#DragQueenHistory during 1990 05 May

Hiya darlings! It’s Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller extraordinaire, and boy, have I got a story for you! You know, it’s funny how history really does repeat itself. The world of drag is like a magical carousel – it keeps spinning around, always evolving, always reflecting the world we live in, but always coming back to its core. The glorious, glitter-dusted, larger-than-life beauty of the art of transformation. And sometimes, dear readers, the most fabulously flamboyant twists and turns happen in the blink of an eye… and with a good, ol’ fashioned sprinkle of glitter.

But before I tell you all about my latest time-travel adventure, grab yourselves a cuppa, put on your most glamorous frock and get ready for a journey back in time!

My little pink tutu and I hopped into my time machine - a vintage suitcase I discovered in a little antique shop in Matlock – just yesterday, you see! It was a bit of a rush to grab my makeup kit and pack the right shoes… I was in a bit of a flap about what kind of magic awaits! But let me tell you, landing in 1990 was like stepping into a technicolour dream!

Oh honey, what a year for drag it was! The whole world was in a glamorous whirl! And you know what? There was even a Pink Tutu Club in Brighton! Yes, you read that right! It wasn’t quite as vibrant and glorious as our Pink Tutu Gang (we are seriously considering a pink tutu flashmob at this year's Notting Hill Carnival, darling), but it was still fabulous! I definitely picked up a few outfit ideas, and my sparkly shoes had a grand time strutting their stuff down the catwalk.

This era, right here in 1990, was full of pioneers blazing a trail in the world of drag! In the USA, it was a year for drag to hit the mainstream in a big way! “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” had just finished filming! The glittery, hilarious, heartbreaking movie was all set to hit the screens the following year! And that's a story I’ll be time-traveling back to… just you wait!

Across the Atlantic in the UK, we were blessed with the release of a little show called “The Absolutely Fabulous Movie.” It may not have been about drag itself, but it certainly brought the whole idea of self-expression to the fore – with a pinch of sass, a dash of camp, and a whole lot of laughter. That year was an absolute smash, it even won a BAFTA!

We’re also seeing drag becoming even more popular on TV! RuPaul was a bit of a newcomer to the drag scene, and he was slowly starting to build a name for himself. He released his debut album that year, with hits like “Supermodel (You Better Work)” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” Remember that one, darling? RuPaul is known for saying: "Drag is the art of make-believe... drag is self-expression," which pretty much sums up why I adore it! We may be far from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” but I could see a big change coming, and I couldn’t wait to witness it.

But enough of drag for a moment. Darling, 1990 was simply bursting with glorious fashions! It was a time for big shoulders, bold colors, and anything that shouted "I’m here, I’m fabulous, and I’m going to grab a bit of attention, darling!" We’re talking a world where power suits were practically an essential item in any glamorous woman’s wardrobe – just like those little number I’ve spotted at Primark (they might have the odd fashion faux pas from time to time, but they do have a flair for fabulous!) I just wish we’d brought a bit more neon… a girl never knows!

And when it came to shopping, it was a wonderland of must-have trends: the return of shoulder pads, chunky necklaces, neon leggings, leg warmers… it was a treasure trove of bold and beautiful choices! You know, I always say the fashion trends may come and go, but the passion for a perfectly pink tutu remains eternally fabulous.

Right then, darlings, this trip is about more than just enjoying a spot of vintage shopping. I’ve got my eyes peeled for some of the iconic shows of the time. And let me tell you, I’m positively bubbling with excitement! I was in Brighton a couple of weeks ago (it's like stepping into a glamorous 1980s film, darlings!). The Pink Tutu club wasn’t around then, I can’t tell you how much that hurt. Luckily, I had a truly spectacular show at a fabulous cabaret. I found an incredible troupe of queens performing there! Now, remember the fabulous Divine from "Hairspray" and "Pink Flamingos"? You know what, she actually went by Divine Brown back then (imagine! It seems every great drag queen goes through a Divine stage, think of Jinkx Monsoon in her younger years – there are still some truly amazing videos of Jinkx online). Well, Divine made history that year for having an all-male show at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York. Talk about a landmark moment, darlings! We're all making history, aren’t we? It’s truly inspiring!

And speaking of the history makers, 1990 was a time when many other icons of the scene, like Lady Bunny and Julie Newmar (her drag shows at New York’s Rainbow Room are the stuff of legends! I simply HAVE to visit the Rainbow Room when I go back) were starting to really make their mark. I mean, can you believe Lady Bunny just a year earlier in 1989 started a famous show “Wigstock”? Can you imagine that, honey? A show that brought so much fun, and started so much in drag culture, just a year before I made my first visit to this magical world in the early 1990s?

The show I saw was like something out of a dream – they had dancers twirling around on stages in glittering dresses, singers with voices like angels, and hilarious stand-up comedians who had me roaring with laughter! You know what, there was even a queen doing an impression of Boy George! Oh, honey, that's a night I'll never forget… and now I'm thinking it is high time for a 1990's revival – what a blast that would be!

So, as I sit here sipping my Earl Grey tea and contemplating the magic of this vibrant world we live in, I can't help but think: there's never a dull moment when it comes to drag! But my trip's come to an end. Sadly, it's time to pop back to Derbyshire! The show must go on, and I have an important date to attend tonight: I have my big cabaret at the Little Theatre in Chesterfield - it's time for Emma to put on a show!

Remember, dear readers, always stay true to yourself and embrace your inner queen! Remember your dreams, let your sequins shimmer, and don't forget to wear your pink tutu… That's what I'm doing! Until next time, darlings, be bold, be brave, and most importantly, be fabulous!

P.S. You can catch me doing a special show next month in Nottingham at a fundraising gala to help young LGBTQIA+ youth find acceptance! Let’s keep those rainbow flags flying!

Love,

Emma xxx