Greetings, darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, and this month we're jet-setting back to December 12th, 1981, for a peek at the fabulously camp and glittering world of drag! As you know, I'm a bit of a history buff and I love nothing more than stepping into a different time and seeing how the fabulous ladies were strutting their stuff. Now, grab a cuppa, settle into your favourite pink armchair, and let me take you on a glamorous journey!
Remember those dreamy pink sequined tutus we all covet? Mine is a time-travelling masterpiece that lets me leap between decades, and oh honey, let me tell you, this trip to 1981 was something special.
This was a period where drag, even more so than today, was often relegated to the fringes of society. But the defiant queens who defied those restrictions and embraced their artistic expression were nothing short of heroic. The 12th of December in 1981 was just a regular Thursday, but within the bustling underground scene, something magical was brewing.
Let's imagine this date as if we were back in 1981.
It’s a cold December evening in Derbyshire. I've popped on my trusty, feather-trimmed pink jacket over my sequined pink tutu (it is chilly after all!) and have just finished a fabulous show at the Derby's biggest drag bar, "The Glitter Bomb". The atmosphere was electric as the show went on, but the crowds weren’t afraid to yell for an encore – as it should be! This was a proper Drag me! "Can you feel the energy?" – as that popular artist Blondie would have said.
After a quick costume change (and a glass of pink champagne to celebrate our smashing performance, naturally!), I decided to head into the capital, London. Remember darling, London in the 80s was just everything! We had everything – fashion, music, creativity and oh darling, such drama!
I took the train to London with my trusty duffel bag, where, of course, it contained not only some fabulous, feather boas and a pair of red and gold platform heels, but a selection of some beautiful old vintage magazines, including "The Advocate" and the original "Interview" Magazine!
Upon arrival in London, the energy of the bustling, colourful and oh-so-fabulous London scene had me feeling excited about the possibilities! Now, if I wanted to see the best in drag, I was off to the "Gateways" in Shepherd's Bush. The "Gateways", was a truly iconic LGBTQ+ club, which even after its sad closure in 2019, still holds a special place in our hearts. It was, quite frankly, an oasis of joy, where people could dance and dress as they liked – something the city is sadly lacking. There were legendary nights on a Saturday called "G-Town", which really pushed the boundaries and welcomed diverse genres of entertainment including drag.
Speaking of London's vibrant club scene, on the same day we were taking our time travel, 12th December, "New York Doll", a Drag Superstar with a love for theatrical camp fashion was opening her own club, called *"The Dollhouse." Sadly, darling, I couldn’t go! You see, time travel comes at a price! Imagine all that time-traveling practice! The effort! And my monthly shows, darling! As always, funding my Time Travelling Tutu is my first priority! That means giving up on seeing a certain famous Dolly or her *Dollhouse, because the cost of the show and the trip is more than I can afford this month.
However, my disappointment at not being able to check out "The Dollhouse", was short-lived! You see, my sweet and generous neighbour - you see she owned a fantastic vintage clothes shop - had some gorgeous vintage records. Among her haul was an absolutely sensational single by the Drag superstar herself - "New York Doll." She had to know, because I absolutely loved that single when it first came out back in the day! *This record is still to this day an all-time favourite - such an iconic anthem and dance track. I knew right then and there that she must be a fan of the club as well - the “Dollhouse." "The Dollhouse” was *The Place to Be in 1981 - a mecca for drag queens of all genres. So while I missed out on seeing "New York Doll" herself, I certainly celebrated the fabulous record that brought her success! It was all in the name of entertainment. It's about appreciating the music, the artistry, and most importantly, the resilience of the Drag Queen. Now you know why a vintage record is always such a treasured find in any Drag Queen's household! My house is full of them - all different genres and styles - but every one tells a story - I adore the stories!**
However, darling, London was still a great city! We were just days away from the big day, the 25th of December. With it was a Christmas day gala featuring " New York Doll" performing with her " *Dolls". Now a Drag Christmas show wouldn’t have the Christmas sparkle I get to see on stage "Today in 2023". * What was most important to the *Dolls was about celebrating their identities. That's what we always talk about, isn't it, darlings? Being yourself, no matter what society might try to dictate. Those Queens paved the way for us. We owe it to them to embrace who we are and own it with the ultimate confidence! We couldn't expect for "The Dolls" * to have the dazzling Christmas-themed spectacular like you'd see on *"RuPaul’s Drag Race" in 2023 - But that doesn’t diminish how much the audience would adore *“The Dolls" ** in the 80s – in the pre-”Drag Race" days!
