February 2022
A Bold New Plan For A Bold New Age Of Nudism
“Stuck in the past” is not a qualifier that any movement or organization hopes to acquire, but it’s one that seems to have been attached to nudist clubs and even organizations such as AANR. It’s true that the world has changed significantly from the one in which the first American nudist clubs and organizations sprang forth, but I would argue that it has largely changed in favor of the nudist movement—if we are bold enough to see it. We find ourselves now in a society that embraces all bodies, that celebrates all backgrounds and life experiences, and that strives for equality and inclusivity. All of that seems to fall right in line with the lofty ideals of the very first nudists to gather on American soil. Maybe this ever-changing, increasingly diverse world that we so often see as an obstacle to our mission is just the opportunity we’ve been waiting for.
How do we tap into this cultural moment of authenticity and inclusivity? How do we ensure the movement we have built feels like a welcoming space for the increasingly diverse world around us? Recent studies into this area make the path forward clear: We must embrace diversity in our marketing and content, elevate diverse voices and perspectives within our community, and embrace a culture of inclusivity within the organization’s leadership structure. Read more
Everybody Naked: Can Naturism become a Trend?
What’s a trend? It’s basically something that suddenly becomes very popular. Pokemon was a trend, so were the iPod and platform shoes. Fashion knows new trends several times per year, which dictate the colors and shapes of the clothes that you find in the popular stores. In haircuts, you can find a lot of trends too. Even in haircuts down below. Are you shaven? That’s a trend. You’re au naturel? That is a trend too.
We are hugely influenced by trends, often without even realizing it. A couple of years ago, everyone seemed to start doing yoga. Hundreds of different types of yoga were suddenly born, including naked yoga. It wasn’t that everyone had visited India and discovered yoga or that everyone at the same time thought that this might be a great way of exercising. Read more
Interview With A Single, Male, Introvert, First-Time Nudist!
Motivated by Karen Lahey’s Bulletin article October 2021) addressing the need for clubs to be more welcoming and inclusive, Scott Ross shared his experience as a brand-new nudist. He reported that the club desk staff made his first encounter comfortable and welcoming. Scott’s next visit however was disappointing as the same receptionist appeared to not remember him and folks he had met before seemed aloof and clustered with their friends. The following interview tells his story and shares his suggestions.
HOW MUCH TIME BETWEEN THINKING ABOUT NUDISM AND TRYING IT OUT?
I’ve been a ‘part-time home nudist’ since middle school. I considered becoming a true nudist after graduating college but it took nearly 30 years before my first visit to a nudist resort. Read more
Toasted buns: A first-timer on why you should go naked this summer
Ever been curious about nudism? Maisie Nhao braves the beach naked for the first time and explains why you should, too.
I like being naked. Who doesn’t? From the relief of taking your bra off after a long day, to the feeling of warm water running over your puku in the shower, there’s an innate sense of freedom and joy that comes with being starkers.
But there’s also a heavy dose of shame and stigma. Ever since I developed boobies at the tender age of nine, I became painfully aware of the need to censor my body. My mum would tut over my clothes, buttoning buttons, pulling skirts down, and yelling at me for wearing crop tops. Don’t even get me started on the muscle-tee trend of the mid-2010s. This message was reinforced everywhere. From Tip Top’s togs, togs, togs, undies campaign; to school dress codes; to the adult world of “professional dress”; it seemed the whole world was saying the same thing: your naked body is unacceptable. Read more
“As a naturist myself I find it astonishing that a religion can worship a particular deity yet regard its most miraculous creation – the human body – as obscene and wicked and so shameful that it should be hidden from view.” —Liz Egger
Coromandel beach becomes popular spot for first-time nudists
As the waters begin to warm along the coast of Coromandel a group of nudists eye up a discrete spot to sunbathe on a remote beach.
Opoutere near Whangamatā – while most commonly known as a surfers beach – has become an increasingly popular place for naturists.
As the mercury rose last Wednesday, a handful of people were walking clothed before baring it all about 5km down the beach.
A couple, from Auckland, told Stuff that Opoutere isn't specifically a nudist beach, but its remoteness is proving popular for first-timers.
“We are not into voyeurism or swingers. We are just people who love not wearing clothes and enjoy nature.”
