“Why are you doing this?!” a man in a suit and tie, desperately asked me.“Because life’s too short to wear pants.” I responded, then laughed.
How could you not laugh while marching with hundreds of other San Franciscans, pantsless, around the
I was participating in the 9th annual Pantless Subway Ride, an event started by Improv Everywhere, a group out of
There’s no reason behind it other than, well, why not? I sometimes take myself (and my life) too seriously. So I figured going out in public without any pants would be a great way to get outside of my comfort zone. It worked.
I wasn’t brave (or stupid?) enough to wear a thong, or even briefs as many people did. Instead, I wore a pair of short boxers and my long coat. In fact, I was wearing more than I would to a day at the beach. But it was also around 55 degrees out.
I walked, along with two brave friends (sporting bloomers and frilly panties), around the
A couple of participants created banners promoting the “down with pants” motto using symbols and stick figures.
The police blocked off the Powell St. BART station (I think they were afraid we would be riling up the certifiably crazy people around there), so we walked up Powell to Union Square, where everyone took pictures and admired each others’ costumes (one man sported a –ahem- stuffed “chicken” on top of his underwear).
From there, we broke from the group and headed over to the Irish Bank, a nearby pub that had no problem serving people wearing no pants (in fact, on waiter joined in on the fun).
We met an adorable couple, and upon hearing our explanation of the event, the young man proceeded to take off his pants, leaving his female companion speechless and taking pictures with her iPhone. I was impressed with him and everyone that spontaneously joined – I at least had a week to work up the nerve.
The most surprising revelation I had that day though, was body acceptance. Seeing everyone's junk made me a lot less critical of my own. After viewing enough cellulite, paleness, and hairiness to last me a lifetime, I thought, if all these "imperfect" people can have so much fun without self-consciousness, why can't I?
View Jean Blomo's profile
3 comments:
Yes! Really, when you see everyone's junk you respect your own more and actually kind of appreciate all the different shapes and sizes out there. You and Nikki both looked great. :)
This is sort of like when I went out to the Castro on Halloween dressed as Paris Hilton about 5 yrs ago (short short pink clingy dress, high heels, blonde wig, Chihuahua from Taco Bell sticking out of my purse). I have never done a "sexy" costume before or since and it was actually a learning experience.
You have to walk and behave differently in a dress so short it only barely covers your butt. You can't sit, you can't bend, you can't do anything but stand and walk slowly with your hips out. It made me understand why a lot of girls like that are so useless!
Also, the attention I got was pretty ego boosting, and outside my comfort zone, since I usually don't want to attract attention with my body like that. But it was a great experiment!
OMG, that is the funniest thing ever. My stupid podunk town would never support the awesomeness of a pantsless subway ride. Maybe I should shake things up a little with a pantsless bus ride tomorrow?
Emily - awesome story! Next year you better come with me!
Marisa - I'd hold off on disrobing in your town: You might end up arrested for indecent exposure. Of course, YOUR exposure is wonderfully decent :)
Post a Comment