![]() ![]() The tables soon turned on Wilde, and evidence was brought forth of his “gross indecency” – or homosexuality – something the writer had at turns been trying to hide, for obvious societal and legal reasons, and also attempting to garner more public acceptance and respect for. Wilde had tried to sue Sir John Sholto Douglas, father of his lover, Alfred Lord Douglas (or Bosie), for libel after a series of homophobic insults, culminating in a note left at Wilde’s club the Albemarle reading “For Oscar Wilde, posing somdomite .” To cut a long and heartbreaking story short, in 1895 – just a few months after the debut performance of his masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest – Wilde was sent to prison convicted of “gross indecency”. Oscar Wilde lived from 1854-1900, when homosexuality was illegal in Britain.The story of Oscar Wilde is a brilliant, tragic and complicated one a tale that, despite many efforts, can’t easily be transformed into simple fridge magnet epithets stating that “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” Aside from being eminently quotable, Wilde’s legacy is vital in both the literary sphere and in terms of his impact on gay rights and culture. For a year after that was done to me I wept every day at the same hour and for the same space of time.” ![]() For half an hour I stood there in the grey November rain surrounded by a jeering mob. ![]() “As soon as they had been informed they laughed still more. That was, of course, before they knew who I was. Each train as it came swelled the audience. Of all possible objects I was the most grotesque. “I had been taken out of the hospital ward without a moment’s notice being given me. He said: “On the NovemI was brought down here from London.įrom two o’clock till half-two on that day I had to stand on the centre platform of Clapham Junction in convict dress, and handcuffed, for the world to look at. ![]() The letter describes the deep trauma he felt after the Clapham abuse. He wrote it for Lord Alfred Douglas – or ‘Bosie’ – who he began an affair with in 1891. Oscar Wilde wrote De Profundis during his time in Reading jail. Oscar Wilde’s talent, wit and courage has inspired so many, including myself, and it’s wonderful to see the community coming together like this.” Rainbow Plaque unveiled ‘For A year after I wept every day’ He said: “Schemes like the Rainbow Plaque are so important in reclaiming LGBTQ+ history, and it’s wonderful to be a part of this. He also read extract from Wilde’s letter De Profundis. Mr Tovey was honoured to unveil the plaque alongside Wandsworth Mayor Leslie McDonnell. Patron of Studio Voltaire, Russell Tovey, used to live in Old Street, Islington, and enjoys walking his dog Rocky along the South Bank. Studio Voltaire launched crowdfunding at the exhibition The Oscar Wilde Temple, honouring Wilde as a pioneer of gay liberation. The film tracks the final years of Wilde’s life. Wandsworth LGBTQ+ thought of the plaque in a screening of Rupert Everett’s The Happy Prince at its monthly queer film club Out at Clapham. Wandsworth LGBTQ+ campaign for queer equality and hosts support groups and film clubs for the LGBTQ+ community. I would be so saddened to see another Jody situation for real changes to be made.” Rainbow Plaque at Clapham Rail StationĬhairman of the Wandsworth LGBTQ+ Forum, David Robson, said: “We thought have a plaque to commemorate the bad as well as good is a way to stop things from being erased out of history. The unveiling comes after a same-sex couple were attacked on a bus in May this year. He was tragically beaten to death by two men in 2005. Jody Dobrowski was more recently attacked at Clapham Common. The plaque can be found on platform 10 – just across from trains that travel to Brighton. ![]()
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