The couple, who didn’t want to be named, have been stripping off at Opoutere Beach every summer for the last five years.
After going to a nudist resort in the south of France, the woman said they became more confident and decided to give it a try in New Zealand.
Opoutere seemed like the ideal spot to start – remote and secluded, she said.
“It was a bit daunting at first. To begin with I only took off my top, not bottoms, but then I slowly got more comfortable.” Read more
Spending time starkers can improve your mood and reduce anxiety
Clothing optional living has become more prevalent thanks to the pandemic, but at home. Naturism or nudism as a lifestyle is also gaining traction in South Africa as more people are dropping their clobber to frolic amongst nature. It’s nothing sexual, but rather a choice to be closer to nature and perhaps, get an all over tan.
Nudism has come a long way, from the controversy that surrounded outspoken Beau Valley nudist resort owner Beau Brummel in the 1980s.
Nudism is said to have its origins in Germany during the early 20th century and since then it has spread worldwide. Proponents of the lifestyle say that anything can be more fun when you do it naked. In Germany, there are even non-segregated locker rooms in some gyms with shared showers, pools and saunas and other coed facilities. Read more
“Wearing clothes is like blindfolding the skin – you can’t feel the world around you as you should.”
Barry Knell
These Friends Started A Black Nudist Travel Company That's Promoting Body Positivity and Self Love
Just take a look in the comments section of any social media post or article that mentions public nudity and it’s easy to tell that it’s not something many people are comfortable with. In a country where some of the most popular television programs show nudity during primetime hours, it’s shocking just how turned off folks are by nudity. When it comes to travelers of color, despite many of us being proud to show off our, ahem, assets, head to Hedonism II on the very Black island of Jamaica, and you’ll find more white people there than not. Recently a travel writer wrote about her experience at the resort, and the comments from other travelers of color was a resounding ‘I’m good love, enjoy.’ But one Black-owned travel company is looking to change all that. Founded by friends Patricka Hogue, 36, Claudine Nicaisse, 42, Richard Cantave, 32, Michelle Jackson, 43, Daphne Martin, 40, and Shatora Thomas, 39, Black Naturists Association is a travel company looking to disrupt the travel game by shattering stereotypes around nudity and encourage body positivity amongst Black travelers. Since starting their mission, BNA has become a movement, with nearly 3,000 followers on Facebook alone, vying to come on one of their epic naturists getaways. In addition to offering trips to destinations like Miami, Mexico and Haiti, the group has made their presence official by partnering with the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) to provide annual memberships and travel savings to singles and couples interested in the naturist lifestyle. ESSENCE caught up with the free-spirited group to find out more about their mission, dispelling naturists myths and why they feel it’s important for Black travelers to dare to bare it all. What is the Black Naturists Association (BNA), and how did you get started?
Black Naturists Association: Black Naturists Association is an association that advocates nudity through naturist environments and activities, to help promote healthy body images and self-esteem for those in the Black community. We were founded in 2016 by a group of like minded travelers who discovered a common interest in traveling to nude beaches and naturist friendly destinations around the world. Why did you feel it was important to start a nudist group specifically for people of color? We felt it was important to start BNA so that people who looked like us had more representation in naturist spaces, and that the spaces we provide on trips and meet ups were free from any sexual pressures or overt sexual undertones. We realize that sex is healthy and natural, but we also want to make nudity normal without it being automatically associated with sex or sexuality. What are some myths you feel people of color, or people in general, have about nudist groups and activities? The immediate myth is that all nudists are swingers and engage in sexual activity during meet-ups or trips. However, we are not a sex or swingers club and we have very specific rules around sex while on a BNA trip. We also have a zero tolerance policy as it relates to harassment of any kind. Women tend to be more body conscious than men, what tips do you have to help them better embrace the nudist experience? For women that may be a bit hesitant, we recommend easing into getting naked at a nude beach or BNA trip. You can start with going topless and then take more off as you become more comfortable. Bottom line is once you get naked you’ll see that everyone is enjoying the space they’re in and isn’t worried or judging how you look. They will be admiring your bravery and probably your body as well. We all have the same parts, they just look different on each person and we embrace it all. Read more
