Hello darlings, it's your girl Emma, fresh from a dazzling time-travel jaunt, and ready to spill all the tea on a date that made my sequined heart skip a beat: 1986, 9th September! As always, I packed my magic pink tutu for the occasion (it’s a wardrobe staple, my dears!), and prepared myself for a fabulous journey through the vibrant world of drag history.
This month's destination? The heart of the United States of America, where drag was bursting onto the scene with its unique brand of glitz and glamour! Honestly, the energy was positively electrifying. I can practically still hear the disco balls spinning and the booming sound of cheers from the crowd. It was, without a doubt, the ultimate queer playground!
But before I dive into the nitty-gritty of the American scene, let's have a quick catch-up. I was recently performing at a fundraiser for the local youth theatre in Derby (it’s all about supporting the next generation of fabulous performers, my dears!), and let me tell you, they were absolutely on fire! They even had me twirling in a bright pink tutu during their finale number – a rendition of “Let's Dance” by David Bowie, darling! It was fabulous. A perfect reminder why I do what I do: to spread joy and bring a little bit of magic into this world!
Back to the good old USA, where 1986 was truly a dazzling year for drag! Drag was finding its stride on television, with shows like “The Joan Rivers Show” featuring legendary queens like Divine (may her fierce memory live on). Imagine a world where the public had access to drag queens every day on the telly, sharing their talents and bringing the glitz, glamour, and humor! Talk about a dream come true, darling!
However, my true highlight of this journey? Landing right smack dab in the middle of a drag competition in San Francisco, a real crucible of the drag scene at that time! The queens were all serving major looks, complete with feathered hairdos, shimmering makeup, and outlandish costumes! You can just imagine the roar of the crowd as the judges – including a very fashionable Miss San Francisco (did you know that beauty pageant scene was booming back then, honey?) – decided on the evening's winner.
Imagine me, a proper little English girl in my pink tutu, nestled amongst this whirlwind of fabulousness, snapping photos on my vintage Polaroid. The air was electric! This is what drag is all about, my dears, showcasing our individual artistry, celebrating ourselves, and, most importantly, having a blooming good time.
This month, however, I didn't stop there! I wanted to experience more of this fabulous time, so I popped over to New York City, where the drag scene was booming in the vibrant nightlife.
You see, in the late '80s, the concept of “Drag Ball” took the world by storm. Imagine a drag performance, but in the heart of a New York ballroom, featuring elaborate costuming, elaborate dancing routines, and intricate performance routines that paid homage to fashion, fantasy, and music. It was the perfect stage for queens to unleash their creativity!
It was at these events where the term "House," which defined the core of these gatherings, came into play, creating these fantastic groups of artists, performers, and drag mothers all working together. A perfect family!
A trip to New York City in 1986 is always a feast for the eyes, darling! The city was just dripping in style, with bold fashion choices on every street corner, reflecting the free spirit and daring fashion statements that were defining the decade. From punk to new wave, every style found a place in the bustling metropolis! Even I, your queen of pink, was captivated! A dash of pink in a street style outfit here, a hint of blush on a makeup counter there - oh, it was divine!
Let’s be real, darlings: I can’t resist a bit of shopping in any city, no matter what decade. The fashion scene in New York was beyond exciting. I found a little vintage shop tucked away on the lower east side that had the most divine selection of beaded clutches and silk scarves. Oh, my darlings, I snagged the most beautiful sapphire blue scarf adorned with silver sequins - the perfect accessory for my pink tutu when I return to 2023, don’t you think?
Now, back to our tale of drag! This time travel business is so exhausting but such a blessing to witness. I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Oh, I must mention my favourite event: the annual International Drag Ball. The venue, a magnificent ballroom in downtown New York, was the place to be! The whole event was like a fairytale - glitzy costumes, shimmering gowns, and elaborate hair creations! It's no wonder that these balls started popping up worldwide, because darling, the magic of these balls is universal! It was the ultimate celebration of individual expression!
These fabulous gatherings brought queens together across different backgrounds and provided them a platform to celebrate and honor their unique style and personalities. Imagine a grand celebration filled with vibrant music, captivating performances, and a powerful sense of community! It truly was an incredible experience, a real reminder that we can truly express ourselves without judgement or fear.
And just like that, darling, it was time to return. My magic pink tutu zipped me back to 2023, leaving me with an overflowing heart full of joy. This date will forever be one of my favourites – 1986, 9th September, truly was a moment in history.
It’s always so exciting to see the evolution of drag throughout time!
*This time travel journey just reaffirms what we all know – the power of drag knows no boundaries, no time, and certainly no age. The passion for expression, the magic of community, and the irresistible joy that comes with being fabulous! It’s a timeless universal language that echoes across the world! *
Remember, darlings, if you ever get the chance to travel back in time (pink tutu included, naturally), take a moment to witness the world of drag as it unfolded, learn from it, and continue its fabulous evolution for the next generations!
Until next time, darlings, stay fabulous, keep spreading that pink love, and don't be afraid to express yourselves freely!
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com and check out the next edition of your beloved Time Travel Blog!
Hugs and Glitter, Emma xxx
