Hello darlings! Your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling drag queen is back, ready to sashay you through the annals of drag history! This month, we're whisking ourselves back to the vibrant streets of Paris, France, in the glorious summer of 2022! Oh la la, what a fabulous time to be a drag queen!
As always, my magical pink tutu spun me back in time to this wonderful June day in Paris. Just think - sunshine, sidewalk cafes, the Eiffel Tower gleaming in the afternoon light… Oh, and of course, an incredible drag show to boot!
Remember those days when every Friday night, a brand new Drag Race season would drop on our screens and instantly become the most talked-about topic? 2022 felt like a time warp of glamour and excitement. And as soon as I landed, I knew I'd stepped straight into the heart of all the excitement.
Now, my loves, as you all know, I adore fashion – the drama, the artistry, the sheer fabulousness of it all! Paris in June was just a fashion haven. The air was buzzing with creative energy, and everyone seemed to be wearing something fantastic. Imagine sparkling pink, glittery green, and shimmery silver swirling in every street corner! The colours and styles just had that chic, Parisian air. Naturally, my pink tutu fit right in.
My first stop? The legendary Le Marais district! My goodness, what a cultural smorgasbord of artistry, history, and oh-so-much drag. It's no wonder the Parisian drag scene has such a vibrant reputation – this neighbourhood has always been a hub for LGBTQ+ expression and artistry.
Just wandering the cobblestone streets was an absolute joy! I practically floated past quaint cafes and trendy boutiques, the vibrant colours of the storefronts and street art giving me all the inspiration! Then, BAM! My pink tutu told me we were heading for the iconic Moulin Rouge!
Now, I know what you’re thinking - I love me some cabaret, but how is drag in the Moulin Rouge connected to the global scene of drag? Let me tell you, my lovelies, it was absolutely bursting with glitz, glamour, and those daring, flamboyant showgirls, performing acts of acrobatics, burlesque, and singing and dancing for all to see! And you know me, a love of all things performative. The whole vibe was a true testament to the roots of modern drag - theatrical, transformative, and above all, incredibly entertaining!
After the Moulin Rouge, I decided to find some local Paris drag performers. After all, it was June, and Paris was already preparing for its Pride celebrations - talk about an electrifying time to be on the scene! And I wasn’t disappointed! The Drag Race queens – especially from the first French Drag Race season (remember Angele Anaconda’s iconic win!) – were truly giving all their looks and talent to their audiences! They had that iconic Parisian flair - sharp, sassy, and full of heart. It made me wonder, could that be why Drag Race was SO popular? Because those artists in France really did showcase something special and iconic!
On a more sombre note, the French scene was already dealing with some complex social and political realities too.
Now, this is the important part about drag, loves. It's a powerful force of creativity and community, and when a society’s facing tough times, drag becomes more than just entertainment – it becomes an essential expression of resilience. I truly believe that art and creativity are some of the most powerful weapons against hate.
Parisian drag in June 2022 was showcasing how powerful drag can be – even when the world outside is feeling complicated! Drag isn’t just fun and glam, it's a movement for inclusion and a champion for diversity!
My lovelies, that was just a quick glimpse into the magical world of Parisian drag in 2022! I can't wait to show you more, and I urge you all to head on over to www.pink-tutu.com – my fabulous blog where I’m adding all my adventures, and all the fabulous details of my time travelling for all to see! And maybe we can even catch some drag shows in our area together!
Always remember, darlings, a pink tutu is a must, and let's bring the colour, the glitter, the confidence, the community, and the power of drag to our everyday lives.
Until next month!
Emma xoxo