I am not sure that this is the most appropriate place for this, but I received my first topless pic from a friend last night. I say that because it wasn't meant to be sexual in nature.
How is a topless pic non-sexual?
"Does this look normal?"
"Check out my new tattoo/piercing."
"Look how much weight I've gained/lost."
"I look awesome!"
"Are these bug bites, or a rash?"
The middle three are all sexual. Especially the piercing, since the only one you have to get topless to show is nipples.
I had actually asked about her new piercings, and we both agree that breasts shouldn't be as sexualized as they are. So in that regard, no, it was not sexual in nature.
Though I'd be lying if I said there wasn't some tension between us.
I would not consider the weight gain/loss and tattoo/piercing pics to be sexual either. At least not automatically. ANYTHING can be sexual depending on context.
The "I look awesome" topless picture is the one I'd consider having sexual undertones if sent by a woman. (I know, double standard, but since the pic could be sent with her wearing a bra and have the same "look at my muscles" effect.)
Also: My wife wanted to add that a topless picture of someone breastfeeding a baby would also be in the "not sexual" category. Though I'm not sure how often pics like that are sent.
And there is a fetish for that and- OW! Brainbleach!