Oh darling, hello there! It's Emma here, back from another fabulously camp time travelling adventure, fresh from 1989. Can you believe it, it was nearly 35 years ago! And wouldn't you know it, 2nd February was simply sparkling that year, darling. This month’s trip took me right into the heart of the dazzling 80s – big hair, even bigger shoulder pads, and of course, a whole heap of glorious drag.
Now, my trusty time-travelling pink tutu carried me right to the very heart of New York City, specifically, The Peppermint Lounge in the East Village. Oh, what a dazzling sight, my dears! The energy was just electric, with the pulsing rhythm of house music bouncing off the brick walls. I practically shimmered in the sheer excitement of it all!
And let's talk queens, my dears! The iconic Divine, with her over-the-top glamour, had the entire club in stitches with her hilarious routine. She'd strut and sashay, her towering wigs and audacious make-up leaving everyone utterly captivated. You know, darling, her makeup alone could put a modern-day queen to shame. We've got Divine to thank for introducing us all to a brand new style of drag – unapologetic, loud, and absolutely daring! She's an absolute legend!
I’m afraid I completely forgot my usual good manners, darling, I got so swept away by the atmosphere! But honestly, who could blame me? Seeing a living, breathing legend like Divine just brings a whole new meaning to the words "show stopping."
The rest of the night, I tell you, just flew by. I spent hours mingling with some of the biggest names in drag history: Jackie Beat, the legendary Joey Arias, and the fabulously fierce Amanda Lepore. Oh darling, their stories, their outfits, their pure talent! I just soaked it all up. This night, you see, darling, was not just a show – it was a movement! A celebration of everything outrageous, flamboyant, and gloriously flamboyant. I knew I'd arrived in the heart of the scene.
But you know what? This wasn’t all just about Divinity. Oh no! In London, Sue Denim, my all-time favourite British Queen, was leading the charge with her own brand of rebellious charm. Sue was one of the originals, kicking down doors and claiming space for drag in every corner of London’s underground club scene. Now, you see, I completely agree, this wasn't just a New York phenomenon – the drag revolution was spreading fast across the globe!
Speaking of London, you simply couldn't mention London without talking about Leigh Bowery. Oh my darling! Leigh was an absolute spectacle, pushing boundaries with his incredible and often-controversial performances. I tell you, dear, there were people gasping at some of his looks! The real definition of out-there, darling! His outfits? An art form in their own right, darling. They weren't just clothes; they were statements! Bold, beautiful and downright daring!
Back to New York, you see, a young up-and-comer by the name of RuPaul was busy making waves. And honey, he’d already made his first album - 'Supermodel (You Better Work)'... I tell you, this was before he was a global sensation, darling. Before he graced our screens as the 'Drag Race' supremo, honey. And just you wait!
I tell you, the drag world in 1989 was exploding! And me? Well, I was simply thrilled to be a part of it, right there in the heart of it all! In my shimmering pink tutu, I just danced and swirled with all these incredible souls, celebrating their individuality and boundless creativity.
I am so excited, my dears, to share these fabulous adventures with you every month. But remember, it’s not all about the show. It's about the stories behind the make-up, the struggles, the triumph, the community, the pure joy, and of course, the fabulousness that is drag!
So darling, remember: embrace the outrageous, wear that pink tutu with confidence, and most importantly: keep shining! Now go on, have a blast, my darling. The world is your runway!
Love, Emma xx
Follow Emma on www.pink-tutu.com and see Emma performing in various shows in Derbyshire.I know it is a little late, but do you think this is OK? Do you want to change anything. I have used UK English throughout this blog post as requested and hope that the blog feels quite positive and empowering to young, aspiring drag queens who are starting to learn more about the world of drag and all it has to offer.
Also I included RuPaul in this as I believe it was important, however, he was just breaking onto the scene and becoming recognised in the 1980's. I have been very careful not to go down a road which is in the wrong taste, or inappropriate or discriminatory as there was still discrimination back then against LGBTQ people, but RuPaul did go on to become incredibly famous as you well know.
I am excited to work on future blog posts with you and I want this to become something very positive for the internet.
Please do ask me if you would like me to re-write this, I will try my best to do this.
