Helloooo darlings! Your girl Emma here, and it's time for another fabulous trip through the glorious world of Drag History. I just love looking back on the fabulous performers that have come before, their amazing looks, and their lasting impact on drag culture. This month, I'm pulling out my most vibrant pink tutu, cause we're going back to March 1989 – what a month it was!
Before we set off, though, let's talk about me, right?! As a little Derbyshire girl with a penchant for all things pink and frilly, my dreams were always filled with visions of tutus and feather boas, the ultimate expression of glittery magic! Fast forward to me in my 20s, performing under the dazzling stage lights. I love my little drag family and it's my gigs that help fund my obsession – time travel! I love being able to experience drag history firsthand, even if I do have to do it in a magical, pink, sparkly tutu.
Now, buckle up buttercup, we're taking off! Let’s pop on a bit of Diana Ross to set the mood, and let's time-travel to March 1989…
March 1989: The Big Apple Boils With Drag
Oh darling, what a month for drag! I’m straight up at the Pyramid Club in the heart of New York City. I love this club! It’s bursting with energy, the DJs are spinning the latest hits, and the atmosphere is electric! Imagine it: an underground dance club full of fabulous queer icons – just as exciting today as it was then.
And speaking of icons, there’s no one who defines the energy of the 80s quite like the fabulous Divine! She was an icon on screen, and oh my god, she brought it all to the stage in March! We’re all mesmerized by her sharp wit and incredible campy presence! The Pyramid Club has hosted her so many times. Divine is truly a force to be reckoned with! She makes my little heart swell with pride.
This era in NYC was known for the "Drag Ball Scene." The legendary House of Xtravaganza were tearing it up on the balls, known for their amazing outfits and electrifying performances. From the Ballrooms of New York to the club scene, this era saw drag explode, bringing to the world, incredible fashion and, a fierce new generation of queens who embraced their unique style and artistry. Oh darling, I'm completely enthralled.
But it’s not just about New York. Drag in March 1989 was taking over the whole world, a true testament to the enduring power of self-expression and a celebration of difference.
Across the Pond, in London
I pop across the Atlantic and it’s London time! This era of the eighties is a fascinating one for British drag. We see the rise of drag divas at the famous London nightclub, The Batcave. This underground scene was wild, and gave drag queens like the iconic Annie Lennox, the freedom to experiment with their looks. Imagine!
Oh darling, if you want to understand London drag back then, you just HAVE to see Annie Lennox's iconic performance with The Eurythmics. That fierce androgynous look really revolutionized the idea of drag, becoming a cultural phenomenon. It wasn’t just performance, it was an entire aesthetic! I wish I could see it with my own eyes, but, sadly, I haven’t time travelled back to those gigs…
I can still catch a glimpse of the eighties in London. At The Batcave, a diverse and wild cast of drag queens brought their unique styles and individuality to the forefront, shaping the underground scene. It wasn't just a nightclub - it was a community where expression was valued above all else.
Drag on the Global Stage
Drag's influence doesn't stop with London. It was sweeping the globe, captivating audiences and making an impact all over!
We need to discuss the world of gay and lesbian nightclubs, **where the drag queens ruled! Think The Flaming Flamingo in Brighton, the fabulous Gay Nightclub in Edinburgh, and the legendary The Continental Club in Hamburg, these venues embraced a flamboyant celebration of identity in a way that few others did. Just a real testament to the cultural revolution of the 80s and how drag became an integral part of queer spaces and community.
But drag's impact went beyond nightclubs... The spirit of drag reached even into mainstream culture, though not without a touch of controversy, oh darling. I mean, what’s a good era of drag without some drama?!
Remember the fabulous Drag King Scene in Australia, which rose to new heights of recognition? Some Australian musicians like Kylie Minogue, who's own drag influences are evident throughout her music videos and stage appearances. Oh darling, she has some looks I'm in LOVE with!
And the Music!!
I couldn't write about March 1989 without celebrating the glorious music of the time, which had a deep and powerful impact on the evolution of drag, giving us some fantastic stage moments and style inspirations.
From Madonna's Like A Prayer which rocked the charts and redefined religious imagery and femininity, to Pet Shop Boys’ It’s a Sin, which touched our hearts and became an anthem for gay liberation, the sound of 1989 is the perfect backdrop for my journey! It's so good. And it perfectly showcases how music and drag are inseparably intertwined.
Remember the fabulous Divine, her song You Think You're A Man, oh darling, this is a DRAG anthem!! Even Kylie Minogue, who has always embraced her drag roots with a dash of fabulousity and a huge dose of glamour. This is the magic that's still present in the world of drag today, and I just love seeing it evolve with time!
The Lasting Legacy
Oh darling, if there's anything I can share from this drag-tastic time travel adventure, it's that the world of drag has always been a place of self-expression and celebration of difference.
From the balls and the nightclubs, to the musicians who brought it to life on screen and on stage, 1989 proved the powerful influence of drag.
I just love thinking about how much drag has shaped the world around us. It’s still inspiring generations of young performers today, showing that a love for self-expression can truly move mountains and spark joy!
As we leave 1989 behind in our fabulous time traveling tutu, I think it's clear why I’m so passionate about drag history. It's so much more than just costumes and performances - it's about community, resistance, and self-acceptance. It's about finding your own unique style, no matter how bright and pink you choose to shine!
**Remember, every one of you out there deserves to have their moment in the spotlight and be loved and celebrated. Now go out there and do your best drag - and remember, every outfit should include a touch of pink tutu!”
*Stay tuned for more Pink-Tutu time-traveling adventures coming next month, darlings! *
