So the Times Colonis ended up publishing my letter in full. It was so love to see the title in such a huge font. Here it is:
To Whom It May Concern:
As the main organizer of this year’s World Naked Bike Ride in Victoria, I was dismayed that, after 75 people biked naked all over the city for over an hour on Saturday, the only thing the Times Colonist published was a very derogatory letter. While I am sure there were spectators who are uncomfortable with the sight of the human body, the vast majority of the hundred and hundreds, if not thousands, of people who watched us go by were cheering, laughing, and giving us support. Many riders commented that they were surprised at how much joy we were spreading all around. We knew people would be shocked but we didn’t expect the extensive applause and encouragement that we received.
It is the view of the World Naked Bike Ride and myself that the human body is never something to be labeled disgusting. Children were actually on the ride this year, as with past years, and are generally uncomfortable with nudity only when adults let them know their bodies are something to be ashamed of. Legally in Victoria, women are allowed to go topless and public and nudity is illegal when it is lewd. We were not arrested because we were not harming anyone and were not sexual in our nakedness, much less lewd. Victoria is blessed with a Police force that cares when people are in danger and to channel their efforts into arresting peaceful citizens on a fun filled bike ride because a few individuals are uncomfortable with the sight of breasts is a misuse of the justice system.
Officially, the mandate of the World Naked Bike Ride is to raise awareness for the ridiculous obsession this country and others have with fossil fuel dependency. Of course, we do not have to be naked to do this, but it does help with exposure (sorry) and generally gets a lot of positive media attention. However, the vast majority of cyclists, while also caring about the planet, ride because it is simply the most fun you can have on a Saturday afternoon. I, personally, am not a naturalist (my passion for fashion hedges fetishism), and riding naked was never something I would have considered doing until I actually did it. But once one is without clothing, in public, speeding along, with everyone (except Mr. Schaefer) cheering for you, it’s so thrilling, and barriers start to break down. Suddenly something you thought was completely impossible is actually happening, and it’s honestly not that big a deal. It’s not as scary as in your dreams, and actually quite a lot of fun. Plus it’s undeniably hilarious, for those not aghast, as any Britt accustomed to the ancient tradition of streaking will tell you.
We spend so much time trying to get our bodies into specific shapes and look a certain way; there is so much shame and so many unhealthy attitudes surrounding human bodies, especially women’s, these days. I find it so encouraging and so liberating to see so many people accepting who they are, unashamed, and for cause! While some may find this form of self-acceptance and revelry intolerable, most bystanders were entertained and perhaps, hopefully, inspired.
Doing my part to keep Victoria beautiful,
~ Rebecca McMackin