As the legal conflict over the future of Denny Blaine Park unfolds, the local queer and nudist communities have continued to embrace the park this summer, demonstrating a spirit of resistance and defiance amid affluent opposition.
In a city increasingly dominated by developers and NIMBY stoicism, a remarkable wave of creativity has emerged at Denny Blaine, where puppets, nudity, and bold queer activism have transformed the area into a vibrant stage for radical performances.
This weekend, the park came alive with guerrilla theater that blended absurdity with pointed political critique. The performances targeted individuals such as Stuart Sloan, a wealthy neighbor attempting to eliminate nudity from the park, and highlighted the ineffective strategies being employed by Mayor Bruce Harrell to satisfy the local NIMBY factions.
A standout moment featured an actor, boldly nude except for a top hat, declaring, “These are my boobies!” This cheeky proclamation resonated deeply, serving as a reminder of the ongoing battle for bodily autonomy and freedom.
Previously reported by CHS, the city has proposed a controversial plan aiming to designate a “nude zone” within the park, seeking a compromise with a neighbor group that has been engaged in litigation to end nudity altogether or close the park.
The Friends of Denny Blaine, a group focused on finding community-driven solutions to maintain the park’s inclusive atmosphere, had suggested a strategy that entailed utilizing park rangers and installing informative signs to keep Denny Blaine open and welcoming.
However, the city’s current focus appears to be on segregating Denny Blaine into distinct zones. According to court documents, the plan stipulates, “To address Plaintiff’s concern that nudity should only be permitted in particular areas of the Park, the City’s Plan limits nudity to a specified area, with a visual barrier separating that area from the remainder of the Park.” This decision is based on the park’s physical characteristics and historical usage.
The guerrilla performances this weekend provided a vivid commentary on the absurdities surrounding the legal battle that pits affluent residents against the park’s proud LGBTQ and nudist culture.
One particular piece, presented by the Wandering Can, offered a poignant allegory about the loneliness experienced in a bottle-obsessed society. The story followed Mr. Green Juice Can, an outsider roaming through various city locales, desperately seeking connection in a community that seems indifferent to its neighbors.
This narrative mirrored Denny Blaine’s legacy as a sanctuary for those marginalized by society.
Additionally, a captivating puppet show traced the park’s history from its inception on reclaimed Indigenous land to its current identity as a safe haven for queer individuals. The performance critically examined figures like Charles Denny and contemporary elite characters such as Stuart Sloan and Mayor Harrell, who have attempted to erase the park’s free-spiritedness by proposing the installation of a playground.
Calls of, “Fuck Stuart Sloan!” echoed throughout the park as the puppet representing Sloan, reminiscent of the Monopoly character Rich Uncle Pennybags, encountered a magical honey bucket genie. Each of his three wishes—to eliminate park users, unleash rodents upon the area, and obliterate hope—backfired spectacularly.
Supporting visuals included banners showcasing leaked text exchanges between Sloan and Harrell, where they demeaned nudity as “disgusting” while plotting to undermine the park’s unrestrained joy.
Hope Freije, who helped organize the event, framed the performances as an act of both celebration and resistance. “We don’t need permission from the city to be naked,” Freije asserted. “Queer people and trans individuals require supportive spaces, especially when safety is not guaranteed elsewhere.”
The day’s performers, many of whom appeared nude or mostly undressed, embodied the essence of uninhibited expression. Several reiterated their commitment to maintain their freedoms in light of the legal proceedings.
“The courts can say what they want, because fuck it, we’re getting naked,” proclaimed co-organizer Jackie Donovan.
As the sun began to set over Lake Washington, it became evident that Denny Blaine is much more than just a park; it embodies a living canvas for liberation. Should wealthy interests and the city attempt to confine it, they will encounter a robust response rooted in artistic flair, puppetry, and a resolute commitment to naked defiance.
image source from：capitolhillseattle
