Hello darlings! Welcome back to another pink-tastic journey through the glittering world of #DragQueenHistory! I'm Emma, your Derbyshire darling with a passion for all things pink and a love affair with the timeless elegance of a perfect tutu. This month, we're swirling back in time, channeling our inner ballerina, and shimmying right into October 10th, 1985!
I’ve just popped on my special time-travelling pink tutu, the one I’ve been lovingly embellishing with sequined stars and diamanté swirls. It’s got enough sparkle to blind a drag queen a mile away. I feel the familiar rush of excitement; my pulse quickens, my heart flutters, and a mischievous giggle escapes my lips. Get ready, darlings, because today’s journey is going to be extra glamorous!
Now, you know I always start by taking a peek at what’s going on in the world of fashion on the day we’re travelling to, right? In 1985, fashion was a total riot of colours, textures, and playful trends! Bold shoulder pads, acid wash denim, neon shades – think 80s, think fun! But we drag queens were never just about following trends. We owned them. We amped them up, we made them our own, we were a force of fashion fabulousness!
And speaking of fabulousness, darlings, October 10th, 1985 was no different! On this day, we had some real gems of the drag scene shining brightly across the globe. Picture it: packed houses, buzzing energy, glitter, feather boas, and maybe a few scandalous wig malfunctions – this is the stuff that legends are made of!
Imagine yourself, dear reader, a young drag queen just starting out, standing backstage, feeling the thrum of excitement as the music kicks in. You’re on a journey of self-discovery, finding your voice, pushing boundaries, and turning heads! Now imagine if on that same stage, someone who was once a nervous newcomer now stood bathed in the spotlight, adored by thousands, living their wildest dreams!
Well, my darlings, that's what October 10th, 1985 was like for countless drag queens around the world! Whether it was in New York’s infamous drag club, the legendary "The Pyramid Club" - where RuPaul himself was still honing his legendary status - or perhaps on a London stage, a group of drag divas were already serving looks and laughs with a cheeky wink. I can just picture the colourful gowns, the high-flying lip-sync battles, the sharp, witty banter, the audience screaming with laughter – those nights must have been magical, right?
I’m already daydreaming of the elaborate wigs, the shimmering sequins, the dramatic makeup, and the whirlwind of emotions. 1985 wasn’t just about being fabulous, it was about embracing your authentic self and letting your fabulous flag fly high! We didn’t need Instagram or TikToks to show the world what we had. Our voice, our style, our stage, were our platforms to claim our place in this beautiful, crazy world!
For some, drag was a sanctuary, a haven, a safe space to celebrate identity, where difference wasn’t just tolerated but cherished!
Don’t get me wrong, we had to fight for it! But those battles only made the wins feel even sweeter, darlings! And the history of drag wouldn't be complete without those moments, those battles fought with fierce pride, a glitter-bomb, and a feather boa – those are the moments we are here to celebrate!
On this journey back to October 10th, 1985, it's important to acknowledge those queens, those legends who came before us. Their courage, their commitment to self-expression, their laughter and tears have built the foundations we stand on today.
To all the trailblazers, all the pioneers, all the fierce queens of 1985 - this pink tutu goes out to you! And remember, my darlings, we are all connected by this love of self-expression. The spirit of drag, the passion for performance, the drive to embrace our individuality and make our voices heard, these are timeless!
But now, it’s time for a little bit of a "how-to", as we're heading out on our adventure back to October 10th, 1985. I've compiled a guide to make the most of our time travelling and to get you into the swing of things:
Step 1: Grab a delicious cocktail, darling, something fizzy and pink – a Pink Lady, perhaps? You deserve it! Step 2: Don’t forget the music! 80’s music is always a winner, anything with a catchy beat, something that gets you up on your feet, get that dancing feeling bubbling inside. You can’t time travel without an 80s playlist! Step 3: Find yourself the most fabulous pink outfit, anything that oozes confidence and style! We're going to embrace the era and show everyone how we rock the pink look! Step 4: If you're feeling adventurous, maybe try a pop of bright neon colour, or some statement earrings - a big pair of dangly hoops will set the perfect 80's mood. But, as always, keep the most important element in mind: wear your fabulousness with confidence!
It's time for me to shimmy back to my sparkly dressing table, doll! I’ve got a show to put on, and you’ll never guess who’s the headliner. (No, it’s not me this time, although I’m tempted!).
Remember, darlings, whether you're on a bustling New York street or strolling along the shimmering promenade in the English countryside, drag has always been, and always will be, about the pursuit of freedom, the celebration of self-expression, the joy of making someone laugh, the beauty of art in its rawest, most authentic form!
Remember, dear darlings, this is more than just history; it's our legacy, a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit to find beauty and strength within ourselves.
Until next month, darlings, stay fabulous and spread the pink tutu love!
Emma x
