National Go Topless Day

Written by Tara Tainton

Friday, 21 August 2009 09:26

In honor of Women's Equality Day, August 23rd marks the second annual National Go Topless Day on which women around the US will be refusing to cover up their beautiful breasts to protest the hypocrisy and gender inequality still rampant today. Why is it determined "okay" or "natural" for men to bare their naked chests publicly while the sight of a topless woman is marked "illegal" and "criminal"?

That's right. It makes absolutely no sense, is completely sexist, and it's time for us all to go topless!!

In 1920, after battling for 72 years, the US Congress granted women the right to vote. In honor of that same struggle and success and as an all important reminder, Congress declared August 26th Women's Equality Day in 1970. The US organization Go Topless reminds us that we are still fighting for true equality of the sexes today. Thus, National Go Topless Day was born.

The organization points out, "women who dare to be topless in public in the US are repeatedly being arrested, fined, humiliated, criminalized" and officially claims, ""as long as men can be topless, constitutionally women should have the same right, or men should also be forced to wear something hiding their chest."

Annual Go Topless Day also serves to help women "perceive their breasts as noble, natural parts of their anatomy (whether they are nursing or not). Breasts shouldn't have to be 'modestly' or shamefully hidden from public view any more than arms, legs or feet." The organization is also committed to "to helping men differentiate between nudity and sexuality" reasoning that "if the presence of a topless woman in public triggers a sexual impulse, it can easily be controlled in the same way men control themselves when they see a woman wearing a mini skirt or revealing ample cleavage. Men manage to appreciate these things while still showing respect! Choosing consciousness above hormones leads to a peaceful, respectful society providing additional freedom and beauty."

Men and women alike are encouraged to show their support for the cause this Sunday, August 23rd. Check the site for a listing of major cities participating with public rallies and peaceful protest events around the country this weekend.

Unfortunately, there isn't an event planned for Las Vegas. Let's work on making that happen for next year!