few parting thoughts:
Oh darlings, just a little something to add to your day! Let's all remember, Drag is for everyone! So don't be afraid to embrace your inner queen, whether you wear a pink tutu or not!
Until next time, I bid you adieu, with a sprinkle of glitter and a whole lot of love, my dearest pink tutu lovers. Remember, the world needs a little more glitter and glamour, and what better way to add it than with a pink tutu and a smile?!
Stay glamorous and happy travelling!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
