As a kid, I always wondered why certain persons were “allowed” to roam around shirtless all over the world—but only if they didn’t have breasts. It was confusing to understand why chests could be displayed out in the open like some sort of trophy, while breasts were to be locked away and hidden behind bras as if for generations they had committed crimes. However, eventually, I learned about patriarchy and all my whys got their unfortunate answers.
For persons with breasts, public nudity becomes synonymous with indecency, vulgarity, and sluttiness. Shame is thrown at them far more than at male-bodied individuals who freely leave the house shirtless when going for a run or sunbathing in a park. With these considerations in mind and with the hope of campaigning and celebrating gender equality, Go Topless Day originated in 2007. To celebrate this occasion, thousands of people gather and organize parades around the globe in efforts to recognize toplessness as a right of all genders. This spectacle piggybacks on the themes of further Women’s Equality Day—observed this year on the very same day of August 26th.
Out of the 50 states in the U.S., 33 allow persons with breasts the right to be topless in public. Only three states—Utah, Tennessee, and Indiana—have made it illegal, and the remaining states have more ambiguous laws. Regulations are more specified in some states than others, and there are exceptions: for instance, in New York, roaming around topless is legal although doing it for commercial purposes is against the law. With the complicated nature of these laws, it is highly advised to go through the laws regarding toplessness in of your own state to make sure you don’t run into trouble.
Wondering how to honor this day? Here are a few exciting ways!
Check to see if there are any topless parades or marches happening around that you can walk in with your family and friends. You can make up signs and posters with remarks such as “Free the Nipples” and “Topless Equality for All” to represent your stance.
If you’re not comfortable being topless in a big crowd, host a soiree at your own house. Invite your closest friends and dance the night away!
Not feeling like undressing your upper half? That’s okay! You can roam around in the city wearing fun nipple shirts or simply ditch the bras at home. You don’t have to actually show your breasts to take part in the gender equality celebrations.
Host a screening of the 2014 film, “Free the Nipple,” at your place.
Spend the day at a nude beach (if there are any near you) or attend a nude party where being topless is not only accepted but enthusiastically welcomed.
Until our culture stops selectively vilifying the gendered body parts of only some individuals, we need individuals to act on days like Go Topless Day—and every other day, too. So, whether you stay in today or venture out into the topless trenches, we hope that you’ll join us in the cause!
Written by Shreya Tomar.