Darlings,
It's your favourite pink-tutu clad time traveller, Emma, back with another adventure from the past! This month, I've dusted off my time-traveling tutu, popped a few sequins in my hair, and spun myself back to 2003-2004. Now, I know what you're thinking: "2003-2004? Wasn't that, like, before the internet really took off? What was even going on?".
Well, let me tell you, babes! The drag scene was vibrant and blooming! Think of it as a time when glitter was in full swing, platforms were sky-high, and the idea of "RuPaul's Drag Race" was just a glimmer in the eye of a fierce makeup artist.
I touched down in New York, my tutu twirling with the excitement. The air was buzzing with the electricity of new talent, the hum of drag nights happening at countless venues across the city. The Pier was still a hot spot, overflowing with divas ready to paint the town, and I simply had to see it for myself.
From the moment I stepped onto the stage, the crowd was roaring! I could feel their excitement, and my inner drag queen soared. As the applause faded, I let the magic of the night take me back to the 2003-2004 drag scene. I knew this was just the beginning of a wild time-travelling adventure.
Now, let me give you a rundown of what I saw - oh, and trust me, you won't believe it!
The Shows That Stole the Spotlight:
Let's talk about the legendary queens gracing the stages! It felt like I'd wandered into a drag version of "The Lion King" – so much talent and flair.
- Divine – It’s a shame we never saw the glorious, original Divine in person but in 2004 a "Divine” film made it’s debut in theaters which sparked a resurgence in interest for this icon.
- RuPaul's Drag Race was still years away but I knew some future stars were definitely polishing their makeup kits! From Bianca del Rio to Sharon Needles and everyone in between, those gals were probably still learning the art of lip sync in some local bar back then.
- *"RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 1 * was just about to begin filming (with queens like Bebe Zahara Benet, Akashia, Tammie Brown, and more). And though some of them had been in drag for years before 2004, I'm sure their lives were changing during those very years, so I feel quite connected to that point in time.
- Lady Bunny was still ruling the roost! This Queen has been a drag staple since the late 80's, even appearing with Rupaul back then and in the 90's.
- Varla Jean Merman was a total sensation! The girl had wit, charm, and enough comedic talent to make any audience roar with laughter!
The world was overflowing with beautiful performances! I saw drag artists like Cherry Pop, a legendary performer who had been making waves in drag for years, wowing audiences with her beauty and talent. I danced along to the incredible Jinkx Monsoon before her "Drag Race" debut, marveling at her ability to move with such fluidity and sass.
There were queens everywhere! They were serving looks on every street corner, every stage, every nightclub. The talent pool was so rich and varied – it was like walking into a kaleidoscope of personality, wit, and performance.
Fashions & Favourites:
Speaking of style, darlings! 2003-2004 was a gloriously glittery time in drag! We were talking sky-high platforms, shimmering dresses, and just a dash of camp for good measure. There was a huge love of all things bright, bold, and shiny. But even more so, the individuality shone through - queens could wear what made them feel amazing and embrace their own sense of drag artistry!
Fashion Favourites:
- The platform was the shoe of choice! Forget about your basic heels, queens were stepping onto stages in those platforms that could give you a real run for your money! I saw many a beauty walk in those 7 inch beauties (that's the biggest I ever saw back in those days)
- Fishnets and stockings – These were the secret weapon to add a little spice and tease! Pair them with a short dress and they just upped your sex appeal, darlings.
- Shiny everything! Let's face it, darling, the brighter the sequins, the better! No time for subtlety! Let that fabulous light reflect right back at your audience.
- Bold colours! Oh, honey, no time for a boring monochrome outfit. We were talking loud colours, bright and happy to stand out in the crowd. I loved seeing queens embracing the colour and embracing a bold and unique sense of personal style!
Drag & the Wider World:
One thing that struck me in 2003-2004 was how the wider world seemed to be opening up to drag, a little. There were still some bigots and haters, but more people seemed to be appreciating the art form. This, darlings, was huge! It showed that the tide was changing. And we, the drag queens, were the unstoppable current pushing forward!
But don't think it was a smooth ride, darling. There were definitely challenges! While things were shifting, there was still a long way to go to create a world where drag was truly accepted and embraced by everyone. And trust me, some of those drag nights back in 2003, you just had to be thick skinned, darlings.
Looking Back, Moving Forward:
The experiences I had in 2003-2004 truly brought the evolution of drag to life. The scene was pulsating, filled with groundbreaking performances and artists finding their voices in such a unique, liberating way.
Even though we are well beyond 2003, and drag is more celebrated than ever, there's a reason I keep returning to this time period. It reminds us that drag was once the defiant voice, a fight against the grain, a push to push back. Even in those early days of internet-driven visibility, the community was strong.
Now, when we see our "RuPaul's Drag Race" Queens dominating the world, it’s all the more gratifying. The scene of 2003-2004 was a turning point in drag. It’s where we honed our skills, tested our creativity, and ultimately paved the way for future generations of queens.
Now, for your mission this month, darling! My fellow pink tutu enthusiasts, get your glam on! It's time to spread the love, and by love, I mean the LOVE of PINK! Head out there and show everyone your best pink-tutu look. It's a little dose of extra fabulous for the world!
Now, with that said, I'm off to find more time-travelling shenanigans.
Until next time, darling, keep it glamorous!
Emma xoxo
P.S Keep your eyes peeled on my website www.pink-tutu.com, you never know what time travelling adventure will pop up!
