#DragQueenHistory during 2002 06

Darling Divas and Fabulous Friends!

It’s your favourite pink-loving ballerina here, Emma, and I'm back with a brand new time travel adventure! You know the drill, a magical pink tutu and a sprinkle of glitter, and I'm whisked away to a fabulous new date!

This time, darling, I'm whisked back to June 2002. And let me tell you, the fashion was giving “early noughties” and the drag scene was bubbling with energy. So grab your favourite shade of pink lipstick, put on a track from Spice Girls and settle in!

The year is 2002, and the world is a bit of a chaotic mess (we’ve all been there, haven’t we? insert winky face). In America, there’s a war on terrorism following the attacks on September 11th, and things are definitely a bit grim. Over here in Blighty, well, the UK is in the midst of a political frenzy with the general election happening this year! But don't you worry, darlings, the drag scene is in full bloom! It’s the ultimate form of escape, a chance to leave the outside world behind and step into a realm of glitz and glamour!

The hottest news? “RuPaul's Drag Race” has just been commissioned, darling! Can you believe it?! Though the season 1 finale wouldn't air until October, this year is the birth of what would become the absolute cornerstone of modern drag. I must confess, I’m a little bit starstruck by it all. Imagine, a reality competition solely for queens? A televised celebration of drag?! I'm just hoping Ru has enough room on the set for my Pink Flamingo fan! (A bit dramatic? Never. A true diva never underestimates her needs).

Speaking of diva-ness, I was thrilled to be a fly on the wall during the filming of “The Osbournes”. If there was a lesson to be learned, darling, it was that Sharon Osbourne is indeed a true drag queen icon! Remember when she wore that sheer number for the Christmas special? Simply iconic, and with the sass to match! (Although I’m pretty sure a “family friendly” post from me means I have to skip over that infamous N-word incident! I'm sure you can all remember anyway! But anyway…) The whole family is a fabulous blast from the past, and I’m just loving the chaotic, quirky, and utterly unapologetic nature of their reality TV debut.

But the fabulousness doesn’t stop there, darling! The “MTV Europe Music Awards” were held in Barcelona in 2002. Can you even imagine a venue for a drag ball more dramatic than that? I’m just picturing the entire dance floor bursting with flamboyant outfits, colourful feathers and, well, more than a hint of a Spanish flare! (My new line of bullfighting inspired tutus are coming soon to a drag ball near you! I just know I can make this concept work.)

2002 was a veritable buffet for a fabulous queen! Shopping, my darlings, is always a central element to my travels!

While in America, darling, the highlight of the trip was stumbling across Drag Culture magazine! Yes, I know I've mentioned this absolute gem before, but imagine: an entire publication devoted to celebrating the culture of drag! It's a must-read, darlings. Especially for this fashionista! I’ve just bought myself the vintage copy as a little memento to keep with my most prized possessions.

There's so much I loved about that year, darling, but honestly, I could talk about shopping for hours. A queen needs to accessorize!

I had to, had to, make it to the “Cabaret of Dreams”, my absolute favourite drag show during my time in the United States! They truly redefined the “big, gay dance party”. They even had this truly divine queen with a stage name of “Edie Wink”. Imagine, the fabulousness of all that, on stage, under the glitterball. A fabulous cocktail of camp, humour and theatrical magic!

I have to admit, after having the time of my life in the States, a bit of homesickness started to creep in. And honestly? There’s nothing like a proper drag night in England.

So off I went to see some of London's finest! In London, darling, I caught the fabulous show “Aphrodite’s Paradise” at the “Royal Vauxhall Tavern”, an absolutely iconic venue! Let me tell you, it's truly an absolute haven for all things fabulous. And it's packed with local queens - the ultimate showcase of talent, wit and raw drag magic.

Oh my god, darlings, a little inside secret I had to share: The RVT wasn't the only one getting in on the drag game back in '02! I made sure to check out the “Gay UK” publication to get a proper update. Let's just say, the “Stonewall Bar” had quite a reputation as one of the hottest places to be! Maybe this is a good excuse to slip into that time-traveling tutu again soon! (Think it’s safe enough to travel to the UK around 2002 now, though? We can always count on drag for a dose of positivity!).

The truth is, my loves, the drag scene back then had something for everyone. Whether it’s theatrical, street, or camp performances, the drag community was buzzing with excitement! The world was on the verge of a major drag renaissance - but what comes after that? Cue the dramatic music! It’s like, all those iconic moments, bam, bam, bam, into one delicious and exhilarating whirlwind. I simply cannot wait to time travel further into the future! But until then, please darling, leave a comment and share all your favourite 2002 drag moments.

P.S.: Don’t forget to check back in next month! I've got an amazing new adventure for you – hint: I might be taking a little detour back to Derbyshire! And don't forget, a queen's never truly out of fashion until the glitter wears off. Let's keep this dream alive and get everyone rocking those tutus! Until then, stay fab, darlings!

Much Love, Emma