Greetings, darlings! Emma here, your resident time-travelling tutu aficionado, back from another whirlwind journey through the glorious history of drag! This month, we’re shimmying back to July 7th, 1987, a date that’s jam-packed with fabulousness!
As always, I popped on my trusty magical time-travelling pink tutu and took a little jaunt into the past. Let me tell you, that eighties air was buzzing with excitement. Think of it like the most flamboyant disco party ever, but with a splash of pastel pink thrown in for good measure. Oh, and did I mention there were big, fluffy hairdos galore?!
My first stop was the legendary The Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York. It's a drag mecca, even back in '87. This legendary bar was just a year off celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking the Stonewall riots, a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ rights. As I waltzed through the doors, a blast of neon lights and pulsating beats hit me, instantly putting me in a party mood. There was such a feeling of community here, everyone united by the joy of expressing themselves through the art of drag. I was instantly in awe of the fierce energy and undeniable charisma of the queens who took the stage.
Speaking of charisma, one queen absolutely stole the show. I was in stitches watching her imitate the pop icons of the day, Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. Talk about embodying the essence of '80s pop! Her lipsynching was on point, and those gravity-defying hairsprays would have made even the most seasoned hair dresser envious. Let’s just say, I definitely added “acquire '80s hairspray” to my list of must-do’s for my next shopping spree.
After a night of revelry in New York, my tutu and I journeyed across the pond to the heart of London. In the lively streets of Soho, I stumbled upon the legendary The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, a drag palace boasting years of fabulous history. The energy there was simply electric, full of laughter, music and, of course, fierce queens showcasing their incredible talents. This was the kind of venue that thrived on pushing boundaries and celebrating diversity – the very essence of drag itself.
At The Royal Vauxhall, a whole night of drag performances had everyone buzzing with excitement. Imagine cabaret style drag, with a twist of '80s glam! From comedy acts with sharp wit, to mesmerizing lip synch performances that left the audience breathless, the entire show was a true celebration of individuality and self-expression. Oh, and the costumes?! They were an explosion of sequins, feather boas and colour! It made me yearn for my own personal tailor to whip up some looks that rivalled these beauties.
After witnessing a phenomenal show in London, I travelled further north, a fellow Derbyshire girl at heart. My trusty tutu landed me right in the middle of a fabulous drag event taking place at a pub in Sheffield. It was a truly magical experience – not your usual pub crowd, let me tell you! There were sequins sparkling under the dim lights, a drag queen juggling a fire torch with expert precision and everyone in the room brimming with happiness and good vibes.
Seeing a smaller scale event, much closer to home, was a poignant reminder that drag thrives in every corner of the world. It's not just about big city glitz and glamour, but about people coming together in their local communities, finding their voices, and sharing their love for the art form. This moment made my heart swell with joy for the diversity and inclusivity that shines through the world of drag.
Now, I can’t just sit here and talk about fabulous drag events without bringing you some juicy historical details!
Did you know that 1987 was a pivotal year in the history of drag?! This is the year that The Advocate magazine – a leading LGBTQ+ publication – first used the term "drag queen". This simple shift in vocabulary really resonated with the movement, embracing and acknowledging the vibrant identities and stories that had always been a part of the community. It was the perfect touch of recognition and respect for the art of drag in all its multifaceted glory.
Also in 1987, there was a boom in queer nightlife with exciting new establishments opening their doors. These vibrant spaces became safe havens for LGBTQ+ people, celebrating their identities and fostering a strong sense of community. It’s incredible to think that the drag world was constantly evolving, growing and creating even more opportunities for artistic expression.
Throughout the entire month of July, the 1987 Gay Pride London celebrations took place. Now that’s what I call a full month of pure fabulousness! It was the perfect celebration of everything drag: self-expression, artistic innovation and the spirit of defiance. It brought people from all walks of life together, creating a symphony of colours, laughter, and love.
The events during this month were an incredibly important moment in LGBTQ+ history. In this spirit, I urge everyone to remember to celebrate and respect all LGBTQ+ people and continue to fight for the equality that all deserve!
Finally, a little sartorial update for my lovely readers! 1987 was all about bright colours, big hair and a sprinkle of sequins, and even though we're back in the 21st century, we can still take a little inspiration from those glorious looks! If you’re ever feeling like channeling your inner '80s glam queen, here's what you need:
- Sequined leotards: Think vibrant shades like cobalt blue, fiery red or emerald green! You'll be the star of the dance floor in these dazzling delights.
- Big, bold hair: Think bouffant meets dramatic curls – and never underestimate the power of hairspray! This is a drag queen's best friend when it comes to channeling the spirit of '87!
- Tutus! You’ll be shocked, but the trend of tutus started well before the early 2000s. Tutus came in all sorts of exciting colours back in 1987, which were often worn alongside colorful, geometric leggings and dance-inspired designs. You can totally rock them!
It was another spectacular time-travelling adventure, full of glittering sequins and even more dazzling spirits. Until next month, remember to wear your tutu with pride and to always embrace your inner drag queen.
Stay glamorous!
Emma, Your Pink-Tutu Time Traveller
