Helloooo darlings! Your favourite time-travelling, tutu-touting, pink-loving blogger is back with another thrilling instalment of my drag queen journey! Buckle your sequins and prepare your boas because this month we're diving into the shimmering depths of... 2036!
Now, you all know I'm a bit of a history buff, especially when it comes to drag. So naturally, I had to scoot back to this particular year for one big, fabulous reason: the World Drag Queen Championships. Think "Drag Race" but with the entire planet competing for the crown. Talk about an event to write home about!
To say I was giddy is an understatement. I mean, come on! The final stage of the competition was in Tokyo, Japan - think geishas and glitter, kimonos and kaftans, a whirlwind of culture and camp!
I'll admit, getting ready for this trip was a whole production. I popped on my magical time-travelling pink tutu (a must-have for every time-traveling queen, darling!), a matching feather boa, and a dash of glitter that wouldn't be out of place at a Studio 54 soirée. It's amazing what you can squeeze into a little time-traveling tutu, eh?
Before we hit the runway, I had to check out the world of drag in 2036. And boy oh boy, it was like nothing I'd seen before! In the United States, drag has become mainstream. Think high fashion shows, musical theatre, television, you name it! There's even a National Drag Queen Museum in Los Angeles – I simply must visit that sometime!
And don't even get me started on the fashion scene! Think 3D-printed garments, LED light shows in drag looks, and sustainable materials being the name of the game.
But, of course, I had to spend a bit of time in the United Kingdom. As a proud Derbyshire lass, it felt wrong not to check in on the local scene! And oh my stars! The drag scene here was positively booming! In London, there were drag performances in every neighbourhood - from quirky dive bars to glittering theatres. And in my hometown, Derby? Well, they've even got a drag queen running for Mayor! Imagine the power of a pink tutu-clad leader, babes!
Then came the time to see the competition itself. It was pure glamour and talent, darling. From high-camp comedy to avant-garde performances, I saw it all. One of my favourite acts? A Drag Queen mime from France, using body paint and LED light displays to create illusions and telling a beautiful, heartfelt story about love, acceptance, and, of course, the magic of a pink tutu. Talk about serving serious high-fashion mime queen realness!
Speaking of magic, the winner of the World Drag Queen Championship was a drag queen named "Pinky Star," a fierce performer from Argentina known for her gravity-defying headdresses and fierce lip-syncing. Of course, it wasn't all about the competition. The whole event was about celebrating drag's diversity and its ability to inspire and entertain. The energy was incredible, with audiences from every corner of the globe coming together to cheer, laugh, and cry (oh yes, I shed a few tears during the tearjerker finale performance) alongside fellow drag lovers.
What made this trip truly special, however, wasn't just the event, but the chance to see how far drag has come. 2036 saw drag in places we never dreamt of before: schools, parliament, even the Olympics! Yes, you heard right, drag performers were involved in the Olympic Opening Ceremony and showed the world the beauty and inclusivity of the drag community! Now, that's a testament to our impact on the world, isn't it?
I truly believe that drag's journey has only just begun. This journey through time has inspired me to work harder, be more bold, and above all, keep rocking that pink tutu! It's our mission, darlings - to take our passion, our talent, and our colourful fabulousness and show the world what we can do. Because, let's be honest, the world needs more glitter, more grace, and a healthy dose of fabulous!
Remember, you can find me over on my blog www.pink-tutu.com where I post these time-traveling tales every month! Join me for the next exciting chapter of my journey!
Yours in glitter and grace,
Emma
P.S. Did I mention the Pink Tutu Festival was going on in Brazil while I was there? A week-long celebration of drag, fashion, and all things pink! My pink tutu couldn't have been more delighted! Think music festivals, drag fashion shows, parades with shimmering floats, and all sorts of flamboyant activities. I mean, seriously, imagine a world that celebrates pink tutus! It's almost like I’m dreaming… Almost.
(Keep scrolling for more drag queen history highlights from Emma's time-traveling blog.)
More From The Pink Tutu Blog: 2036 Edition
The Big Drag Race: So, about that World Drag Queen Championship, darlings! Remember I said it was like “Drag Race” on a global scale? Well, the judges were just as fierce! The final judging panel was a dream come true: legendary drag icon Divine (from the days before we knew her as Harris Glenn Milstead, darling), the original, inimitable RuPaul, and… hold onto your hats, folks, because we’re talking about someone who absolutely redefined the concept of drag queen – a robot named “Chromatic,” with shimmering, neon light patterns for “makeup” and an amazing vocal range. This judging panel certainly kept me on the edge of my sequined seat.
London: Where Drag Thrives: It wasn’t just the Drag Race event, dearie. I’ve got to say, the sheer abundance of drag venues in London absolutely blew my mind. Imagine entire streets lit up with the colours of drag shows. From legendary venues like the legendary Royal Vauxhall Tavern (which, as we all know, has always been a drag queen sanctuary – and the oldest one in London!) to hidden, underground LGBTQIA+ club scenes (a la Studio 54, darling!), there was something for everyone. London certainly is the capital of drag, and a fantastic example of how to embrace queer art forms.
The Power of Pink: Now, the world isn't always about extravagant drag balls and glamorous shows. While I was in the UK, I discovered a small, humble project called “Pink Tutus for Hope.” It’s a fantastic initiative where local drag queens bring smiles and joy to hospitals, schools, and charities across the UK. The “tutu ambassadors” as they called themselves, would waltz into these places, not just to entertain, but to teach life lessons on acceptance, self-love, and compassion through the power of drag. Now that's something special, isn't it? It’s amazing to see how drag can even bring light to the less glamorous corners of society, because it’s so much more than just glitz and glam; it's a powerful art form, filled with resilience and heart.
Beyond The Runway: It wasn't just about drag queens, though, darling. The global drag movement included incredible drag kings and trans performers, too! You see, there’s such an amazing diversity in drag and transgender performance right now that it can feel dizzying! It's so inspiring, it makes my little pink tutu heart sing with joy!
Where Can Drag Take Us? My 2036 trip showed me that the possibilities for drag are truly endless, and not just for the world, but for every individual queen and king. If you've got passion, you've got talent, and you're ready to stand on that stage, nothing can hold you back. It’s a new dawn for drag, babes. So get those make-up kits ready, brush up your dance moves, and get out there! The world is your stage!
A Time to Remember: The Evolution of Drag This whole journey has really reminded me that drag’s legacy is a powerful and inspiring one, and that each generation of queens and kings pushes the boundaries further, making our world a more glamorous and inclusive place. It’s not about winning contests or chasing fame. It's about passion, creativity, and finding joy in ourselves, no matter who we are or where we come from. Remember, darlings, that a pink tutu is not just about a dress, but about expressing ourselves boldly, proudly, and unapologetically. That’s the real power of drag – its ability to change the world through sequins, glitter, and good old fashioned showmanship!
Until next month, babes! And remember, a pink tutu will get you far, no matter where your heart and your dreams take you.
Love and glitter,
Emma.
(Emma will continue her blog on www.pink-tutu.com for years to come!)*
