The topfreedom Free the Nipple movement was created in 2012, when a woman in New York made a documentary about gender quality and female empowerment. Since then, the message has resonated with millions of people around the world, who feel that it should be legally and culturally acceptable for women to bare their nipples in public.
Free the Nipple Brighton is the largest Free the Nipple Collective in the UK, and this year’s march promises to be the biggest and boldest yet. The event is free, open to everyone and uses activism and protest to challenge the patriarchal ideas surrounding bodies, nipples and breasts. It promises to be a truly inclusive celebration of the female form.
In a society that uses breasts to sell everything from cars to perfume, Free the Nipple Brighton seeks to dismantle the concept of breasts and women’s bodies being inherently sexual, arguing that the dictatorship of the male gaze is toxic and damaging for everyone. Diet culture, censorship, slut shaming, the beauty industry and transphobia also come under fire and the campaign acknowledges the many intersections and layers within the issues connected to Free the Nipple.”
The march will meet at 2 pm on Old Steine Gardens on Saturday 22 June for one hour to get organised, body painted and prepared for the walk. At 3 pm the procession will move to Brighton seafront and walk to the i360. The route is 100% accessible and the pace of the march will be slow with regular rest stops. A stewarding team will be on hand at all times, to assist and support participants. After the walk, a pop-up picnic will occupy space on the seafront from 4 pm.
Organiser of Free the Nipple Brighton, Bee Nicholls, has said:
“I firmly believe that everyone has the right to a neutral body, the right to be safe in their own skin and the right to exist without the influence of rape culture and the male gaze. It’s high time we end the double standard that tells women they should cover up to be respected. Nipples are just a body part! If our message resonates with you, join us to march! This is an independent grassroots movement powered by our incredible local activist community. We are growing all the time. Come and join in and be part of the revolution!”
There will also be a ticketed after-party, called ‘Glitter Nips’, which has been organised by pop Up Brighton and will take place at the North Laine Brewhouse. It will start at 9 pm and aims to raise money for breast cancer charities. The march is safe and suitable for all ages and the party will be 18+. People of all genders are warmly welcomed and no one is required to be topless to take part
