Stacey Seaside

I read an article recently debunking the historical credence of Lady Godiva.

Her ride through the streets of Coventry without apparel was relegated to myth or urban legend.

Whether a tale that was stretched and embellished over time, based on a historical event or in fact the conjuring of a creative writer in the 1300s is not relevant.

What is relevant is the example it sets for individuals making a personal sacrifice to call out injustice.

As the story of Lady Godiva goes, she was best known for her iconic nude horseback ride through the streets of Coventry to protest oppressive taxation imposed by her husband, Leofric, Earl of Mercia. According to the legend—most famously recorded centuries later by chroniclers like Roger of Wendover—Godiva pleaded with Leofric to reduce taxes on the townspeople. He agreed, but only on the condition that she ride naked through the town. Out of compassion for the people, she accepted and supposedly instructed the townspeople to stay indoors and not look. One man, by the name of Thomas, coined the expression “Peeping Tom,” as he defied the instruction to not look. Supposedly he was struck blind as his punishment.

Today, across the spectrum, we are being called upon to speak up, to speak out, to make calls, to take to the streets as we see our rights whittled away by politicians lacking in basic compassion for their fellow human being.

In the States it has hit epidemic levels. This has prompted the average non-activist, non-engaged citizen, often complacent about politics to now push back.

More people are joining public protests and calling out injustices.

In modern society, taking to the streets naked to protest or make a point, is an easy way to attract a lot of attention, without a big budget.

We have seen “naked” protests in the former of “Streakers” in the 70s and 80s. The “Streakers” were individuals—mostly men—who ran naked through public places, particularly during high-profile events like sports games or live TV broadcasts. It was a fad or counter-cultural phenomenon, often seen as a form of protest, prank, or attention-seeking during a time of significant social upheaval and experimentation. There was even a song by Ray Stevens called “The Streak.”

So why were all these folks doing a Godiva and running through public places in just their birthday suits? Many streakers saw it as an act of protest against conformity, the Vietnam War, or uptight societal norms. The act aligned with the broader sexual revolution—liberation from prudish values. Others simply wanted attention or to inject absurdity into serious events.

Now you may give me a hard time about nudity. After all, I have lived on an island in the Aegean that has been infamous for its nude beaches for six decades. Mykonos is well-known for its vibrant nightlife, luxury resorts, and liberal attitude toward nudity, Paradise, Super Paradise, Paranga, Elia, Agrari and Panormos Beaches are synonymous with nudity and hedonism. I assure you however, there are no public protests going on at these beaches–only a lot of body promenading. And plenty of “peeping Toms!” Being clothed at these beaches actually makes a statement of protest!!

The story of Lady Godiva and her ride through the centuries conveys a symbol of courage and defiance against injustice.

Her nudity represents a personal symbolic sacrifice made in protest against unjust policies. The townspeople were asked not to witness the act, making the protest a solitary gesture rather than a collective action.

Lady Godiva’s act, whether factual or mythologized, emphasizes moral courage and symbolic protest. Modern protests, in contrast, tend to be more organized, collective, and reliant on public engagement, media amplification, and long-term advocacy.

However, both share a foundational principle: the use of public acts—often disruptive or bold—to challenge injustice and demand change.

I am not encouraging you to take to the streets in the nude. But I do hope you will be public about your disgust of policies that are unjust.

Do not be complacent.

Commenting on Social Media is a good start but it is no solution.

Engaging with your legislators and telling them how you feel about current policy or proposed legislation is step two.

Voting in every election by exercising your right as a citizen is the priority.

And when that fails, take to the streets.

Go naked if you really want to attract some attention but go!

See you in the streets! (I will definitely be wearing more than my birthday suit!)