#DragQueenHistory during 1983 09 September

Oh, darlings, it’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller Emma here, back for another whirlwind adventure! I’ve just hopped back from a glorious trip to September 9th, 1983 – and oh, honey, what a time to be alive! As a drag queen, let me tell you, the eighties were a golden age! Let’s get into it, shall we?

First things first: fashion. My trusty, oh-so-magical pink tutu zipped me right into the heart of 1980s glamour, and oh, my! The scene was living for colour, texture, and everything extravagant! The ladies were sporting leggings under oversized shirts, big earrings, bold jewellery, and the most fabulous platform shoes. You couldn't tell if the hair was naturally big, or from copious amounts of Aqua Net – either way, it was fabulous. I practically drooled with envy. You wouldn’t catch me out in public with a bad hair day!

Now, this trip had me buzzing with excitement – you see, September 9th, 1983 was a very special date for the world of drag, specifically, the Ballroom world. On this date, the “Grand Ballroom” took place in New York. Think a mix of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, but way more authentic and street-focused. I mean, I am talking pure drag excellence. You couldn’t swing a feather boa without hitting a House!

My goodness, that night I had a right old time watching these fierce and incredible queens. They were not only expressing themselves through fashion but telling a story, displaying the talent and creativity of the Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities. The ball was everything! There were houses like the House of Xtravaganza, House of Aviance, and House of LaBeija, you know, all the legends! They were throwing looks, strutting their stuff, showing the world that drag wasn’t just a stage act; it was a way of life.

Now, I may be a bit of a pink-tutu-loving darling, but let’s be honest: a queen's got to be adaptable, right? I've seen a lot of drag in my time-traveling adventures. Some eras have amazing things – and some...let's just say that the trends are best left in the past! However, that night at the ballroom was magical. Every look, every performance, screamed of this unstoppable urge to express individuality. That’s the true magic of drag!

That’s why I just know you’ll adore seeing how these houses took over New York and became major pioneers of drag in America – which, of course, influenced the art form worldwide. I'll be talking about these houses a lot more in the weeks to come, darling! Because when you consider the sheer brilliance and power that the Ballroom community has had on global drag, it truly is phenomenal.

Oh, speaking of global drag! You know what else caught my eye? Right here in my Derbyshire home, our dear local “gay pub” (and I’m using “pub” loosely!) called The Nag’s Head – remember those nights, darlings? Yes, they’re still happening! But it's so funny to see how the nightlife has evolved. That night, there were local queens doing their thing, singing and entertaining folks. They'd still be the kind of show that we love to watch today! So, if you ever get a chance, pop down to The Nag’s Head in Chesterfield and see what all the fuss is about. Just be sure to arrive with your fanciest wig and loudest laugh because there's no holding back the fun when these ladies hit the stage!

This month, however, I’m obsessed with the eighties drag style! My shopping list is very long. So, I’m going to go hunt down some more fabulous platform shoes. And darling, don’t forget – you don’t need to wait for a time machine to have a glamorous 1980s night. Just pop on some bold earrings, pull your hair into the biggest hairdo imaginable, and be sure to grab yourself a colourful look from the archives! You can rock your own ‘80s style wherever you go, darlings, so remember to stay fabulous and have a right good time, but most of all - have a go in a pink tutu! I promise it’s fun! See you next month, darling! Until then, stay glittery, stay glamorous, and don't forget, spread the pink-tutu love.