#DragQueenHistory
Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-loving, tutu-touting time traveller, Emma, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! I'm thrilled to be back with post number 1164, because, as you know, the journey through time in this magical, shimmering tutu is never boring. Today, I’m transporting us to December 12th, 2016. Let's dive in!
This month, my sparkly pink tutu whisked me all the way across the pond, right into the bustling heart of New York City. Now, darlings, I just love the energy of New York! It’s all glitz and glam, fabulousness, and of course, so much drag!
December 12th was all about RuPaul's Drag Race, the grandest drag spectacle in the world, which had just premiered its season nine that year. I tell you, there was so much buzz about who was going to take the crown. And you know I had to be there to witness the drama, the fashions, the gag-worthy looks… all the iconic Drag Race goodness!
Now, I just have to give a shout out to Peppermint, a talented queen who just stole the show with her incredible lip-syncing and fierce, all-black, badass-butterfly-chic performance. It was pure magic, and I was captivated! She totally deserved her place in the top three, even though she didn't get to win it all.
But Peppermint was just one star in the Drag Race constellation, shining bright with all the queens this season, especially Trinity Taylor, who, of course, went on to snatch the crown that year!
But Drag Race wasn't the only thing bubbling in the cauldron of NYC drag in December 2016. I was also excited to see the World of Wonder Drag Show. It was a delightful explosion of campy performances with queens from all over the world showcasing their unique talents and, of course, a whirlwind of absolutely stunning costumes.
Of course, there were plenty of smaller drag shows in bars and nightclubs around town. It's the beautiful, and somewhat chaotic, wonder of drag that even in a city with endless options like New York City, each venue can have a distinct flavor and feel. That evening, I found myself in a tiny bar in the Village, captivated by the intimate feel of a small group of drag queens. It's this small-scale, intimate magic of drag shows, a few hundred people sharing their love and appreciation, that reminds us of why drag is so powerful.
Now, it’s time to talk about what was happening in my own little world of pink tutus on that date. Well, darlings, it’s fair to say that my passion for drag had completely consumed my life. I’d been working like mad – you know, gig after gig in my hometown of Derbyshire – to make sure I had enough money for this time travel spree! And believe me, being able to experience this moment in drag history made it all worth it.
But it wasn't just the shows and performances. On December 12th, 2016, the shopping streets of New York City were adorned with the most exquisite Christmas decorations. My goodness! It was all about tinsel, twinkling lights, and, of course, an array of stores boasting dazzling festive window displays.
And what’s a drag queen like me do with an array of beautiful Christmas decorations? Of course, it’s the perfect backdrop for a glamorous photoshoot! I took a few photos, darling, but trust me, you wouldn’t believe how much my social media was flooded with beautiful images!
Then there was the sheer joy of being in New York at this time of year! The city’s air was full of anticipation and the festive spirit just filled every corner. Everyone was out on the streets, doing their Christmas shopping, wrapped up in cosy winter wear, sipping steaming hot cups of coffee – the sheer joy of it all was contagious!
That night, the mood shifted into something altogether more fabulous as I headed to one of New York City's renowned gay nightclubs. Now, darlings, we're not talking about just any old nightclub; this was a place overflowing with personality and pure, unadulterated joy! It’s here that I was treated to an unforgettable experience with queens of all ages rocking their most iconic looks and making me question whether I was in 2016 or some futuristic drag fantasy! There was this infectious energy in the air that truly captured the magic of the night!
It’s incredible to think back on all the drag that happened on December 12th, 2016. It was a time where drag had truly established itself as a force in popular culture and a powerful, positive space where all kinds of people can feel accepted and celebrate their individuality.
You know, I find it hard not to be overwhelmed by the sheer talent and beauty that exists in the world of drag. Seeing those fabulous queens from all corners of the world – their dedication, passion, creativity, and joy in what they do – well, it reminds me why this pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling, drag enthusiast loves what she does so much. I must share that message with everyone I meet, so we can celebrate our fabulous diversity together, just as these wonderful drag queens did.
I hope that one day, I’ll inspire every single person in the world to embrace their unique personality, unleash their inner star, and put on a beautiful pink tutu. Because when we wear a pink tutu, we tell the world we’re bold, we're daring, and we are absolutely beautiful!
And remember, darlings, never be afraid to embrace your fabulousness. I’m always here to inspire you, so join me again next month for another incredible journey through time and drag history.
Until then, keep your tutus high, and keep spreading the joy! 💅💋💖✨
Love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
