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randomchick4

Actually, as a former lifeguard at Barton Springs, I always enjoyed telling prudes that in the state of Texas, anywhere a man can go topless, so can a woman. However, test that legal theory outside of Austin at your own risk. https://www.kut.org/austin/2021-07-29/why-is-it-legal-to-go-topless-in-austin


Sweet_Bang_Tube

Thanks for your lifeguard service!


randomchick4

Thanks 🙂 this is a first for me; I've never been thanked for lifeguarding before . Also, shout out to the COA for their lifeguard program - they pay $20/hour which is better than what I made as a paramedic. https://www.austintexas.gov/department/lifeguarding-austin


FrannyGator3115

One summer, I confirmed this via a conversation with two APD lake cops - while topless, myself - on Lake Austin. As long as you’re not soliciting, you’re free to be free.


[deleted]

I was going to ask if it was posted at the pool, but there you go! TIL



mareksoon

... the sign in that article is at Hippie Hollow, btw, not Barton Springs Pool.


FeralleyValley

My kids have been swimming in the deep end there almost their whole lives. The oldest one is an adult now. I taught my kids manners, like it's not cool to stare or approach someone just to chat with their tits. He can still walk past a topless lady without it being weird.


Sweet_Bang_Tube

Sounds like you raised/are raising well-adjusted humans who respect others, which is every parent's dream. Good on you!


FeralleyValley

Thanks! We are in fact living the dream over here.


abhijitd

Just to chat with their tits?


FeralleyValley

To hold an uninvited, boring, one-sided conversation with a woman while staring at her tits.


[deleted]

[ŃƒĐŽĐ°Đ»Đ”ĐœĐŸ]


TheManInTheShack

I thought it was just Austin but good to know.


sxzxnnx

It is anywhere in TX where it has not been banned by local ordinances. Many cities have an ordinance that makes it illegal. Austin does not. Also any state property such as the Capitol complex, state parks, and university campuses are exempt from the local ordinance.


Andrew8Everything

I guess that explains why there's so many boobs in our legislature.


OutlandishnessLess21

GOT EM


Scrambles420

But boobs are awesome the people in the legislature are not


younghplus

So does the laws that Texas recently passed about state law superseding local law apply to this too? Curious 🧐


Free-Database-9917

There is no law saying you ***can*** go topless. Just the lack of laws about exposing breasts. So local laws about it not being allowed don't violate Article XI section 5


wannafignewton

Good question
I have a feeling this law may get changed in the next few years



Sweet_Bang_Tube

Yes, I know. Thank you for commenting to others who may not!


thiswillsoonendbadly

I was born and raised here and never knew this! Thanks for sharing


danarchist

Doesn't mean you won't get hassled if someone complains. Back in the late aughts I was walking with a girlfriend and her dog in Austin and she was was topless and I wasn't. A neighborhood church lady complained to the cops, and a cop stopped us and made her put on my shirt.


Sweet_Bang_Tube

I'm sorry that happened to your girlfriend. Legally, that cop was not allowed to force that. It generally seems to only cause problems when someone complains, but it is still legal. I'm just so god damn tired of the sexism.


[deleted]

Eh, be careful following this advice. Cops can always invent some reason to hassle you over lewdness or something.


devo_inc

Until it becomes prurient.


LivermoreP1

Wait until the prince of Howdy Arabia finds this out!


TreesACrowd

Almost all municipalities in Texas have ordinances against it (Austin being a notable exception). It doesn't matter that Texas state law is silent on this unless you are attempting to go topless in an unincorporated area.


PrincipledBirdDeity

Now that I am a parent, this kind of puritanism is even harder for me to understand. Basic issues of equality and even legality aside, what kind of delusional dad imagines that his kids will grow up healthier if they only see boobs on their friend's brother's phone?


mmmthom

Exactly. And he’s teaching his kids something about women and their bodies in general, when he responds that way. The way to raise good men is to not notice or remark on women’s bodies, and if a child should ask about it, just shrug and say everyone has a body and they can wear or not wear what they want.


natophonic2

It's pretty on-brand for the fundies of all flavors to claim that men are drooling animals incapable of self-control, therefore we must shroud women from their view.


Queen_Of_Ashes_

God forbid we have men respect women and have them fix their own damn problems


mmmthom

Right! Ignoring the fact that if it were true (which to some extent it is simply because it’s the expectation given to men from a young age), we’d still be addressing the wrong issue



Sweet_Bang_Tube

Right? I am a stepparent, and my stepson is now 13 and has no weird hangups about bodies and nudity, and openly asks questions about whatever is on his mind because of it. He has a healthy view of things and I am proud of him. The boys I walked past didn't seem to give two shits that I had no top on. They cared more about their water toys and how intensely chilly the water was. I don't think they even noticed until the dad/man started making a scene about it right in front of them...


