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NSFW Photos, Video: Women Bare Breasts For NYC Go Topless Day 2014
By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 25, 2014
Modified Aug 25, 2014
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By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 25, 2014
Modified Aug 25, 2014
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Yesterday was International Topless Day, and women in New York City gathered for a march in midtown Manhattan to celebrate their right to lose their shirts and ditch their bras.
GoTopless spokesperson Rachel Jessee said, "New York is the ideal location" for the topless parade, "Since 1992, it's been one of the few cities in the United States or the world where women's topless rights are already recognized by law." Indeed—as we all know, topless models are allowed to be painted in the middle of Times Square.
GoTopless's FAQ explains, "In our society, men and women are supposed to have equal rights. But women are commonly arrested, fined and humiliated for daring to go topless in public, a freedom men have had for decades... On August 26, 1920, following a 72-year struggle, the U.S. Constitution was amended to grant women the right to vote. And in 1970, as an ongoing reminder of women's equality, Congress declared August 26 Women's Equality Day. But even in the 21st century, women need to stand up and demand that equality in fact—not just in words."
One participant, Brooklyn resident Maggie Sawyer Bawrick, told the Post, "I developed my breasts in second grade, believe it or not, and I was really ashamed for a long time. It feels wonderful to have them out and free and feel comfortable and supported." The Post also found some men who were eager to show their support:
"love this!” Tom Parks, 27, told The Post. “This is great!”
“This is the best Sunday ever!” said Jose Ruiz, 34.
In past years, male gawkers have been pretty rude. Photographer Katie Sokoler told us in 2012, "People wouldn't even ask to take a picture of the women. They would just be surrounded by 50 dudes taking pictures of their boobs. And that's why although it's legal to be topless, it's not equal."
Speaking of breasts, even though breastfeeding is allowed everywhere in NY State, some places haven't gotten the memo and one cop even accused a breastfeeding mother of being a terrorist.
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breastfeeding
breasts
go topless
go topless day
NSFW
women's rights
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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