Hello darlings! Welcome back to the Pink Tutu Travels blog, where every month, we sashay through time in a magical pink tutu, experiencing the wonders of drag throughout the ages! I'm Emma, your resident Derbyshire doll and connoisseur of all things sparkly and fabulous. This month, I've had a simply divine time traversing back to the glamorous year 2013, so buckle up and let's go!
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, 2013?! That wasn't so long ago!" And you're right, my dears, it's practically yesterday! But it's amazing to see how the drag scene was blooming then, paving the way for the dazzling displays we see today. The excitement was electric, the makeup was fierce, and the performances, my darlings, were simply magnificent!
Now, let me tell you, stepping out of my magical time-traveling tutu in the heart of 2013, I felt like I was surrounded by the spirit of RuPaul's Drag Race, which, to this day, continues to be the queen of all things drag television! 2013 saw the season 5 finale of RuPaul's Drag Race where the incredible Jinkx Monsoon reigned supreme. The episode saw fierce lip sync battles and a heartfelt final runway reveal that had everyone on the edge of their seats! Jinkx, a quirky and talented queen, proved that you don't need to be over-the-top glamorous to win the crown. Her performance, with its combination of raw emotion and whimsical talent, set a whole new standard for Drag Race winners and paved the way for future seasons!
But the magic didn't stop there! 2013 also saw the rise of Drag Race season 5's Alyssa Edwards. Her charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent captivated audiences with her undeniable showmanship. Her signature "Alyssa's Edge" gave everyone a healthy dose of self-confidence, reminding us all to work it, girl!
Speaking of iconic figures, let's not forget the queens of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 2. The show premiered in October of 2013 and introduced us to queens who'd slayed the competition previously and were now back to reignite their talents on a global stage. Think of queens like Alaska, Katya, Roxxy Andrews, and Tatianna, who each offered unique flavors and incredible stage presence! They brought us all together as they showed their best Drag Race talent to date.
Beyond television, 2013 also saw an amazing movement within the global drag community. Shows were becoming more daring, and performances were getting even bolder! Drag artists were pushing boundaries and exploring their creativity like never before. From the electrifying nightclubs to the intimate theater productions, drag was taking the world by storm!
I couldn't resist venturing into some of the world's most legendary drag venues. I found myself in the legendary Stonewall Inn in New York City, the epicenter of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Walking through its doors felt like stepping back in time to a place that had birthed the very essence of drag!
Of course, I couldn't have gone back in time without getting my shopping fix. London’s West End had such dazzling shops and boutiques – so many shimmering tutus to explore! You can believe I was absolutely in heaven! There was this spectacular boutique I found where the fringes were so long they almost dragged on the floor! I found this most fantastic shade of pink. A color called "Pink Flamingo." A real show stopper!
Oh, the joys of time traveling in a pink tutu! Being surrounded by so many gorgeous outfits in 2013 really brought out the fashionista in me. Every street corner felt like a runway!
But for all the dazzling performances and beautiful boutiques, it's the community that makes drag what it is. I found that even in 2013, drag artists, performers, and fans alike were forging a community of acceptance, celebration, and creativity. And I absolutely adore this, my loves! It's why we need to spread the message of acceptance and positivity all around the world! Remember, everyone deserves to express their unique inner diva!
My travels have always shown that we need more kindness and acceptance in the world! It’s clear that we need to work towards building a more inclusive and accepting society where everyone feels comfortable being their true selves. Drag can do this! It reminds us to celebrate diversity, to embrace self-expression, and to never, ever stop being fabulous.
Remember darlings, until next month, embrace your inner diva and be sure to stay in touch with the amazing world of Drag on my website www.pink-tutu.com. You never know, I might just show up in a magical, pink-tutued time warp on your doorstep! Until then, darling, keep those tutus twirling!
Yours truly,
Emma