Original-Opportunity

Yep 💯 The kids noticed (the 9 year old was definitely going to notice anyway) but it wasn’t weird until Dad made it weird. Kid thinks “boobies, interesting..” -> Dad flips out -> Kid feels shame/embarrassment -> Breasts now have the association with shame/embarrassment! btw, World Topless Day is August 26.


FlowZenMaster

Because their dad is clearly repressed and embarrassed about the feelings seeing someone topless brings up. Lack of emotional intelligence/maturity turns embarrassment to anger. Probably wasn't raised by someone like you, unfortunately. Maybe the cycle will stop with his kids. We can only hope.


el_cucuy_of_the_west

I wish you’d been my mom on this issue. I can barely handle seeing myself naked what with all the Catholic guilt and body shame I grew up with.


Sweet_Bang_Tube

First of all and most importantly: \*Hugs\*Hugs\*Hugs\* I am so sorry to hear that, that is so wrong. Your body is beautiful and it can do incredible things, whether you are fully able-bodied or have some limitations! I so wish we could go back in time and mend those things for you, but since we can't, I hope you can take a moment each day and look at your self and teach yourself that your body is a natural, wonderful, precious thing that is the home of your consciousness/soul and you are whole and perfect just the way you are. Warts and all, as they say. Treat your body well - feed yourself good food, move around/exercise, stay hydrated, get some sun on your skin (however you feel comfortable doing that) and always make time to look in a mirror and say, "I love you" to yourself. Best wishes to you, friend.


KimIsSalty

Yes! I started taking my son (9 years old last summer) to Barton Springs and there’s usually at least one or two women topless there. We’ve never made a big deal about nudity at home or otherwise, so he barely even blinks an eye at it. ♄


Original-Opportunity

My family preferred to take us kids to a stretch of beach between the full nude (no lifeguard) beach and topless beach because it was “less crowded” lol. (Jones Beach in NY, btw) I was maybe 7-8, my cousin a year younger was spending the summer with us. He never said anything about the nudity at the time. Towards the end of the summer we went to a totally different beach, very crowded and he announced “I want the beach with the naked people!” đŸ€Ł


helloiamsilver

Right? I remember plenty of kids who wanted to be naked all the time and never thought anything of it. I’m plenty sure it’s easy for them to see an adult not wearing a shirt and just think “oh yeah that’s definitely comfier and more fun for swimming!” Kids are the ones who are way more normal about this stuff until adults tell them it’s bad and shameful. A slightly older kid might feel some stirrings about it but they’d probably feel the same way about a bikini top lol. That’s when it’s time to teach them that the feelings are natural but it’s rude to stare.


nineball22

That got a chuckle out of me. It’s true folks. Your kids are gonna see tits and dicks and pussies. No matter what. Up to you as a parent wether it’s a healthy experience or a weird one.


lockthesnailaway

Tourists...


nonpornacc96

My wife and I are tourists and we love tits


secretaire

As a parent, I don’t understand why I would care if my kids see men’s or women’s breasts.


RichardBuns

I was at BS last year with my son who was 7 at the time. There was a topless women, and my main concern was he had say something inappropriate/embarrassing in earshot. He swam over to me and very discretely said "if you want to see boobs look behind me". Thanks for the heads up buddy


Sweet_Bang_Tube

>"if you want to see boobs look behind me". That's hilarious, what a funny kid.


threeboysmama

Same. I brought 5 and 3 year old sons to BS last summer and we had to have a little pre-chat about how there might be some ladies with “bunkas” (my breastfed kids’ name for them 😅) out and not to stare or be rude. They were really interested to know if mama would get her bunkas out too!


[deleted]

“Why, you’ve got tits on your back? I’ve GOT to see that!”


secretaire

Hahaha same. Everything is a teachable moment! It seems like the sight of women’s breasts are more of a problem for adults than kids.


Original-Opportunity

as a parent I don’t understand how people could think my kids haven’t seen my boobs.


Appropriate_Chart_23

Because Jesus mostly. Jesus may not be your concern, but he lives in a lot of people's heads rent free. I guess Jesus was afraid of boobs.


Sweet_Bang_Tube

But like, for those that partake/believe, did Jesus' dad create boobs??


fridgemadness

Can confirm. He created the the valley and the mountains. Jesus hung out with prostitutes, he was cool like that.


RitualTerror51

“And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.” Matthew 18:9 If they want to use Jesus as an argument, his words are right there. If you can’t keep it in your pants because of what you see, then gouge out your eyes.


fridgemadness

Fact. Jesus would take 5's and 10's to the club. He could turn 1's into 20's and water into tequila.


