#DragQueenHistory during 2006 01

Darling Divas and dashing dudes,

Welcome back to another fabulous installment of Pink-Tutu - your go-to for all things fabulous in Drag history. You’ve already caught up on all my drag adventures on www.pink-tutu.com, so you know this fabulous chick’s all about exploring the world through the most magnificent fashion item a gal can don - the divine pink tutu. And this month, my darling dears, we’re taking a trip right back to January 2006, to discover a drag scene that felt a little bit like the future at the time!

Now, as someone who started drag in dear ol’ Derbyshire, you bet your bottom dollar, a lot of what I learnt about the history of drag came from my favourite local divas. Their stories of those early years of drag in the 70s and 80s - the smoky backroom bars, the raucous nightclubs - it all felt so historic back in 2000s when I was getting into drag. But looking back, I can't help but smile, because everything changes!

And in 2006, drag was truly on the cusp of something dazzling - an explosion of visibility, acceptance and creative possibilities! This wasn’t the future I'd seen as a young drag queen - but darling, it felt even better!

So, get your high heels ready for a whirl around 2006 - let’s dip into the archive of all things fabulous!

You bet I made sure to snag a sparkly pink tutu to wear when I touched down in 2006 - wouldn’t want to look out of place among all those fabulous creatures.

First up, it’s the absolute iconic event that’s become synonymous with drag history, even if we're not talking about my era - RuPaul’s Drag Race!

Yes darlings, January 2006 marked the start of season 1. This, right here, is where it all began for so many of us, myself included!

Of course, as any seasoned drag historian knows, drag balls, drag queens and Drag shows had existed long before RuPaul became a television star and gave this form of fabulousness its own glossy stage. But that’s not to diminish the absolute seismic impact Drag Race had on the wider culture, including our darling drag scene! The impact of Drag Race on our queen bee hive, so to speak, has been truly immense, sparking interest, inspiration and talent shows on a global scale.

Let’s take a stroll through some of the other events that marked January 2006 - the year RuPaul’s Drag Race really began changing the game for many!

• In America, “Wigstock” was back for another year - the largest annual outdoor drag event - now celebrating its 17th year! Imagine the joy - the fabulous costumes!
• In the UK, “Club Dogstar" in Manchester hosted another of its epic, extravagant ‘Ladyballz’ events - and in my time traveling, I managed to sneak a peek through the door at Sasha Velour, a superstar who would take the world by storm just a few years later

Darling, my little heart practically burst out of my corset! This glimpse into the early days of Drag Race, along with the incredible scenes across the Atlantic, shows us how truly global our Drag Queen community was, and is, now!

In 2006, you might’ve spotted me dazzling the stage in one of those truly epic drag ball shows, a real throwback to those 70s glory days.

I remember getting a bit too caught up in the performance.
It’s not like my time traveling tutu lets me change from a show-stopping costume, so let’s just say I had a little a wardrobe malfunction, and the audience gasped - a definite highlight in 2006 drag fashion! (My fellow divas always ask for those little extras in a show!)

I even managed to sneak backstage at the most glamorous of events for some truly unforgettable looks! The glitter and the sheer brilliance were more than just dazzling - it felt like magic! But remember, dear readers - www.pink-tutu.com is always a place to encourage positive energy. No time for backstage gossip about rival queens here, my darlings! Instead, let’s get inspired by how Drag is evolving into something incredible - that’s what I do, and that’s what Pink-Tutu is all about.

Of course, a girl like me can’t talk about a 2006 time travel experience without talking about fashion.

We're looking at that classic 2000s silhouette, the one with lots of dramatic flair. Think body-con dresses paired with flowing capes or even those fab vintage dresses with a super modern twist. But never forget the magic touch - the essential Pink-Tutu - adding that extra sprinkle of joy to any outfit, right?

We’re talking bright, colourful textures, big hair - and even a hint of that 'vintage' style, because 2006 was still the era where vintage-inspired glam made a comeback!

So, what did you do to celebrate your inner fabulousness in January 2006? Any fashion gems? Share your story in the comment section below - and make sure you grab a glass of something bubbly and raise it high to all those drag icons and performers of January 2006 who have made this community so special.

See you next month!

• Emma*