Hiya darlings! It's your favourite Derbyshire drag queen, Emma, back for another fabulous time travel adventure. This month, my magical pink tutu took me all the way to June of the year 2059, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of excitement, sparkle and… wait for it… vegan glitter! Yes, my dears, the future of drag is decidedly eco-conscious. 😉
You know how I always say the best way to truly appreciate drag is to experience it across different times? Well, this journey solidified that more than ever. The drag scene in 2059 is something else, my lovelies!
First off, it was amazing to see how drag is so widely accepted and celebrated! Like, not just "accepted", I'm talking about a whole global movement dedicated to spreading the joy of drag! From massive online platforms dedicated to queer art, to the countless community theatre groups around the world, to, of course, the fabulous televised drag competition that now includes virtual contestants from every corner of the globe! I can't tell you how excited I am to finally get a real taste of that kind of global visibility for our fabulous art form.
Now, imagine, if you will, a vibrant street scene buzzing with activity. Drag performers are mingling amongst the crowds, serving looks on the side of a bustling shopping street filled with innovative vegan fashion brands and holographic displays. Then, a sudden explosion of music, a giant shimmering screen lights up on the side of a building, and – bam! – we’ve got a drag queen projected onto it, leading a massive flash mob in a dynamic, technologically-advanced routine that involves drones, light projections and even some interactive audience participation. That, my darlings, is the kind of cutting-edge stuff I was greeted with! Can you imagine? It felt like being on the set of a sci-fi movie, but with more glitter, better hair and even more fabulous outfits!
But it wasn't all futuristic tech and giant screen extravaganzas, no no, the real magic in 2059 was how grounded and community-based drag had become. I had the chance to attend a drag event at a community centre in what felt like an upcycled abandoned warehouse – you know, the kind that in my time is either crumbling or becoming the latest hip hang-out. Here, drag performers weren’t just entertaining the crowd but they were helping organise a drive to provide clothing for marginalized groups in the area! They weren’t just showcasing artistry, they were also creating a sense of belonging, which felt truly, truly empowering.
Of course, as a time traveler in a pink tutu, I always have a chance to make a little impact myself. In this particular instance, it was in the most unexpected way!
While at the warehouse event, I started talking to some lovely individuals who are actively involved in crafting costumes and props using sustainable materials – recycled textiles, you name it! These drag queens had even set up a local workshop dedicated to teaching the community how to create beautiful, eco-conscious drag looks. They were thrilled about the prospect of a pink tutu being made from sustainable materials, so I decided to put them to the test! It felt truly satisfying to see my vision come to life – imagine a shimmery, pink tutu created entirely from repurposed materials! You can bet your bottom dollar I’ll be posting about that collaboration later on my social media!
It goes without saying that during this trip I had to hit up the drag scene of the future. I must say, darling, the performers were a vision! From ethereal alien-themed drag to bio-punk transformations with holographic effects, it was simply stunning to behold.
Oh, and one of my absolute favourite drag looks was inspired by classic ballerina costumes – only imagine that! The makeup artist had meticulously painted a gorgeous silver holographic design to resemble shimmering ballet shoes! As soon as I saw it, I was filled with the same excitement I felt when I first discovered drag as a teenager. It was simply stunning, a truly original and unforgettable take on classic drag artistry.
Of course, my time travel shenanigans wouldn't be complete without a wee bit of fashion exploration. And in 2059, my darlings, shopping is truly a form of art. Imagine a giant, multi-sensory department store dedicated solely to showcasing sustainable, ethically produced fashion! There were rows and rows of colourful clothes made from biodegradable materials, holographic patterns that shimmered like stars and a multitude of intricate sustainable accessories.
What surprised me the most? The tutus! * Oh, they weren’t just for ballerinas, no, they were embraced as a symbol of self-expression in every style imaginable! From iridescent rainbow tutus to minimalist white tutus, each one brought out a unique sparkle. The possibilities, darlings, were *infinite!
Naturally, I couldn't resist adding a few fabulous pieces to my collection! And who knows, maybe they will be making an appearance in my next time travel adventures! Speaking of which, my pink tutu and I have got quite the exciting journey planned for July, so stay tuned for that.
Until next time, remember, darlings, the beauty of drag is truly about self-expression! So don’t be afraid to embrace your uniqueness and sparkle!
And as always, keep on rockin’ those pink tutus, you magnificent creatures!
Emma. xx
