Hello darlings, Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire drag queen, back with another blast from the past! Today, my time-travelling pink tutu whisked me back to April 4th, 1983. Buckle up, lovelies, as we delve into a whirlwind of fashion, fun and fabulousness!
It's been a while since I’ve shared my exploits from the wonderful world of drag, especially from before my time. But, darling, as you know, my pink tutu isn’t just for show - it's a portal to the glorious history of drag! And I always feel inspired after one of my travels, so you can look forward to some new spins on the classic ballet tutu look. Don't you worry, the new additions will be very much Emma, with a bit of 1983 charm and an elegant splash of pink thrown in for good measure!
Anyway, enough of my own fabulousness, let's jump into the drag happenings of April 4th, 1983.
Backstage at the Ballroom with DivineRemember the amazing Divine? The legendary drag queen, singer and actress, she's a big inspiration for me. Well, darling, guess where I found myself on this particular Tuesday in 1983? You guessed it: backstage with Divine!
We were both on a gig at the "Wigstock" nightclub in New York City, and let me tell you, it was an experience! She was getting ready for a show, and all I can say is that she's one glamorous gal, even backstage! Just like me, her makeup routine involved a whole lot of shimmering eyeshadow, a perfectly contoured cheekbone, and a lip colour that could stop traffic. Oh, and she was sporting a seriously fabulous feathered hat that could have made a peacock blush!
I couldn't resist sneaking a quick glance at the show! You know me, I can't resist a little backstage peekaboo. Oh, let me tell you, the show was fire! It was all big hair, bigger lips, and bigger personalities, just like the current Drag Race cast but a little rougher around the edges - the REAL drag! The energy was contagious, the audience went wild, and Divine had the whole place in the palm of her hand.
The show truly made an impression on me! As I strutted through the time portal back to my time, I couldn’t help but wonder what incredible acts of drag had taken place at that nightclub. My heart ached a little that I hadn’t found any more queens with whom to perform and learn from. Then I realised that Divine wasn’t the only one setting the stage for today's fabulous performers, not by a long shot! There were SO many drag artists and acts going on at the same time that, although this night might have passed as just another ordinary night for some, to others it meant everything!
The Birth of a Legend - Divine’s Pink FlamingosAnd speaking of Divine, a little birdie whispered in my ear that, this same year, 1983, the cult classic film Pink Flamingos was released! Yes, darlings, you heard me right - a cult classic! It may not have been all sunshine and rainbows, but it's a true landmark in drag history! The film was definitely more risqué than your average afternoon tea party, but let's face it, drag queens have never shied away from pushing the boundaries, and Divine, darling, was a true iconoclast! Her audacious performances and refusal to conform challenged conventional norms, breaking through boundaries and paving the way for drag performers of all stripes to embrace their individuality and celebrate their difference.
And you know what, she even got Pink right in the title. Just saying... 😉
It was quite the day, with my backstage visit and learning more about this iconic film! Of course, the trip also gave me lots of ideas for outfits, which we’ll be getting to next. Now I know this post has gone on a bit, but it's the end for this month's blog post! If you want to get more details and behind-the-scenes photos and outfits from my latest trip to 1983, I'll be posting those in my newsletter. To join up and keep the fashion flow going, be sure to click on the link to sign up at the end of this blog post!
And for next month, we will be going right back in time to a legendary evening! You have no idea what to expect! Oh yes, the pink tutu will guide me, it will make sure we meet at the best places! But, we must end on this lovely thought for the month! Drag, dear ones, it's truly all about having a good time, celebrating who we are, and expressing ourselves to the fullest. I mean, look at all those inspiring ladies in drag from years ago, even today's drag wouldn't be what it is if it weren't for them!
Well darlings, stay fab and remember, the world needs more pink tutus! Until next month!
Love, Emma
P.S. Want to get your very own sparkly pink tutu? Click on the link below for more information on my "Pink-Tutu Project". All proceeds go towards funding my time travels, which allows me to spread the fabulousness around the globe!
P.P.S. What do you think, could I try Divine's look for a show? You can tell me by sending a message using the "Comment" box!
(link to sign up to Emma's Newsletter and purchase Pink Tutu project items!)