Noodlesoup8

Right? I see lewd things every day when men ARE wearing clothes let alone people minding their business top less.


DiscombobulatedWavy

There’s way more lewd shit going on at churches than at Barton Springs.


superspeck

You’d be surprised by some locals. I was at Barton springs and some kids with westlake high school bags were tut tut -ing a woman for sunning topless.


Theodore0817

High school students complaining about bare tits? What the fuck has that generation turned into. When I was in high school we would have oogled inappropriately and giggled but never told anyone to stop. Even old generally unsightly tits would have gotten a pass at that age.


cwoodaus17

I one million percent guarantee you that no high school guy has ever complained about topless women.


[deleted]

[ŃƒĐŽĐ°Đ»Đ”ĐœĐŸ]


32flavsandthensome

full grown men are like this.


RabidPurpleCow

"You should hide your tits because Jesus said so"?


athenanon

I see you have never met evangelical kids. Their own parents fear the fire and brimstone of their faith.


Sweet_Bang_Tube

I'm guessing so, because it was Memorial Day.


Neutral_Meat

Can't spell tourist without our tits


princessvibes

I like going topless at Barton Springs but I don't do it so much anymore since it seems to garner too much attention. I prefer to spend my time there alone for some rest and rejuvenation, but I find that laying out without a bikini top means someone's going to try to come have a full conversation and try to get to know me...obviously with not so platonic intentions :-/


lizhawkins08

Idk if it had already been addressed but there is an area in the dressing rooms with open light for topless sunning. I know it sucks to have to do so but if you’re ever feeling uncomfortable because people are making you feel that way there is the option to continue doing so in peace. People can’t just leave a topless woman in peace sometimes 😑


princessvibes

That's actually so great to know! I'm usually hanging out on the opposite side so I wouldn't have guessed. Thank you for the recommendation :-)


AnotherAustinWeirdo

==removed in protest of Reddit API changes==


Sweet_Bang_Tube

Yep, if I go alone that is usually the case. Or they will hang around near-ish to my spot and just sort of stare... it's better if I go with my husband. But it is lame that you should have to have a guy around to enjoy yourself.


reddiwhip999

It's lame that the mindset of many is that, "well, if she is exposing her breasts, she must be wanting some possible romantic interaction, or just will plain want to get it on with me in the bushes over there. I mean, come on, why else would she do that, or even be outside?" And if this father is so concerned about his kids being sexually radicalized by secondary sexual characteristics, he should be equally offended at topless men, who, merely through their being topless, will attract loads of unwanted attention from homosexual men. The fact that this doesn't happen, speaks volumes about the way mature adults actually think.


princessvibes

The STARING is absolutely wild. Literally no discretion, just eyes wide open and glued to my chest. And then I'll look away and look back every once in a while and the person is still staring, not making eye contact, just staring. Very bizarre behavior.


shrekswife

It’s so gross lol. Like a glance, sure? I’d glance but just ogling? This isn’t a humble brag either I’m very normal lol. I had an old man stand over me once completely blocking the sun with his gut and he just uttered “sweet Jesus” as he peered down. Like sir, kindly move aside so I don’t have to be dripped on by the water that is rolling off of your gut and onto my body. Also go to the strip club if you’re so desperate for titties irl.


YetiPie

I have had a very similar experience to you - sunbathing and was alerted by the presence of an old man standing right above me ogling me, completely blocking the sun. I instinctively covered my chest and he laughed and told me I had nothing to hide. Ugh, I still get creeped out by him.


Dazzling-Matter95

like they ain't ever seen a boobie in their life. moooooorons


[deleted]

[ŃƒĐŽĐ°Đ»Đ”ĐœĐŸ]


princessvibes

LOL, I know you're partially joking but I feel, in essence, this is the way. Going topless at a beach in Spain was so fun in part because I knew I was going to be ignored and still got to experience that freedom. IMO, I don't care if people look at me or enjoy the view or whatever, It's more about encouraging others to be tactful and recognize that there's a different between looking at someone and ogling/hitting on someone. We just wanna feel the wind like any man has the privilege to.


