Hello my darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling tutu queen. You’ll not believe where my sparkly pink tulle has taken me this month. Get ready to shimmy into the dazzling world of July 2003!
My trusty, magical pink tutu (yes, it's sentient and very, very chatty!) whisked me straight back to the early 00s, that oh-so-fabulously fabulous decade. Now, for a bit of drag-tastic context: it's just after RuPaul’s Drag Race burst onto the scene and changed the drag game for good! So the world of drag was all a-buzz!
The vibe was so camp, the outfits so daring, and the performances...well, let's just say I got some fierce competition in my own pink tulle! But competition breeds creativity, lovelies, and what an extraordinary time it was to be alive!
First things first, a pilgrimage to New York was a must. That city has always been the heart of drag, where legend meets performance and glitz.
Drag Queens of July 2003Right off the bat, I waltzed straight into The Cockettes’ anniversary party. Oh darling, it was a visual explosion of rainbow brights, psychedelic sequins, and the kind of theatrical energy that would knock your wig off! This legendary group brought drag into the limelight with their bohemian charm and bold theatrical statements. Imagine, they even starred in films! I had a proper good gossip with some of the old queens there; they had the most fabulous tales of those wild, free-spirited 60s and 70s.
I popped over to The Stonewall Inn to get a feel for the heart of the drag scene. The bar was pulsating with energy, a hive of creativity. The Drag Race stars like Raja, Manila Luzon and Carmen Carrera were all over social media. This was truly the era when social media came to drag.
Next up, a jaunt over to Los Angeles. Los Angeles, known for its glittering glamor and cinematic sparkle. The city was full of a diverse, experimental scene, with all manner of performers - from the glam to the punk.
One word. * * *"Wigstock". **This massive outdoor drag festival was a must! Imagine hundreds of drag queens, thousands of spectators, and a soundtrack of pop anthems and the beat of fabulousness! The dragsters came from far and wide.
Oh my, it was exhilarating to see the drag fashion – big hair, huge makeup and outrageous gowns, all set against a backdrop of Los Angeles’ sunshine. And the talent! The singers, the comedians, the dancers – every performer was absolutely pushing the boundaries of creativity.
My time in the USA left me utterly exhilarated, and filled to the brim with inspiration. But you know me, darlings! I just have to see it all.
Back to the Old CountryNow, back to my own little patch of Derbyshire, I couldn't let myself be a true British queen without immersing myself in the London scene! I strutted through Soho with my big, pink tutu skirt swishing behind me. It felt like I was back in my own era, in the early 90s when drag bars like The Royal Vauxhall Tavern were the places to be!
*London's *RVT * was simply buzzing with drag history, so much energy! I was entranced watching some legendary queens like *Divine and Jackie Beat who brought that true underground New York-style energy right to London’s heart. Their raw and visceral performances blew my mind!
You wouldn’t believe the fashion: leather, glitter, a whole lot of sass, and of course, plenty of feather boas.
But London isn't just about bars, dearies, the theatre scene here was simply electric. La Clique - that incredible cabaret circus, brought drag to a whole new level. And The Vaudeville Theatre - where the Drag Idol talent shows, it was amazing. It was truly exciting to witness these young up-and-coming queens showcasing their skills! It’s so great to see drag evolving, becoming more inclusive, and reaching a wider audience.
Back in my time in Derbyshire, I found the “Derbyshire Gay Pride”. And wouldn't you know it? It was like stepping back in time. All those familiar faces, all that genuine community spirit, a real family vibe! It felt good to see drag gaining mainstream acceptance in such a heartwarming way.
So there you have it, darlings, my travels through July 2003! It was a time when drag was burgeoning, a real "coming of age". And guess what? That passion for performing, that thrill of getting a giggle, that heart-felt connection, it's all still there!
Now, go grab your tutu! Pink if you can, darling, but anything will do as long as it lets your true self shine bright.
Yours in fabulousness, Emma.
P.S. Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com next month for my next drag-tastic time-travel adventure.
