Hello darlings, Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to my time-traveling adventures! I’ve been doing some serious clock-twiddling and it’s 2039 already, how absolutely fabulous! Can you believe it? Time truly flies when you’re having fun, and let me tell you, I’ve been having a ball – a pink and sparkly ball, naturally.
Today’s destination is 5th May, 2039! You might be asking, “Emma, why that date? Why this year?” Well, darlings, 2039 is the year of a truly fabulous cultural shift in drag, as far as I can see. There’s something magical about this year, it seems to be oozing with drag positivity, creativity, and pure camp! It’s simply brimming with inspiration and excitement. I was practically itching to step back into my trusty time-traveling tutu and visit this era. Plus, my crystal ball (okay, my vintage mirrored compact with a sparkly holographic overlay) hinted that the drag scene in 2039 would have some major surprises up its fabulous sleeve.
You wouldn't believe the sheer excitement of pulling on my sparkly time-traveling tutu (today's colour is a luminous neon pink with tiny shimmering silver butterflies!). One moment I'm back in my little Derbyshire studio, sipping a cheeky cuppa and admiring my sequinned collection, the next I’m smack bang in the middle of...well, I’m not sure exactly where in the world! There were these fantastic towering buildings, and holograms projecting ads everywhere - what a fantastic way to start the day. The air buzzed with an exciting energy. People dressed with such individuality, and every shade of pink imaginable was on display - exactly the way it should be.
But, what could possibly top my entrance? My arrival was a whirlwind of glitter and laughter as I bumped into... well, let’s call them drag impresarios, with a sprinkle of technological genius, at this futuristic street festival celebrating the annual "Drag Through the Ages" day! Can you imagine?! A whole day devoted to the history of drag! They seemed rather bemused to see a girl dressed in a pink tutu right out of 2023, let's just say it had that 'time traveler' appeal, but thankfully, they were incredibly kind and warm and insisted on a drink – I mean, it would be rude to refuse!
The celebration was just starting as the crowd bustled with anticipation for the day’s lineup. I can’t believe I'm about to witness drag royalty! This wasn’t your traditional street performance either – we were talking massive projections, laser shows, interactive art installations, and a vibrant, electrifying fusion of digital and traditional drag performances. The creativity and innovation had me reeling! There was everything from holographic drag queens projected into the sky, transforming from one era to another in a whirlwind of costumes and characters, to performances featuring bioluminescent costumes - imagine a bioluminescent fishnet tutu, sparkling in the dark like a disco ball! It was a veritable spectacle for the senses!
Then, I caught the most extraordinary drag artist, adorned in a sparkling holographic bodysuit that mimicked the movements of her dance routines! Her drag name was “Lumi Nova,” and the crowd cheered so loudly for her show that I swear, I felt the air shimmer with the joy and wonder in the audience!
As the evening unfolded, Lumi Nova explained the significance of “Drag Through the Ages.” She described a shift in attitude: how the past couple of decades have seen a tremendous growth in inclusivity, awareness, and understanding for the LGBTQ+ community. 2039 represented a time where everyone embraced drag’s powerful narrative. It was no longer seen as a niche entertainment; instead, it was becoming part of mainstream society - a way to celebrate self-expression and dismantle gender stereotypes. It felt almost surreal – like drag had evolved into this phenomenal platform for storytelling, for pushing boundaries, and for inspiring generations! I nearly forgot about my cuppa (what an epic tea party though!).
There were street performances by incredible Drag Kings from around the globe! One king even managed to balance a teapot on his head whilst executing an astounding set of tricks - and everyone, even the security personnel, were in stitches! They really put on a magnificent show – each performance a unique tapestry woven with individual narratives and talents.
A bit later, I witnessed the grand finale at a magnificent theater that looked like it was inspired by an ornate castle in the middle of London - I'm not even joking, imagine that! - where the “Drag Through the Ages” celebration reached its peak. It was absolutely dazzling, a full-on musical spectacle encompassing a whirlwind of legendary drag queens from every era imaginable.