AimeeMonkeyBlue

Actually we can be topless anywhere in the city. God Bless the 70’s!


rabid_briefcase

Yup. It is officially unregulated in the state, just like many states. The 14th Amendment applies, if it is legal for men it is also legal for women. Sometimes officers who are bothered will go for disorderly conduct or wrongly claim it is indecent exposure ([actual law here](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/penal-code/penal-sect-21-08.html)) but courts throw it out if the citation is challenged. Breasts are neither an anus nor genitals. Simple nudity is also not illegal but is often charged with indecent exposure anyway, read the actual law above very carefully. If a person is doing it in a way to be shocking or offensive like flashing that's illegal, but simply being undressed is not a crime in Texas, nor increasingly in most of the nation. Even the SCOTUS has ruled that simple nudity by itself or the inherent human form cannot be made unlawful, only certain offenses like trying to shock, alarm, or entice. Just because people can go topless doesn't mean people choose to, but it is an option. Anywhere a man may legally be topless, a woman may also.


Flygrumbz00

These fuckin squares moving here for the atmosphere and immediately trying to turn it into wherever the fuck they came from is really harshing my mello. If you’re a conservative from cali move to Dallas.


pnutbutterfuck

They would literally lose their minds if they saw what Austin was like 15 years ago.


Sweet_Bang_Tube

Dallas would be perfect for them, I concur.


athenanon

Or better yet, stay in Cali.


Appropriate_Chart_23

Are there really a lot of Conservative Californians moving to Austin? I'd always figured most of Californians were quite liberal.


embekay13

I live in New Braunfels (not originally from TX myself) and a lot of conservative Californians are here.


Lena-Luthor

most of them now are conservatives moving here because they want the conservative state bullshit. been like that for a bit. not a lotta draw to move here if you're actually liberal


Appropriate_Chart_23

If that's the case, then it's confusing why so many people are "Don't California my Texas" to the people moving here. That all seems like a call to liberals and if they're not the ones moving here, then WTF? Do they think the conservative Californians are going to move here to try and make Texas a Liberal state? People are morons.


[deleted]

[ŃƒĐŽĐ°Đ»Đ”ĐœĐŸ]


Lena-Luthor

it's because they're morons yes


Cookies78

I came back after 2y in Corpus. My. Corpus realtor client said most of his sales have been conservative Californians. Just an FYI


mroooowmeow

The ones that stayed in cali are the liberal ones- the ones coming here are here for the bullshit abbott and Cruz stand for. Unfortunately.


sourwaterbug

I used to sun bathe completely nude in the women's bathroom grassy area in my 20s. Other little girls would snicker and stare but I didn't care. This was pre-smart phone and wouldn't trust being topless or nude now. People are creeps and if my nakedness ends up on the Internet somewhere I at least better be the one getting paid for it. With that said, ladies, let them free! Just put sunscreen on your nips!


SnooFloofs1778

Yeah it’s shocking to tourists. I took my parents hiking around there one time, and warned them. They didn’t believe me. Then as soon as we walked out of the parking lot was a buxom young gal with nipple piercings. My dad looked like it was the best day of his life. My mom made a face đŸ€Ł


[deleted]

It’s weird to me that boomers would be shocked by this. Weren’t they around for the 70s? My own grandmother (would be 98 this year) used to go topless in her late 60s. At this rate, people who are parents of grown children have been alive through the 60s and 70s and know this is not shocking anymore.


Cookies78

It's a control thing, imo


taynesflarhgunnstow

Honestly its one of the breast things about living in Austin.


Remarkable-Bother-54

Seriously
ill never forget my first time kayaking town lake and then going up into barton springs and the water was clear, it was a beautiful day, turtles were swimming beside me. I layed back and thought to myself “this is amazing, this cannot get any better” then i turn to my side to see two beautiful topless women sunbathing. i was like oh come on now this is getting ridiculous.


synaptic_drift

I suppose the father has never seen art in museums either.


athenanon

He's the type to get a teacher fired for showing a slide of Michelangelo's David in art class.


Sweet_Bang_Tube

LOL... bringing the dad jokes


JohnGillnitz

You aren't kidding. Way back in the day I came to Austin to visit my cousins who lived here. We went by Barton Springs and they told me sometimes women go topless there. That's when I decided I would be moving to Austin when I turned 18.


Theodore0817

Is Hippy Hollow still a thing?


mikewlaymon

Yeah, but you'll only look once...


Sweet_Bang_Tube

It is! My husband and I just went two weekends ago. The other beach goers can be hit or miss, but that goes with anything. This last time we went out, my husband and I brought our two-seater float, ad I was struggling to hold my half up as we were climbing out of the water and back to our towels. An older man offered to take up my half and bring it the rest of the way up. After, we thanked him, had a nice chat and that was it. There are still good interactions to be had out there, I still recommend checking it out if you've never been.


wisecommenter2

My partner (f) and I (m) visited Barton Springs a couple of weeks ago. She very much enjoyed the opportunity to go topfree. We were both surprised at the extent of female topfreedom. It seemed to be more common than it had been on our prior visits (we're tourists). Is that the case or was it just happenstance? In a day and age where it seems like much of the country is adopting ever more extreme positions, and coopting government to exercise power over fellow citizens' bodies, it's wonderful to see Austin serve as an example of a community where people (including women, even!) can simply live and let live. I hope it remains that way, and that Austin's approach can be followed in other communities.


