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Topless Takeover Hits Boston This Weekend

Ready for a topless takeover, Boston? You better be. This Saturday, local activists and gender equality enthusiasts are set to make a bold statement by going topless in the city….

Topless Takeover

Close up of a woman on the beach in topless holding the bikini bra with the blue water in the background

Ready for a topless takeover, Boston?

You better be.

This Saturday, local activists and gender equality enthusiasts are set to make a bold statement by going topless in the city.

They're rallying for the right to equal treatment under Massachusetts law, and they've got a lot to say—or rather, show.

The Topfreedom protest, a brainchild of Equalititty and GoTopless, is taking aim at the outdated Massachusetts laws that prohibit women from baring their chests in public—unless, of course, they're breastfeeding.

Because apparently, that's the only time a woman's chest is "acceptable" in public.

Why A Topless Takeover?

Katrina Brees, co-organizer for Equalititty, summed it up to Boston.com like this: "It's not about the top; it's about oppression."

The protest kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 17th, at Boston Common.

Participants will gather at The Embrace statue before strolling along parts of the Freedom Trail and heading to the Statehouse. They're hoping to catch the attention of state lawmakers (and probably the police) and give them a not-so-subtle nudge to stop oppressing women's bodies.

Rael, the founder of GoTopless.org and leader of the Raelian Movement, adds a twist: "If men can go topless, women should too. Or, let’s make men cover up those pecs!" Seems only fair, right?

All genders are invited to join in the bare-chested fun. Not ready to lose the shirt? No worries, clothed folks are welcome too. The event comes just ahead of Women’s Equality Day on August 26th, making the timing perfect for a statement like this.

Brees has had enough of bras, which she likens to harnesses. For some women, they’re not just uncomfortable—they’re downright painful, causing rashes and welts. “It’s really time for this,” she said to Boston.com.

This protest is part of a larger movement that’s been gaining steam since Nantucket residents successfully campaigned to allow toplessness on their beaches in 2022.

Only a handful of states and cities currently grant full topless equality, but Equalititty and GoTopless are on a mission to change that.

So, whether you're joining in or just watching from the sidelines, Saturday's protest is sure to be a sight to see.

1 Massachusetts Beach Makes Top 20 List of Best Nude Beaches in the World!

Is One of the Best Nude Beaches in the world in Massachusetts? Yes, we have one right here!

The Bare Necessities: The Rising Popularity of Nude Beaches

Hold on to your swimsuits! The world of sunbathing has taken a cheeky turn!

Yes, you heard it right—nude beaches are all the rage across the globe.  Yup, people are starting to embrace the philosophy of "less is more" when it comes to their beach attire.

In a surprising twist, even the most reserved nations have jumped on board the au naturel bandwagon. Who would have thought?

According to CBS News, "It's been a banner year for nudity around the globe."

And let's not forget Europe!

The continent has always had a special affinity for the au naturel lifestyle. From the classic beaches of France to the stunning coastlines of Greece, Europeans have been perfecting the art of sunbathing in their birthday suits for years.

It's as if they've mastered the art of combining haute couture and a complete lack thereof.

So, whether you're a daring trendsetter or just someone who doesn't like tan lines, it seems the world is opening up to the idea of nudist-friendly beaches.

Just remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, because nobody wants a sunburn in a sensitive area. Let's face it, the world is slowly realizing that sometimes, the best way to enjoy the beach is to let it all hang out, figuratively and literally.

Here are the top 20 Best Nude Beaches across the globe - and one is right here in Massachusetts!

Playa Naturista Chihuahua, Uruguay

Nida Nude Beach, Lithuania

Little Palm Beach, Waiheke, New Zealand

Nugal Beach, Croatia

Black's Beach, La Jolla, California

Lady Bay Beach, Sydney, Australia

Buhne 16, Sylt, Germany

Wreck Beach, Vancouver, Canada

Red Beach, Crete, Greece

Anse de Grande Saline, St. Barts

Platja des Cavallet, Ibiza, Spain

Little Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Cap d'Agde beach, France

Mpenjati Beach, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico

Metsoke Dragot, Israel

Praia Massarandupió, Bahia, Brazil

Spiaggia di Guvano, Vernazza, Italy

Haulover Beach Park, Miami, Florida

Moshup Beach, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

According to CNN:

"Moshup is a long curving strand that wraps around a headline crowned by the historic Gay Head Lighthouse (built in 1799). Located right below the ancient light, the clothing optional portion lies beneath rust-colored sandstone cliffs that were declared a National Natural Monument in 1966. Moshup is open free of charge to anyone who wants to take their clothes off, as opposed to Lucy Vincent, the island's private nude beach. "

Lauren Beckham Falcone is the co-host of Bob & LBF in the Morning. Formerly an award-winning reporter and columnist for the Boston Herald, she credits her current success as a pop culture commentator to watching too much TV as a kid and scouring the internet too much as an adult. LBF is a regular contributor to NECN and is an honorary board member at the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. Lauren lives in Canton with her husband Dave and her daughter Lucy. Lauren writes about trending topics, New England destinations, and seasonal DIY.