Originally Posted By DDMAN26 I was listening to the radio on my way to work and they were discussing that in San Francisco public nudity is allowed. Is this for real? So if I ever visited I could pack light if I wanted to?
Originally Posted By DDMAN26 Let's be honest though your typical nudist isn't usually your Victoria's Secret model or some guy with a six pack.
Originally Posted By skinnerbox Our Board of Supervisors is currently addressing the "gaps" in our laws. The laxity regarding public nudity will soon be a thing of the past.
Originally Posted By ecdc >>Let's be honest though your typical nudist isn't usually your Victoria's Secret model or some guy with a six pack.<< Exactly why I'd fit in so well.
Originally Posted By gadzuux The "letter" of the law states that nudity in a "non-lewd" context is not necessarily illegal, in that it doesn't meet the legal definition of "indecent exposure". There's a group of guys who seem to enjoy testing this law repeatedly, and at this point cops are disinclined to go through the process of arresting and booking, unless there's a specific complaint. And even then, they seem to try to convince the nudies to suit up and move along rather than go through the whole process. Additionally, there are several major events each year that tacitly permit full nudity - the 'Bay to Breakers' "footrace" which is really more of a stroll across the width of the city - from the foot of the bay to the ocean. Also the Gay Freedom Day parade, along with a festival in Civic Center. Also a couple of 'Nude Bike Rides' that roll throughout the city. Also a couple of sex and kink based street fairs - one coming up at the end of the month. Also some minor events that may or may not include nudity - the "St. Stupid's Day Parade" in April, and pretty much every 'Critical Mass' where anarchic bicyclists take over major streets and block traffic on the last friday of every month. As a result of all this, SF is pretty much a 'clothing optional' town. For anyone who's spent any time here, it's also a rather chilly town, even in summer, which sometimes discourages such activities. The reason it's in the news now is that the local supervisor for the Castro district - the part of town the nudies feel most comfy in - has submitted a bill for vote that they be required to put a towel or something down wherever and whenever they sit. Doesn't seem like too much to ask. Also, that they cover up before entering restaurants. If this sounds like something you'd like to witness, one of the biggest occasions is coming up on Sunday 09/25 - the Folsom Street Fair. This thing is enormous six looong city blocks with tens of thousands of people. Nudies will likely be over a hundred - including some women, which is less common. Some are strolling, some are playing twister on stage, some are posing for photos or otherwise being "showy", and some are flat out engaging in sex. And yeah - some of them are conventionally 'attractive' and some aren't.
Originally Posted By ecdc >>Also, that they cover up before entering restaurants.<< Don't think I'm going to finish this hot dog for lunch now.
Originally Posted By gadzuux On the 'upside' - they're something of a tourist attraction. They seem to show up at large gatherings - such as last years world series playoffs with the giants, and the american idol auditions. I don't think any specific laws will be passed preventing public nudity, just the part about sitting on towels and avoiding restaurants. SF has a tourism based economy, and they're more help than hindrance. Also, the laws differ in parks than they do in the actual city. Many of the area parks are actually incorporated into something called the 'Golden Gate Nat'l Recreation Area' which comes under federal jurisdiction - not local cops - and they're a bit more militant about what can and cannot happen within their boundaries. For example, most of the area's nude beaches are part of the GGNRA, and are left largely alone for nudity. But the park areas away from the ocean are more vigorously patrolled and enforced. This results in oddities like Haight Street being permissable for nudity, because it's overseen by SFPD. But the adjacent Golden Gate Park, with lawns and greenery, is patrolled by the Park Service, and they do not permit full nudity. So the city streets are okay, but the leafy green park right across the street is prohibited. Finally, at least a few of these guys are indeed 'straight', even though they primarily hang out in traditionally gay areas, due to the higher level of tolerance and the prevalence of camera toting tourits. One guy will happily pose for reeeally provocative photos with any woman who wants, but refuses to be photographed with men at all. If naked women is what you like, they're harder to come by. They participate in the bike rides, the bay to breakers, and Folsom Fair, but that's about it. For the most part, public nudity is a "guy thing". No surprise there.
Originally Posted By skinnerbox Thanks, guys. Life has kept me very busy, so I'll pop in from time to time when I can.
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 "The reason it's in the news now is that the local supervisor for the Castro district - the part of town the nudies feel most comfy in - has submitted a bill for vote that they be required to put a towel or something down wherever and whenever they sit. Doesn't seem like too much to ask. Also, that they cover up before entering restaurants." That seems like a perfectly reasonable request.
Originally Posted By SpokkerJones San Francisco is this place with a million laws that nobody cares about. It's this place where there are two thought processes operating at the same time in which the city must protect everyone from themselves but people can do whatever they want at all times.
