#DragQueenHistory during 1995 12

Hello, darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time traveller! It’s December 1995, and my magical tutu has whisked me away to the dazzling streets of New York City, the very heart of drag culture! Oh, how I love a bit of NYC energy – the sheer je ne sais quoi of it all. And with the festive season upon us, I can already sense the glitz, the glamour, and the outrageous outfits galore!

As you all know, I’m obsessed with Drag Queen history, and this trip promises to be a treat! The late 90s, what a time! It’s the era of fierce beauty queens like RuPaul, the fabulous Divas of Drag like Divine, and the underground drag scene starting to find its own voice. And with the historic strides made in LGBTQ+ rights happening right before my eyes, I know we’re on the brink of a truly spectacular evolution in the world of drag.

Speaking of evolution, it’s my mission to get everyone wearing a pink tutu, darling! My last time travel adventure, in the groovy 1970s, was a wild ride of disco fever and sequined dreams, but this time it’s about paving the way for acceptance, visibility, and, of course, fabulously feathered headpieces.

Landing in NYC, my first stop has to be the legendary Stonewall Inn! The history of this place is iconic! I can almost hear the echoes of the brave souls who stood up for their rights in 1969, sparking the LGBTQ+ movement as we know it. It’s a place where history was made, and I'm humbled to be standing in the same spot.

But it's 1995, and the scene is anything but stagnant. There are still battles to be won, but there’s an electric energy of excitement, a growing awareness that things are changing for the better. This city buzzes with drag artists making their mark – the vibrant underground scene is a force to be reckoned with!

Now, if you're looking for a taste of NYC's finest drag scene, you simply must head to the Pyramid Club. It's a hotbed of talent, showcasing legendary queens like Sherry Vine and Lady Bunny. You can feel the palpable energy of this place – a fusion of cutting-edge artistry, sassy humour, and that signature New York grittiness. The air is thick with glitter and attitude, and trust me, darlings, it's one heck of a party!

I hear whispers of a legendary drag queen called Divine, sadly no longer with us, who used to perform at this very spot. I imagine the raw energy, the outrageous costumes, the pure shock value of it all. I wish I could have witnessed her in action! Divine's legacy continues to inspire generations of drag artists – she was truly ahead of her time.

Oh, and you simply can't leave NYC without checking out The Ritz! It’s a classic, dripping with glamour and theatricality, and oh, the legendary performances! From the legendary Peppermint to the sassy Shangela, The Ritz has played host to some of the biggest names in drag history.

And the cherry on top? My absolute favourite part about all this, darling, is the diversity of the scene. It's truly a melting pot of style and personality. The stage is no longer a monoculture - you see everything from sharp-dressed drag kings to the flamboyant, colourful extravagance of a hundred pink tutus! It's a thrilling spectacle, and I'm absolutely loving the energy of it all!

As a pink tutu enthusiast, I must share my joy for a certain queen who stole our hearts in 1993 - RuPaul! She's already a big deal in NYC's drag scene, but the rest of the world is about to get a glimpse of the queen we all adore. It's not long now until the debut of “RuPaul's Drag Race”, the television series that will redefine drag and make it a global phenomenon!

Just imagine, darling! A reality show that gives these incredibly talented drag queens a chance to showcase their skills, their passion, their dazzling creativity. It's an incredible opportunity to elevate drag culture onto the big stage and to inspire a whole new generation of queens! I just know this show will be a smash hit, and it'll only encourage even more creativity, visibility, and celebration of everything drag!

Now, let’s talk fashion! Oh, the outfits! The makeup! It's a feast for the senses, and my inner fashionista is absolutely losing it!

I’m a firm believer in the transformative power of fashion, especially when it comes to drag. It’s a form of artistic expression, a chance to create characters, and most importantly, to have a blast with your looks. The streets of New York are awash with incredible outfits, from the punk-inspired grunge of the 90s to the vintage glamour of decades past, all blended together into this gloriously eclectic fashion scene.

And of course, let's not forget the iconic looks of the '90s! I'm loving the dramatic cat eyes, the bold lipstick, the statement jewellery, the sheer audacity of the beauty queens who pushed boundaries with their fierce looks. You can see the seeds of the future in the style of these iconic drag artists - they were trailblazers!

Speaking of trends, a certain kind of "alternative" fashion scene is emerging! Think of leather, ripped jeans, combat boots, all with a touch of rebellious sparkle. You can tell it’s all about being bold, individualistic, and making a statement with your look. Oh, the freedom of expression!

The diversity of styles, darling, is truly inspiring. I can't help but envision a pink tutu revolution, a new era of tulle, feathers, and sparkle! I see future queens rocking those frills, combining the traditional elegance of a ballerina's silhouette with a modern punk-rock edge. Just picture it - a bold, daring pink tutu, paired with studded belts, ripped fishnets, and oversized platform boots.

And just imagine those theatrical, fantastical headpieces! I'm thinking feathered headbands, dramatic veils, towering, glitter-covered creations. Let's combine that classical tutu silhouette with the fierceness of the '90s drag queens! This is a truly exciting time to be a drag enthusiast, darlings.

You see, drag isn't just about makeup and costumes. It's a celebration of life, individuality, and most importantly, acceptance.

I’m watching the LGBTQ+ community continue its journey towards equality, and I see drag queens at the forefront, advocating, supporting, and pushing for progress. They're artists, activists, and role models. The world is starting to understand that drag is not just entertainment - it’s art, it’s activism, it’s an embodiment of love, acceptance, and, of course, lots of glitter!

Well, darling, my time in the magical world of 1995 New York is coming to a close. I can’t wait to bring my inspiration home to Derbyshire and share all of my discoveries with you all.

As always, stay sparkly, keep spreading kindness, and never underestimate the power of a pink tutu! I’ll catch you all next month with more adventures in drag!

Love,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com