Hello darlings! Your fabulous, Derbyshire-born drag queen historian, Emma, here! It's time to whisk ourselves back through the glitter and sequins, this time to a sweltering summer's day in July, 1989! My pink, sequined tutu, freshly spritzed with enough hairspray to knock a pigeon out, was practically begging for me to whisk it off on a time travelling adventure. So, hop in darlings, this month's journey takes us right into the heart of New York City!
We arrive right on the cusp of a magnificent spectacle - a Drag Ball! You're all familiar with the modern ball culture - and we know just how it started with the House and ballroom scene - but today we're going to delve into the dazzling history of this beloved scene!
A New York Drag Ball Extraordinaire
The ballroom scene, especially in New York City in the late 80s, was positively bubbling over with excitement. Now, remember darlings, this is long before the popularity of Drag Race, and these balls were truly a secret haven for LGBTQ+ expression! You know how much I adore a good show and these balls were a chance to strut your stuff! Each ball had categories: Butch Queen, Femme Queen, Realness, Executive Realness, Dying to Go to the Hamptons. My word! Talk about putting on a good show! It sounds positively enchanting! Imagine strutting your stuff in all that flamboyant fabulousness! I imagine the audience went wild! We might not have had Instagram then, but the gossip certainly flew through the queer underground like wildfire!
A Bit of A Fashionista
Before I tell you all about the show, I must talk about the fashions, of course. The costumes were bold and brash - all feathers, sequins, and the most exquisite drag artistry, of course! Some even opted for ballroom gowns, and gowns they were! Every single detail, meticulously crafted! Talk about high fashion on a budget! These queens were certainly leading the charge, even before the days of "Serving Le Looks!" You see, darlings, back then being fabulous was all about being authentically YOU. And nothing says "authentic" quite like the sheer power of individuality!
Drag Stars in The Making
Speaking of authenticity, these queens were absolute legends, darlings. Many would go on to become absolute household names - some of the most important figures in drag history. Even if their names weren't recognised worldwide back then, each of them were icons to their community. That's something to celebrate, darlings! And their stories are SO important. And, oh darling, let's not forget the iconic Vogue magazine!
You know I can't get enough of those incredible cover stars, but back then Vogue was an outlet for showcasing the beautiful diversity of our community, even more than it is today! I just love a little dose of glamour mixed with some fabulous fashion history. A perfect cocktail of fabulousness! This ball, with its extravagant themes and fiercely fabulous costumes, represented the ultimate expression of drag and the powerful voice of its time.
Our Fabulous Community Through Time
But this day wasn't all about the ball! We also want to appreciate the incredible history of LGBTQ+ life beyond the big stage! I absolutely love delving into these little historical moments, discovering new names of influential LGBTQ+ people! Today was no exception!
Across the world in the United Kingdom, our Parliament held a debate about section 28 of the Local Government Act. I don't want to go into too much detail but you can guess this was a pretty big deal for our community at the time! While the government was trying to limit the conversation around homosexuality in schools and youth groups, our LGBTQ+ community, in all of its glory kept the flag flying high! You know I love to support our communities no matter what, darlings.
But this historic moment, while perhaps not on the surface glamorous in the way of the New York drag ball, really made a big impact. You see, these events are important to show us where we come from, even those times which are painful and difficult. By understanding these times, we're all closer to being allies to those who still face adversity. I always think, darling, that in any difficult time, just the mere act of putting on a tutu and strutting your stuff makes a big statement! Sometimes, all you need to do is celebrate who you are, just to inspire a change for the better!
So What's Emma Wearing This Time?
Back to my fabulous ensemble! Today I chose a dreamy pink, ruffled tutu with some gorgeous hand-stitched floral appliques! Imagine - you just know this look is perfect for twirling through the dance floor! I’ve topped the tutu off with a matching pink and white corset with some silver studs! My make-up is inspired by those legendary ball queens, so think all the glitter, the gorgeous lip shades and a fierce contour. The pink colour palette really just brings a whole new dimension of confidence! I can imagine that my presence, all those pink and ruffles, wouldn’t go unnoticed in 1989!
Oh! I’m feeling a bit tutti fruity right now and just thought about adding a huge bow to the front! Perhaps one that sits around the tutu like a gigantic rose, a statement piece to top off a fantastically fabulous look. Pink, darling! That's what my outfit is all about, a message of positivity and acceptance, right back in the day when it was all a bit different!
Time Travelling with a Purpose
Of course, my dearest time travel tutu has got me dancing through all these historic events! The world of drag and the community have come a long way in recent years thanks to people working hard, showing up, fighting and having fun! And you can bet that I'm here for it! From this very point in history, right to the present day, drag queens have used the power of entertainment, performance, and fashion to express themselves and celebrate their identity. What more could a drag queen want! I mean, what’s better than being able to transport myself through time, sharing these important historical stories, in the ultimate fabulous tutu.
Now, this post is getting longer and longer and my tutu isn’t getting any less sparkly! I want to leave you with a bit of advice, a little pearl of wisdom from your very own fabulous Derbyshire drag queen. Every time you step out the door, you’re a part of history and I just want to say be true to yourself and always wear a sparkle. It can make the world a better place, and you’re never too fabulous to make a change. And darling, never forget! Pink tutus can make any moment fabulous!
Well, my dear, I hope this blog has made you dance your way into history. I can't wait for you to join me for the next voyage through time. Remember, you can find all of my latest blogs, and catch up with my travel adventures on www.pink-tutu.com. And until next time, keep shining!
Stay Fabulous,
Emma
xx
