Hiya darlings, it's Emma here! 🙋♀️ This month we're whizzing back in time to 1998, December! 🎉 Hold onto your sequins, 'cause we're diving head-first into the dazzling world of drag back then, and it's an absolute gem! 💖
My time travelling tutu landed me right smack in the middle of Manchester, a city that knows how to throw a party! 🕺 It was a Saturday night, and as the snow glittered outside (yes, really!), the clubs and pubs were absolutely buzzing. This was the time of iconic drag queens like Divine and Divine, Miss Fame and Miss Fame. Oh wait, that was a mistake, those divas were around much earlier! 💅 Anyway, I'm telling you, they were paving the way for what we see in drag today! 💖
My eyes widened when I popped into "The Hacienda". What a legendary spot! For those of you who haven't experienced the glitz and glamour of this Manchester club, just picture the most fabulous rave with a splash of theatrical flair! 🎉 It was wild, glamorous and the vibe was simply electric! ✨
I saw some truly incredible performers that night. The make-up, the costumes, the sheer talent! It felt like the start of a golden era of drag, and believe me, darlings, I know a good time when I see one! ✨
Did you know...? 🤫 In 1998, the UK Drag Awards were just a wee little babe! 👶 It was an up-and-coming ceremony showcasing the cream of the crop in British drag, and it paved the way for a world of drag recognition we enjoy today.
On my way out, I spotted the cutest little shop packed full of glitter and feather boas. 🛍 Turns out, it was called "Miss Vogue". I swooped up a gorgeous sparkly choker, a fabulous sequin dress that made me sparkle even brighter than the glitter bomb, and a fabulous pink feather boa, naturally! 💖
Oh, but hold on! There was one more treat in store for me that night! 🥂 As I walked by a packed little theatre down an alleyway, a catchy tune floated out, making me feel all the good vibes! It was a Drag Showcase, hosted by none other than the legendary Gloria Bell! 💖 What a powerhouse of confidence and charisma! I'm sure you've all heard her iconic fierce one-liners! 😉
Her performance was a delight, and I swear I could feel the power in the whole theatre! 💖 You could see the crowd soaking in every moment, every laugh, and every clap of their hands! 🎊 That's the power of Drag, you see! It makes you feel good! And I think that's the real magic behind it all. 🪄
This tutu time travel journey wasn't all glamorous gigs and shopping sprees, darlings! Let's talk about a little reality check, because as we know, history isn't all sunshine and rainbows. 😔
There was a shadow cast over this time period due to prejudice and misinformation, and a real lack of visibility for our LGBTQ+ family. 🥺 Sadly, the fight for acceptance continues, even in today's more diverse and inclusive world! ✊
But let's be positive! 🌈 Because if history taught me one thing, it's that drag queens are a force to be reckoned with! 🤩 We have come a long way and the power of performance, beauty, and love is unstoppable! 💪
Oh! One more thing, before I go, my darling friends! 📢 Remember the motto of Pink-tutu.com: We're spreading the magic of pink tutus one step at a time! 🩰 So don your pink tutus, go forth, dance, glitter and make your fabulous mark on the world! 🌎 Remember, you are a star! ✨ 💖
See you next month, darlings! 💕
Emma 💖
