Hello darling darlings! Emma here, your time-traveling pink tutu princess, and I’m buzzing to be back with you today. August is upon us, the air is crisp (okay, it’s still hot here in Derbyshire… sigh), but you know what’s not hot? That’s right – the hottest drag in the world! You know I live and breathe drag, darling, and so you can bet your bottom dollar I'm here to give you the most fabulous scoop on what’s going on in the world of drag!
Hold your sequins, babes! This month’s adventure takes us back to the year 2005. That's right, 2005, the year before I was born – just think, back when YouTube was all the rage and the first season of Drag Race was just a shimmery glimmer in RuPaul’s eye.
Now, where do I even begin? The year 2005 was a total whirlwind. You see, I was busy perfecting my grand jeté and perfecting the art of applying winged liner (still trying to get it right after all these years…but hey, practice makes perfect, right?), but the drag scene was totally going off. From the bustling clubs of London and New York to the dazzling stages of Las Vegas, drag was making a glorious impact on the world.
So, where did I end up this month, you ask? It was pure serendipity really. I was wandering through the East Village in my gorgeous pink tulle masterpiece (with a few extra layers, mind you! It’s so humid in New York!) and, pop! my magic time-travelling tutu whisked me away to a delightful night at the famous Stonewall Inn.
The air crackled with excitement as I stepped through the iconic doors. It was like stepping onto the set of a vibrant Broadway musical! You wouldn't believe it, darlings, but back in the day, it was quite the revolutionary idea to dress in fabulous, colourful clothes. Now, let's be real, who wants to dress in boring neutrals when you can be dripping in fabulous pink and purple and dazzling with silver sequins?! I tell you what, I could have just drank the excitement of this historic space, not to mention inhaled all the glorious, flamboyant looks I witnessed!
And did I mention that one of the world's biggest drag sensations, Miss Fame, was headlining? I’ve heard whispers from future timelines that Miss Fame is truly a visionary, pushing the boundaries of drag through a perfect mix of flawless glamour and fierce artistic expression.
It wasn't just in the USA, either. In London, The Queen Mary was kicking off the first-ever UK Pride parade! Imagine – an entire parade dedicated to celebrating the love, joy and expression of the LGBT community! Honestly! I wouldn't be surprised if that single event lit a fire under the drag scene across the world, darling!
Speaking of London, I just couldn't resist the urge to check out a show at The Vauxhall Tavern! You see, in those days, Vauxhall Tavern was truly the hub for all things drag in the city. The stage, the atmosphere, the dazzling performers - everything just radiated with this infectious energy. I danced until my tutu twirled off, and that’s saying something because this baby was well secured! I’m still reminiscing about that night and, of course, my memory of the vibrant London drag scene which, like everything else, is going to change so much over time!
But don't get me wrong, darling. The world wasn’t just bursting with glitz and glamour. It’s important to remember that drag queens faced many challenges back then - the struggle for acceptance, the fight against prejudice. So, as we marvel at the dazzling world of drag in 2005, we need to acknowledge those who bravely paved the way. Let's not forget about the legendary queens who fought tirelessly to bring drag into the mainstream, challenging conventions and inspiring generations to come!
The fact is, drag queens are such amazing people! From their fabulous creativity to their incredible strength, drag is truly a world of extraordinary souls who embrace all the beauty and complexity of being themselves!
This trip has certainly been a delightful splash of the pink in 2005! But now it's time for me to get back to my own time and maybe take a well-deserved nap before I start getting ready for my next big performance.
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and TikTok (links in the comments), where I’ll be sharing photos of my stunning looks and a sneak peek at where I might time travel to next!
Remember, darlings: stay fabulous, and never forget to embrace your own unique style! After all, drag is about finding your own truth and expressing it in the most glorious and unforgettable way possible. Oh, and, remember, don’t forget the pink tutus!
Your ever-so-fashionable and time-travelling princess, Emma
