Australia Coins #FreeThePeach Movement In Response to Call for G-String Ban

One man, Ian Grace, is single-handedly responsible for an uptick (even if momentary) of asses popping out of g-string bikinis on Australian beaches, as a result of a simple open letter to the mayor of the Gold Coast, Tom Tate. In his letter, Ian wrote on what apparently got his trunks in a twist, that "[o]ne young lady in particular was walking on the footpath on the main road and had the tiniest triangle in front and was as close to naked as anyone could be." He objected that "[w]hile any man would enjoy 'the view,' I believe women are very much demeaning and cheapening themselves, portraying themselves as sex objects, then decrying it when men see them that way." He compared "bare bums" to bare breasts as to why they should be banned in

the same way. "If not banned at the beach, very definitely banned the moment they are off the beach." He added, "[t]his certainly should not be allowed in public pools or theme/water parks which are very much more family orientated. Young kids don't need to see women's bums." The mayor rejected the idea out of hand, of course, saying, "Ian is a brave man messing with women's fashion," but that "[o]ne thing I've learnt about fashion over the years is that if you try to ban something, or restrict it, that's a certain recipe to see it double in popularity."

And he was right. No sooner than the letter had been published, it sparked criticism and a #FreeThePeach movement. Barr Body and Swim founder Rebecca Park, for one, organized a g-string rally in response, encouraging women to come out in support. She told Daily Mail Australia that the gathering is to "celebrate the inclusivity, diversity and colour of the Gold Coast beach culture and that is anchored to our freedom. We are a 'suns out buns out culture.'"  She added, that "[t]his gathering is to support freedom of choice and inclusivity, from cheeky bums, to budgies smugglers, come one, come all, let's pull out Gold Coast community together to take a stand." And she had some choice words for Ian, saying "[h]ow in 2024 are we still having these conversations and blanketing judgement over any woman that dares to bare a bit of cheek." She said, "Ladies, bare your cheeks, wear what you want and stand proud in knowing it’s the woman that you are, not the clothing that you wear is important." And of course many came out, g-strings tucked in tight.

Ian was undeterred in his continued opposition, being quoted as later saying, "If all of a sudden guys started walking around baring their bums the same way, we'd be lambasted, castigated, all those big words. But then again, blokes wouldn't do it. We just don't think about that. Why would I want to stick a thong up there and show my bare bum to everyone?" We can only hope that the #FreeThePeach movement continues to build more momentum, thanks to Ian.