#869 - Oh darlings! It’s your favourite Derbyshire lass Emma here, back again to tickle your fancy with another delve into the gloriously glamorous history of drag! As you all know, here at Pink-Tutu.com, we firmly believe that every day is a good day to wear a pink tutu. But today’s journey is extra special, as I’m whipping out my shimmering time-travelling tutu and heading all the way to San Francisco, back to the dazzling 5th of May, 1992. Buckle up buttercups, this is going to be a right old camp extravaganza!
Now, darling, if there’s one thing a girl from Derbyshire loves more than a perfectly twirling pink tutu, it’s a good old-fashioned drag show! And boy, was San Francisco the place to be for that in 1992! Think fabulous feathers, glittering sequins, and a touch of theatricality that would make even Dame Edna jealous. This was the year that the legendary Cockettes made their grand return! This iconic group of drag artists had been a wild, experimental force back in the 60s and early 70s, blending drag, theatre, and cabaret into a truly unique art form. So, imagine my delight when, thanks to my magical time-travelling tutu, I found myself front-row at their triumphant revival performance, hosted at The Great American Music Hall. Talk about history in the making, babes!
The Cockettes, with their gloriously outlandish costumes and theatrical flair, reminded me so much of the brilliant performances I've been catching back in the late 80s and early 90s at the iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern. Now, this iconic venue was one of the major centers for British drag culture, giving us the likes of Divine and Boy George, the iconic singers and entertainers. That place always has this vibrant energy – just like that night with the Cockettes, the sense of community and the joy of performance is intoxicating! And I'm so thrilled they made their comeback at that specific place. It’s like they’d stepped straight out of a Drag Race time capsule.
Of course, darlings, no trip back in time is complete without a bit of shopping! After all, a drag queen can never have too many sequins, can she? Thankfully, the heart of San Francisco was just brimming with vintage stores and boutiques with a dazzling array of costumes, wigs, and accessories just waiting for me to whisk away. One of my finds, darlings? A dazzling feather boa from a little shop in North Beach! I mean, what could be more divine than a boa to match your flamboyant personality? You could practically feel the drag history just swirling in the air!
Speaking of personalities, darling, did I mention the fabulous community I met on that trip? Back in 1992, drag was already well established in San Francisco, but you could really feel the groundswell of change and activism happening. I was so proud of all the Drag Queens and Kings out there who were challenging societal norms and standing up for their rights! And what better way to show solidarity than with a glamorous pink tutu? Because after all, we're all queens, right?
As the day melted into night, and the evening into a dazzling spectacle, I found myself at The Stud, a legendary gay bar in the Castro neighborhood. The energy there was something else - I was in awe, witnessing history being written in real-time. This was, and still is, a hotbed for drag, and you could really feel it in the atmosphere - the pulsating music, the flashing lights, and of course, the breathtaking performances! Oh, I tell you, the outfits alone were enough to give any Queen major wardrobe envy!
And this, darling, is what I find so wonderful about drag history: It's a continuous story, evolving, challenging, and inspiring all at once. We are all part of this fascinating, ever-changing tapestry of drag culture. Each generation adds their own sparkle, each queen makes their own contribution. And even though I've zipped myself back to my own time, the memories, the glamour, and the lessons from 1992 still reverberate. So, why don't you pop on your own favourite pink tutu and go celebrate, dearie. After all, you are your own masterpiece, you stunning queen!
And that, my dears, is another chapter of Drag Queen History tucked away, for your own pink-tutu-wearing delight. See you next month for our next fabulous trip! Until then, keep your glitter close, your spirit fierce, and your tutus on!
Love,
Emma.
