Alright, darling, settle in, grab a cuppa, and get ready for a whirlwind trip back in time! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-loving time traveller, here with another fabulously fabulous blog post. It's July 2031, which means it's officially summer! The weather is hot, the sun is shining, and you know what that means… Time to ditch the boring old trousers and slip into something sparkly!
Today, we're going to explore the world of drag in all its glorious forms - but not just here in good old Derbyshire! Oh no, honey, we're going global! My magical pink tutu is all prepped, and I'm ready to whisk you away to all corners of the globe. Hold onto your feather boas, it's going to be a wild ride!
But first, a quick check in with the local drag scene! Derby has been absolutely buzzing, with some truly incredible shows hitting the stage this month. I absolutely adored the 'Divine Divas' revue at the Derby Theatre - the costumes were absolutely divine! Then, the fabulous ‘B-List Ball’ at The Joiners was a riotous night of laughter and camp, with a whole gaggle of hilarious queens making their mark. You truly have to keep up with the drag scene here, or you'll miss out!
Now, let’s get this time-traveling party started!
New York City, 1960: Drag in the Early Days of Glamour
First stop, New York City! Can you even imagine being in 1960s New York City? The air is thick with the smell of cigarettes and freedom. We’re on a mission to the Stonewall Inn. Can you believe, honey, that the drag queens in this era are truly pioneering?
The Stonewall riots are just a few years away, but the queens of New York are already making their voices heard, pushing boundaries, and defying expectations. These queens are a force to be reckoned with - tough, rebellious, and fiercely glamorous! I’m obsessed with this era, the styles are fabulous – just think, big bouffants, daring make-up, and dresses that just scream, ‘Look at me, honey!’.
While the queens of this era didn't have the privilege of all the amazing makeup and prosthetics that we have today, their raw talent and bold presence shone through, blazing a trail for all of us. They’re a real inspiration, showing us that you don't need all the bells and whistles to be a drag icon - just the audacity to express yourself!
Sydney, 2001: The Power of Drag as Performance Art
Okay, let's skip ahead a bit, shall we? 2001! Now, let me tell you, Sydney in the 2000s is an explosion of drag. Think electrifying nightlife, with thumping music and colourful lights that'll make you see stars.
We're going to see a show at the famous ARQ nightclub. Back in 2001, drag in Australia is undergoing a bit of a revolution! You see, drag is becoming so much more than just a costume party. It’s an art form, it’s activism, and it’s a space for celebrating our individual identities!
And speaking of fabulous individuals, I'm obsessed with all the drag queens of the 2000s! They're truly at the forefront of creative expression, exploring performance in ways that push the boundaries of conventional theatre and mixing performance art with comedy, fashion, and pop culture in mind-blowing ways.
Remember that amazing song by RuPaul? "I’m Not That Girl, That Boy, That Other Thing"? Now, think about how iconic that was in 2001, a perfect encapsulation of that time. Drag queens in Australia are becoming like superstars!
Tokyo, 2010: The Rise of Kabuki Drag
Now for a completely different flavour – a trip to Tokyo in 2010. Think futuristic, sleek, and oh-so-stylish. Tokyo's got a special blend of tradition and modernity, making for a completely unique experience.
Tokyo is famous for its kabuki theatre, but did you know, honey, that Kabuki is seeing a real drag resurgence at this time! Queens are using kabuki's colourful costumes and exaggerated make-up to create absolutely jaw-dropping performances. Think larger-than-life faces and theatrical gestures - it’s drag on a whole new level.
The drag scene in Tokyo in 2010 is a captivating mix of traditional Kabuki with contemporary drag fashion. Think intricate makeup and extravagant costumes, with dazzling lights and electronic beats, and you've got yourself the ultimate futuristic, stylish drag show. It’s a feast for the senses!
Mexico City, 2020: The Rise of Drag as a Social Movement
Next stop: Mexico City in 2020! Here's a big secret, honey – drag queens here have been fighting for the right to exist for decades. They're speaking out for LGBTQ+ rights, they’re advocating for change and demanding equality. This era is truly a powerful moment in drag history.
We are in a moment when drag has exploded into popular culture and reached mainstream media like never before, and Mexico is no exception.
There’s a whole new generation of queens in Mexico. We have Queens from a diversity of backgrounds and cultures making a huge impact, celebrating all walks of life. What we are witnessing is the rise of inclusive drag that makes a genuine effort to address the challenges that marginalized groups face, which in turn allows people to feel comfortable enough to challenge social norms and demand a seat at the table.
Drag in Mexico City is thriving in live shows and social media, using this platform as a way to spread messages of tolerance, acceptance, and equality. And as we move forward into the future, the message is loud and clear: “Be yourself, honey, no matter who you are or what you do. Be brave, be confident and be you!"
Back to Derbyshire, 2031: Drag is Global and More Important than Ever
We’re back in my favourite pink tutu and, my darlings, it's safe to say that drag queens around the world are smashing the boundaries! From New York's early days to Mexico City's revolution, it's clear that drag is an art form, a cultural phenomenon and a force for social good.
But the truth is, drag has always been about expressing oneself, celebrating our identities, and bringing a whole lotta fabulousness to the world. And what’s even more special about this moment, darling, is that drag queens around the world are using their platforms to speak out for change, to bring attention to vital issues and to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, for social justice, and for human rights.
And now, to really celebrate our achievements in 2031, we're hosting a massive drag festival in Derby, honey! That's right, get ready for “Pink Tutu Pride", a month-long extravaganza of shows, workshops, performances, and more. It'll be bigger and brighter than ever! And I bet you're right there in the audience, living it up with all your fabulous friends!
Until next time, remember - a world full of pink tutus is a world full of joy and magic! Keep expressing yourself, darling! Let your freak flag fly and always, always be yourself!
Emma xx