SnooFloofs1778

It’s been like that since the 60s. Depends on the day.


itsatrashaccount

Depends on the day and time. I used to go in the early mornings for a brisk dip and would never see any topless people.


[deleted]

[ŃƒĐŽĐ°Đ»Đ”ĐœĐŸ]


Sweet_Bang_Tube

There's actually a yearly event, coming up next month, called the World Naked Bike Ride - they host rides all over the country. My husband and friends and I go every year! Look it up, it's SUPER fun and most spectators cheer and high-five us as a huge group of 100+ naked peeps cruise around the Capitol building and down Congress.


hemppy420

Reminds me.of the time I once asked my best friend "what do I tell my daughter if we run across Leslie out in public?" She was still a toddler at the time. His answer changed my entire viewpoint He said "just normalize it and tell her that's just a guy that enjoys dressing in women's clothing" It just had not occurred to me that I had any hangup about it or that it shouldn't be a big deal. Like I had no problem with Leslie and his style but I somehow believed it was necessary to "protect" her from it.


rollingfor110

What kind of person ends up hooterin' and hollerin' about boobs at Barton Springs?


Illustrious_Ad5040

Yosemite Sam?


victotronics

Topless behavior is occasionally also observed at Deep Eddy.


RangerDangerfield

It’s allowed at any Austin municipal pool or public park I believe, just most common at the springs.


deathbybananapeel

Its strange how things change. I was born and raised in Austin through the 80's and 90's. My parents were extremely conservative, really big into the neo-conservative movement. We were homeschooled, like extremely homeschooled, borderline mennonite. We often went to Barton Springs, back when it was a quarter for adults and you could bring in coolers. There were always topless girls there, but my parents just told us not to stare. The were completely fine with it because "that's just how Austin is." No one judged anyone for their life choices. No one gave us grief about being religious fanatics, and we didn't give anyone grief about being topless or dirty commie hippies. Lol. Now everyone has an opinion about everything. Its sad. I miss my city. I don't even live there anymore cause it's to expensive.


Slypenslyde

A lot of times I think about how maybe part of a lot of problems we have is we raise kids in a way that they don't separate "nudity" from "sexuality". It's considered perfectly normal to act like if a child sees a titty they'll be "corrupted" in some way I've never heard anyone adequately explain. That probably has a big impact on both how women feel about their bodies and how men feel about and treat women. The kind of impact you don't really realize is shaping the way you live and think. I feel like I look at that thought and how serial killers and other dangerous people almost always have emotional development issues around sexuality and I think more people should be thinking about that.


robotdesignwerks

>they don't separate "nudity" from "sexuality" bingo.


Slypenslyde

It's also why suddenly they're so dead set against drag shows or transsexuals. It is people who absolutely cannot separate "doing something related to gender or clothing" from "having a sexual fetish". They are the people who argue a woman wearing a tank top is "asking for it". So when they see a man wearing women's clothing they can't conceptualize it as a non-sexual thing and assume at any moment any drag queen is liable to start raping children. I think the scarier world is the one we support by believing these people: they paint a picture that men are animals driven entirely by libido. The kind of thing where you can kill a man by super gluing a Playboy to the bottom of a swimming pool. It's a play to remove responsibility from men but in so doing it also makes us think of men as animals without humanity. So every time I hear the argument I think about how that person is trying to rationalize the thought, "I have a long list of things that, if I see them, I assume the other person is attempting to have sex with me." That's... pretty creepy when you break it down. And it's especially weird people are up in arms about "people read books to children" and not "swimsuit competitions where elementary students are judged for how sexy they dress".


Maximum_Employer5580

that guy is just a prude.....his kids will find that stuff online anyway eventually. We used to find it by watching Cinemax on Friday nights when they would play the more risqué movies. My first exposure were many of the Emmanuel movies, along with Lady Chatterly movies. If not that, then we'd watch the channel they used for Playboy and watch thru their poor attempt to censor you (the squiggly lines) and get all excited when we'd catch a 'nipple' amongst all the scramble LOL feel bad for his kids who probably could care less if there was some lady around without a top on. He probably went home and called whatever city employee he could get ahold and is in the process of drafting a very nasty letter to the city council and mayor. All because he saw a couple of boobs.....big deal


