People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) “naked” demonstrators and billboard models voluntarily participate in our campaigns because they want to do something to encourage people to stop and pay attention to animal cruelty. These women are not helpless “victims” who cannot think for themselves and need to be protected, as Bridget Sharkey portrayed them.

Much of the PETA staff is female, including the president, executive director and heads of several departments. We believe that women are free to use their minds and/or bodies as a political instrument to bring attention to animal suffering if they choose to do so.

Of course, not all of PETA’s “naked” models are female. Boss Models Marcus Schenkenberg and Joel West and designer Todd Oldham have participated, in addition to many other celebrity and non-celebrity men.

People are naturally curious about nudity, whether it be male or female, old or young, gay or heterosexual. PETA uses this curiosity in effective campaigns to bring attention to unsavory, depressing issues about which most people would rather not think.

Instead of criticizing efforts to help animals, PETA encourages compassionate people to consider what they can do to make this world less cruel for those who cannot speak for themselves. Caring people know that killing animals for their skin or flesh is cruel and we hope our ads and demonstrations will remind more people to make compassionate choices. Please see PETA.org for more information.

Heather Moore

Senior writer

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

Norfolk, Va.