The law in New York says that women have the same right as men do to go bare-chested in public places. Not some women — all women. Accordingly, we invite all women to join us at our events, regardless of race, shape, size, sexuality, religion, or any other attribute. If you’re female, we welcome you. And you have the same rights as any male.
Unfortunately, not all women feel as though this is the case. While males of every description stride easily around Sheep Meadow with a confidence born of never having questioned their body’s suitability for public display (privilege, anyone?), women hide and agonize and wish the world were different — or don’t even think to wish that, since women have been taught from childhood that their bodies must be covered. To this we say: no. And the law says no, too.
This is why we hold our events, and why we invite everyone who might want to take part to do so.
And when we meet, those in attendance for the first time discover, as we’ve discovered over and over over the years, that being bare-chested is no sin, no offense, and nothing scandalous. This is what liberation is all about.
After the event you see here, we asked the first-timers who took part if they wanted to share any thoughts about what the experience was like. Here are some examples of what they said:
The event was amazing. To me going topless outside in a public place felt wonderful. I’ve never felt more at peace with myself. It was so relaxing to be in a judgment-free zone where everyone can be comfortable with their bodies and not feel ashamed….I love the fact that it’s legal for a female to walk around topless just like men. It sucks that not as many girls are aware that it is legal and most girls are “embarrassed” about their bodies. Overall girls should be able to do the same things boys do, like being topless without caring what people think/say.
It was my first time going completely shirtless today and at first i was really nervous but i wanted to do this because girls should have the right to. So many people making a big deal about it. It seems like the norm is to sexualize everything that’s natural. I would love to do this again because it made me feel confident.
It was definitely a fun and new experience for me! Overall I was surprised by how normal it all felt. I just hung out with my friends in the park like I always do and I enjoyed the freedom of it. I do think it’s important for women to know their rights on this issue especially considering how hot and humid it can get in New York, and how ultimately it is really not a big deal.
I was so pleasantly surprised at how natural it felt to be in a park, topless. Being surrounded by so many other beautiful smiling women helped ease the initial shock of showing up alone to a topless picnic in the park. I’ve gone topless on beaches in parts of Europe, but never in the United States so it felt good to apply the NY law to reality and take my top off! I very much look forward to doing it again!
The girls were very sweet and I really liked the event. Although girls in general can be very competitive and judgmental, these women were very accepting towards each other’s different body types and were able to have great conversations regardless of them meeting a few hours ago! Everyone was so comfortable and open amongst each other. They were topless for non-sexual reasons which made it empowering and I think more women should try it.
I was initially really nervous about this event. I wasn’t sure how comfortable I’d feel being topless or if the experience would be awkward or not. When I arrived, however, I felt welcomed by the group and soon I didn’t feel awkward at all. Everyone was very kind and the good conversation quickly took my mind off of the fact that I was topless. By the end of the first half hour, I felt quite comfortable and I was no longer self conscious. I honestly believe that every woman should experience being topless at least once, to dispel any concern or apprehension about it. This event marked my first time going topless, but I very well may do it again in the future.
Listen to what they’re saying: It felt natural, normal, non-judgmental. It made me feel confident. How can anyone hear these women’s voices and not recognize that this is an unambiguously good thing, a healthy thing, a healing thing?
In our opinion, every woman would benefit from a topless trip to Central Park. We hope every woman who’s curious about what it would be like to experience this freedom gives herself permission to try it.
And if you need help taking the leap for the first time, we’re here for you. Just email us at toplesspulpfiction@gmail.com. You’ll be out in nature in no time — and you’ll wonder what took you so long.
Starting to look like a Movement. This is good for everyone. Free the female chest!
Luv, luv, luv you ladies and luv the fact that you are spreading the word to different ethnicities. Keep spreading the word.
Felicitaciones a las mujeres valientes que se atreven a desnudar su pecho sin problemas. Tambien las quiero invitar a que celeblen hoy el dia mundial del orgasmo femenino. Feliz dia y un abrazo enorme para todas.
[Translation courtesy of Google:
Congratulations to brave women who dare to strip your chest without problems. I also want to invite you to celebrate today the world day of female orgasm. Happy day and a huge hug for all.]
Why only high school seniors and college freshmen? It’s legal for underage teenage boys to go without shirts in public, so shouldn’t it be the same for underage teenage girls?
Not “only” high school seniors and college freshmen, those were just examples.
One of your best posts. I liked the diversity and knowing you can do this at any age, any public place. 95% of the country don’t know you can do this in N.Y.
I’m happy to see an UN representation! Stir the group and repeat!!!
To be clear, this does include the whole state of New York, correct? Has there ever been any newspapers writing about your activities?
Yes and yes. The New York Times ran a video article about us, you can find it if you search. We’ve also been written about by a number of other newspapers, magazines, and websites.
OCTPFAS educating America
Please, never desist, this world needs people like you and those you enlighten.
I know that it takes time, effort and some courage, but it would be nice if every single lady who comes to meet you would go back to their neighborhoods and continue the practice. That’s the only way the knowledge of the law gets passed down to others. I think it would be fantastic if similar groups start appearing in local parks, public venues and anywhere it is permitted. A female friend of mine just returned from NYC, she couldn’t find anyone who knew it was ok to be topless in New York!
I guess there’s a lot of education still to be imparted.
On another topic. Do you ladies do anything associated with the Topless New York project?
That’s interesting. We recently did an experiment in Central Park where we asked random passers-by if they knew that it’s legal for women to be topless in New York, and most of them did know. So I guess it depends who you ask. There’s always more education to be done, but a LOT more people know it now than did when we first started the group seven summers ago.
And no, we have nothing to do with the man who does the “Topless New York” project. There’s room for all sorts of different approaches to this thing we do, and we wish him well. But his approach of asking for money constantly and selling the photographs he takes of topless women feels a little distasteful to us.
Do I spot the lead from your production of Shakespeare in the crowd? How fun that you form bonds in nearly every expedition you take!