Hello darlings, Emma here! Itâs been another fabulous month, full of glitter, grace, and a generous dose of tulle! December always brings a special kind of sparkle, donât you think? I can practically feel the tinsel tingling on my skin and hear the echoes of holiday cheers from all those magical moments with my fabulous family at the [Insert Drag Show Venue]. Oh, and guess what? The cosmic powers of my pink tutu took me on another wild time-traveling adventure!
This month, we're celebrating a momentous occasion, darlings: December 2058! This year marked the year that Drag was officially recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage! Imagine! All that hard work, all the fabulousness, and finally - a glorious stamp of international recognition!
My pink tutu took me soaring to a time when the world embraced diversity, embraced artistry, and embraced the sheer joy of being fabulous. Now, imagine if I could teleport back to 2058! This time, instead of observing, I'd be bringing all my drag knowledge to help everyone out - just like that wise drag mom would say, "Always pay it forward, hunny."
I mean, how could I resist visiting such a spectacular year, a year overflowing with glitz and glam, and perhaps a little bit of holiday magic? Don't get me wrong, I'm always a fan of our historical drag heritage - remember our glorious adventures back in the 1920s with the legendary Josephine Baker, or the 1970s, when we marveled at the trailblazers like Divine and Marsha P. Johnson! This December however, we are dipping our pink-toed shoes into a time where Drag is literally celebrated on every continent - even in Antarctica, and yes, you guessed it, even there they had their own Drag Ball.
And guess what else? There's even a Drag Olympics, where contestants from across the globe go head-to-head in disciplines like âlip-syncing,â "wigs with flair," and "gown construction." Can you imagine the chaos and spectacle? I bet those âdragthletesâ are fabulous in their own right. But letâs be honest, who really needs a contest when you've got drag performances showcasing a tapestry of colours, cultures, and styles, all coming together on a magnificent stage! That's true inclusivity for you, lovelies.
Now, let me take you back to this magnificent 2058 and all the incredible drag I experiencedâŚ
A Drag Odyssey Across the Globe
First stop - Japan! Imagine a bustling metropolis that breathes and pulses with the spirit of the future, adorned with shimmering neon signs and sleek futuristic structures. Yet, the air hummed with the rhythm of a captivating cultural mix that somehow managed to blend the futuristic and traditional. Drag, like a chameleon, flawlessly adapted to this extraordinary environment, captivating hearts in innovative ways! From the elaborate cosplay Drag of Tokyo to the Kabuki-inspired Drag of Kyoto, Japan had a scene unlike anything I'd seen before, an electrifying tapestry of glamour and creativity.
Next stop - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! Where else would you find a place so vibrant and energetic than in the land of samba and sunshine? Rio is a feast for the senses â think cascading waterfalls, lush forests, pulsating rhythms, and captivating sights - and drag performers know how to spice things up even more! Here, they embrace their unique blend of Carnival artistry and playful sexuality, putting a touch of theatricality into everything. Iâm talking glitter-dusted sambas and extravagant feathered costumes that dance alongside the rhythm of Brazil. It was like stepping into a living carnival â a feast for my eyes and ears!
Onward to London, England, the very heart of my dear old homeland! Now, whatâs London without a little fabulous drag, right? Drag culture here has reached new heights, even more spectacular than I could ever imagine! In London, they take "larger-than-life" to a whole new level. There were Drag Balls and performance halls packed to the brim with stunning creatures and fierce talent. The queen of the show? Well, she was crowned as Queen of Hearts. (Think of a modern-day Marilyn Monroe meets an ethereal Alice in Wonderland)
And of course, no journey through drag history is complete without a pitstop at the iconic Las Vegas, Nevada! It's a wonderland of sparkling lights and extravagant costumes - like something straight out of a musical dream. This is a city that breathes drag, and it truly embraces its glittery legacy! Every stage pulsates with an electrifying energy, and the show-stopping production numbers made my jaw drop in awe! You can practically feel the history of drag pulsing through its neon lights! Just donât get me started on those incredible costumesâŚ
The show went on, from the energetic Drag scenes of Australia, where queens incorporated the land's history, culture and fauna, to the dazzling fashion Drag of Paris, where I witnessed cutting-edge, avant-garde designs that literally took the stage! Each destination had a unique flavor, a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of history, fashion, and individuality - each story brimming with talent and a passion for artistic expression.
The Ultimate Drag Message
This journey across the globe in 2058 taught me something very precious: that no matter where you are in the world, drag is a language we all speak! Itâs a celebration of diversity, expression, and the magic of self-acceptance, and a wonderful way to connect with fellow creatives! No matter what color your skin, or what culture you hail from, if you can own it with pride, wear your heart on your sleeve (or on your sequin dress!) Then you are already a part of this magical world, this global community that loves to celebrate, play and embrace everything fabulous!
You can't tell me drag queens aren't a beacon of hope, reminding us all that itâs okay to be ourselves! Letâs be real - every single one of us has the power to express ourselves, to sparkle and shine - we donât need a fancy tutu, but it helps! This December, I celebrate the global success of Drag. I also remind all you lovely readers: Be bold, be fabulous, be authentically YOU! Because you are art!
*Remember to keep that inner queen shining, darlings, and let your love for drag burn bright! Stay tuned next month for a magical exploration into more dazzling chapters of #DragQueenHistory. Youâll need a strong pink tutu for this one⌠You wonât want to miss it! And remember: if youâre not already wearing a pink tutu, well, itâs time you get on with it, darling! Keep on strutting your stuff, and have a fabulous month. Youâre brilliant, you are beautiful and you are unique! Go on - let your sparkle shine, honey. You are fierce, you are glamorous and you are everything! *
Love & Sparkle, Emma
