THE Free The Nipple movement has dominated the headlines since 2012.
Countless celebrities and campaigners have bared all in the name of equality at protests and through hashtags on social media. But what is the campaign and when is Free the Nipple Day?
But what point are they trying to make and what are the laws on nudity?
Free The Nipple is a global campaign group that hopes to encourage equality, empowerment and freedom of all human beings.
The organisation also works to raise awareness and spark change on a number of social issues and injustices.
The Free The Nipple movement was inspired by a 2012 film of the same name, which followed Lina Esco and a group of women attempting to shed light on the issue.
Campaigners’ mission is for all human beings to be treated as equals.
The official website reads: “We are a global movement of equality, empowerment and freedom.
“We are a movement of change.”
Each year Free the Nipple Day falls on March 26, today.
In 2019 it falls on a Tuesday.
Dozens of famous faces have spoken out (or bared all) in support of the popular campaign.
Miley Cyrus has been one of the most vocal celebs, and even flashed her boobs in a memorable holiday snap.
She told Jimmy Kimmel on his show: “The nipple, what you can’t show, is what everyone has. But the jug part that everybody doesn’t, you’re allowed to show underboob. I’ve never understood the way it works.”
Playboy model Simon Holtznagel posted a saucy snap on her Instagram with the hashtag #freethenipple.
Reality royalty Kendall Jenner is another A-lister that has explained why she’s “all about freeing the nipple”.
On her website kendallj.com, the 20-year-old said: “Lately, it’s like I’m either braless or I have my bra out, lol. I’m all about freeing the nipple!” she wrote.
“I just think it’s cool to show off what’s under your shirt—whether that’s a cute bralette or just skin. ;)’”
Alanis Morisette posted a photo to Instagram of her breastfeeding her daughter – and plenty of people support the movement so that they can breastfeed in public.
Other celebrity advocates include Cara Delevingne, Rita Ora, Lena Dunham and Chelsea Handler.
In the UK, it is not illegal to strip off in open spaces.
Despite this, heavy restrictions are placed on naturist by the Public Order Act of 1986 and the Justice of the Peace Act from 1361.
A common law offence, indecent exposure, prevents people from baring all to other members of the public.
Brits are allowed to get naked at official events, including bare bike rides.
Sunbathers on nudist beaches are also permitted to strip off.
The majority of social media websites have rules on nudity, especially as they are often accessed by children.
One Facebook, freeing the nipple is banned.
Their guidelines state: “We remove photographs of people displaying genitals or focusing in on fully exposed buttocks.
“We also restrict some images of female breasts if they include the nipple, but we always allow photos of women actively engaged in breastfeeding or showing breasts with post-mastectomy scarring.
“We also allow photographs of paintings, sculptures and other art that depicts nude figures.”
Instagram’s rules have similar restrictions, as their terms and conditions read: “We know that there are times when people might want to share nude images that are artistic or creative in nature, but for a variety of reasons, we don’t allow nudity on Instagram.
“This includes photos, videos, and some digitally-created content that show sexual intercourse, genitals, and close-ups of fully-nude buttocks.
“It also includes some photos of female nipples, but photos of post-mastectomy scarring and women actively breastfeeding are allowed.
“Nudity in photos of paintings and sculptures is OK, too.”
Neighbours star Caitlin Stasey has made it known that she is NOT happy with Instagram’s policy, launching a nude photo war against the site.
