Go Topless Day occurs in Vancouver on August 24 (warning: nudity)

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      Some women's rights activists feel it's discriminatory and sexist when they're told to cover their breasts.

      In response, this year's topless walk in Vancouver takes place on August 24 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. along Robson Street between Denman and Hornby streets.

      The GoTopless.org website says it's all about women's equality.

      That's why the walk occurs on the weekend closest to August 26, which is when American women won the right to vote.

      It's designed to send a political message that isn't often heard in the mainstream media.

      Canada's Topfree Equal Rights Association argues that equal rights should include the freedom to expose female breasts in public.

      "Women pay severely for North America's leering punishment of their breasts," the association states on its website. "Many find themselves the object of unwanted and unwarranted attention from men in positions of power over them. Many have debilitating body image problems, hating the breasts on their own, unique bodies. Many undergo hazardous cosmetic surgery to conform to some non-existent standard. To please others, many wear bras that confine and hurt and may be harmful. Many are afraid to breastfeed, especially with others present."

      More than a decade ago, a B.C. woman named Linda Meyer launched a successful court challenge against a ban on female toplessness in Maple Ridge.

      She was later told by the Vancouver Police Department that it wouldn't hassle women who go top-free within city limits.

      Meanwhile at this year's Vancouver Fringe Festival, a 52-year-old mother and performer, Tasha Daimant, will further the goal of reducing any stigma by presenting the Human Body Project Vulnerability Vigil.

      According to her website, Daimant "stands naked in public to share and create a space for vulnerability. She holds a large sign in a gesture of gentleness for those who are deeply affronted by public nudity."

      When she's done this in the past, she has invited people to join her—and often they take her up on the offer. The next one in Vancouver is scheduled for September 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Studio 1398 (1398 Cartwright Street on Granville Island).

      In addition to the vigil, Daimant will also present six shows of the Human Body Project at the Vancouver Fringe Festival. 

      Below, you can see a 2012 video of San Francisco Go Topless activists explaining why they've also taken up this issue.

      ** Warning: the video includes nudity.

      Comments

      18 Comments

      James Blatchford

      Aug 8, 2014 at 7:31pm

      Oh please..not more Linda Meyer.

      Maple Ridge Bylaws Department

      David

      Aug 8, 2014 at 10:18pm

      While I would not for a minute mind seeing equal rights for both genders to expose their chests, some of which I would enjoy seeing (that's why), I do remember one - and only one - convincing argument some years ago by an Ontario judge. Who was presiding over a case of a women exposing herself over this issue. The judge (a she!) said: the difference is, male breasts are not sexually explicit. Female breasts are. Case closed.

      PirateJohn

      Aug 9, 2014 at 8:58am

      Female breasts are only explicit if you make them so. Just stop making them so and they won't be. After all, ankles used to be considered explicit.

      Malcolm Boura

      Aug 9, 2014 at 10:22am

      This is not just about women's rights, it is also about children's rights. Prudery is child abuse and ideology is not an excuse.

      Natty

      Aug 9, 2014 at 12:46pm

      Until the day comes when boobies can be glanced at by all without lecherous or lewd behavior, mine will be safely tucked in my shirt, thank you. It's not a prude thing, it's a safety thing. It would be highly uncomfortable to be judged (even more so than the norm) based on a certain pair of body parts. Humans are definitely capable of change...it was only 100 years or so ago a Western woman displaying her ankles was considered loose. But we are not at a stage yet where breasts can be exposed without being a talking point.

      chest nudity

      Aug 9, 2014 at 1:55pm

      I have no desire to see sloppy male OR female chests, thanks.

      If you're out of shape or not well-formed of either gender, keep your shirt on if you're not at the beach or out in public. My eyes thank you.

      There's a time and place for everything.

      germs

      Aug 9, 2014 at 2:22pm

      Natty, be the change you want to see. Baring your breasts is the first step towards enlightenment.

      Equallity

      Aug 9, 2014 at 2:30pm

      What an idiotic area to focus energy on equality. The first placed we should start with equality between men and woman is in the courts. When it comes to the legal system having a vagina puts you at a major advantage when it comes to legal rights especially in the civil courts.

      That said the more tits in public the better IMO.

      Telegram Sam

      Aug 9, 2014 at 3:04pm

      Now watch all the perverted, insecure, middle-aged guys take photos.

      david

      Aug 9, 2014 at 8:47pm

      @Telegram, why does a guy have to be middle aged and insecure to take photos of breasts? Im not saying thats acceptable behavior, but a confident, twentysomething year old male might also wish to see a womans breasts. And if a woman is confident enough to bare them, she should accept being "admired" by the various crowdgoers. As perverted as that crowd may be.