Today’s dress is by Brooks Brothers. They have such nice things, and I love polka dots. I also love collars and dresses that tie, either in the back or front. When I’m not wearing a dress, I’ve always been pretty comfortable with nudity. I’ve gone to many clothing optional hot springs. Spencer Tunick is a famous artist who gathers naked people and takes photos of them in world famous locations. In March 2010 it was announced that he was coming to Sydney during Mardi Gras, our gay pride. The project would highlight all kinds of love and everyone was encouraged to show up, in our birthday suits. I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of it. I told everyone I was doing it. People were surprised and had many questions about what it would be like. I was nervous that morning when I got to the Sydney Opera House at 4am, our call time. I knew others there, but I arrived alone. After some time had passed, Spencer called into the loud speaker, “OK! Take your clothes off!” We stripped down and put everything in piles in the park nearby. There was no other organization, just trust. We were directed into different positions. In one, we lay down on the concrete steps. There were 5200 of us. March is just after the summer in Australia and Spencer would say things like, “You! Your tan is too obvious. Move away from the front.” Australia is very white and as such, there were almost no black people. Just a sea of white bodies. In another pose, we had to embrace someone. Since I was alone, I turned to a guy next to me and we faced each other like teenagers slow dancing at a bar mitzvah, with a healthy distance apart. It was overcast and on the cooler side that day, but the energy was amazing. Since all of us were naked, it didn’t feel weird. It would have been weirder not to be naked. Spencer and his team were clothed, of course. The media was covering the shoot and one of the news guys took off his clothes and joined us. Ferries carrying commuters and tourists stopped and waved. We eventually moved indoors into the Opera House theater to take more pictures. I wish I’d had my iPhone but I’d left it with my belongings. It was a highlight of my life to be part of it. We had plastic bags to separate our bottoms from the red velvet opera house seats. If anyone was being lewd, they were kicked out. Outside, people took naked “happy snaps” outside the opera house. There would never be another opportunity for it. Again, I wish I’d had my phone! It didn’t occur to me to get it and we were being rushed inside to finish the shoot. I saw a few friends and one saw me, but I didn’t see her! She later told people she’d “seen me naked” and didn’t give context. Thanks, Roxy!
Then next night there was an after party for those who participated. It was a cabaret show and there weren’t so many people there. I was able to have some face time with Spencer. He wasn’t so friendly, and didn’t seem to want a picture with me. But when I pulled out my Mintz from Trader Joe’s, he wanted one. I was then able to get a picture with him.
Everyone involved got a small print, and it is proudly displayed in my home. At first glance, it’s hard to see what it is, and I often point it out to visitors and Airbnb guests. I’m very proud of it.
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