Hello darlings! It's your girl, Emma, and welcome to post number 733 on your favourite website for all things pink and fabulous, www.pink-tutu.com! This month, my magical, time-traveling pink tutu whisked me away to the dazzling and dynamic world of drag in the year 1981!
Can you believe it, 1st January 1981! It’s amazing how history repeats itself. Now, back then, things were a little different! We didn’t have social media and all those fancy drag shows popping up all over the world - imagine! A world without the sickening lip-synching, the extravagant outfits, and the ultimate showmanship! Shocking, I know.
But you know, there was a certain charm about it, wasn’t there? In 1981, drag was still finding its legs, exploring new avenues, and defining its own identity. The energy was pure magic! It’s important to remember these roots and honour the trailblazers who paved the way for us all.
I landed myself in New York City for the first day of 1981. Oh my, what a place to start! It was still freezing cold but that wasn’t stopping the vibrant drag scene. I headed down to The Mineshaft, a legendary dive bar in the heart of the Village. It was all the rage and oh honey, was it happening! They had everything from campy cabaret shows, featuring icons like Divine and Jackie Beat, to underground balls with performers like the flamboyant Joey Arias and the gorgeous, androgynous Holly Woodlawn.
I got to witness some truly spectacular moments. I spotted Divine - looking absolutely sickening in one of her iconic wigs and that pout that could kill! 👑 She was lip-syncing to a Cher track and it was pure theatre. The audience was absolutely captivated! Her performances were a blend of outrageous comedy and pure drama - the perfect blend of everything good about drag.
The energy was contagious, and everyone, queens and audience alike, were dancing the night away. There was such an air of acceptance, a sense of belonging in those underground clubs. Drag queens back then were a real force, paving the way for acceptance and changing societal perceptions.
As the day moved forward, the sun peeked through the clouds and I jetted off to California for the afternoon. California! Who wouldn’t love it, darling! With my time travelling tutu working its magic, I landed myself right on Sunset Strip, a vibrant part of Hollywood.
As I waltzed in, I saw the world-famous “The Rainbow Bar and Grill” – a hot spot for stars and local drag queens. And wouldn’t you know it, it was overflowing with talent and energy. It’s amazing to see how such a glamorous place had such a historical influence on the drag scene in California and beyond. It was here that I witnessed one of the most memorable moments. A talented, fiery drag queen named, Sherry Vine was performing her hilarious comedic set and the crowd roared with laughter! She had the whole bar in stitches!
By the time I made it back to Derbyshire that evening, it was time to wrap things up! What a journey, darling! It was just incredible to see how drag queens, in spite of the difficulties, persevered with a bold sense of self-expression and joy! It’s the most wonderful form of escapism! We see drag in our everyday lives, in mainstream entertainment and on the runway – all thanks to those trailblazers, who created the beautiful, powerful world we love today.
As I close my post, I want to encourage you all, my dear followers, to go out and find the drag scene in your town. And while you're at it, why not channel your inner drag queen and slip into your very own fabulous pink tutu! Be proud of who you are! Be daring, be glamorous, and be unapologetically you! Remember, drag is for everyone! 💖
So, until next month, darlings! I’ll catch you later on Instagram! Stay fierce!
✨ Love and glitter,
Emma x
