FOXSTRUT - The inaugural event took place in Bournemouth on Friday 8th December 2023
Women & members of the LGBTQ+ community met at Horseshoe Common, wearing orange and fox themed accessories. Almost 100 people joined the community walk (to fabulous music) of about 30-45 minutes, in celebration of both urban foxes and the visibility of women in society after dark.
The aim was to come together, be seen and have fun! The walk was organised quickly and with short notice and yet it was totally embraced by the community and well attended with some amazing costumes on display. There were several generations, allies and a variety of people and a real sense of JOY. The event has already been re-booked for Bournemouth 29th November 2024 and new Foxstruts: London - 22nd November 2024, Poole 6th December, Birmingham 16th November. Updates can be found on Instagram: @foxstrutuk and a dedicated website is being built. The photography series 'Urban Fox' is still being created and will hopefully be exhibited in 2024.
Thank you to everyone who came. Thanks also to Dorset Women, Gary Jensen (videographer) and to media including BBC Radio Solent, Bournemouth Daily Echo, Heart FM, BBC Sounds, Greatest Hits Radio, Dorset Live and Dorset View for covering the event.
'"I used to go on 'Reclaim the night" marches in the late 70s and 80s. It is shocking that here in 2023 the majority of women are still made to feel uncomfortable being out after dusk. This was a happy care-free 'fox' strut along parts of Bournemouth I would never go near. I would never walk past a street of bars and clubs nor go anywhere near an underpass, but together with such a large group of wonderful people it was quite liberating!" Well done Jayne and Lorna – I had such a great time.' Jane, Foxstrutter
A group of crafty women created a host of fabulous fox outfits to parade through the dark streets of Bournemouth in a cunning protest of violence against women after dark. As a skulk of foxes, our group felt empowered to brave the streets… hoping that in the future our daughters will feel as safe on their own and our sons will be looking out for them and not threatening them. So wonderful to be part of something so liberating and to demand safe streets for foxcubs, vixens, tods and silver foxes alike.' Jessica, Foxstrutter
To arrange or find a Foxstrut where you live please contact: Jayne Jackson jaynejacksonphotography@gmail.com
Bournemouth, in Dorset, has the highest concentration of Urban Foxes in the UK. These nocturnal creatures effortlessly navigate our urban landscapes, establishing their presence in the night-time realm of our town and city streets. However, the veil of darkness often casts a shadow of unease upon women and LGBTQ+ people, making them feel vulnerable and apprehensive during nocturnal hours. Fuelled by societal norms and personal experiences, women are unfairly scrutinized if they encounter violence or harassment, with blame often misplaced on their activities, clothing, or mere presence on the streets.
To mark the World Health Organization’s global 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence, photographer Jayne Jackson and artist Lorna Rees have created a powerful series of portraits of Dorset women defiantly inhabiting public space in the dark. The work, crafted in collaboration with diverse women, sheds light on a spectrum of lived experiences, showcasing their bold reclamation of the night. Culminating in a ground-breaking event, the project will feature an inaugural 'Fox Strut' through the streets of Bournemouth town on Friday, December 8th. Commencing at 6:30pm from Horseshoe Common, this vibrant procession, where participants proudly don orange costume and clothing, as part of both a visual celebration of the urban fox and a collective stand against gender-based violence.
https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/unite/16-days-of-activism
*FOXSTRUT will be launching across the UK in 2024. If you are interested in taking part or running a walk - get in touch CONTACT
