Hiya lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away on another delightful jaunt through drag history! November 2002, you say? Oh, darling, that was a simply fab year in the world of drag, with a smorgasbord of events just begging to be devoured by your favourite pink-tutu-loving time traveller!
Before we get swept away by the glitter, let’s address the pink elephant in the room, shall we? Yes, I know what you’re thinking… my little pink tutu’s got time travel superpowers?! Well, you’re not wrong, dearie. Every month I do my little dance with fate, thanks to my magical twirling-tutu. I need a few nights on the stage, and bam! – I’m whisked away to another era! It’s a little bonkers, I know, but let’s just say a girl's got to find a way to finance her shopping addiction…
Alright, alright, let’s dive into the shimmering details, shall we?
I popped back in time to a rather crisp November in 2002. My heart fluttered as I landed right in the middle of The Glamour Awards! Now, this event, dearie, wasn’t just any awards ceremony. Oh, no! It was a drag extravaganza, hosted by the legend herself, Miss Fame, celebrating the best in British drag talent. Imagine, all the amazing queens from around the country dressed in their finest, vying for their moment in the spotlight! I tell you, the energy in the room was enough to power a thousand drag shows, and the sheer amount of sequins could have blinded you for life. I couldn't resist joining in on the excitement, swirling about the stage in my pink tutu, my smile wider than the London Eye.
Now, talking of London, the Cock Tavern, that cheeky little gem in Camden Town, was alive with drag talent in 2002! It’s still around, and honestly, my darling, if you haven’t had a good time in that tavern, you're missing out on life's most glamorous experiences. They had a plethora of acts that year – cabaret, burlesque, and comedy – just a melting pot of drag-tastic brilliance! Oh, and did I mention the legendary bingo nights? Just try not to shriek with excitement as you’re presented with a prize you totally did not win!
But, London wasn't the only drag queen playground in 2002! It was the year that Manchester’s LGBT Centre threw its first Queens' Christmas Fayre. Can you believe the dedication? Bringing drag queens together to celebrate the festive season! Honestly, nothing makes a Christmas party quite like some sassy drag queens in shimmering outfits. It must have been absolutely spectacular, like a mini drag Christmas pageant, but with far fewer angels and far more fierce makeup!
Back in my home town of Derbyshire, there was an explosion of talent, too! The legendary Drag Idol competition brought a plethora of up-and-coming talent from across the county. And yes, my darlings, we’re talking about pre-RuPaul’s Drag Race, pre-all-the-glory, pure unadulterated passion for performance! That’s how we got our start!
And if the UK wasn't buzzing enough, I snuck a peek into the world across the pond – in 2002, The New York Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project’s annual fundraiser, a massive affair celebrating diversity and advocating for safer spaces for all. Imagine – sequins, cocktails, a celebration of acceptance, a drag queen's dream!
But my trip wasn’t all glittering fun. I also encountered a different side of drag. This time it wasn’t a celebration – but a moment of reflection. In November 2002, the National LGBT Task Force released a report highlighting the persistent issues facing transgender people, particularly those living in poverty. I might be all sparkle and frills, my dearies, but even a pink tutu-clad queen understands that the world isn’t always about the sequins. It's a time for everyone to come together and champion change, stand by the community, and fight for justice, one glittery stride at a time!
Now, back to the frivolous! A glimpse into 2002 was enough to remind me – drag, in all its glory and grit, has always been a source of inspiration, entertainment, and acceptance. It’s a world where everyone can shine – even if they just happen to have a passion for pink tutus!
Remember, my loves, always keep those tutus spinning! Spread the joy of drag, the power of performance, the message of acceptance! And most importantly – if you’ve ever dreamed of twirling around in a pink tutu – just go for it, darling! The world is waiting for your fabulous self!
See you next month for another blast from the past! And, remember – be bold, be fabulous, and, oh darling, always wear a pink tutu!
Much Love, Emma
