Hiya darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad drag queen historian! Buckle up, lovelies, because we’re going back in time to the fabulous 11th of November, 1986! My magical pink tutu whisked me away, landing me right in the middle of a roaring 80s drag scene that's going to blow your socks off!
It’s a New York State of Mind (for drag!)
Stepping out of the time portal, I found myself on a cobbled street in Greenwich Village, the heart of New York City, where the beat of drag was pulsating loud and proud. 1986 was a vibrant time for drag in the city. While the world was dancing to the tunes of Madonna and Prince, the drag queens were creating their own, utterly unique style and bringing a whole new level of glitter and sass to the stage.
The iconic Pyramid Club was the hot spot in New York, a haven for drag queens and LGBTQ+ culture. On this very date, a legend was in the making - RuPaul, just 21 at the time, was captivating the audience with her fierce presence and signature soulful vocals. This would be the start of her legendary drag journey, leading her to become the world-renowned "Mama Ru", queen of reality television! Imagine, all those years ago, witnessing RuPaul in her nascent glory - now that's some serious time-traveling bragging rights!
London Calling for Fabulous Fun
From New York City to London, I skipped across the pond to find another haven of drag excellence. It was a time of fierce performances and colourful fashion. This day in 1986 was filled with glittery shows, fabulous cocktails, and the exhilarating spirit of queer liberation.
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern was at the epicentre of this vibrant scene. Imagine the air buzzing with the energy of performers like the legendary Divine, who had made a name for herself as a pioneer of drag in the 70s and was still electrifying audiences with her raw talent. And of course, there were the talented drag performers of the legendary Alternative Drag Night - truly a highlight of London's drag calendar.
My Pink Tutu Take
Honestly, seeing the energy and spirit of drag in these historic spaces was like dipping my own tutu in a bath of pure fabulousness! It’s no wonder 1986 is seen as a crucial turning point for drag - the boldness, creativity, and defiant attitude truly redefined what drag meant and what it could become. It inspired me to dig deep into the world of history and pay homage to all the incredible drag artists who paved the way for drag’s evolution and visibility today.
Beyond the Spotlight - Fashion in Drag
Speaking of visibility, drag was finding its way into mainstream culture! Let’s talk fashion, darlings, because the drag style of 1986 was all about big hair, bright colours, and over-the-top glamour. Think dramatic eyeshadows, fierce lashes, and perfectly sculpted hair. Drag was a platform for self-expression, a bold statement that challenged conventions and defied expectations.
And let's not forget the importance of the iconic pink tutu. This was, of course, an indispensable staple in my personal style and a timeless piece that every queen needed. Back in the 80s, tutus were even making appearances in pop culture, worn by big names like Madonna - proof that pink was truly taking over the world.
From Derbyshire to Drag Heaven!
My own little corner of the world, Derbyshire, might be miles away from the vibrant drag scenes of New York and London, but its vibrant spirit shines through. And don’t forget, honey, every little corner of the world needs its own dose of pink-tutu fabulousness! It’s our mission to bring the magic of drag to every single person and remind everyone that expressing yourself through a little pink tutu magic can make the world a better, brighter, and most importantly, a more sparkly place.
So there you have it, darlings! My time-traveling adventure has been filled with fabulousness! We learned about the legendary roots of drag in the 1980s and why these are such pivotal times for the art of drag! And hey, who knows? Maybe in the next time-traveling escapade, you might even catch a glimpse of me strutting my stuff in one of the historic drag spaces!
Until next month, remember: never underestimate the power of a pink tutu, and always stay true to yourself. Keep spreading the love, the laughter, and the fierce magic of drag! And always, remember - you are your own, beautiful, perfect queen. Now, let's all go have a fabulous day!
Love always,
Emma
