Helloooo, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels, your monthly dose of glamorous history! I'm your time-traveling hostess with the mostest, Emma, ready to take you on a trip back to November 11th, 1982 – and boy, oh boy, are you in for a treat!
I have to say, November has always been a bit of a magical month for drag. My personal time-traveling adventures seem to take a decidedly glittery turn, so get your pink tutus ready and grab your feather boas, 'cause this month's journey is going to be an absolute scream!
First, a confession. This time, I almost went all out for an actual pink time travel trip. I'm talking the most extravagant, glittery, ruched pink tulle you can imagine. But you see, darling, even with the mystical powers of my fabulous pink tutu, the time travel process isn't without its little hiccups! The colour pink tends to be a bit...over-reactive when it comes to time travel. Can you imagine a portal opening with the force of a pink explosion?! Thankfully, after an evening of careful meditation, a spot of pink bubble bath, and a well-chosen drag show (the power of a fabulous night out, my dears!) I managed to calibrate the tutu back to a more manageable, albeit still vibrantly pink, state. It's the pink-tastic struggle, my dears!
Speaking of drag shows, remember last month's trip to New York City, where we explored the legendary Drag Race and got a glimpse of the rise of queer underground club culture in the late 1980s? This time, darling, we're staying a little closer to home – although 'home' will feel mighty different this time!
Get your passport ready because we're venturing all the way to... drumroll ... Baltimore, Maryland, for a date with the absolute queen of drag - Divine!
Now, you know I'm a sucker for a good fashion moment, and let me tell you, Divine's 1980s era was pure drag-tastic fashion magic. Forget those dainty ballerina tutus we love (though Divine wore one beautifully, by the way!). Think oversized gowns with more feathers than a bird sanctuary!
So what's happening in the Baltimore scene on this special day? Why, it's the "Hairspray" premiere, my dears! I mean, how fitting is it that I, in my lovely pink tutu, find myself at the birth of the very film that made the hairspray revolution a national sensation?!
While this time-traveling venture doesn't land me on set alongside Divine (but oh, darling, wouldn't that be an epic scene! Just imagine, the pink tutu of destiny, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Divine – absolute iconic!) , the vibes, my dears, the vibes are just divine!
From the energy to the music to the sheer rebellious fashion of it all, this night felt like a kaleidoscope of the most daring creativity – and let's face it, is there anything better for a drag queen like me?
Remember, darlings, drag is not just a performance; it's a statement. It's a chance to explore, experiment, and challenge everything we know about gender and fashion, and that's something truly extraordinary. It's what makes those glittering gowns, those oversized hairstyles, and those fabulous makeup looks so absolutely captivating!
And Divine, oh Divine, what can I even say? Her talent was undeniable! She wasn't afraid to break the mold, to push boundaries, and that’s why her legacy endures to this day! Her flamboyant spirit lives on in every performer who chooses to shine, to be bold, to celebrate their authentic selves, no matter what they choose to wear.
But hold on, darlings, the journey's not over yet! While in Baltimore, I decided to hop over to England (who doesn’t love a little bit of cross-Atlantic hopping with a pink tutu?) for some local drag show exploration!
I spent a delightful evening at London's "Camden Palace" - it's an absolute icon of British drag! Can you imagine?! They had all the hottest acts – even a special guest performance by wait for it ... the legendary Adam Ant!
As the lights dimmed, I was transported to an entirely different universe! The costumes were outrageous – think leopard print, sequins, leather - and the atmosphere electric! And let’s not forget the dancing - darling, you can’t beat the high energy of a great drag performance! The dance floor was packed, and I, naturally, couldn't resist a little whirl in my own pink tutu. The crowd went wild!
It’s so true, darling – sometimes, the most fabulous moments come unexpectedly, like discovering a secret treasure chest brimming with sequins and glitter! The journey to the past might have begun with a magical pink tutu, but I left feeling like I was a part of something even bigger: a celebration of drag, in all its outrageous, colorful, and gloriously rebellious forms.
You know what? I think that's why I'm drawn to time travel, to understanding where these fantastic performances and artists came from, to experiencing what created the foundation for today’s drag culture.
Because let's be real, darlings, drag has come so far. It's become an undeniable force in pop culture, a platform for artistry, creativity, and self-expression. And yet, we still need to celebrate every single person who had the courage to walk onto a stage in an outrageous outfit, to entertain and inspire.
But I digress, darling! I've talked enough for now. This time travel journey was pure glittery magic, reminding me that drag is truly a universal language. Whether it’s a 1980s American premiere or a British night out, the message is the same: Embrace yourself, express yourself, and spread a little love and glamour along the way!
So go on, darlings, grab your pink tutu, put on your favorite drag queen playlist, and get ready for a show-stopping good time!
Love and glitter,
Emma
XOXO
Don't forget to visit Pink Tutu Time Travels at www.pink-tutu.com to check out past adventures! And be sure to follow me on all social media channels – I'll be sharing photos of my fabulous travels! Remember, my dears, pink tutus make everything a bit more magical. So, get yourself one, and embrace your inner glamour! You deserve it.
