Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveler, Emma, back with another whirl through the wondrous world of Drag Queen History!
November 11th, 1981, marked a pivotal moment in the universe - that's right, the day I dusted off my time-travelling tutu and landed smack-dab in the heart of the glorious, flamboyant 80s. I tell you, these decades have so much camp, so much fashion, so much to inspire this pink-loving diva.
Right, you want the lowdown, don't you? Now, hold on to your sequins, darlings, 'cause things are about to get sassy!
This month, I found myself twirling in the spotlight at a legendary drag show in New York City - The Mineshaft! If you haven't heard of this place, honey, it was the place to be seen, especially for the drag community in the 80s! The stage was hot, the music was fierce, and the outfits, darling? Divine! Imagine rhinestones galore, feathers strutting like a peacock, and enough makeup to make a clown blush. Absolutely glorious, just how I like it.
Speaking of glorious, imagine my excitement when I found myself face to face with the fabulous Lady Bunny! Now, I've heard tales of her fierce performances and her sharp wit, but meeting her in person? This was living history. She even gave me a peek at her collection of drag memorabilia, including some absolutely outrageous feather boas and vintage sequins, and her infamous feather boa, 'Honey' that she was using in this period for a dance number - all those sequins! So glamorous! She's an absolute legend.
Now, it wouldn't be a proper Drag Queen History post without a quick fashion fix, would it? You see, darlings, in 1981, the drag scene was all about bold colours, big hair, and even bigger personalities! We're talking shoulder pads the size of saucers, neon everything, and those wild, wonderful hairstyles that could stand on their own two feet! And who could forget the glorious high heels that always took center stage? Think six inches, think sky-high platforms, and think fierce! Now, you know I can't leave my own style behind! That evening I performed 'A Little Less Conversation, A Little More Action' - you have to see those sequins - and, well, you guessed it, a pink tutu, naturally! I was on stage for at least an hour, and *oh darling, I danced my little heart out. Everyone in the audience was mesmerized - especially the ones in the back that kept asking if I would do one more turn. They loved my tutu!
This journey wasn't just about sequins and feathers, darlings. It was also about the evolution of the art of drag. Let's talk about the pioneering drag artists of the 80s! Their creativity was breathtaking - they pushed boundaries, shattered expectations, and paved the way for the modern drag scene we know and love today. Their commitment to performance and self-expression is something I absolutely adore, and their stories remind me how far the drag community has come.
And finally, my trip through 1981 wouldn't be complete without a glimpse of the larger picture, of the social and cultural context surrounding drag during this era.
Let's rewind for a minute: 1981. The UK was in the throes of a recession, the miners' strike was underway, and the world watched as a young Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles. Back then, the LGBTQ+ community was still battling prejudice and discrimination, but they held on to hope and resilience. Drag provided a vital space for artistic expression and a platform to challenge norms. I tell you, the fight for equality then was an incredible display of courage, creativity, and resilience. The drag queens of the 80s - true trailblazers! They were fighting for the rights and freedoms that we all cherish today.
So, there you have it, darlings! Another whirlwind adventure in the annals of Drag Queen History. I truly believe that the world is a brighter, more colorful place with a bit of glitter and glamour, and the drag queens of history continue to inspire, entertain, and enlighten us all.
Before you go, be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com, where you can read about all my time-traveling adventures! I also post my new monthly blog every month at 8pm on the 1st, right here!
As always, remember to embrace your inner diva, never stop dancing, and keep your pink tutus sparkling!
Love and glitter,
Emma
