Hello, my fabulous friends! Welcome back to another installment of Pink Tutu Travels, your one-stop shop for all things drag, glitter, and the glorious history of our glorious art form. This month, we’re whisking ourselves back to the year 2020, October to be exact, where the world was facing some truly trying times, but as always, the drag queens kept the light shining through, spreading joy, beauty, and fierce creativity across the globe.
It's post number 1210 for Pink Tutu Travels! 🩰👑 I’m your hostess, Emma, the Derbyshire lass who just can’t get enough of pink, tutus, and the vibrant world of drag. Like every month, I've been spinning my pink tutu wheel of fortune and landed on October 2020 for our journey this time. This was the month where I got my first glitter-bombing machine, by the way – such a fun way to bring some sparkly chaos to any performance!
I must admit, 2020 was a bit of a difficult year for everyone, a lot of people were scared, but one thing we can all agree on is that it gave drag the opportunity to really shine! Many of you have probably heard me go on and on about how drag isn’t just a performance, it’s an art form, a celebration of life, a beacon of creativity!
Even with the world on pause, drag queens were keeping things going with online shows, virtual gatherings, and countless acts of kindness, proving that drag is a force that transcends boundaries, timelines, and pandemics. So let's delve into this specific day in history and see what incredible drag moments October 2020 held for us, darling!
Drag Queens in a Time of Transition:
October 2020 brought a lot of changes in the world of drag. A global pandemic wasn’t making things easy for any industry, but even in the face of adversity, queens found ways to shine, with virtual shows being one of the main tools they used to connect with audiences and stay visible.
The Evolution of Drag: Online and Beyond:
With live performances limited, drag queens embraced the digital landscape with gusto. The world saw a surge in online shows. Platforms like Twitch, Youtube, and Instagram were used to broadcast performances, with queens all around the globe utilizing these new channels to reach audiences.
There was an almost magical connection created, as fans from all walks of life could tune into a drag show, no matter where they were, bringing drag culture even closer. The online scene blossomed and so many amazing drag performers used the platforms to showcase their talents. We were truly blessed with the creativity and dedication of the drag community!
Remember back when everything was brand new and people were getting used to Zoom calls? Even those first attempts at virtual performances were hilarious! From makeshift stages to unexpected technical hiccups, it added a charm and light-heartedness that couldn't be recreated in any other way.
From Stage to Screen:
Not only was the online drag scene growing, October 2020 also brought us a couple of big events that highlighted drag on a massive scale. RuPaul's Drag Race was reaching the final weeks of Season 12, with a lot of the online discussion about queens, judges, and the overall trajectory of the show!
At the time, no one knew RuPaul's Drag Race would continue to explode into the cultural phenomenon it is today. It was the show everyone was talking about and I can't imagine my life without it! (Honestly, where would I find my weekly dose of drama, glitz, and glamour if it wasn’t for Ru?)
Giving Back to the Community:
Aside from keeping the spirit of drag alive with digital shows and embracing the changing landscape of entertainment, a big part of October 2020 saw drag queens doing something truly incredible – stepping up to help those in need during challenging times. The drag community had a truly commendable sense of unity and kindness and really shone a light on the generous and giving spirit of our queens.
From fundraisers for those affected by the pandemic to campaigns promoting positive messages and sharing resources, the queens proved once again that their voices could be heard for good!
I had the privilege of taking part in a virtual fundraising event with a group of local queens where we organized an online raffle with all the proceeds going towards local charities and shelters!
You’d think that with everything that was happening, our hearts wouldn’t be as ready to celebrate and party, but October 2020, despite the hardships of the times, showcased a lot of hope and joy.
Celebrating October’s Highlights:
Now, for some personal memories of the month. As much as the times called for support and strength, you also need to make time for the things that make your heart sing. I still remember going to my local drag night at a club just a few weeks into lockdown!
The atmosphere was buzzing! We were all so excited to have even a glimpse of the familiar routine we had missed so much! Seeing drag queens live and in person, even under different rules, filled my heart with such immense happiness! It felt like a celebration of resilience. The energy was contagious and even under those restrictive conditions, the performances were fabulous!
Shopping for Glam:
What would a trip to the past be without a little retail therapy, my dear? October 2020 brought us an explosion of unique drag wear on Etsy and other platforms. While things weren’t totally normal yet, shops began selling costumes, wigs, and makeup online. There was a sense of creativity and fun in what was on offer. There was so much excitement as it seemed everyone was buying new drag wear, and let’s be honest – who doesn’t love a new glittery costume?
Personally, I added some fabulous new pieces to my own wardrobe that month! A pair of rainbow sequined thigh-highs that I’ve absolutely worn to death, and a beautiful beaded feather boa that is always a winner when it comes to striking an elegant entrance!
What the Future Held:
As October 2020 came to a close, there was a sense of uncertainty in the air, but also an overwhelming feeling of hope and unity. While there were worries, no one could deny the immense power of the human spirit to rise above adversity and find light in dark times.
For those of us involved in the world of drag, there was an incredible understanding of this message! There were challenges, but the determination to keep the fire of our art alive was clear. We could feel a shared desire to find new ways to express our love for drag. The drag community truly came together in October 2020, showing everyone that it wasn’t just about performance, but a way to uplift, encourage, and support.
The End of Our Time Travel Adventure:
And just like that, our time travel journey for this month is over. I’m sure you’re ready to get back to the future, where we can all admire the amazing evolution of drag from that trying October in 2020. It's truly amazing to look back at those moments and see how far the world of drag has come.
I hope you’ve enjoyed revisiting the past with me this month!
Don't forget, you can find my posts on www.pink-tutu.com – remember to join the Pink Tutu crew! I hope to see you all again next month, when we'll explore yet another month in drag history. Keep those pink tutus at the ready and get ready to make some memories! Until next time, darlings, keep spreading the love and embrace your inner queen!
Much love,
Emma
P.S. Did you know the history of drag stretches all the way back to ancient times? From ancient Greek theatre to Shakespearean cross-dressing roles, it seems like drag has been captivating audiences for centuries!
P.P.S. Be sure to follow me on my social channels for updates and fun behind-the-scenes looks! It's going to be a whirlwind of pink and glitter from now on!
