Topless Takeover Hits Boston This Weekend
Ready for a topless takeover, Boston?
You better be.
This Saturday, local activists and gender equality enthusiasts are set to make a bold statement by going topless in the city.
They’re rallying for the right to equal treatment under Massachusetts law, and they’ve got a lot to say—or rather, show.
The Topfreedom protest, a brainchild of Equalititty and GoTopless, is taking aim at the outdated Massachusetts laws that prohibit women from baring their chests in public—unless, of course, they’re breastfeeding.
Because apparently, that’s the only time a woman’s chest is “acceptable” in public.
Why A Topless Takeover?
Katrina Brees, co-organizer for Equalititty, summed it up to Boston.com like this: “It’s not about the top; it’s about oppression.”
The protest kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 17th, at Boston Common.
Participants will gather at The Embrace statue before strolling along parts of the Freedom Trail and heading to the Statehouse. They’re hoping to catch the attention of state lawmakers (and probably the police) and give them a not-so-subtle nudge to stop oppressing women’s bodies.
Rael, the founder of GoTopless.org and leader of the Raelian Movement, adds a twist: “If men can go topless, women should too. Or, let’s make men cover up those pecs!” Seems only fair, right?
All genders are invited to join in the bare-chested fun. Not ready to lose the shirt? No worries, clothed folks are welcome too. The event comes just ahead of Women’s Equality Day on August 26th, making the timing perfect for a statement like this.
Brees has had enough of bras, which she likens to harnesses. For some women, they’re not just uncomfortable—they’re downright painful, causing rashes and welts. “It’s really time for this,” she said to Boston.com.
This protest is part of a larger movement that’s been gaining steam since Nantucket residents successfully campaigned to allow toplessness on their beaches in 2022.
Only a handful of states and cities currently grant full topless equality, but Equalititty and GoTopless are on a mission to change that.
So, whether you’re joining in or just watching from the sidelines, Saturday’s protest is sure to be a sight to see.