#DragQueenHistory during 1981 02 February

Hello darlings!

Welcome to Pink Tutu Time Travels, where we journey through the dazzling history of drag, one glittering, sequined step at a time!

I'm your host, Emma, your Derbyshire drag queen with a penchant for pink tutus, and a burning passion for all things fabulous! Today, I'm whisking you all back to 02 February 1981, a day dripping with enough fabulousness to make even the most discerning drag queen swoon! This is my 734th blog post for www.pink-tutu.com, so you know you're getting the tea!

This time, my trusty, magical time-travelling pink tutu is taking us to…New York City! (It's just so fabulous I get the giggles!).

(Sound of high heels clicking)

Darling, the energy! The sheer creative energy pulsing through this city is just phenomenal! I can practically hear the clinking of martinis and the roaring applause echoing down Broadway as I'm time travelling here, all courtesy of my trusty, pink time travelling tutu. (Thank you tutu, you are truly a work of art!)

So, let's dive into the delightful world of drag as it was in February 1981, and trust me, darlings, you are in for a treat!

1981 was a year bursting with flamboyant personalities, outrageous performances, and, of course, sparkling costumes. The iconic Village People, the fabulous American Bandstand dance troupes and the legendary Diana Ross, a queen for the ages! Let's talk trends, darlings.

Disco Fever is still raging, which meant we had some truly magnificent, shimmering ensembles. Think sequinned shirts with exaggerated shoulders and bell bottoms in dazzling colours - a look that's making a roaring comeback today! Think Elton John, Donna Summer and David Bowie - legendary artists whose drag-influenced looks took the world by storm, paving the way for drag's future.

The club scene was where the action was! Studio 54, New York City's infamous disco hotspot, was the stage for all things extravagant and I'm just dying to grab my own glittery martini, grab a partner and shimmy in amongst it all. The costumes were everything, with an emphasis on theatricality and sparkle. Let's talk *glitter, darling! Lots and lots of glitter. Think rhinestones, feathers, head-to-toe shimmer – basically anything that would catch the light and dazzle a crowd!

Don't get me wrong, darlings, there was still some fabulous street drag happening, but the club scene was really the hotbed of creative expression in 1981, pushing boundaries and pushing sequins to the limit. (Remember that sparkle doesn't need to cost a lot of money - a simple spray of silver and you're good to go! * wink* ) It’s amazing how those legendary 1980’s costumes were created! Just imagine, with the creative spirit and limited materials of the era, people just got so much done with just some fabric, glitter and an imaginative eye!

I mean, we all want to get back to the heart of what drag really is, darling, right? Expression and self-love! So let’s look at those glorious looks with awe!

If you want to dress like a true drag icon from 1981:

• *Get yourself a bright and vibrant top, whether it’s a t-shirt, vest or sparkly, disco-themed shirt. *
• Let’s not forget some *killer trousers. Something disco-fabulous - flares or even a shiny, metallic trouser. *
• ** Don’t forget your make-up! - Think strong brows, defined eyes with a dramatic wing liner and a bright and fabulous blush! A strong lipstick is also a must.
• And accessorise darling, accessorise! - If you've got some earrings with some bold, shimmering colours or maybe even a fabulous headband with some chunky rhinestones - grab them and wear them!

Remember, drag is about making a statement, not being afraid to experiment, and simply embracing that amazing, self-confident feeling.

This was a fabulous year for theatrical drag in New York! There was “The Wiz”, which celebrated black culture and its role in American history, and with drag elements at the forefront. There was drag on the Broadway stage – a sight for sore eyes. The play "The Act", written by Harvey Fierstein, starring Liza Minnelli and a bevy of dazzling drag queens – a testament to drag's increasing mainstream recognition. Just a reminder: Drag was not always considered acceptable and was even outright outlawed in some places. But 1981 felt different! Like drag was entering the zeitgeist with a full heart. Drag artists are truly trailblazers for the LGBTQIA community - creating space, celebrating, expressing, and defying expectations! And The Act is just one example of drag reaching wider audiences and finding a spot in mainstream theatre and entertainment.

It was also the year that the iconic drag ball scene was making headlines in the documentary film "Paris is Burning”. That was in production! Imagine a film about the ball culture, the beauty and theatricality - wow! I just know I need to travel back to 1981 just for this!

(Sound of time travel pink tutu swooshing).

I am going to travel back there for this! This is pure drag history!

And it wasn't just the dazzling costumes and amazing stage shows, darlings! This time period is very important for understanding the journey of drag. Drag has a history that is interwoven with LGBTQIA culture - from the first underground gay bars, to the balls, to drag’s journey onto the mainstream stages of today, there is a power behind its artistic expression that continues to resonate. It’s about challenging norms and celebrating the diverse expressions of beauty.

And *in the 1980s, it also became crucial in highlighting and advocating for the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. *

Drag played a part in bringing awareness to LGBTQIA+ issues - everything from the struggle for equal rights, to HIV/AIDS awareness and the important work to overcome stigma and celebrate equality. Drag performers often used their art as a powerful platform to speak out about these important issues - it’s powerful, it’s inspirational, and it makes me feel proud to be part of this beautiful world of expression!

*So, the next time you see a drag queen on stage, darlings, remember that you're witnessing not only artistry and creativity, but also a vital social and cultural force! *

*And that brings us to the end of this amazing journey back to 02 February 1981, darlings. * But one thing I am absolutely certain of –

*Drag has never lost its magic. * It’s constantly evolving, expressing, and shining light into the world.

You want to join me on this journey of discovery through drag? Then come and see me next month for more history!

Don't forget to get a fabulous outfit, don't forget the pink, and please darling, make sure that you get into the mood by putting on some fantastic 1980s tunes. I can't wait to travel back in time with you all.

*Until next month! Don't forget your pink tutus, my dears! *

*Hugs,
Emma * *www.pink-tutu.com *