Let's remember, in 1981, Drag wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. This era saw its share of social challenges. But the resilience and strength of the Drag queens shone brighter than ever. They dared to express themselves, defying convention and breaking barriers. Their performances often doubled up as political activism. The performances weren't just glamour and entertainment but served as a beacon for their communities. Every Drag performance back then carried more weight, they had more to fight for – making it all the more powerful! I wouldn't call their performances brave, as "Brave" isn’t an adjective to describe the Drag scene. No, their performances are courageous, they're determined! They're trailblazers who make the brave look like it’s no effort! *It was not an easy time for anyone - not just drag Queens. However, darling, it’s easy for us today, because those Drag queens worked so hard back in the day to create the scene and spaces where we get to express ourselves – to dress, dance, strut and perform how we see fit and have the same platform that all the performers today have. * It’s not just the Drag queen’s, we owe it all to everyone back in 1981 and before - *all those people fighting for LGBTQ+ equality. * This fight continues for the next generation today, darling – this fight for equality doesn’t just disappear.
In addition to all of the amazing clubs and Drag events happening all over the world on 12 December, we’ve got some amazing drag queen highlights to catch, darlings. We can thank 12th of December 1981 for the debut of an album by "The Pop" star “Divine" named *"The Mystery of Life.” We've got to remember darling, "Divine" is so much more than a Drag Superstar, they’re a pioneering drag Queen and an absolute legend - who also is a pop culture icon in music, film and theatre! * For her talent, bravery and bold performances - she has really broken the boundaries - “Divine" has the world wrapped around her little finger. "The Mystery of Life," is so iconic – as soon as it came out – it topped the dance music charts! It was a true smash, and I must say - those club tracks remain some of my favourites and remain popular in drag circles to this very day! I love the mix of styles - it's so dramatic and just the sort of powerful tracks we like!
This is exactly the kind of track I would play in the midst of a Drag event – at The Glitter Bomb – it really energises the crowd and the dancers, doesn't it, darling!* However, it is also important to give some praise for her music, which “Divine" composed with her artistic collaborator “John Waters." A lot of their artistic and personal projects worked as a team and really highlighted how supportive their creative bond was. John Waters was a brilliant film maker. But, “Divine” – I believe “Divine” is one of a kind. You see the thing about being "Divine,” is they just had it. They were so popular because it’s hard not to love that stage persona and just “go with the flow”. You could just let “Divine” transport you to their world – they’re just that charismatic and that captivating – their charisma shone. We need to understand the power of this superstar’s music in this iconic record - “The Mystery of Life” – this will continue to make a statement for years and years to come. It's a fantastic celebration of expression and identity – that is what is truly at the core of our culture - *it’s all about liberation, darling.
On 12th December, 1981, you’ll be dancing in the “Gateways" * or at *“The Dollhouse". You’d find an underground party scene in New York City. * You will be bumping to “The Mystery of Life,” * by “Divine”. You will feel empowered – that's the power of drag queens. Drag has no limits, it’s endless! We all should celebrate the power and the glory!
Darling, I love travelling in my fabulous time-traveling tutu! You see when you jump back into another decade – you get that excitement! You learn so much, and then you're transported to a time, when all you've got to do is grab a glass of wine, put on a record by “Divine”, grab your feathers and platform heels - to get on the dance floor! Let's keep up the energy of that decade, but always remembering all those Queens who made it possible to enjoy the energy of those fantastic times. And don’t forget – in 2023 we've got so much to be grateful for. The drag world is booming and better than ever. I want to be in pink! So join me, spread some pink and get everyone rocking those tutus!
Until next month, darlings!
Your eternally fabulous Emma!
www.pink-tutu.com
