discretion is advised. Women all around the
world will be getting something off their chest on
Sunday: Mainly their tops.
Aug. 24 marks Go Topless Day, a 24-hour period
where women (and men) are encouraged to bare
their upper bodies in order to protest hypocritical
laws that force women to cover their breasts
while allowing men to walk around with no
shirts..
This year marks the seventh anniversary of the
pro-breast protest, organized by a group of UFO
believers called the Raelians.
Members believe that humans were created by
advanced extraterrestrial scientists known as the
“Elohim,” and that not allowing women to go
topless is an insult to the aliens’ artistry.
This year, rallies are planned in 54 cities around
the world, including Los Angeles, San Francisco,
New York, Chicago, Denver, Miami and
Washington, D.C.
Go Topless spokeswoman Rachel Jessee said
the principle of the protest is to promote “equal
rights and respect for each other.”
“The idea that women should cover up is
shameful,” she told The Huffington Post. “We
should not feel ashamed. We want to instill self
love and a love for each other.”
In some cities, like Washington, the female
protesters will bare their breasts while males will
wear bikini tops to show their support.
In cities with more rigorous public decency laws,
protesters will wear something called “The Tata
Top,” a bikini top designed to resemble naked
female breasts, complete with nipples.
Jessee has participated in two other topless
protests and said the reaction from spectators
varies.
“Lots of people are supportive,” she said. “Some
people who are against it don’t stay around too
long — except for the people with signs that say,
‘You’re going to hell.’”
As the photo below amply demonstrates, many
of the female participants are attractive. Jessee
admits she’d like to attract more conventional-
looking people to this year’s rallies.
“We encourage people of all ages and sizes to
join in,” she said. “Sometimes, it’s much more
difficult to get people who aren’t fit to show
themselves.”
There is also another contingent she is
concerned about: Guys who ironically support
the cause as an excuse to see bare-breasted
women.
“I say to them: If you really are for this cause,
bring your girlfriend, sister and mom to the rally,
as well,” she said.
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