Magic circle finally recognizes pioneering magician Sophie Lloyd
Sophie Lloyd, who disguised herself as a man in 1991 to join the magicians' association, is receiving official membership after 34 years. This serves as a symbolic recognition of her courage and determination.
Key information
- Sophie Lloyd disguised herself as a man to join the Magic Circle in 1991.
- She received official membership in this prestigious organisation after 34 years.
- The Magic Circle acknowledges her contribution to the fight for gender equality in the world of magic.
Sophie Lloyd, a well-known illusionist, disguised herself as a man in 1991 to join the Magic Circle, an elite association of magicians. At that time, women were not allowed to become members.
Lloyd, under the pseudonym Raymond Lloyd, managed to deceive the examiners and gain membership. When the truth emerged, the club expelled her.
As emphasised by the BBC, 34 years after this event, the Magic Circle decided to grant Sophie Lloyd official membership. This is a symbolic recognition of her courage and determination in the fight for gender equality in the magical world. The certificate award ceremony will be held in London.
Sophie Lloyd expressed that she was deeply moved, describing the recognition as a wonderful and unexpected gift. She noted the joy of receiving a certificate bearing her real name and shared her amazement at being welcomed back after so many years. Following her expulsion from the club, she went on to lead a travelling theatre company before eventually retiring early in Spain.
The decision by the Magic Circle has been positively received. Laura London, the first female chair of the association, emphasised that Lloyd is a role model for women in magic. "I felt it important that the Magic Circle should be able to recognise Sophie as the role model for women magicians, as well as show that we are now a completely open society," she said.
During the ceremony, Jenny Winstanley, a friend of Lloyd who helped her with the disguise, will also be honoured. "This is for Jenny, really," Lloyd recalls. "I just think Jenny would have loved it," she added.
A new era for the Magic Circle?
Although the Magic Circle is still male-dominated, this event could be a step towards greater openness and equality. Currently, only 5% of the members are women, but changes are on the horizon.
