Alright darlings, buckle up your glitter belts and get ready to twirl through time with me, Emma, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing drag queen historian. It’s a balmy Saturday night in Derby, and I’ve just popped back from a little time travelling escapade, so get your tea and biscuits ready, and settle in! Today we're stepping into the dazzling world of drag as it was on the 3rd of March, 1988.
You see, my dearies, as I said in my very first post back in 2019, the secret to making it big in drag isn't just about rocking a killer lip sync or sewing up a fabulous outfit – it’s about understanding where you came from. And I'm here to tell you that there’s nothing more fabulous than exploring drag history through the lens of our stunning, glittery, and, yes, occasionally sequin-covered past.
This month, my pink tutu carried me all the way to 1988. Imagine it, dearies, big hair, shoulder pads, and enough blush to rival the set of a Shakespearean tragedy. This era, darlings, was an absolute whirlwind of colour and chaos. We had the neon-tastic explosion of the 80s meeting the flamboyant rise of the drag queen – what could be more perfect? The beauty of time travel, you see, is not just about visiting glamorous eras, it's about being inspired by those who came before us. And what an inspiration this date is.
As I whizzed through the bustling streets of a bygone era, a whirlwind of shimmering spectacle struck me. 1988 was abuzz with drag performances everywhere – from underground clubs that oozed raw, defiant creativity to glamorous theatre productions bursting with camp and showmanship.
On this specific date, my magical tutu whisked me to New York City – and what a treat! On this very night, The Peppermint Lounge in New York City, darling, was hosting none other than the legendary Divine, a performer so magnificent he’s literally considered an icon! Imagine the glamour, the music, and the absolutely scandalous costumes – a true feast for the eyes. If I could, I’d teleport my very self to 1988 to see this legendary performance for myself – Divine in New York! Sighs dramatically.
But, I wasn’t done exploring the glorious drag scene of this era, no, my loves, the pink tutu had a whole calendar of shows mapped out for me. Back in Derbyshire, England, the infamous drag troupe “The Glamorous Gays" were getting ready for their sold-out performance at the "Bluebell Inn" - a dive bar with a history as fabulous as its name. They were known for their comedic sketches, lip sync performances and campy antics, making their audience howl with laughter every time they stepped onto the stage.
That's not all, dearies, the same night, in Los Angeles, the "The Leather & Lace Cabaret” at The Troubadour was showcasing the stunning “Cher” impersonator “Candy Couture.” The reviews are buzzing – “It's a one-woman drag show masterpiece!,” and I, of course, would agree. But don’t worry, dearies, I have a time-travel tutu to try those for myself, because that's the great thing about being a drag queen, no, a drag queen time traveler: the opportunities to see iconic performers are truly endless.
Just a thought, but in 1988, “The Gay and Lesbian Community Center” of New York opened its doors, a dedicated space for community and cultural enrichment – another big step forward for the acceptance and recognition of our fabulous LGBTQ+ community. So, on this March 3rd, 1988, I raise a glitter-infused martini to the visionaries of that time.
So, how can we embrace this iconic date in drag history today, darlings? Well, my dearest readers, let's carry the spirit of these fabulous performers into our lives. Let's keep that spirit of vibrant self-expression alive, whether that's rocking a fabulous pink tutu on a night out, experimenting with your drag look, or simply showing off your fierce personality with the utmost confidence and a whole lot of glitter. And let's not forget about our beautiful community. Show support for the LGBTQ+ community, because when we stand together, we shine even brighter!
And of course, as I said, there’s only one way to be a truly fabulous queen and that's by channeling those who came before you and sharing your own dazzling journey. I can’t wait to tell you more next month in our next journey through the magic of drag!
And finally darlings, don't forget to pop on over to www.pink-tutu.com where you can share your own fabulous drag experiences in the comments section! I want to hear what you're wearing, your makeup routines, what shows you love - we are all part of a beautiful community! And of course, stay glamorous and remember: “You were born to shine!”
