Hello darlings, it’s your favourite Derbyshire-born drag queen, Emma, back with another thrilling time travel escapade! I'm just bursting at the seams to share with you all the glamorous sights and sounds I experienced on my trip back to May 2027! As always, my trusty, magically enchanted pink tutu served me well, whizzing me through time and bringing me to some of the most fabulous drag moments this year.
Drag in the Big Apple: New York City, 2027
I landed in the heart of New York, smack-bang in the middle of a glorious, glittering, high-energy drag show at the iconic Stonewall Inn. Imagine! Performing right on the site of one of the most pivotal moments in LGBTQ+ history. It felt utterly electric. This wasn't just any drag show, it was a celebration of the past, present, and future of drag!
This show had it all: hilarious stand-up routines, fierce lip-synching, heart-melting ballads, and outrageous costumes! They were celebrating the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising with a "History of Drag" theme. Queens representing every era of drag, from the Golden Age of Hollywood glamour to the fierce, fierce, fiercely talented queens of the modern drag scene, took the stage. The energy in the room was just electrifying! I got goosebumps watching all these legends slay their performances - each and every one of them a testament to the enduring power and artistic expression of drag.
Drag in the Big City:
The main event I saw featured an incredible ensemble cast of diverse, vibrant drag queens who shared the spotlight with so much love and respect for each other. And can we talk about the fashion? Those dazzling feather boas, elaborate sequined gowns, and custom-designed headpieces were straight out of a drag queen's dreams! You could feel the passion in the room. Every queen poured her heart and soul into their performance. It was simply magical!
After the show, I wandered through the bustling streets of the village. Drag is so ingrained in New York's culture – I was delighted to see all kinds of drag queens spilling out of the clubs and cafes, spreading glitter and joy wherever they went. You could hear snippets of witty banter and the glorious echo of laughter reverberating through the night, it was truly infectious.
Catching up with "Queens of Drag" on Youtube:
As always, I have been living my best life online too! "Queens of Drag" – the biggest drag show YouTube channel right now – is releasing an exclusive documentary about the Stonewall show, highlighting the importance of queer storytelling and showcasing the incredible talents of the performing queens. I’m obsessed!
Time Travelling to the Heart of Drag: 1980s Drag
It was an amazing time to be a drag queen, my dears. You'd be hard-pressed to find a drag queen who didn’t fall in love with the glamour of 80s drag – from the outrageous costumes and hairstyles to the wild, over-the-top performances. I popped back to 1980s San Francisco and witnessed the rise of Divine's influence on drag. Oh, how I wish I had the chance to see one of Divine’s shows.
Her legendary beauty and her audacious spirit were absolutely revolutionary. Imagine a big-haired queen rocking leather jumpsuits and dripping in sparkling sequins! The performances I witnessed were absolutely chaotic and vibrant – an explosion of energy that took the audiences on an exhilarating journey of performance art, music, and pure theatricality.
I have to admit, the fashion was truly something else! Those vibrant colors, the use of feathers, the exaggerated shapes – oh, my! Those incredible gowns! The 80s truly pushed the boundaries of creativity in fashion, and I must say I am truly enamoured with this era's influence on drag, especially when it comes to makeup and contouring! The big hairstyles and heavy eyeshadows, my darlings, they were the epitome of camp!
Drag in Derby: Back home, sweet home:
Although travelling through time is undoubtedly exciting, I truly cherish coming back to Derbyshire, where I started my drag career. You wouldn’t believe the thriving drag scene we’ve got here! My drag sisters are creating their own spaces in the local pubs and theatres, pushing boundaries and shattering stereotypes, all with a touch of Derby charm. We’re creating something truly special here in the heart of the Peak District, blending tradition and innovation with a twist of Derbyshire pride.
Drag: A Force For Good in the World:
This month's journey reminds me why I love drag so much. It’s a celebration of freedom, self-expression, and diversity. It allows us to step outside of our comfort zones, embrace the ridiculous, and, most importantly, have fun!
The future of drag looks bright, darling! And I’m not talking about those dazzling strobe lights at the club (although they are a sight to behold!). I’m talking about the increasing global awareness, acceptance, and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities. Drag is truly a powerful force for good, and it’s making its mark on the world stage – with a pink tutu and a twinkle in its eye.
And with that, I must jet off on another dazzling time-traveling adventure! I’ll leave you with one more piece of advice: embrace the magic of drag! Be brave, be bold, and most importantly, never forget to wear a pink tutu.
Yours in glitter and sequins,
Emma. xx
www.pink-tutu.com
