A video surfaced on social media on March 9, 2024, showing a naked man casually strolling down a busy street in Seattle, Washington while holding a Pride Flag. The man appeared to be oblivious to the cars around him, with vehicles either waiting for him to pass or maneuvering around him. The incident reportedly took place in Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood, according to journalist Andy Ngo.
The video was shared on Twitter by radio host Jason Rantz of KTTH Radio, who captioned it, “Seattle is thriving.” The disturbing footage received a mixed response from the public, with many expressing concern over the safety of families in the city. One user wrote, “And this why here is why my child won’t step foot in this city!” Another commented, “So many beautiful cities in our great country have been destroyed… Very sad.” Some questioned why laws against indecent exposure were not being enforced in this situation.
There were also comments expressing concern for the individual’s mental health. Homelessness has been on the rise in Seattle, and it is not known if the naked man in the video was homeless or unsheltered. According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), first-time homelessness increased by 25% between 2021 and 2022. By 2023, a record number of 653,100 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night, a 12% increase from the previous year. Washington was one of the five states with the highest increase in homelessness.
Seattle is thriving. pic.twitter.com/ZBxSyxds13
— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) March 9, 2024
Last June, another group of naked men participated in Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Pride Parade, drawing criticism for exposing children to nudity. The parade was advertised as being “all ages” and focused on “challenging body shame” and promoting self-esteem. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) released a statement saying that their role at the event was to ensure safety and security, not to regulate activities that should be handled by parade organizers and the permit process.
Seattle — A nude man in the Ravenna neighborhood draped in a trans BLM LGBTQ+ flag shuts down the road and spreads his legs wide for drivers. pic.twitter.com/O6Z2P9UFWy
— Andy Ngô ????️???? (@MrAndyNgo) March 9, 2024
The incident of the naked man walking down a Seattle street has sparked a debate about the mental health crisis and homelessness in the city, as well as the impact of public events on families and children. Some believe that the incident highlights the need for better mental health resources and support, while others feel that the city’s policies and events are contributing to the decline of Seattle’s reputation as a family-friendly destination. Overall, this incident has brought attention to the larger issues of homelessness, mental health, and public safety in Seattle.