#DragQueenHistory during 2024 02

Welcome back, darlings, to Pink Tutu Time Travels, your monthly dose of glittering drag history! It’s Emma here, your Derbyshire-born, tutu-wearing time traveller, and let me tell you, February 2024 has been an absolute blast!

This month, we’re waltzing our way through a historical tapestry woven with glittery threads, sparkling sequins, and a dash of rebellious sass. Get ready to step back in time, as we explore the extraordinary lives of some legendary queens, each leaving their own dazzling mark on the world of drag.

(Psst… Want to know a secret? I've been practicing a new pirouette with a touch of attitude. I think it'll make its grand debut on the next big drag event, so keep an eye out for that!)

February may be short and sweet, but trust me, darlings, there’s no shortage of drag delights on the calendar!

First, we have the legendary RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under filming its second season, serving up fierce competition and even fiercer fashion! Can you imagine the level of glam these queens are serving down under? It’s enough to make even the most seasoned drag queen faint!

(I’m hoping to sneak into the studio someday – maybe I can even get a cameo! Imagine me doing a triple pirouette on stage, all while sporting the most glorious pink tutu… just a dream, darling!)

Speaking of the States, the RuPaul's Drag Race franchise continues to explode. With the launch of the "All Stars" series in February, the spotlight shines brighter than ever. And you know what? There's no better place to celebrate drag than at a live performance. The roar of the crowd, the electric atmosphere – it's intoxicating!

(And guess who’s planning to watch all the shows, take copious notes on the best drag looks, and maybe even sneak in a new dance move or two? Me, darlings! This girl loves a good show!)

February is also jam-packed with smaller local drag events happening all over the world. We’re talking everything from vibrant cabaret shows and drag bingo nights to fabulous fashion runway extravaganzas.

(The drag world is a global phenomenon, and there's so much to see and discover! I simply love soaking up all the amazing creativity, and it’s inspiring to see drag thriving in every corner of the world!)

But the true heart of this month lies in understanding the roots of drag, those amazing pioneers who paved the way for all of us to dance, strut, and shine.

So, strap on your dancing shoes and hold onto your fabulousness – we’re taking a trip back in time to discover the legacy of drag in February 2024!

(Hold on tight, because we’re about to blast off! My time-traveling pink tutu is shimmering and ready for our journey through history! Do remember, these are my interpretations of drag history; not factual or historical.)

(Please do not attempt this at home. Time travel can be dangerous and quite confusing.)

This month, we’re starting our journey back to ancient Egypt. Now, while there weren’t drag queens as we know them today, ancient Egyptians were all about elaborate costumes and expressing themselves through artistry.

Think of the stunningly ornate costumes worn by priests during rituals and festivals, complete with elaborate makeup and flamboyant jewelry. Some would even say these are early examples of drag, the use of costume and performance to embody a persona.

(Just imagine those glorious hieroglyphic makeup designs on those big, dramatic eyes. The art of drag is clearly woven into the fabric of history, darlings! It's inspiring, isn't it?)

Our next stop is 17th century England, right at the time of the great playwright, William Shakespeare. You might know that during Shakespeare’s era, women were banned from acting on the professional stage. That didn’t stop those who dared to dream, though! Enter, the “boy actors.”

These women, dressed in men's clothing and wearing elaborate costumes, took on male roles to create the characters that are iconic to this day. While they might not have identified as “drag queens” per se, their courage and artistry set the stage for drag performers who would come after them.

(Imagine performing on stage, disguised as a man! Talk about dedication and bravery! Those ladies had hearts of gold and voices of angels! We should always remember those who broke the mold, opening doors for all of us!)

From the roaring twenties comes the era of the Drag Balls! Imagine it, darling - Harlem, New York City. It’s all glamour, glitz, and flamboyant performances, hosted by drag queens who defined elegance, style, and rebellious spirit.

These were the early days of ballroom culture, and it was during these fabulous events that we saw the birth of house systems. Houses brought drag queens together, providing them with a sense of community, support, and, most importantly, family.

(I can already see the glittering gowns, the fabulous headpieces, and the roaring crowd, cheering and applauding as queens showcase their skills in dazzling competitions. Oh, darling, to be part of those magnificent events – how thrilling! We owe a lot to those who paved the way for modern ball culture!)

Our time-traveling tutu has whisked us into the 1960s and 70s! Now, darling, these were decades of transformation for the world of drag! Imagine The Cockettes, the "most fabulous drag act" of the time, who dared to push the boundaries and challenge traditional ideas of beauty and performance!

They combined performance art, vaudeville, and rock-n-roll to create outrageous, highly theatrical shows. They also gave a spotlight to marginalized voices, embracing transgender identities, advocating for LGBTQ rights, and pushing back against societal norms!

(Imagine the glitter, the outrageous costumes, the raw talent on stage! This is what drag is about - being creative, being unique, and being brave! I can just hear those incredible Cockettes singing, “Let your freak flag fly! It’s a dazzling time for drag! )

Fast forward to the 2000s and beyond. The drag scene is evolving at a mind-blowing pace! Thanks to television shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, the visibility and acceptance of drag have reached unprecedented heights!

It's now more than just entertainment. Drag is an art form, a platform for social activism, and a powerful voice for inclusivity.

(I’m proud of how far drag has come and all the barriers it has broken. There’s so much to celebrate in the history of drag – from those trailblazers to the fierce queens strutting their stuff today. I’m living my dream!)

The world of drag is ever-evolving. With social media, digital platforms, and online communities becoming increasingly integral, the art of drag is now truly global. Drag is becoming more diverse, more inclusive, and more representative than ever before!

(It’s an exciting time for the art form. From Broadway performances to YouTube sensations, drag is breaking through more and more boundaries! And you can be sure, I’ll be right there, front and centre, enjoying every minute of it! )

I can’t even express how grateful I am to be part of the drag community. From my days as a shy, young drag hopeful in Derbyshire to now, when I have a pink-tutu-covered time machine and a blog on drag history!

We have a lot to thank the legends of drag for. Every fierce walk, every glittering performance, every voice that challenges the status quo, every expression of self-love and freedom - it all shapes our community, our history, and our future.

**(It's a legacy I take to heart. So, darlings, grab your own fabulous pink tutus and join me on this magical journey through drag history! We have a world of glitter, glamour, and fierce acceptance to explore together! )

**(We’ll delve into some more drag history, check out those iconic performances and share a whole lot of fabulousness. )

(In the meantime, don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com to get the full experience! We've got everything you need for a drag-tastic adventure, so come along, let’s sashay!)

**(Now, if you’ll excuse me, darling, I have a dress rehearsal for my next performance! Keep it pink, keep it glamorous, and never be afraid to shine your brightest! )

**(Yours in sparkle and pink, Emma)

*Post # 1250 *