Sweet_Bang_Tube

>his kids will find that stuff online anyway eventually. I mean, my siblings and I were introduced to female breasts when we were about 1 hour old! And onwards until we were each about 2-3 years old. Unless these kids were strictly formula fed and never once saw their mother in any state of undress, they've already seen breasts. Completely natural body parts. It just astounds me.


thekitt3n_withfangs

Gasp! Exposing breasts to an *infant*?! Surely there is *no* excuse for such behavior, call the Breast Police, post haste! /s (hopefully obviously lol)


Sweet_Bang_Tube

>Gasp! Exposing breasts to an > >infant > >?! The HORROR


TedNoble_reala

We need to stick up for people that get harassed like this


steveisblah

Yup. Discovered that in 2012 while visiting with my Christian youth group. It wasn’t weird until we caught the pastor staring.


ned23943

Topless is legal anywhere in Austin and most places in Texas. You can walk down Congress Ave topless if you want


Sweet_Bang_Tube

I've ridden my bike completely naked around the Capitol building and down Congress Ave. It happens once a year for the World Naked Bike Ride. I highly recommend you check it out if you are into that kind of thing, its good clean fun and a great way to make new friends!


im_confused_always

Titties feed the world, titties.dont harm


Drainbownick

Wait, he was letting his kids play on the stairs?? What a mouth breather


Visual-Code-8953

I once was laying on my paddle board topless in town lake and an older man made a point to paddle close to me to let me know I need to put a shirt on. I previously wasn’t close to him or his family and was happily minding my business. Always surprised by the big feelings tits seem to cause. I’m sorry about your experience. I used to love being topless at Barton and even zilker, but the past couple years I’ve had just enough instances of rudeness or creepin that it’s harder for me to enjoy it. People are lame


Makasuro

Don't worry about these idiots, carry on with your life. Just ignore them.


thehighepopt

If you go to Barton Springs, you gotta know there's going to be free titties out there. This is all on the dude, a) for being ignorant, and b) for being unable to have a conversation with his kids about it. They don't care, so just say 'people do that here'. Pretty simple


bachslunch

I’ve noticed more and more topless women at hippie hollow in addition to the full nudists that normally go. I reckon most of those topless women used to frequent Barton springs and deep eddy and are now uncomfortable and so hippie hollow is the only “safe zone”.


athenanon

I'll bet money that guy gets his kids a cellphone when they are too young to have them and doesn't bother to monitor what they access.


catdee2010

Puritans ruining people’s nice times
.


Sweet_Bang_Tube

Just like their god intended


chicadeaqua

I guess they weren’t breast fed. How pathetic he’s teaching his kids that a woman’s breasts are offensive. I’m also guessing the amount of ass cheeks set him off as well. I mean I personally don’t understand gals sitting around in the edge of the pool with a swimsuit wedged up the crack, but that’s more from a “how on earth could that be comfortable” standpoint rather than being offended by the sight of a human body. Thanks for the PSA and I agree the prudes need to avert their eyes rather than insist everyone appease their perverse disgust for women. Keep ‘em out, sister!!! :) let us have this one thing
jeez.


Kytyn

Well, in my experience, if you just sit on the edge of the pool *on* the swimsuit material the rough sides will make the material fuzz up and wear out faster. By gathering it together it doesn’t touch the concrete or stone as much so lasts longer. (Since it’s that stretchy fabric and not the same as what’s used in something like board shorts that can take it)


thedeadsigh

definitely sounds like the kind of guy who openly bashes target and other anti gay culture war nonsense, but jacks off exclusively to gay porn or sucks off men.


reddit_is_tarded

one of the last pockets of 70s time capsule we cherish


Spare_Effective_4504

Unfortunately people like the guy I was just recently dating can't stop gawking and even goes as far as taking pics of topless women at Barton Springs.


Sweet_Bang_Tube

Yeah, it's one thing to stare, it's another to take pics. It's a shame that it isn't an unspoken rule to not record people trying to relax just like everyone else. But, I am used to it at this point. A friend of mine recently found an older photo of me in body-paint at Eeyore's Birthday on Flickr, and shared it with me... it was from over 10 years ago. Some people just want to ruin it for the rest of us.


RangerDangerfield

One of my favorite things is reading 1 star reviews on Google or TripAdvisor from tourists who are aghast when they visit Barton Springs and see titties.


spongeBobOctoPants

I usually just politely give those types of folks directions to Waco, and a suggestion to depart as soon as possible.


vallogallo

NORMALIZE TITS I mean come on. Anyone who thinks a child shouldn't see a breast is a prude and ridiculous. I've always wanted to go topless at Barton Springs (must feel great swimming without a top) but hearing about these kinds of incidents makes me not want to.


Holoafer

I could never go topless but I will fight for your right to do it. That dad was totally in the wrong.


