Woke row erupts after 'men' dropped from Morris dancers group name in bid to be more inclusive
Brighton Morris said that the change would allow trans men and non-binary dancers to join them (group pictured is not Brighton Morris)
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A group of Morris dancers have dropped “men” from their title to be more inclusive, yet will still not admit women.
The group, previously known as “Brighton Morris Men”, will now be known as “Brighton Morris”.
Brighton Morris said that the change would allow trans men and non-binary dancers to join them.
The group, which was founded at the University of Sussex in 1967, voted on the change to be more inclusive in their “largely male-presenting space”.
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However, the dancers have not accounted for females who may want to join.
Critics have mocked the group for their rebranding effort.
A local from East Sussex asked: “Are women (with fake beards) allowed?”
Another joked: “It’s very important that skipping about with hankies is gender separated.”
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Someone else commented: “Is this really necessary? Surely in this day and age, there should be just one group for various gender identities.”
The group said: “Brighton Morris is always open to new dancers, regardless of their level of experience.
“The side welcomes those who feel they fit into a largely male-presenting space, whether cis male, trans men, non-binary or gender non-conforming.”
Brighton Morris dance at events across the UK and Europe.
Morris dancers take part in the Westminster Morris Men's annual Day of Dance in Trafalgar Square, London
PA
There is a separate Morris dancing group which is designed for women called Cuckoo’s Nest Morris.
Traditionally, Morris dancing was exclusively for men who would dance in villages and towns around the UK.
It has been part of the UK’s May Day celebrations since the 1500s when it became popular in Henry VIII’s court.
Over the years, it became less popular however a resurgence of traditional English folk music in the 50s and 60s gave way to a new generation of Morris dancers.