Hello my darlings, and welcome to another fantastical escapade with your favourite time-travelling tutu-clad blogger! This month, my magical pink tutu whisked me all the way to September 2036! Oh, the glitz! The glamour! The sheer brilliance! This month, we're taking a deep dive into a period I fondly call the "Golden Age of Drag" â a time of boundless creativity, smashing gender norms, and just all-round fabulousness.
Remember that saying "the more things change, the more they stay the same?" Well, let's just say, September 2036 was full of sparkling contradictions! Yes, drag had become more mainstream, with Drag Race having reached its 27th season, with RuPaul, a grand-queen-mother by now, still hosting, a real testament to enduring talent and charisma.
But, whilst television showed us fabulous sashaying queens, in the real world things were much more raw and rebellious, and the line between what was "acceptable" and what was "radical" felt a whole lot blurrier.
My trip took me from the vibrant streets of Tokyo, where drag shows were popping up in cafes, restaurants, even underground train stations! Can you imagine getting a glamorous show whilst waiting for your morning commute? There was something wonderfully accessible and democratic about it.
I then took a tumble over to Rio de Janeiro, where the "Favela Queens" were rewriting the rules, throwing down defiant glitter storms in communities that were struggling with hardship. It was truly moving to see drag being used as a vehicle for social change and awareness â a celebration of life in the face of adversity.
But for me, my journey wouldnât be complete without experiencing what was happening back home in good olâ England! In the heart of London, drag wasn't just about performance. It was about identity, about community, about a powerful statement about who we are and what we stand for.
A big moment of my visit was seeing âQueens in Exile" performing at the South Bank Centre. They were a group of incredible non-binary artists, using drag to push the boundaries of gender expression and challenge the status quo. It felt electric, revolutionary, truly something to be reckoned with.
Oh, and you simply must have caught the world premiere of the âRainbow Rhapsody" drag ballet! It was simply a thing of beauty, combining ballet with a flamboyant drag twist. It left the entire audience buzzing with excitement â not to mention it featured one particularly daring number where a troupe of performers swirled in vibrant pink tutus... just saying!
September 2036 also had its share of high fashion events and runways that had every single drag queen on the planet losing their mind. In Paris, the big news was the âPink Paradiseâ show at Chanel. All bright pinks and bold hues, adorned with dramatic, ruffled designs inspired by the art of flamenco and drag. Honestly, if you haven't had a chance to catch up with this one on your own time travels, make sure it's top of your list!
Then there was the incredible showstopping moment in Milan! It was Dolce and Gabbana, everyone, and they truly lived up to their iconic reputation. The whole catwalk was covered with intricate tulle, cascading fabrics in shimmering sequins, with dramatic silhouettes inspired by historical costumes, just the sort of design you'd expect to see at a royal ball - and frankly, a little tribute to all those gorgeous drag queens who like a little historical flair in their attire!
Of course, every time travel escapade has to have a personal touch. I took a dip into Derbyshire for some real-life homegrown inspiration and boy was it fun! The local Drag Society had thrown an incredible party celebrating 10 years of âQueer in the Peakâ with performances that truly reflected the diverse and vibrant talent scene across the UK. There were even rumours that one of the new talent show queens was preparing a special routine using a giant pink tutu made from local textiles! I had to resist a bit of cheeky shopping - it's so tempting when you're in Derbyshire to fill your wardrobe with vintage and hand-made goodies, particularly after seeing the talent coming from local designers.
One of my biggest highlights had to be meeting with a brilliant group of drag queens who were dedicated to mentoring new talent. I love how the drag scene encourages mentoring and education â it shows the true spirit of this extraordinary community. It made me realize that this isnât just a fashion choice, it's about a passion to be a positive influence and to give back.
Speaking of mentoring, it seems this spirit has truly extended to the drag kids â yes, you heard that right! In a stunning act of inclusivity, in September 2036 a huge number of schools in the UK introduced drag classes as an after-school club. The idea was to give children a safe and fun way to express themselves, to develop confidence, and to challenge rigid gender stereotypes. Can you imagine the drag kid explosion of talent thatâs brewing? We could be seeing the birth of a whole new generation of drag icons!
It wasnât just the schools embracing drag, this month also brought an explosion of creativity at local level! It was fantastic seeing drag incorporated into theatre shows, concerts, and even museum exhibits! There were even talks of the National Theatre planning to stage a whole run of classic drag shows reimagined for a modern audience â itâs truly amazing how far drag has come. The way itâs infiltrating all kinds of art forms just proves it's here to stay, in all its glitter-spangled glory.
So my lovelies, September 2036 was certainly a whirlwind, an absolute explosion of fabulousness.
Remember my dear readers, the drag world is truly a captivating tapestry of style, personality, and activism. Itâs about expressing yourself and being bold, loud and fabulous. Itâs about finding your tribe, embracing the differences that make you uniquely you, and, above all, embracing the joy of glitter and joyful rebellion.
As we move forward, remember: You have the power to make your own world sparkle, and maybe even to get your friends and family into those glorious pink tutus. Trust me, the more the merrier!
Stay fabulous my darlings, and don't forget to check back next month for another fantastical time travel escapade!
Always with love and a sprinkle of glitter, Emma
Pink Tutu Time Travel Blog www.pink-tutu.com
