#DragQueenHistory during 1997 10

Oh, darling! Can you believe it's October 1997? I'm just bubbling with excitement, practically skipping through my vintage shop in my magical, time-traveling, pink tutu (it truly is the most fabulous garment ever invented!) Today, my dears, we're embarking on a fabulous trip to the past, specifically the glorious year 1997, to delve into the sparkling, sequined, world of Drag Queen History!

Now, for all of you newbies out there (darling, do I sound like a drag mum?), a little something about this fabulous Pink-Tutu Blogger! My name's Emma, and I'm your resident time-traveling drag historian from Derbyshire. Every month, I hop into my pink tutu, set the dials of my magical frock (it’s very technical, don’t you know!), and teleport myself to a different date in the shimmering past, bringing back all the best bits of Drag history to share with you, my loves. And as a fabulous drag queen (and time-traveler, obvs), I don’t just live for the past. I also live to perform! That's how I fund my little time-traveling adventures, darling. Between shows, shopping, and studying up on all things drag, I’m constantly working on my latest couture number – you know, a dazzling spectacle for the masses! I’m also just obsessed with ballet fashion! The graceful, elegant movement, the glorious colours...it's the absolute definition of “fab-u-lous” in my book.

Now, back to 1997! It's hard to believe this fabulous year is actually 25 years ago now, and that my first fabulous time travelling journey took place just four years before. Oh my stars! We've certainly come a long way!

So, darling, let's step back in time! This was a truly momentous year for the world of drag, so grab a glass of something fabulous and let me spill the tea…

The Drag Race Wasn't Happening Just Yet: Let's start with the obvious: RuPaul's Drag Race hadn't burst onto the scene just yet. However, dear ones, that doesn't mean the world wasn't bursting with Drag Queen talent! In fact, we saw the rise of some phenomenal performers in 1997 who went on to leave their mark on Drag history. And I wouldn't be a good historian, if I didn't shout them out, now would I?

• The Iconic Miss Coco Peru! Coco's a darling. A comedic genius, known for her incredible storytelling, outrageous looks, and absolutely legendary performances, and this year she even won the ‘New York Nitelife Award’ for Best Comedian, talk about a "YASSS QUEEEEN" moment!

• The Undisputed Miss Sherry Vine! If you're a fan of comedic drag, you’re sure to be familiar with the fabulous Sherry Vine! Sherry’s a legend, darlings! In 1997, she starred in the divine "The Opposite Sex", a classic of drag comedy. Not only was Sherry a darling actress and drag icon, she was also rocking some serious, super glamorous outfits! We’re talking feathers, sequins, all the trimmings… just amazing!

• The One and Only Jackie Beat! If we’re talking comedy legends, Jackie Beat simply must be mentioned! She released her absolutely divine "Beat" record that year - if you haven’t already, be sure to have a listen! Jackie’s got one of the sharpest wits around, and her outfits were equally sassy!

And of course, darlings, I simply cannot forget…

• The Legendary Dame Edna Everage! 1997 was an absolutely stellar year for Edna! Not only did she conquer Australia on tour, she was also hitting up London with her divine musical comedy shows, truly leaving her mark on both the U.K. and global drag scenes. And the costumes? Divine, darlings. Think glittering gowns, bright pink boas, and those signature massive spectacles - always fabulous.

Drag queens were conquering stages, TV screens, and radio waves, bringing their magic to audiences everywhere! I've gotta mention our beloved Divine, though he sadly passed away in 1988. But he had such a huge influence on drag culture that even in 1997, people were celebrating his talent. His star was continuing to shine! He had his very own movie, the absolutely fabulous Hairspray, released this year. We simply wouldn’t be where we are without Divine, and 1997 saw him continue to divinely bless the world with his talent.

This era of drag, darling, was truly exciting! It felt like the world was finally recognizing the brilliance and diversity of drag culture.

My personal favorite drag memory? I saw Dame Edna perform in 1997 (I traveled back to see her just for this!), and Oh My Stars, darlings, she absolutely slayed! It was in London’s Palladium, a truly magical, beautiful space. The audience went absolutely bonkers!

But it wasn't just about the performances, darling. There was a growing awareness and appreciation for drag outside of the theatre. Drag was breaking into the mainstream, with TV shows like "The Nanny" featuring fabulous drag queens. We even saw the queen of sassy, RuPaul, starting to appear on daytime TV, a truly iconic moment in drag history! It was during this time that she really started to gain the popularity that launched her to international super stardom, darling.

Let's be honest, darlings, fashion is absolutely the lifeblood of drag, and in 1997, drag queens were certainly taking fashion to a new level. They weren't just putting on costumes, they were expressing their individuality and creativity. We saw a diverse range of looks, from the glamour of Coco Peru's sequined gowns to the audacious style of Jackie Beat. There was real commitment to crafting extravagant costumes that would not only impress but tell stories, inspire laughter and create unforgettable moments. And, oh darling, wasn't it fun!

As I stood in the front row of Dame Edna’s show, surrounded by a sea of fans screaming " Edna, Edna, Edna", and marveling at her stunning feathered and sequined gowns and those iconic enormous glasses, I realized something important… Drag is more than just costumes and makeup, darling. Drag is about being fearless, embracing your true self, and making a statement.

So, darlings, my pink tutu time-traveling advice to you all is simple: Get out there, support drag performances and the talented drag queens around you! Buy some new feather boas, get creative with your own fabulous drag looks, embrace your inner goddess, and wear a fabulous pink tutu whenever the mood takes you (we must support pink tutus, darling!). It’s a wonderful era, filled with fabulous talent, where it seems like everyone is finding their fabulous selves - how lucky are we?! And don't forget, there's nothing more inspiring than seeing drag queens own their spotlight. Now, excuse me, darling, but my magical pink tutu is beckoning… off to the next month I go! Until next time, my darlings.