Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away to a glamorous jaunt through June 1999. Let’s grab our sparkly tiaras and shimmy back to a time when shoulder pads were a must, Britney was ruling the charts, and the internet was still figuring out what a GIF actually was. Buckle up, loves, because it’s going to be a dazzling journey!
As I glided through the swirling fabric of time, my trusty pink tutu – the ultimate mode of transport – gently deposited me in the heart of…New York City! Imagine the rush of excitement, darlings! The Big Apple, buzzing with energy and full of promise.
Speaking of promises, the New York drag scene in 1999 was absolutely booming. The legendary drag ball scene, where fierce queens slayed on the runway and served attitude like a spicy jalapeno popper, was still very much a force to be reckoned with.
Now, I know you’re thinking: "But Emma, we’re in the 90s, surely there were no glamorous drag balls, just a load of glitter and some disco balls?" Honey, don’t underestimate the queens of that era. Those queens were the absolute masters of serving realness, bringing an outrageous level of camp to their outfits and a sheer genius for taking everything over the top. Just picture it: giant afros, towering platform boots, shimmering bodices, and feathered headdresses, all bursting with colourful extravagance. They were a vibrant, rebellious generation that fought against prejudice and pushed boundaries. And darling, their legacy lives on!
While I couldn't snag a front-row seat at a New York drag ball – it was the time travelling equivalent of scoring Beyoncé tickets – I did catch a peek into the magical world of NYC’s drag scene at a show called "Wigstock," a truly iconic annual outdoor drag extravaganza. Picture a stage overflowing with dazzling costumes, makeup looks worthy of a Renaissance painting, and performances bursting with energy, and you have Wigstock. It was a place for everything and everyone, and honestly, the energy was electric!
While I was swept away in a sea of flamboyant colours and extravagant drag queen couture, let’s hop back on the tutu time-travel express and jet off to… London! I must confess, I had a hankering for a spot of tea (the stronger, the better) and some good old-fashioned drag theatrics.
The UK scene in 1999 was a blend of classic drag traditions and the burgeoning emergence of drag queens like Leigh Bowery, whose unique, avant-garde style challenged convention and pushed artistic boundaries. Imagine Vivienne Westwood meets Andy Warhol and you’re starting to understand the energy that Leigh Bowery brought to the world. His artistic creations blurred the lines between fashion, performance, and identity, creating a bold statement about art and self-expression.
Leigh’s work might not be on the front of a mainstream fashion magazine – the style was a little too radical, too punk, too ‘not-the-norm’ - but he was an iconic figure for young queens finding their voice. His spirit is still present today, reminding us that true artistry exists when you dare to be different and challenge the status quo.
If I thought London's scene was bursting with personality, my arrival in a quaint seaside town in… Derbyshire! – brought a whole new level of magic. Now, you wouldn't think a little corner of the Peak District would be buzzing with drag queens, but you'd be wrong! There was a beautiful sense of community amongst the queens – they all supported each other and had a genuine passion for performance and spreading joy. Their shows were smaller and more intimate than the ones I’d witnessed in New York and London, but the warmth, the laughter, and the joy in the room was unparalleled.
I even had the pleasure of meeting a couple of queens who made it their mission to “bring the sparkle to the villages." They organised fabulous shows in community halls, turning them into impromptu venues for laughter and acceptance, all while showing the locals a great time! Imagine a glittering stage draped in sequins, with homemade props and a sound system that crackled a little but made your heart vibrate! You’ll never find that kind of pure joy and heartfelt performance on any TikTok video!
Speaking of performances, June 1999 also marked the beginning of the famous drag competition, "RuPaul's Drag Race.” Of course, the iconic show that became a global phenomenon wasn’t called that yet – back then it was called "RuPaul's Drag U." This wasn't the competition we know and love, it wasn't yet the cultural juggernaut that turned drag into the international phenomenon it is today, but it was a seed that grew into the amazing flower that blossomed into drag becoming so much more accessible and loved than ever before!
As we sashay through the memory lane of June 1999, darling, the theme of this journey becomes clear: community, connection, and self-expression are what truly shine in this era. This is the heart and soul of what makes drag so magical! Whether it's a grand drag ball, an intimate village show, or a show in a converted school hall, the spirit of acceptance and joy shines brighter than the biggest diamond in the most luxurious tiara.
Before we say farewell to June 1999, remember to live your best life and unleash your inner diva, darling! Get those pink tutus on and show the world just how spectacular you are! And always remember, even the wildest imagination can't compete with the beauty and magic that blooms when you're free to be your truest self.
Until next time, remember to live, love, and spread glitter! XOXO
Emma, The Time Travelling Pink Tutu Queen!
www.pink-tutu.com
