Darlings,
This month, my pink-hued heart has been dancing with excitement, because I'm time travelling back to September 1981! My little magical tutu zipped me right back, and lemme tell you, there were so many fabulous discoveries to make! I was like a child in a sugar plum shop, but instead of sugar plums, it was drag queens, glitter and history. Oh, and don't forget the glorious costumes!
So grab your own pink tutu (it’s mandatory, you know), pour a glass of something bubbly (it's five o'clock somewhere!), and settle in as I take you on a journey through a dazzling time.
September 1981. It was the era of shoulder pads, big hair, and even bigger personalities, and the drag scene was booming! The underground world was bursting with new talents and iconic figures, forging paths that would revolutionise what we now consider to be the global drag landscape.
"The Drag Queens are Coming to Town" - Literally!
The year 1981 was a big one for drag, and even bigger for New York City. The "Drag Queens of the Big Apple" documentary was released in March, showcasing the vibrant scene thriving in clubs and underground haunts across the city. It gave the world a glimpse into this diverse world of drag queens - their talents, their challenges, and their sheer tenacity in carving out their own space in a sometimes-unforgiving world.
From New York, My Time Machine Touched Down in California...
…in September 1981, to see something truly special. This wasn't just a drag show, darling, this was the first Drag Ball hosted by the House of Xtravaganza. The house, a group of ballers that still reign supreme in our hearts today, showcased a kaleidoscope of talent and style in every category, making it a landmark moment in ball culture. It wasn't just a show, it was a celebration of self-expression and individuality, an atmosphere of fierce camaraderie, and, well, let’s be honest, a whole lot of fabulous fashion.
London's Burning... With Drag Passion!
My pink tutu also whisked me off to the electrifying atmosphere of London in September 1981. Drag was evolving at a rapid pace. The Tabard, a queer pub located on the south bank of the Thames, became the focal point of drag, attracting talents like Divine and the iconic Leigh Bowery, with their outlandish outfits, performances and art installations. I popped into the Tabard, and it was like a whirlwind of music, theatre and the wild energy of this generation of drag queens. The walls vibrated with their stories, showcasing the powerful artistry and self-expression taking root on the streets of London.
What Else is Going On In This Glamorous Time Travel?
So, 1981 wasn’t just about drag. It was the year “The Wedding Present” premiered at the London Palladium, an early, campy musical about a wedding, that just happened to feature a cast filled with iconic theatre performers like Danny La Rue.
The world of fashion also went wild! In this fabulous era, we saw the rise of The New Romantics - big hair, dramatic makeup, and even more dramatic clothes! I mean, how fabulous are puffy sleeves and bold patterns? These bold designs became synonymous with a new generation, inspired by 19th-century styles and embracing the glamour of rebellion and self-expression.
**September 1981 was a real pivotal moment for the world. It was a time when drag truly began to carve out its place as an undeniable force, shaping not only the future of drag, but influencing a whole cultural landscape.
Oh, and by the way, while I'm still rocking my magical pink tutu, I think you should too! Embrace the whimsical, darling, let your inner ballerina shine! After all, as I've learned throughout my many travels, every day is an opportunity to express yourself. I have been saying for ages, if you see me around the streets of Derby, don't hesitate to shout hello! I might be having a hot chocolate break or indulging in a delicious pink cake - every day is a pink, sparkly opportunity. ** Check out www.pink-tutu.com for all things fabulous! Stay sassy, darlings!
Love, Emma