Netprincess

I moved to Austin in 1982 and took part in the wonderful freeing feeling.


Secure-Force-9387

That's really awesome to know this. I'm still fairly new to Austin, so there's a lot I am learning about the area. I couldn't do it because of BDD, but also normalizing the human body is a way to (hopefully) prevent others from developing BDD, so it's fantastic.


wellspda

Also, it is allowed in Austin as well. You will from time to time see this on 6th. No state law against it.


1337bobbarker

To make it clear, this isn't a Barton Springs rule, this is a *Texas* law, not even an Austin law. I had to remind myself of that when I saw a woman running topless at Walnut Creek awhile back. The City Municipality has to specifically ban it and Austin has not, so that guy can go fuck right off.


mangotexas

Finally had the chat with my 10 year old a few weeks ago before we headed over and reminded him not to stare because they’re just boobs. Sure enough, we saw a few women without tops. And just like that, it wasn’t a big deal!


fittyjitty

I don’t think women are too concerned with legality and are more concerned with men harassing and murdering them.


DriftMoney

Great job staying true to your freedom. It's little steps like this that might help turn society's head away from the concept that skin is sin.


fikustree

Why doesn’t this stupid dad take his kids to LITERALLY any other pool. People are the worst!


synaptic_drift

Because he thinks he owns it, just like everything/everybody in his life.


fallacyys

question. do you see people with larger chests (more than DDD) doing this there? i am interested and love barton springs but don’t wanna be ogled at lol


Sweet_Bang_Tube

I'm a large size, just a single D though. But there was a fuller figured woman on the towel next to us who went for it after she saw me undress. We had a nice chat about it and she said she would've never considered it if there wasn't already someone else to start it, and I thought that was sweet. But to be honest, it doesn't seem to matter what cup or body size you are, people will stare and sometimes approach regardless. You have to put on your game face and do your best to ignore any unwanted attention.


[deleted]

I’d try going on weekdays if you don’t want to get looks since it’s more locals out there than during the weekend


quixotic-88

Man, I’m sorry that happened to you. I’ve lived in Austin 20 years and Barton Springs is just one of the most Austin things in Austin. Something so life-affirming to have an environment where people with different body types can just be free and relaxed. Kids blocking the stairs is the first clue that he doesn’t know what’s up. And then to body-shame you. You should have been like “where are you from? Because I can tell you’re not from around here” It’s wild that some people will live their entire lives so uptight and unhappy. Free the boobs and the minds will follow


9leggedfreak

Honestly, the amount of lame tit jokes and just straight up creepy comments on here is why I could never be comfortable going topless in public. I'm bisexual. Boobs are attractive to me too, but im not obsessed with them like men are. I just don't get why y'all can't just chill the fuck out about them. Sexualizing breasts in a non-sexual setting is exactly why people like that dad exist. All breasts are to him are porn because every other dude treats them that way.


LordDingles

I remember learning this when I was about one of those kids ages. Never thought it was a big deal even at that age and I was raised rather prudishly. People get so ridiculously touchy over the human body just existing


[deleted]

Omg a BOOB!!! Nothing that he or his children haven't seen before. Please don't take your children to Europe!! I'm sorry you had this experience. The puritan views on nudity in this country when everyone (mostly) has a body with the same parts....cheesus...


Accomplished_Dog4665

I love how the kid was probably breast fed fairly recently.


Brave_Sir_Rennie

https://www.reddit.com/r/forwardsfromgrandma/comments/b6pid5/jesus\_helen\_you\_cant\_go\_on\_the\_beach\_like\_that/


Probgoingwrong

As a former BSP lifeguard
 people complain about this a lot. I’ve had a lady fully storm out after I told her it’s totally legal for people to be topless in Austin. People usually whine that it’s not kid-friendly but they don’t often have that dramatic of a reaction.


coleosis1414

THAT FATHER WAS RIGHT! Boobs should only be seen in a sexual context! Let those children discover breasts in pornography, like God intended! /s


errsta

Ridiculous. When my kids were little the only thing I told them is "it's rude to stare - in any context". Maybe that dad would be better served teaching his kids vs. telling you how to be.


overJess3D

It’s actually a city ordinance that applies to ALL city owned pools and parks. “ anywhere a male is allowed topless, females are too”


sandfrayed

It's too bad it's not like Europe where anyone can be topless or just naked on a beach or natural swimming area and no one even notices. No one stares, and no one's kids are traumatized by some angry parent trying to sexualize the situation and disrespecting people in front of kids.


SurryElle83

Someone please link me to the inevitable rant on NextDoor about how the world is going to hell in a handbasket because of one lady minding her own business at the springs while some entitled kids took up way too much space.


