- Opinion
- 07 Nov 13
The Naked Calendar is being published by Aisling FitzGibbon, aka The Girl Against Fluoride, to support the High Court action she’s taking against mandatory fluoridation of the water...
The Naked Calendar 2014 is the latest colourful stunt in the Girl Against Fluoride’s campaign to end mandatory water fluoridation in Ireland. The calendar and accompanying exhibition will be launched by Senator David Norris – who has voiced his strong opposition to fluoridation – at 6.30pm on November 7 in White Lady Art, 14 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2, with tunes afterwards courtesy of DJ Dave Sullivan.
The Naked Calendar features an array of mainly women – but some men too! – in various states of artful nudity photographed by well-known photo-journalist, Niall Carson. Participants include professional models, a tiny infant, a grandmother and local politicians, as well as yours truly, photographed researching fluoride on my lap-top at home, with no clothes on (as you do).
“The calendar is a fun focus for the campaign,” says the Girl Against Fluoride, aka Aisling FitzGibbon. “But the main motivation is to raise funding for the High Court case that I’m taking against the Irish State to stop the dumping of hydrofluorosilicic acid – a neurotoxin and an endocrine-disruptor – into our water supplies. We’re the only country in Europe still following this outdated and discredited practice of mandatory water fluoridation.
“I have an amazing legal team working pro bono on my case,” she explains, “but funding is needed to cover the costs of bringing the best international experts over to testify in the Irish High Court. These are the people who will provide compelling evidence showing that the water fluoridation policy must be stopped immediately, because of the damage that it’s doing to the Irish population’s health.”
In light of the Irish government’s failure to respond to the huge amount of research on the dangers of fluoride being produced by Irish scientist, Declan Waugh, and the lack of a thorough engagement in the fluoride debate on the part of the mainstream media in Ireland, the Girl Against Fluoride’s High Court case raises a critical spearhead in the current push to get this poison out of our water. Thousands of people in Ireland recognise the importance of FitzGibbon’s case and are actively supporting her.
“By buying The Naked Calendar – a perfect Christmas stocking-filler – people can help raise the funds we need to win this case, and get the fluoride out for good,” says FitzGibbon. “Declan Waugh’s work is internationally recognised and his reports are being used to end fluoridation in other countries. Hot Press has been exposing the massive cover-up of the truth about fluoride and fluoride contamination that’s going on across Irish government agencies. And various local and national politicians are trying to end fluoridation. Despite all this, there hasn’t been the media frenzy, leading to much greater public awareness, that this issue really does merit. That’s why we need people to get behind this court case, with their practical support.”
Awareness-raising is another important purpose of The Naked Calendar.
“The calendar tells the story of fluoride in Ireland. Each month has a fact about fluoride, so people will become educated on the issue as they engage with the beautiful photographs. The images depict everyday activities, and how they expose us to fluoride – but they’re also fun and engaging. As well as buying the calendar, I’d urge people to come along to the launch, where they can meet the brave souls willing to bare all for the truth about fluoride.”
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Calendars priced €9.99 can be ordered from [email protected]