Hello my darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller and resident expert on all things drag! As you know, this time-travelling queen has a penchant for pink, for ballet, for fashion, and most importantly, for celebrating drag history. So grab your most glamorous pair of stilettos, polish your feather boas, and prepare for a journey through the glittery past!
Today's date, September 9th, 1978, is absolutely buzzing with drag-tastic activity. And no, my dear, I don't mean some quiet backstreet cabaret (although those are always delightful). Nope! Today is all about BIG, boisterous, and glorious drag events that shook the world.
You see, while I usually love whisking myself off to London or New York City, today my magical pink tutu carried me all the way to the City of Angels... Los Angeles!
You see, 1978 was a banner year for drag, and LA was becoming a hotbed of the art. On September 9th, 1978, a little-known (but oh-so-important!) event was kicking off that helped launch the careers of some of drag's biggest names... It's called... "Drag Showcase."
Now, picture this: A glittery hall overflowing with queens in all their feather-dusted glory, each one more fabulous than the next. This wasn't just some small-time affair; it was a veritable DRAG EXTRAVAGANZA. Think the biggest, brightest, most fabulous drag balls ever to hit your local LGBTQ+ community centre… But in a studio in Hollywood! Talk about glamorous, hun.
Hosted by the legendary Lady Chablis, who at this point was already making waves with her infectious sass and iconic voice, "Drag Showcase" became a platform for both established and emerging talent. I swear, there was more glitter flying around that room than at a disco on Saturday night!
Some of the queens performing that night became drag icons in their own right, like the legendary Divine, known for her comedic stylings and fierce presence. Can you even imagine the level of performance in that studio? I was utterly mesmerized. This was where drag took centre stage - a time where queens could embrace their artistry and truly express themselves without judgement, where creativity was king, and talent truly shone.
While "Drag Showcase" may have faded from public memory, its significance cannot be denied. It not only helped launch careers but also highlighted the burgeoning drag scene in LA, which was at that moment becoming the heart of the burgeoning gay rights movement. Imagine the electricity in the air as those queens shared their stories and voices with the world! That night, drag became a political force, an expression of defiance and hope. It truly was historic.
But let's rewind a bit and travel back in time, back to Derbyshire, where a young Emma first got hooked on the world of drag. I remember it so clearly, like it was yesterday…
It was the late '70s, and I was just a little teenager. Our small village had a small pub, The Merry Monk (charming name, right? They used to have a "live entertainment" night...which mostly consisted of one tired fella singing drunkenly on stage). Well, one Friday night, they advertised a "Special Drag Night."
Now, being a young, somewhat sheltered lass from Derbyshire, I had no idea what "drag" actually was. But let me tell you, once I saw that divine show (pun absolutely intended), it was love at first sight!
The stage lights shimmered, the smoke machine was on overdrive, and three stunning queens sashayed onto the stage. Each had her own look, her own style, her own swagger...
The queen in a sparkling emerald green dress stole the show, shimmying with an infectious energy. The queen in a bouffant hairdo and leopard-print pants held the room captive with her deadpan comedy. And finally, the queen in a billowing, magenta ball gown captivated us all with her soulful renditions of Whitney Houston, all while her crown stayed flawlessly perched on her head. I knew then, at that very moment, I had found my purpose.
Of course, at that age I had absolutely no idea I could someday be traveling through time in a pink tutu, visiting these incredible historical drag events, let alone the future!
But looking back, I can see the influence those queens had on me. That show was like a magical portal opening a whole new world for a wide-eyed Derbyshire lass... It awakened the performer within me, my own inner queen. They encouraged me to embrace who I truly am and celebrate that loud and proud. I truly am ever so grateful for that night at The Merry Monk.
And that, my lovelies, is what I try to do every time I time travel - to show you all the diverse, stunning, talented individuals that have come before us, those who fought and still fight for the freedom to express ourselves authentically, who made it possible for us to be on this fabulous journey today.
So go forth, darling! Pick up a sewing needle and fabric and fashion your very own dazzling pink tutu (maybe a touch of black glitter wouldn't hurt!), go watch a drag show, and dare to be yourself, just like the drag queens before us did. It's time to be bold, be beautiful, and most importantly, be brave!
As for me, I'm off on my next adventure! I wouldn't want to miss all the fun and fabulosity that this magnificent timeline has to offer. Catch you all next month, when we'll be strutting back into drag history!
Lots of love and glitter,
Emma,
Your Pink-Tutu Time Travelling Queen
www.pink-tutu.com
