Hey there, darlings! Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire drag queen, reporting live from...well, I canāt tell you exactly where! š¤« It's a little secret, you see. This month's journey has been particularly spectacular thanks to my magic pink tutu! (Ooh, isnāt that clever? Iām sure I invented that saying! š)
As you all know, I'm obsessed with drag history, and this month, my time travel adventures whisked me all the way to May 2046! Yes, my lovelies, a whole 25 years in the future! Itās a time of dazzling possibilities and fabulousness. My mindās been blown! š¤©
A Universe of Drag
This month, it felt like the universe was shouting āPINK TUTU!ā at me, and it was definitely all about exploring the evolution of drag around the world. From bustling London streets to the dazzling neon-lit clubs of Tokyo, there's so much diversity, so much talent, and most importantly, so much love for this art form.
One of the first stops was a vibrant drag performance on Londonās Southbank. A huge stage adorned with sparkling pink, of course (you know my weakness, darling!), welcomed an incredible line-up of queens from every walk of life. This wasnāt just about show-stopping lip-syncing, though, my darlings, this was drag as a form of storytelling, protest, and pure joy. There was a young, punk-inspired queen in a deconstructed tutu (slightly sacrilegious but oh so creative!), a breathtakingly glamorous queen with feathers and sequins who stole the show with her performance of a contemporary opera (the costumes were something else!), and a stunning drag king with a booming baritone who moved the crowd with their own tale of finding their voice.
What I loved the most about this particular show was the inclusivity. The audience was a mix of ages and identities, and it was clear that drag was a form of expression for everyone, regardless of who they are or what they believe in. We need more of this, my dears!
Tutus Take Tokyo
Next, my time-travelling tutu brought me to Tokyo. Now, Tokyo, my dears, is vibrant and fashionable. Iām sure I could easily have gotten lost for a whole week in their fabulous clothes shops. Thereās a style of drag thatās quite distinct here. Think anime, high-fashion and avant-garde. My darlings, they adore pink tutus here.
One show I saw had a futuristic theme with drag queens that looked like they'd walked straight out of a Japanese manga. Laser beams, floating holographic projectionsā¦it was simply unbelievable! Even the makeup, inspired by the neon lights of the city, was beyond anything I'd ever seen! š¤© It was like watching the future of drag come to life.
Of course, I canāt go to Tokyo without a little bit of shopping, can I? This time, my shopping bag came back bursting with dazzling silks, delicate embroidery and oh, so much glitter! Letās just say, I have a new wardrobe, darling. A very pink one, I might add. š
Drag Queens on the Big Screen
But my adventure wasnāt just about seeing shows, my dears. It was about understanding how drag was woven into the fabric of this futuristic society. In Tokyo, I stumbled upon an interactive installation called "The Evolution of Drag." It took the form of a sprawling, holographic timeline tracing the development of drag from its origins to its contemporary iterations, including film and TV. They had all the iconic queens, from the legendary pioneers of the past to the current stars gracing the worldās biggest drag competition shows. It was awe-inspiring to see the journey of drag, and it made me realise that this is truly an art form that has the power to unite the world.
Speaking of films, my dears, drag is dominating the big screen. Hollywood has taken drag to a whole new level of acceptance and popularity. The recent box office hits showcased a diverse range of talent, featuring an incredible range of styles and identities, from charming cabaret singers to electrifying lip-sync assassins. Weāre truly in a golden age of drag films, with powerful storylines that tackle themes of LGBTQ+ identity, resilience and, of course, glitter! āØ
My Favourite Part?
But you know what I loved the most, my darlings? The joy of it all! This was drag for the people, with drag queens spreading their message of self-expression, individuality, and love across the world. You know what, it actually feels a bit like a utopia, and thereās just something so lovely about that!
So, as I slip back into my magical pink tutu and bid farewell to this future brimming with so much joy and excitement, I encourage you all to remember the importance of this powerful art form. It doesn't matter where you come from or who you are. Drag is for everyone.
If you've ever dreamed of joining the world of drag, whether you want to try a look, strut down the street with a bit of sass or conquer the stage, then go for it! As always, darlings, never be afraid to embrace your inner queen and show the world your fabulous true self.
Now, where should my pink tutu take me next? Hmm, a bit of thinking to doā¦ Iāll let you know in next month's post. š
See you next time!
**Love,
Emma x**
