Hello my darling darlings! Welcome to another thrilling episode of my drag time travel blog. As always, I'm your hostess with the mostess – Emma, the pink-tutu-clad queen of camp, ready to take you on a fabulous journey through the annals of drag history! Today's date, darlings, is 1999, September. And let me tell you, there's a whole lot of history to unpack!
Now, this time-travel business isn't easy, honey. It takes a lot of sequins, a hefty dose of good cheer, and of course, my trusty pink tutu. Why a pink tutu? Because it's magical, that's why! It takes me whizzing through time, leaving a trail of sparkle and glitter in its wake! I wouldn't dare wear anything else, darling.
Right, enough about my time-traveling attire. Let's get to the main attraction - what was happening in the world of drag on this very date in 1999?! Brace yourselves, because this is going to be a blast from the past!
The year 1999, as we all know, was the year that everyone thought the world was going to end, thanks to the whole "Y2K" business. Thankfully, none of us went extinct, so I guess we can all be grateful for that. However, for the world of drag, this year was anything but apocalyptic. In fact, it was an absolute riot!
Over in the US, RuPaul was about to release "Sissy That Walk" - a legendary track that quickly became a staple in every queen's performance arsenal. Can you believe, darling? We have RuPaul to thank for the infectious spirit of this iconic tune.
And while we're talking about America, how about RuPaul's Drag Race? I've seen glimpses of the future – oh my, what a whirlwind! The sheer talent, the costumes, the drama – it's enough to make a seasoned queen like myself swoon! I can't wait to see how the show evolves, and I'm already buzzing with excitement for all the fabulous contestants!
Meanwhile, over in the UK, drag was flourishing too. Remember Divine? That iconic drag queen of the 70s and 80s? She'd sadly left us earlier in 1988, but her legacy, her pure charisma, her flamboyant style, still shines bright even now. Divine was like the pioneer queen, and all those incredible UK performers like Lily Savage and Julian Clary were taking drag to the next level.
Speaking of London, there was an underground drag scene that was buzzing! Every night, drag performances were happening in countless clubs, pubs, and even in people’s homes! Now, my darling, this is the time when we should give a big hand to all the queens who dared to create spaces and celebrate drag in these, shall we say, less-than-formal settings!
Back in Derbyshire, where I'm from, drag was pretty underground too. You might spot a few queen performances at local pubs, usually for a friendly, good time. But, as a 20-something drag enthusiast, I longed for the bigger stage, the grander fashion, the dazzling performances I’d heard stories of!
And that's precisely what fueled my desire to travel through time. Every month, I’d visit a different time, soaking up the history and vibes. Seeing how the drag scene has developed, all the iconic moments – it gives me the biggest inspiration.
Right, darlings! We've had a blast revisiting September 1999, haven’t we? So much fabulous history, a whirlwind of talent, and just the tip of the iceberg of all the excitement. It's clear to see that drag has evolved beautifully throughout the decades, with a future looking even brighter.
As I sit in my flat here in modern-day Derbyshire, surrounded by glitter and feather boas, I can't help but reflect on this wonderful, flamboyant world of drag. One thing remains constant – it's a world built on expression, freedom, and fierce individuality. And as I strap on my pink tutu, I know, deep down, that I'm contributing my bit to keeping that spirit alive.
Remember, darlings, to embrace your inner diva, to wear your sparkle with pride, and above all, have a truly spectacular time! And for those of you thinking about slipping into a pink tutu, trust me, you won't regret it. It's a journey to a magical, fabulous, and gloriously fun world.
Until next month, keep it camp, keep it sassy, and most importantly, keep those tutus twirling!
Emma xoxo
www.pink-tutu.com