Just imagine...a glamorous chorus line composed of fabulous drag queens, all sporting outfits that spanned different eras, from classic burlesque to modern-day high fashion – truly spectacular! One queen was rocking a glamorous velvet tutu like a showgirl of the 1920s. I swear, my time-traveling tutu might have taken a dip in the past when she twirled by - and then there was this magnificent queen with a fabulous futuristic helmet covered in LED lights, dancing like she was from a retro 1980s rave! It was incredible - a fusion of past and future with each performance a celebration of individuality and a joyful nod to the pioneers who paved the way for drag as we know it.
Oh! And if we're talking fabulous, did I tell you about the “Drag Star Academy” program?! Apparently, it's a global phenomenon! Imagine this: Drag schools, located all over the world, dedicated to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for anyone interested in exploring their drag alter ego! What a wonderful concept – it really shows how the community has evolved and is nurturing future generations of talented queens.
Then, Lumi Nova popped over to say goodbye, with a beaming smile, saying she had always admired my "commitment to pink," and suggested a drink after the festivities! Now, we were talking my kind of party! We sat and talked until the morning light cast its golden hue over the cityscape.
Lumi Nova, in the real world, wasn't a drag queen at all. She was actually a talented AI developer with a passion for bringing inclusive, interactive performances to the masses. “My passion is for everyone to find a way to express themselves without feeling confined, “ she told me, “it's a beautiful thing to witness, this merging of technology and self-expression, because in the end, what truly matters is celebrating everyone’s uniqueness and the right to exist authentically.”
Honestly, these words stayed with me like the shimmer of glitter on a pink tutu. She said something else that hit home, about the world being a brighter place because of drag's message of embracing self-acceptance and diversity. As if on cue, she pulled a little pink tutu out of her bag and told me I inspired her to make a new pink one, it was perfect for her new robot, she wanted the robot to dance too! How fun! This felt like more than a cultural movement; it was a love story woven in threads of acceptance, individuality, and pure, unadulterated love!
As I bid Lumi Nova goodbye, a pink sunset spilled over the city - this experience really cemented a sense of hopeful purpose for me! 2039 - what a vibrant, inclusive era! A celebration of love, individuality, and self-expression!
It’s almost as if the world is finally realizing what we drag queens have always known – the power of glitter and fabulousness! I swear, when I got back to my Derbyshire studio, I was brimming with a kaleidoscope of colours – all thanks to that amazing pink tutu of mine! And for anyone out there questioning the magic of a pink tutu, take it from me - if you've got it, flaunt it, baby!
Time for a little dance party, darlings, because it’s time to spread that pink love everywhere!
XOXO, Emma
P.S For all you fabulous fashionistas, make sure you tune into your nearest television screen for "Drag Threads," a show featuring dazzling haute couture designs specifically made for drag. Trust me, you don't want to miss it. There are just too many glamorous styles to name! And look out for a special edition episode on 5th May, featuring an entire lineup of pink tutus inspired by my beloved garment, you don't want to miss that either! And remember, pink tutus for everyone, it’s not a fad, it’s a way of life!
This journey, of course, required a whole new wardrobe, and the "Queen of Couture" boutique at the centre of "Drag Threads" fashion district provided it, a glamorous shopping extravaganza fit for the ultimate queen (you know who I'm talking about).
I couldn’t resist browsing the latest drag fashion, and what I saw was out of this world! The shop windows shimmered with futuristic designs and dazzling, otherworldly fabrics - shimmering fabrics made with bioluminescent pigments. The air inside practically buzzed with anticipation for the new collections! You can imagine my surprise when I came across a shimmering iridescent pink, a new invention they’re calling ‘Future Pink,’ it looked like starlight captured within a web of glistening threads. Of course, I had to snag it. Just a touch of future fashion!
What do you think, darling? Do you need to catch up on your drag history? Let’s see if you're caught up on your latest fashion knowledge.
P.P.S There’s more, dear darlings, this is going to blow your minds - they even created "Drag Fashion" classes in 2039, taught by top drag fashion designers, to help individuals craft their own magnificent looks - from makeup artistry to drag performance, fashion design, and even how to use your fabulous pink tutu with panache. I swear, this year had more pink tutus in use than you can imagine.
Don’t forget to stay fabulous! Stay tuned for my next time-traveling escapade next month. Until then, may your life be as dazzling as a freshly-painted pink tutu.