#DragQueenHistory during 1983 03 March

Darling! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu clad, time-travelling, drag-loving queen from the hills of Derbyshire. Oh, you don't know me? Snatches invisible microphone and winks. Then you're in for a treat! Let's dive head-first into my world of pink tutus, glittering sequins and time-traveling escapades, shall we?

March 3rd 1983? Well, that sounds like a date straight out of my favourite drag queen scrapbook! As I swished through the time portal in my magical, pink-hued, time-travelling tutu (a girl's gotta travel in style, you see!), I felt a shiver of excitement run down my spine. 1983... That year was a real corker for the world of drag!

Now, the most fabulous part of this journey? That, my darlings, is the ability to check out what was happening in the world of drag back then. What were the queens performing, where were the drag balls, and what outrageous costumes were à la mode? Let's take a look!

New York City, always a drag mecca, was sizzling with energy in 1983. The ballroom scene was in its prime, and it was totally shaping the landscape of drag performance. From the House of Xtravaganza to the House of Ninja, these drag houses were making their mark on the world! Think fierce catwalks, captivating lip-syncs and the boldest, most expressive looks ever seen on the runway!

Imagine it! My little heart nearly popped out of my chest as I sat backstage at a Harlem ball. There were so many fabulous, brave queens. The sheer variety of drag - it was simply stunning. From Butch Queens with sharp, androgynous styles to Femme Queens with larger-than-life hair and dazzling makeup, every queen had their own captivating, flamboyant personality.

Speaking of personality, there's a reason the ball scene was all the rage: These queens owned their narratives. It was about so much more than just putting on a show! They used the balls as a platform to celebrate individuality, overcome challenges and defy expectations. It was an expression of personal identity and a chance for everyone to have their moment in the spotlight!

Of course, it wasn't just NYC making waves in the world of drag! The club scene was taking shape all across the world, offering vibrant platforms for queens to perform and connect. In London, The George, a famous club nestled in the heart of Bloomsbury, was hosting legendary shows featuring some of the biggest names in the scene. Imagine a packed house of die-hard fans ready to dance the night away with some seriously iconic queens. Now that’s a drag experience!

Over in Australia, Sydney was also getting in on the drag club action! The Palace Hotel was a notorious spot for glamorous drag shows, attracting the best and brightest from the Australian drag scene. Picture dazzling performances and a thriving community of performers, embracing all types of drag, from cabaret and stand-up comedy to the ultimate ball room elegance.

You see, the power of drag lay in its ability to bring together diverse communities! No matter the location, these queens were all showcasing their unique personalities, their flamboyant fashions, and their infectious sense of joy. That was the beauty of drag – its sheer power to transcend borders, celebrate diversity, and, well, spread a lot of glitter along the way!

Being a born and bred Derbyshire lass, my journey always ends up taking me to London. Let’s be honest, who could resist the charm of the capital city?!

Now, back in the ‘80s, London's drag scene was bursting with exciting developments! The “Camp” club scene was flourishing. Clubs like The Flamingo and The Vauxhall Tavern, with their electrifying atmospheres and vibrant dancefloors, became sanctuaries for a generation of drag performers.

Remember, these clubs weren’t just about the glitter and the glamour, but also about finding a sense of community, forging friendships, and sharing your passions with like-minded people. Now that’s something worth traveling back in time for, don’t you think?

But London's drag story in 1983 wasn't just about club nights!

The theatre scene in London was starting to embrace drag with open arms, a wonderful change that continues today! I was fortunate enough to see a show at the Soho Theatre called "Gay Sweatshop’s 4" Now, this wasn’t just a show, it was a powerful political statement highlighting LGBTQ+ issues and using humor to address real social problems. It was daring, hilarious, and absolutely groundbreaking in its use of drag for social commentary.

I simply couldn’t resist heading backstage to chat with the queens! It was so wonderful seeing how they used drag not just to entertain but also to provoke thought and spark vital conversations. It’s all about the power of theatre and drag to shine a light on important topics. You see, drag wasn't just for clubs or the ballroom. It was becoming a vital part of our world.

Let's talk fashion, darling! In the glamorous world of drag, nothing is more important than finding a show-stopping look! I simply can't help but marvel at the sheer audacity of the 1980s. It was all about bold statement pieces!

Think towering platforms with sparkling embellishments, glittering fabrics, bold color combinations, and those amazing power shoulders! The 1980s was a decade for queens to express their creativity with fashion. It was also an era of experimentation: with bright wigs and outrageous makeup, the more, the merrier was the fashion motto of the day. No holds barred, baby!

As I’m standing in the bustling crowd of a 1983 drag show, a pink feather boa tickling my cheek, I am awed by the power of drag to express and connect. It's about celebrating our identities, showcasing our talents, and sharing our stories with the world!

This is why, my loves, I choose to wear pink, my signature color! I’ve made it my life’s mission to make wearing a pink tutu the next great drag fashion trend. My time travel allows me to spread the love for this glorious color – the color of sweetness, joy and liberation. Because in my world, we celebrate differences, we express our individuality, and we make the world a more vibrant and sparkly place to be!

And now, my lovelies, it's time for me to say ‘Ciao’ and zoom back to my own time! I’m leaving you with a little thought to ponder: How will you use your own unique voice, your individuality and your passion for expression to create something incredible?

Until next month, remember: Always keep it fabulous! And always keep it pink!

Emma x www.pink-tutu.com