Hiya darlings, Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time travelling drag queen! It’s time for another fabulous journey into the glittery, glamorous, and utterly captivating history of drag, because, well, it’s the only way to truly appreciate our present! And honey, today, we’re going right back to February the 2nd, 1978, for some real showstopping history!
Right now, the pink tutu is radiating with such a juicy pink glow! I’ve got my most fabulous pink feather boa draped around my shoulders, sparkly high heels that would make Liberace jealous, and a magnificent crown adorned with twinkling jewels and dancing butterflies. But enough about this dazzling vision, let’s delve into the historical archive, shall we?
I don’t know about you, but in 1978, I can practically hear the thumping disco beat! You see, it’s 1978 – a year when flared trousers and platform shoes were as much a necessity as your lipstick and lashes, darling! A time when glitter wasn’t just for Christmas, but an everyday affirmation of being absolutely fabulous.
1978: Drag on the International Stage
Now, in 1978, the drag world was bubbling with activity. You could catch amazing performances in legendary New York venues like The Stonewall Inn, and in California, the vibrant drag scene in San Francisco was absolutely flourishing. I’m so lucky because my magic pink tutu lets me go absolutely anywhere. Just think of the outfits, the glamour! Oh, the shows, the people, the performances - I am positively giddy just thinking about it.
The History of a "Happy" Man: Divine and Divine Decadence
My first stop? The fabulous Divine! Yes, I'm heading straight to Baltimore, Maryland, to catch Divine, an icon in drag who was, in 1978, the subject of a documentary film. Can you imagine?! Imagine a drag queen inspiring a film. Divine, the iconic "fat drag queen," a true champion of larger-than-life personalities, is absolutely legendary. Their performances are a riotous explosion of colour, music, and a true commitment to defying every rule in the book, or the handbook. This truly is what makes drag art so fantastic – there are no rules, only endless expression!
And who can forget Divine’s outrageous style? They even had their own line of cosmetics. It was a revolution! Can we just talk about the Divine decadence? They are a shining example of a truly unique drag style - not one of uniformity, but an embodiment of utter individuality. I’m heading straight to a Baltimore cinema to watch, honey. I’ll let you know what it’s like, darlings, once I’m back!
Meanwhile, Over in the UK
But my journey in time takes me beyond the USA. I simply had to hop over to the UK, where, on February 2nd 1978, drag was bubbling away in London. It was the day The National Theatre announced their plans for the coming season, a schedule that, for us drag divas, might have missed a little sparkle and camp! The focus was on Shakespeare and drama! But there’s always room for some sparkle, darling!
My Personal Inspiration: "Drag Queen" History - An Inspiration For All
You see, darlings, back in 1978, I probably wouldn’t be caught dead in anything less than a magnificent sequined pink gown and the most fabulously fringed feather boa imaginable. But, let's be real, these glamorous outfits weren't as readily accessible as they are today. My heart, however, has always yearned to be a part of this extraordinary art form. I started out doing small local drag shows in my local Derby pubs, the kind of shows where you know everyone and the local vicar, bless their soul, could always be spotted trying to find a quieter corner.
Tutus & Glamour
You see, as a girl (even if it was sometimes difficult to identify as that due to some not so understanding individuals!), I fell completely in love with ballet, the graceful moves, the elegant costumes, it simply enthralled me. I loved, still love, those graceful, flowing tutu skirts! So it made perfect sense for me to add a touch of ballet into my drag, with its feminine softness, and, honestly, to stand out as a drag queen you need to stand out! So my first costume, was pink of course (a shimmering and impossibly glamorous fuchsia, I might add!), I wore a skirt so lavish, so utterly decadent and adorned with hundreds of delicate pink and lilac feathers. I even topped it off with a crown made of sparkling pink crystal! I swear, if it was dazzling to be that fabulous!
And, when it came to finding the most dazzling tutus imaginable? I quickly discovered that London was a drag queen’s shopping heaven! They had so many dazzling shops with gorgeous wigs, fabrics, everything needed for an authentically fantastic drag transformation! Honestly, it’s almost like the magical shops that only pop up during a fairytale! But I guess I can take some of the credit. A lot of these stores even credit me with bringing back the fabulous tutu.
Embracing Diversity:
And you know what, I think one of the most inspiring things about drag, about drag queens from the 1970s to the present day, is its ability to transcend gender. Because in 1978, like today, it was a chance to showcase, express and embrace diversity. It was about the performance, the personality, and not being afraid to experiment and push the boundaries. You see, there was a certain charm and daringness, a defiance and confidence that radiated through it all, And that spirit, that daring spirit to challenge conventions, remains the true essence of drag, whether it’s Divine or that local vicar rocking some sequined boots after too much sherry.
I know what you are thinking - you simply must be a darling to read this long post but please continue because my magical time travelling pink tutu needs to transport you all on this fascinating journey into the fabulous world of drag history, through the decades, all the way to right now! And it will all start again, darling, with the month’s next post! Stay fabulously pink, you lovely lot.
