WORLD TOPLESS DAY

DE-sexualize and demystify women's chests

This year, rallies are planned in 54 cities around the world, including 
Los Angeles, 
San Francisco, 
New York, Chicago, 
Denver, 
Miami and Washington D.C. 
Go Topless spokeswoman Rachel Jessee said the principle of the protest is to promote “equal rights and respect for each other.” “The idea that women should cover up is shameful,” she told The Huffington Post. “We should not feel ashamed. We want to instill self love and a love for each other.” 

Sunday was the seventh annual International Go Topless Day and women around the world marched topless in support of women's rights.

The movement: states as its mission 'As long as men are allowed to be topless in public, women should have the same constitutional right. Or else, men should have to wear something to hide their chests.'

In one of 60 events planned around the world women gathered in Manhattan with placards and banners - and without their tops.

In some cities, like Washington, the female protesters will bare their breasts while males will wear bikini tops to show their support. In cities with more rigorous public decency laws, protesters will wear something called “The Tata Top,” a bikini top designed to resemble naked female breasts, complete with nipples. Jessee has participated in two other topless protests and said the reaction from spectators varies. “Lots of people are supportive,” she said. “Some people who are against it don’t stay around too long — except for the people with signs that say, ‘You’re going to hell.’” Jessee admits she’d like to attract more conventional-looking people to this year’s rallies. “We encourage people of all ages and sizes to join in,” she said. “Sometimes, it’s much more difficult to get people who aren’t fit to show themselves.”

The organization's goal is to de-sexualize and demystify women's chests.

'We hope that by participating in annual topless festivities, New York City women and women around the world will feel increasingly comfortable to go topless in public,' Jessee said.

 There is also another contingent she is concerned about: Guys who ironically support the cause as an excuse to see bare-breasted women. “I say to them: If you really are for this cause, bring your girlfriend, sister and mom to the rally, as well,” she said.