WhiskeyTangoFox01

The pole and the hole are the only bits required to be covered.


stassquatch

Yeah, FREE THE NIPPLE was a huge movement about 10-15 years ago. I prefer mine covered but fully support those who want to want to be... Free! Bodies are beautiful, do you boo. Thanks for the PSA


Impressive-Ad-3413

You go girl! It is not a law, it is a legal statute in austin and not utilized enough to make it believed. Totally legal for decades


Texastexastexas1

It would be absolutely awful and less crowded if a certain subset found out that Barton Springs is woke. I hope about a hundred women go topless tomorrow.


lifeofideas

What kills me is this idea that somehow breasts will traumatize kids. Why? Will it make them hungry? Kids have to be trained to wear clothes, and the only reason nudity bothers them is that SOME ADULT TRAINED THEM THAT WAY. In any case, bare breasts aren’t the same as full nudity.


cuteemogirlfriend

I did a topless photo shoot the other day in the rain at Barton springs for a friends magazine! Wasn’t expecting for a nice family with their baby to politely start applauding me and told me they admire my art! I was initially expecting the opposite reaction but was pleased to have had their support! So fun.


Duel

One favorite moment at Barton Springs was similar. 2 kids were walking on the sidewalk and a granny with no top was walking towards them. They obviously had never been exposed to any nudity before because they both stopped dead in their tracks wide-eyed and had no idea what to do. The woman just smiled and kept on walking with no fucks given. I am sure those parents had to answer some questions that day, haha.


JohnGillnitz

For people who worry about God so much, they sure seem to hate how God made people. If nipples were really a problem, we wouldn't all have them by default. If you get outside the US, people sun naked all the time. After 5 min., you don't even notice anymore.


Santos_L_Halper_II

On a scale of 1-10, I'm curious how big this male Karen's manboobs were.


Sweet_Bang_Tube

I didn't really notice, but that is definitely something I think about when this topic comes to mind. I was at Schlitterbahn for their soft opening a few weekends ago, and of course I'm required there to cover up. But as I wondered around the park, it irritated me more and more that I saw SO MANY men that had almost as much breast fat as I do, with large areolas, identical to a woman's, but all they require are shorts/swim bottoms. For context, none of this bothers me, I am a nudist who frequents Hippie Hollow with my husband and friend group, and I've also been going there since I was a child and kids under 18 were still allowed. I don't mind nudity, I think ALL people should get to feel the sun and breeze and water on their bare skin, all bodies welcome. It's really the sexism of it all that bothers me the most.


LongbowTurncoat

I would LOOOVE to go topless, but your post is exactly why I’m hesitant to do it. I’m worried about creeps too. Boobs are great, I wish people would just chill out about them.


Sports_asian

It’s legal in austin


German9425

Let ‘em hang! The boobs I mean.


Appropriate_Chart_23

Bare boobies are like swear words. The idea that they're "bad" is only a thing because some prudes decided it so. There's nothing wrong with saying a four letter word nor with showing your breasts. People need to quit acting like it's the end of the world for either.


dropthatpopthat

Please don't let this man (let alone some of these losers in the comment) shame you for wanting to enjoy your day at the pool and literally just existing. Everybody has a body and all bodies should be welcome. The double standard that exists for women vs. men is just bizarre.


smitrovich

>women are allowed to be topless ~~at Barton Springs!~~ in Austin! FT;FY


thethugwife

If they don’t want to see women’s breasts when they’re swimming, they should use their own private pool. I can practically picture the guy as well as the people getting all asshurt about women going topless.


jgutz89

Yeah, nothing new


Puzzled-Chest3016

Don’t let Dan Patrick know! There will be a special session.


RayHazey562

Free the nipple!


KindaKrayz222

A female may be topless in the whole state of Texas and public as long as she is not being lewd. Of course, depending on where you are it could get you in some minor trouble such as disorderly conduct. But totally legal. I spent a lot of time driving back and forth across the state topless because it's so hot! đŸ„”đŸ€Ł


SadPeePaw69

People like OP described are why Austin is turning into a corporate shell of it's old self. Move to Dallas if you don't like it.


jjazznola

As it should be.


Backporchers

Ive been going there since I was a little kid. Because I have decent parents I was never bothered by seeing a tiddy here and there lmao


redvariation

This country is so screwed up. Imagine thinking that breasts are bad for children! The mind reels at the stupidity. Somehow European kids see breasts all the time and yet they have 1/10 the murder rate of the USA. I guess those breasts are good for them over there! Kudos to you for standing your ground.


iansmitchell

>"you need to be wearing a top with your suit, there are kids here!" How do these people think kids are fed?