Hiya darlings! Your favourite Derbyshire drag queen, Emma, here, back with another adventure in my magical pink tutu. This time, I'm whisking you all back to December 12th, 1987, a date packed with fabulousness! Let's go, shall we?
I swear, that twirling sensation I feel when I hop into my pink time travelling tutu is simply divine. Suddenly, there I was, right in the heart of 1987. Let's just say, my fellow queens, that 1987 was all about colour, sparkle and bold statement pieces. Think bright pinks, shimmering sequins, and some outrageously high hair!
Now, I may not be able to strut my stuff in full drag right now - this period isn't exactly known for being overly tolerant, you see. But that doesn't mean I can't take in the fabulous sights and sounds, darlings!
My first stop? The world famous "Wigstock" in New York City! Can you even imagine the iconic looks? This is where some of the most influential queens were born: RuPaul, Lady Bunny, and, my all-time favourite, Divine! Just the thought of her in a big pink tutu and a wild bouffant sends shivers down my spine, in the best possible way, darling!
While I'm there, I take the opportunity to indulge in the iconic nightlife scene. And darling, let me tell you, the bars were filled with people who knew how to make an entrance. Imagine my glee as I sipped on a "Pink Lady" while watching queens strut their stuff on the stage in sequined, shoulder-padded jumpsuits, or, get this, hot pants! It was all about expressing yourself with every bit of fabulousness you could muster.
You know, my time travel isn't just about me. It's about connecting you all to the beautiful world of drag and celebrating those queens who paved the way for us! Like, this era saw the rise of “The Cockettes,” an artistic group based in San Francisco. Now these queens, they weren't afraid of colour and glitter, darling! I’m talking feathered headdresses and dazzling costumes. Their influence can still be seen today, with modern queens incorporating elements of their style in their looks and performance art.
Speaking of which, another fabulous stop on my 1987 journey is a trip to The Theatre of the Absurd, in Los Angeles, a true legend amongst queer nightlife locations! The atmosphere was electric, the performances were camp and outlandish, and the fashion, darling? Let's just say the 1980s truly were a bold era, a wild time of creativity and experimentation, both on stage and off!
Let me tell you, it's truly amazing to be a part of the world's oldest tradition, this ever-evolving tapestry that is Drag! 1987 wasn't all sequins and feathers, though. There was still discrimination and a struggle for acceptance. But those queens of the day didn't shy away from adversity; they embraced their identities and fought for their right to exist and to shine.
Even as I type this, I feel the need to pay homage to all those pioneering queens who paved the way for me, for you, for all of us! They made their voices heard, their glitter-clad presences known, and paved the path for drag to be as celebrated and respected as it is today!
Remember, darlings, no matter where you're from or what your journey has been, you deserve to sparkle. I firmly believe that everyone deserves a chance to experience the joy and liberation that a pink tutu can bring.
Until next time, remember, dear reader, to keep it camp, keep it fabulous, and always keep it pink!
Your fabulous time travelling queen, Emma. (Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more fabulous time travelling stories and a chance to see my new pink tutu collection!)
