Queering the Square

On Saturday 12th September 2009, Queer Historian, Headington resident and Oxford Brookes University student Ross Brooks (38) took part in sculptor Antony Gormley's One & Other project. For one hour, Ross stood on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, one of 2,400 plinthers who are a 'living monument' over a period of 100 days.

Ross took his place on the 4th Plinth at 11am. With posters, rainbow flags, coloured balloons and readings from Oscar Wilde, Ross used his hour on the Plinth to promote the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity Stonewall and community organisation Oxford Pride.

Ross said: "I wanted to use my time on the 4th Plinth to raise awareness of gay issues, national and local, particularly the horrendous levels of homophobic bullying that still goes on unchallenged in Britain's schools.

"Despite great advances, such as the Civil Partnership Act, gay people still get a raw deal in many areas of life. It really is important that LGBT people stay visible and vocal. This is what Oxford Pride is all about and what I wanted to do for my part in this amazing, unique project. I think people got the message!"

Equally colourful, a team of supporters in Trafalgar Square blew whistles, danced and posed for photographs. Oxford Pride Chair, Mazz Image, and 2009 “Queens of Soho” John Pierce and Sid Bemment (with Princess Lilly) were amongst those who came out in support of Ross and his hour of queering the Square.

Watch the video at www.oneandother.co.uk/participants/Ross_B

14/09/09

---