User:BodyPride/Body Pride Ride
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In 2005, inspired by the World Naked Bike Ride and Solstice Cyclists, the first Body Pride Ride (BPR) was conceived to demonstrate and celebrate body positivity at Seattle Pride.
The goal was to bring attention to the growing problem[1] of body shame in the gay community. Intense media pressure, previously directed mostly toward women, was now being powerfully directed toward men as well. [2] Ads for laser hair removal, all the way up to pectoral implants, becoming less uncommon. [2]
The shift toward male cosmetic procedures gained significant traction in the 1990s, with increasing awareness of appearance-related concerns among men. By 2000, the market for male vanity—including plastic surgery, grooming products, and spa services—had grown to nearly $10 billion annually. [2]
The trend of more men heading toward plastic surgery continues. A 2022 industry report (p.39) boasted over 200% increase since 2019, in the number of surgeries for men. [3] Another report in 2023, details the stats a 10-15% increase in 2023 over 2022.[4]
BPR continues as an annual bare-what-you-dare cycling experience, including a wheeled tour of Seattle, followed with being part of the Seattle Pride parade and celebrations.
Goals
- To raise awareness of body image and body shame issues
- To exercise and fight to keep the right to be naked in public
- To network with all local cycling groups, building community
- Slogan/Call: "Pride for Every Body" "Nude is not Lewd"
Media Coverage
2005
- Biking Bis - March 13, 2006
- “...the first annual Body Pride Ride...”
- Seattle Gay News - July 1, 2005 (Vol 33, Issue 26)
- Page 1 - Mention "Gay Pride March First - Naked Bikers"
- Seattle Gay News - July 8 2005 : Photo of Body Pride Ride in parade
2006
- Bicycle Paper - June 2006 (via archive.org accessed 2018.06.20)
2007
- 2008 - The Stranger "Chief Kerlikowske on Naked Bike Riders" - June 20 2008
- 2015 - The Stranger SLOG - June 29 2015