[retrac55]

Originally Posted by placebo_addict

I do want to thank those that document these events with respect. World Naked Bike Ride (and similar events) require a mix of participants, spectators, photographers, and social media. Without all of these roles, the message has no way of being communicated.
Unfortunately that mixture is often out of balance.

For the most part the participants are not sexual exhibitionists (like many Fantasy Fest participants). They are global citizens demonstrating and raising their voice through the expression and vulnerability of their bodies.

I sympathize with those participants that feel they are being objectified. They should be celebrated and feel supported by their communities.

There is a minority of people that attend these events simply for exhibitionist reasons. They can attract and feed over-aggressive gawkers and internet trolls. The civility and celebration of these events starts to erode.

I participate in online forums like this, and fully realize that I can be considered as simply another internet perv. That's not my intention... but the imbalance of social media doesn't allow for much nuance. It's hard to distinguish between those being respectful and those that are not.

LMAO