Hello Darlings! It's your favourite Derbyshire-born, tutu-loving drag queen, Emma, here! Buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to travel back in time to 11th November, 1985! Let me tell you, this is one date in drag history you wouldn't want to miss.
But before we delve into the glamorous archives, a little somethin' about me, because I'm all about sharing! I, Emma, am a drag queen of considerable fabulousness. I love pink, I live for tutus, and my ultimate mission is to get the whole world swirling in this divine shade of pink!
How, you ask? Well, darling, it's all thanks to my trusty magical, pink time-travelling tutu. It whisks me off to fabulous dates in history, like today, to celebrate and experience the magic of drag! I also fund my trips with dazzling drag performances. Because let's be honest, it takes a lot of glitter and hairspray to time-travel in style.
Right, enough about my sartorial self. Let's hop aboard my fabulous tutu, darlings! cue time-travel sound effects! We're going back to 1985!
11th November, 1985
It was a Thursday, darling! A day of fashion and fabulousness! Now, on this day in drag history, there were a multitude of fantastic shows happening around the globe!
The Ballroom Scene: New York City
It’s where it all started! The iconic balls were still buzzing, a hotbed of creative expression and acceptance. Picture this: a fierce battle of categories! "Executive Realness", "Butch Queen", "Town and Country". These fierce queens, strutting their stuff, in full fabulousness, and pushing boundaries.
I'm talking the legendary Jennie Livingston, the director of "Paris is Burning" which would become the iconic documentary we know and love today! In '85, Jennie Livingston was probably still recording, documenting the beauty and heartbreak of the Ballroom scene. It was this movement that paved the way for drag as we know it today. They were pioneers!
The Stage is Calling:
San Francisco was another hub for drag history, and the scene was bustling! The Cockettes were known for their wildly experimental, boundary-pushing performances. Now, I haven’t personally seen their performances yet, but let me tell you, those drag legends made their mark on this day.
Meanwhile in Los Angeles, there was a drag queen show happening at the legendary "The Black Cat" – a truly glamorous establishment with a wild energy that was synonymous with LA nightlife.
The Glam That Defines You:
This was a time of fierce style! In 1985, think power shoulders, bold colours, and fierce makeup. There were these phenomenal queens with hair big enough to carry the weight of the world! It’s hard to put it into words – it was just magic. They had the most amazing couture, I'm talking gowns made out of things that nobody could ever imagine! Imagine what kind of materials they would use... plastic, feathers, and even…wait for it…the most ridiculous amount of glitter, you'd be sparkling from miles away.
The Future is Now!
Now, I have to say, on 11th November, 1985 - we were still on the cusp of the drag explosion that would transform the world in the years to come. Think the 90s, RuPaul, and the mainstream drag phenomenon! But even then, this was a moment where the scene was alive, brimming with talent, and creativity. It's incredible to see how much this time shaped drag for generations to come!
And speaking of "transformations," I'm gonna be bringing you to the 90s for my next blog! Imagine, RuPaul's first album "Supermodel (You Better Work) ", Drag Balls reaching mainstream media, and drag queens appearing on television!
I'll leave you with this, my loves, drag history is filled with legendary moments, pioneers, and incredible creativity. It’s the story of finding yourself, expressing yourself and shining your fabulous light. That’s what it’s all about. And you can bet, my darling, that every moment of this dazzling journey is filled with something unique and divine.
Always Remember, to be your truest, most fabulous selves. Now get out there, have a good time, and put on your best pink tutu. The world is waiting for your magical glow!
Love and sparkle,
Emma xoxo
Don't forget to check out my upcoming performances at the fabulous "Drag Queen Emporium" in Derbyshire, England! And for all the fabulous fashions and all things tutu-worthy, be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com
