Context

This was the first time we’d received proper advance permission for Society Cut-Out (at Love Shack London, an amazingly friendly and considerate bar and restaurant, so make sure you give it a visit regardless of your views on sex and nudity). We took along two models, one male and one female, and started at opposite ends of the venue before eventually meeting and continuing on past each other. Definitely the most welcoming reception we’ve had!

Realisation

The female model was really well received throughout this performance, with every group she approached decided to cut something off her. She ended up completely naked, and stayed that way for approximately 30 minutes before re-dressing, and received no negative comments through-out the evening.

The reaction to the male model was slightly different, but still overwhelmingly positive overall. The male model started in the far corner of the garden area. When he spoke to the first couple he was facing only them, with his back to everyone else in the garden. This first couple were really intrigued by the concept, and actually approached the model a couple of times to speak to him later during the night, and chose to cut a square out from his genital area. When he turned round to approach the rest of the garden, the next two closest groups immediately rejected him - this was the only negative reaction received by either model during the night. Our assumption is that this was because no-one had been ‘normalised’ to the nudity at this point; as the model turned round all these two groups saw was a man with his penis out holding scissors - they assumed he was a threat and responded accordingly. The next group had time to see what was going on, participated, and from there people began to realise the nature of the event and the atmosphere relaxed.

A couple of groups politely challenged the male model’s motivations, but nearly everyone was supportive. This is different from previous Society Cut-Out performances, where normally a couple of groups have suggested the models were motivated by exhibitionist or sexual behaviour.

Another noticeable difference at this venue compared to some other events we have don’t is that we didn’t notice anyone taking photos of the models. Usually there have been instances of groups both taking photos without permission, and of groups approaching the models and asking for photos.

During the evening a few other people joined us by getting topless. Although the female model re-dressed after about 30 minutes, the male model remained nude for a few hours. This gave a different insight in itself, as many people new people arrived who had not participated in the dress cutting previously. We didn’t notice any discernible anger, fear or shock from new arrivals upon seeing a naked person in the venue, possibly due to the calm of everyone else around (by this point a number of people were engaging in long conversations with the model).

One group questioned the male model as to whether he spoke to his work colleagues about this; and questioned whether he was a hypocrite for promoting sexual openness if he wasn’t open himself. This was a fair challenge and one we unfortunately don’t have a good answer to. We would like the world to be a more accepting and tolerant place, and for people to define their value system based on personal reflections of right and wrong, rather than media, legal or family influenced definitions. But stepping outside society’s definition of ‘normal’ is still scary, and can still carry significant detriment for those who try to do so. Although completely polite and respectful, the group that questioned the male model about this ultimately revealed that it shouldn’t be discussed in the workplace, as is it wasn’t professional to talk about. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but to us, this is exactly the reason why we would struggle to be open about this in the workplace. In most UK work environments people would happily allude or directly reference being gay; but how many would open up about being a naturist, engaging in sub/domme relationships or enjoying swinging? Why do we treat various consenting sexual preferences differently?

Once again, a big thanks to Love Shack. We had a great evening and are thrilled to have been asked back for your ‘Eco Fashion’ event!