Hiya darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu wearing time traveller! Welcome to another month, another jaunt through time, another glorious chapter in #DragQueenHistory! Buckle up buttercups, because this month, my pink-hued tulle time machine is taking us back to the sizzling summer of 2013.
August! The month of sunshine, sandcastles, and - wait for it - the most fabulously flamboyant drag performances, of course! August 2013 was a whirlwind of fabulousness, a smorgasbord of drag delights, and guess what? You bet your bottom dollar, I was right in the middle of it!
As I twirled through the August air in my shimmering pink tutu, I noticed something exciting: the drag world was truly blooming. From the glittery streets of New York to the neon-lit clubs of London, drag queens were shaping a new kind of cultural landscape - one that celebrated self-expression, embraced diversity, and celebrated the art of drag with a fierce, sassy, and oh-so-fabulous panache.
And what a treat it was to witness it firsthand. Now, don't get me wrong, I’m always drawn to a grand, theatrical show - but seeing the energy and excitement in the community was something else entirely. It was infectious, my dears.
First Stop: Drag Race Gets A New Face (And I Mean It! )
You can’t talk about August 2013 without mentioning the drag icon herself, RuPaul. That month saw the release of season five of "RuPaul's Drag Race", which you might say shook the world, shook it up!
Let me tell you, seeing the likes of Jinkx Monsoon and Alaska 5000 work their magic on the main stage - giving us fierce fashion and unforgettable performances - well, it simply solidified the show's impact. The excitement was palpable. It felt like a turning point, where the show itself became an incubator of talent. It wasn't just reality television; it was becoming a phenomenon.
A Drag Extravaganza in the City That Never Sleeps:
Now, my dear fashionistas, let's talk New York. Oh darling, that city is a veritable cornucopia of drag magic! And August 2013 was no exception! The iconic Stonewall Inn was alive and kicking - with performances from legendary queens like Lady Bunny, giving us a glimpse into the history of drag.
Did you know that back in the day, the Stonewall was a legendary underground bar and nightclub where drag queens were the life of the party - celebrating who they were, dancing the night away, and basically forging the path for drag as the fabulous force it is today!
That’s what I love about traveling through time. I'm not just experiencing the evolution of drag - I'm seeing how much it connects us to each other, from the original Stonewall balls to RuPaul’s drag race. We're all part of one big, glitter-drenched family!
From New York to London, It's a Dragtastic Trip!
Then it was off to London, my favourite spot in the UK! My oh my, the shows I saw! I’ll never forget the grand, glorious Drag Idol 2013 - the iconic performance, the fierce contestants, the sparkling glamour. London's drag scene was sizzling, and everyone from veteran performers to aspiring queens was a part of the dazzling affair! The atmosphere was intoxicating, the crowds enthralled, and I, dear reader, was smitten.
A Drag Extravaganza: Not Just In Big Cities:
But let me tell you, the magic of drag wasn’t confined to just the big cities. My time travelling journey brought me to the quaint little town of Bakewell, nestled right in my lovely Derbyshire. Now, you might think "Bakewell? What could there be in a little place like that?" My dears, I tell you, a local cabaret club held an incredible Drag Extravaganza. A mix of local talents and seasoned queens graced the stage. It was all the fun of drag, just on a more intimate level, and boy did those queens rock the house! It's proof positive, darling, that drag transcends geographical borders - it’s a force that can unite even the smallest of towns, and let me tell you, it made my heart sing.
Time Travelling to See the Big Names of the Day
What's a DragQueenHistory time-travel adventure without some serious celebrity encounters? My, oh my, this month was brimming with stars! I stumbled upon a special performance at The Savoy Hotel in London. Yes, that Savoy Hotel! Imagine the glittering chandeliers and that opulent decor… And imagine being treated to a drag show that felt like the ultimate party. The headliner was none other than the one and only, the queen of pop, Lady Gaga! I mean, come on, my dears! How could I not make my way to this spectacular show? From her iconic performances and outlandish outfits to her dedication to artistic self-expression, Gaga embodies all the amazing aspects of drag culture, especially that fierce independent spirit. It was truly an unforgettable experience, seeing her move the crowd - and, of course, giving us all a healthy dose of pink and glitter, naturally.
The Future is Pink, My Darling!
Here I am, back in my own time, with a head full of glittering memories and a heart bursting with pink tulle love.
Seeing drag in 2013 gave me a true appreciation for the evolution of this fabulous art form. What makes drag truly special is that it is not bound by any one definition. Drag embraces every facet of gender fluidity, artistic expression, and self-acceptance - and it was thrilling to witness its growth in 2013.
From the high-flying glamour of a RuPaul's Drag Race to the small-town cabaret club magic of my local drag queen, the art form resonated with such energy and vibrance. And this, my dears, is why drag will always hold a special place in my heart!
I hope you enjoyed my little jaunt through #DragQueenHistory! As for my next stop, I'll keep it under wraps for now. But I will say, my trusty pink tutu has its sights set on another year - and maybe a few more surprising locations.
Remember darlings, don't be afraid to embrace the pink, to let your inner queen shine!
Catch you next month, with more glittering adventures!
XOXO, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
