Darling, how do you do? Itâs your favourite Derbyshire drag queen, Emma, here, back with another installment of your monthly #DragQueenHistory fix! Let me tell you, the pink tutuâs been getting quite the workout lately - Iâve been zooming through time like a sequined rocket on this monthâs journey. This time, my glamorous little feet landed smack-dab on 1st January, 1985. Honestly, dearies, it was positively dazzling. Let's slip into that fabulous pink tutu of mine and take a trip down memory laneâŚ
The 80s: A Decade of Glitter and Glory
1985! A year when the world was all big hair, neon, and power ballads, and the drag scene was positively bursting with charisma. We were still in the midst of the golden age of New York drag, when queens like the iconic Divine were pushing boundaries and making history, and the legendary Sylvia Rivera was continuing her fight for transgender rights. This year also saw the emergence of the fabulous RuPaul - yes, that RuPaul! â making a splash on the New York drag scene and carving her way into our hearts (and the history books!)
My 80s Glamour: What's a Girl to Wear?
Landing in the 80s meant hitting the shops for some fabulous frocks, darling! Imagine the scene: leggings, leg warmers, neon everything, big hair teased to the heavens, and tons of pink - basically a Drag Queen's dream wardrobe. This is also the era of shoulder pads - think padded, oversized jackets with a power stance. Throw in some dazzling, bejeweled earrings and a bright pink tutu with those gorgeous glittery ballet flats, and youâve got yourself an unforgettable ensemble! Oh, and don't forget the face! Bold, dramatic makeup - think winged eyeliner and loads of shimmer - was a must-have.
New York, New York
Once I was outfitted and ready to party, it was time to explore! As usual, I couldn't resist a trip to New York. In the early 80s, this was the hub of the drag universe! My eyes lit up like a Christmas tree the moment I hit The Pyramid Club, a club known for its underground and avant-garde drag. It was truly a scene unlike any I had witnessed before. It felt electric. Just being there made me want to twirl in my pink tutu, shout a hearty âYaaasss!â, and scream the words of a great drag queen song at the top of my lungs! It was wild!
On the Other Side of the Atlantic
But it wasnât all about New York, darling! The drag scene in London was starting to bubble, too! Think places like The Royal Vauxhall Tavern where performers like the brilliant Leigh Bowery were challenging the status quo with their avant-garde drag looks, and clubs like The Club in Camden, a truly legendary place known for its lively, eclectic scene. Remember those London clubs where queens would take the stage, performing amidst fog machines and strobe lights â and sometimes even pyrotechnics? Ah, what an era!
Where the Girls Are (in 1985): The Biggest Drag Queens of the Year
Speaking of those glorious drag performers⌠this was a period where legends were made, darlings! Alongside Divine and RuPaul, there was a whole universe of talented queens bringing the house down. In the world of film, Divine shone bright, with a starring role in John Waters' masterpiece "Hairspray." And in the drag theatre scene, Leigh Bowery was challenging all expectations with his audacious style and performances that pushed boundaries. Remember, drag has always been a form of activism and expression â the early 80s were definitely a period of incredible innovation in that respect.
But Hold on a Second!
Letâs not forget a significant hurdle the drag community had to overcome during this era: the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which ravaged many lives and brought a stark reality to the community. This is something that was incredibly tough for all involved and highlights the strength, resilience, and support within the drag community. It also highlights a point that must be reiterated: being a drag queen isnât always about glitter and glamour. It can be about unity, activism, and finding community in challenging times. It is about embracing the differences, celebrating individuality, and building a world where all queens can feel seen, heard, and respected.
From Drag Queens to Ballroom Scene Queens:
Now, let's take a trip outside the clubs for a moment. Another vital part of the LGBTQ+ community, the ballroom scene, was gaining traction in New York! Here, LGBTQ+ people were creating and showcasing their incredible talents in categories such as ballroom, vogue, and fashion. You're looking at the rise of pioneers like Pepper LaBeija, a woman whose name echoes through history, and the "Legendaryâ Jose Gutierez and Angel Xtravaganza, whose talents and artistry deserve all the recognition in the world. They challenged gender norms and expressed their identities, paving the way for the beautiful community that is the modern ballroom scene.
From My Pink Tutu to YoursâŚ
Now, darling, weâre at the end of my trip back to 1985! Remember, itâs a year that's overflowing with history, a year that showed the strength of the drag community, a year that challenged perceptions, a year that pushed creative boundaries⌠and a year that still makes me want to put on a fabulous pink tutu and hit the dance floor! Remember: Drag history isnât just a collection of facts. Itâs a tapestry woven together by all the incredible, powerful individuals who dared to express themselves, defied expectations, and found beauty in their true selves. So go forth, darlings! Grab a tutu, strut your stuff, and continue making our shared drag history fabulous. Remember: You are a queen!
Until next month, remember to spread love, sprinkle a bit of glitter wherever you go, and stay fierce!
See you on the pink side of life,
Emma
