Hello lovelies, it’s your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, bringing you the latest from the fabulous, glitter-filled world of Drag Queen History! Buckle up, buttercups, because today we’re taking a trip back to a time when the world was just starting to discover the magic of drag. Buckle your tutus, because we’re flying back to September 1982!
My darling time-travelling tutu landed me smack bang in the middle of New York City, a bustling hub of creative energy and where drag was beginning to truly blossom. Imagine my delight, dolls, to be transported to a time when Divine was still wowing audiences with her over-the-top performances, her comedic timing sharp as a stiletto heel! You can imagine the thrill of being transported to the city where The Cockettes, the original drag superstars, had just closed their doors a couple of years before. Oh, how I wish I could have caught one of their legendary shows! The impact they had on the drag scene is just astounding!
Speaking of dazzling drag moments, I caught the tail end of the " Queen of the Night " disco era in New York, the atmosphere was just electrifying. Can you imagine, lovelies? Drag queens gracing the dance floor, glamorous in sequins and feathers, captivating everyone in their path. There's nothing more glamorous than a disco queen rocking out on the dancefloor. Imagine if all your dreams came true. All the fashion you love in a glamorous place, with the music to make your soul sing. Just magnificent!
This whirlwind of excitement landed me next in San Francisco. You’ll never guess what I discovered here, my lovelies! The Cockettes, the original queens of drag, were already creating magic, paving the way for future generations. This fabulous group were real pioneers in drag theatre! I mean, imagine a world of flamboyant beauty, humour and theatrical daring in their performances!
My time travel tutu, that's been such a good girl for bringing me back to the magical year of 1982, had one more exciting stop for us. The glamorous capital of Europe, London was absolutely buzzing with drag performances and exciting new venues like the legendary Gay's The Word Bookshop, the mecca of all things LGBT, where the legendary performance artist Leigh Bowery was just making his debut. Can you imagine the magic and boldness in his work! He truly helped to revolutionize drag and performance art, with his daring outfits, and boundary-pushing acts. He truly had no fear when it came to his artistic vision, I so admire his work!
I can tell you that there was an incredible energy in London, even though it was still early days for the drag scene here! This was where the famous London Blitz era took its roots - all that wonderful cabaret with musical acts that became famous, not only in London but around the world. There was an electric atmosphere around the Royal Court Theatre, London, which had also been hosting Drag Queens as far back as the 1950s. But with an increase in LGBTQ+ rights, it made it more accepted and acceptable to express oneself with pride.
Oh, my lovelies, can you imagine the magic, the laughter, the freedom? I felt it in the air all around me! It was truly a revolutionary period. Drag was about expression, it was about finding your tribe, and celebrating your authentic self. Just incredible!
Now my dears, I must bid you farewell. It's been an honour and a privilege sharing a glimpse of Drag Queen history with you. Let me know if you have any questions about the amazing year that was 1982, or any other historical drag moment! Remember my lovelies, spread the joy, live your truth, and most importantly - always wear your pink tutu with pride! See you all next month for another dazzling time-traveling adventure on www.pink-tutu.com.
Sending all my love and sparkle your way,
Emma 💋💕✨
