Working to end ‘ nipple stigma’

Organizers expect about 80 women and men to go topless at an event in Saskatoon in an effort to highlight inequality.

The Aug. 23 event, which will coincide with others in Vancouver and Montreal, aims to “reduce the nipple stigma” while working to increase “body positivity for young women,” according to its Facebook page.

Kendelle Marr, who plans to participate, said the demonstration is a chance for people to speak out against a mindset she feels is stuck in the past.

“I believe women’s bodies are not something to be ashamed of or sexualized,” Marr said. “Everyone has nipples, men and women alike, and I don’t agree that we need to cover ours.”

She compared the issue surrounding toplessness with a time when women had to wear long skirts to conceal their ankles as a way to prevent men from being worked into a “sexual frenzy.”

“It’s also about standing up against the idea that showing skin, or wearing what is considered ‘ slutty’ clothing, gives a man the excuse to rape women,” she said.

“Women should be able to wear what they like without fear of rape or judgment. We should be proud of our bodies, seeing them as strong and our own.”

The Facebook page for the event says the rally isn’t “an act of protest or a political demonstration of any sort,” but instead an opportunity for “celebrating our human rights,” and is open to all genders.

In August 2013, Saskatoon police responded to a complaint about a topless woman from a mother who was concerned for her son.

Police spokeswoman Alyson Edwards said the incident was resolved without issue when an officer spoke to the woman and she chose to put her top back on.

However, Edwards said every instance is different.

“Each situation would have to be looked at and each of the circumstances would have to be looked at,” Edwards said.

“Then it would be at the discretion of the officer.”

Shaylee Foord, who plans to take part in the event, said going topless as a woman isn’t a lewd act.

“The big message here is that women should be able to — without judgment — go and be comfortable on the beach, whether that means wearing a full coverup or going topless,” she said.

“It’s not something that’s illegal and it shouldn’t be something people feel is indecent.”

Foord said the issue is widespread and goes beyond the limits of any one Canadian city.