On Friday 5th July, Pompey Poetry Party will dedicate their Open Mic event at Six Highland Road to identity, inclusion and freedom. The group joins in unity to celebrate the diverse and unique voices of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you’re an ally, hoping to learn from new perspectives or fall somewhere under the queer umbrella, the group hopes you find something here which resonates with you.
Cecily Holland
Pompey Poetry Party compere Cecily Holland is a well-loved figure in Southsea. Best known for championing undocumented LGBTQ+ History, she speaks loudly with flair and passion about her experiences at the grassroots of the gay rights movement. Ahead of Portsmouth Pride on 6th July 2024, Cecily talks to Southsea Folk about her new poem ‘Branded’ and how her experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community has influenced her writing.
“Growing up in Manchester in the mid 1970s as a working-class lesbian when queer bashing was rife wasn’t always easy,” Cecily explains. “Where I was from on a council estate, you couldn’t even say the word gay, let alone be gay. You’d get the s**t beaten out of you to be frank. The odds were stacked against lesbians, as a woman coming out not only had to face homophobia but also sexism. “
Moving Away
Cecily moved to Lancaster aged twenty during the early days of gay liberation to escape the prejudice of her hometown. Even there, to be young and openly “out” was very much an act of defiance in the face of rampant cultural homophobia. The early 1970s played a crucial role in creating a voice for lesbians within the women’s liberation movement, marking a period of change, activism and activity.
Cecily took part in the very first lesbian strength march in 1981, describing it as one of the most terrifying yet powerful things she has ever done. Since then, Cecily has devoted her life to trailblazing the way for LGBTQ+ rights and uses her writing to discuss the experiences of the lesbian community. Now a four-year resident of Portsmouth, Cecily hosts Open Mic Nights for Pompey Poetry Party and performs at venues across the city. Her poetry often dissects the complexity of the stark power relations that involve gender and sexuality, noting that identity is an imperative part of her work.
New Poem
Cecily’s new poem ‘Branded’ addresses the alarming rise of sexual violence towards girls and women and society’s casual response to tackle the issue. She was particularly appalled by reports that teachers were failing to protect girls as young as four who had their skirts constantly lifted by boys at school. When parents complained to the school, they told the girls to wear shorts. “These are not isolated incidences,” says Cecily. “They are happening the length and breadth of the country. Since 2016-2017 the number of rapes reported has increased by 68 percent. In 2021-2022 only 3 percent of these were prosecuted with a conviction rate of 2 percent. The number of unreported rapes doesn’t bear thinking about!”
Cecily will be performing ‘Branded’ at Pompey Poetry Party’s next event. “Branded is a direct plea to men for them to shake off the shackles of the deeply engrained misogyny that they were born into and stand up, shoulder to shoulder with other men. To once and for all end violence against women and girls.”
Looking Forward
Cecily remains optimistic for the future if the world can embrace change, build and dream. She draws strength from the power of the local artistic community. “My hopes for the creative future of Portsmouth are for it to keep on keeping on, with as many shining stars adorning our vibrant city bringing an array of talent to suit all palettes.”
Pompey Poetry Party takes place on Friday 5th July at Six Highland Road 7.30-10.30pm featuring headline performers Eileen Phyall, Holly K and Amy Rose Benham. The group will also be part of the annual Portsmouth Pride Parade. See Facebook or Instagram for more details.
