Foxstrut Event Advocates for Safer Streets and Community Visibility

Dorset photographer and activist Jayne Jackson aims to convey a message of empowerment and presence through her Foxstrut event, stating, “We don’t have to stay at home in the dark and be frightened… we have a right to be here.” The event, scheduled for Friday evening in Bournemouth, will feature participants dressed as foxes advocating for enhanced street safety for women, girls, and the LGBTQ+ community. Ms. Jackson articulated that the initiative is centered on “getting out and just being seen [and] talking about it in a positive way.” This event was first organized by Ms. Jackson last year, where attendees wore fox costumes to symbolize the animals’ resilience and their ability to readily reclaim urban environments. She further indicated that this year’s iteration of the event is anticipated to be “bigger, brighter [and] bolder.” Ms. Jackson acknowledged that while such a campaign would not resolve the issue of street violence, “we can control our reaction.” She elaborated, stating, “We can get out there, we can occupy space,” and described the experience as “very empowering.” She also emphasized the importance of framing this as a community concern, rather than solely a women’s issue. “Yes, it disproportionately affects women and the LGBTQIA+ community, because there is an enhanced level of threat towards us,” she explained, adding, “But actually good men also really want to support us, and that’s the point.” Matt Clarkson, a local American football coach participating in the event, stated its purpose is to raise awareness about the issue and to assure those affected that he is “standing with them.” He further remarked, “We’re all sons or partners or husbands or we have mothers and sisters,” and stressed, “I think the importance of standing by women for men of all ages is critical.” The Foxstrut event is scheduled to commence at 18:00 GMT on Friday at Horseshoe Common in Bournemouth. Readers can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s approach to external linking is available.