In August 2011 — seven years ago — half a dozen of us decided that we were going to try doing this thing we knew was legal in New York, but that we’d never been brave enough to do: go topless in the park on a hot summer day.
For our first test of this freedom we supposedly had, we chose Sheep Meadow, the most glorious grassy lawn in Central Park, a stone’s throw from the legendary eatery Tavern on the Green. (That “green” they’re talking about? It’s Sheep Meadow.) We found our way through the fence and onto the grass, and after a timid moment or two, we unbuttoned, untied, unzipped — un-topped — and did it ever feel good! Not just the solar rays on our sun-deprived skin, but the feeling that we were really as free as the law said we were, that our rights really were equal, and our breasts as valid as any man’s chest. No one stopped us, criticized us, shamed us, ogled us. No one told us to put a shirt on or to go home; no one reminded us that there were children around (though there probably were, there always are). We simply were allowed to be.
Each year since then we’ve come back to Sheep Meadow at least once, and this summer was no exception, except that we left it almost to the very end. Once again half a dozen of us came out to enjoy the sun and the soft grass, the gentle breeze and the lack of judgment. Once again, no comments or stares came our way, just the kiss of the wind against our nipples, and at the very end, the tiniest scattering of raindrops to refresh us and (finally) chase us out of the park.
Two of our longest-time members were there for the event, along with one of our newest: a college student who made her mark instantly by bringing lemon sorbet, Pellegrino water, cups, and ice, for impromptu sorbet cocktails. (We’re keeping her.)
Reading material included a dystopian tale of a world in which women are a lot less free than we are — and which sadly, some days, feels only a few small steps away from coming true.
To take our mind off such dire futures we focused on the moment. Small physical joys. And it was blissful.
Would you like to join us? There’s still time! Monday is Labor Day, the traditional end to the summer season, and we’re marking it with a picnic in the park. If you’re a body-positive woman and in the city over the holiday weekend, why not see for yourself what freedom feels like? Email us at toplesspulpfiction@gmail.com. Before the winter comes (and before this insane government goes all Margaret Atwood on us). Come out to the park with us, and enjoy the taste of liberty. It’s cool and refreshing, we promise.
Luv you guys
‘Grats on your anniversary! I think I’ve been following you for all seven years, an’ it don’t seem a day too much… Here’s to the next seven, by which time let’s hope the parks and gardens of NYC will be full of women exercising their right to be topless.
Just want to press a big fat LIKE button on every new entry!
In that second to last picture, I think, of your newcomer of the lemon sorbet, is that a 35mm film camera that I see? Does someone else actually have one of those antiquities? Oh joy, rapture, I am not alone. :+)
It sure looks like one, doesn’t it? But no, it’s a digital camera done up to look like the old ones. I know, disappointing. But at least they cared enough to go for the resemblance…
Looks like a great day! Alas, too far away to join you, but keep working for body freedom and exercising your rights.
Interesting that I read this after taking part in Denver GoTopless Day last Sunday! Our movement is gaining momentum.