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FAQ test
What is naturism?
Naturism, or nudism as it is sometimes called, is generally defined
as the practice of going nude, especially in a mixed social setting. While
accurate as far as it goes, the standard definition fails to grasp the
"why" of naturism -- why do people choose to be naturists? Individual
responses to that question vary greatly. For some, naturism is a carefully
considered lifestyle; for others, it is no more complicated than a day
at the nearest nude beach. What connects these two extremes is the sense
of freedom naturist activities provide. It may be a matter of simple comfort—first-time
skinny-dippers frequently marvel at how good it feels to be clothes-free—or
there may be something more profound. For many, the social nudity that
helps define naturism is personally liberating; through it, we come not
only to accept ourselves but others. As we say here at The Naturist Society,
"Body Acceptance is the Idea, Nude Recreation is the Way."(For
a brief history of The Naturist Society and naturism, see TNS
History.)
Who are "the naturists"?
Broadly speaking, anyone who practices nude recreation, social nudity,
or both. By that standard, there are many millions of naturists worldwide,
especially in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. According
to a 2006 Roper Poll, one in four Americans—roughly 70 million people—have
skinny-dipped or sunbathed in the nude. And while not all of them are
naturists, the rapid growth the nude recreation industry has experienced
in recent years suggests many are. No longer confined to small, secretive
enclaves, today’s naturists have a variety of recreational and social
outlets. Publicly owned sites like Miami-Dade County’s Haulover Beach,
Long Island’s Fire Island, Toronto’s Hanlan’s Point, and
San Diego’s Black’s Beach now welcome naturists, as do hundreds
of clubs, resorts, and campgrounds across North America.
What do naturists mean when they talk about "social
nudity" and "nude recreation"?
A number of things. But first, it’s important to know what they don’t
mean. Misconceptions aside, naturism is not a code word for "sex"
(see below). When naturists talk about "social nudity" and "nude
recreation" they mean just that—nude group activities. The variety
of activities varies tremendously. There are nude backpackers, canoeists,
kayakers, scuba divers—even skydivers. For less adventurous types,
there is everything from the traditional day trip to the nude beach or
swimming hole to house parties, chartered cruises and weekend excursions
to nude resorts or campgrounds. Most things that can be done clothed can
be done unclothed—and usually it’s a lot more fun.
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What about the law; isn’t "social
nudity" illegal?
This gets a bit complicated, but the short answer is "no." As
indicated above, there are public beaches where nudity is perfectly legal.
So too are there private clubs and resorts that are either clothing-optional,
or where nudity is actually required. Legality is seldom an issue at these
places. Nonetheless, while laws that specifically prohibit nudity and
equate it with "indecent exposure" are rare, that shouldn’t
be taken as an invitation to get naked "anytime, anyplace."
If you undress in the village square, you’re likely to get arrested
for something—be it indecent exposure, disturbing the peace, or creating
a public nuisance. Even if the law is on your side, public nudity is problematic
in many jurisdictions. An arrest sometimes depends not on what the law
says, but on what police or prosecutors think it says or want it to say.
In some places, women are still harassed for breastfeeding in public,
and parents are still prosecuted for taking innocent nude photos of their
children. In more enlightened jurisdictions, a sharp distinction is made
between lewd activity and simple nudity, such as sunbathing and skinny-dipping
(for a state by state review of nudity laws, go to NAC
& NEF). Part of the TNS mission
is to highlight the difference between lewd and nude through education
and community outreach.
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Is naturism appropriate for families?
Absolutely! Naturism is about body acceptance and body awareness, which
makes it appropriate for everyone. Therefore, families with children are
welcome at naturist venues and events. Any venue or event that purports
to be "naturist" but excludes children should be viewed with
skepticism. Such exclusions are appropriate in some cases. A grueling
nude hike or a late evening dance at a club or resort come to mind. But
the exclusion of children is sometimes used as a signal that an event
is sexual in nature. The Naturist Society has no interest in passing judgment
on sexual activities among consenting adults; however, TNS adamantly rejects
the use of the term "naturism" as a cover for sexual activity.
Naturists do not deny the sexual nature of human beings, but they reject
the all too prevalent view in our society that nudity and sex are synonymous,
and that children should be "protected" from nudity regardless
of context. To repeat: nude is not lewd.
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How do I become a naturist?
Only you know if naturism is right for you. Some people enjoy being nude
in the privacy or their own home or apartment, but can’t imagine
being nude on a public beach or in a resort. That’s all right. Naturism
is not something that should be forced, either on yourself or others.
Perhaps the best way to "become a naturist" is with the help
of a friend or spouse who is a naturist. Of course, that isn’t always
possible. Another option is to contact a naturist organization near you
(chances are there is one; see Organizations).
Most local and regional naturist groups welcome new members and do their
best to ease them into the world of naturism. If all else fails, why not
just check out your nearest nude beach, hot spring, or swimming hole?
You don’t have to take your clothes off right away; do it gradually
if you prefer. Or, if it simply doesn’t feel right, just leave. You
can always come back and try again. But remember: if you go to a clothing-optional
site and remain clothed for too long, people might start taking you for
a gawker.
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What if I’m ready but my spouse (partner,
or friend) isn’t?
This is common. Typically, women are more wary than men of clothing-optional
venues. But everyone, male and female, has "body issues." For
some, the idea of being seen nude—and seeing others nude—is
filled with psychological tension. A spouse, friend or partner can help
reduce the tension, but only if caution and sensitivity are exercised.
Remember, every naturist had a "first time." Many who were most
reluctant initially are now avid naturists. And remember, too, that there
is a line between encouragement and coercion. Don’t cross it if you
want to introduce someone to naturism.
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Okay, being a naturist is all well and good. But
I don’t have to join The Naturist Society to be one, do I?
Of course not. But the naturist experience is greatly enhanced by membership. TNS benefits
range from the financial (club/resort admission and Skinny-Dipper
Shop discounts) to the social (Events
and Organizations) to the informational
(N Magazine and NAC/NEF).
TNS membership costs about as much as a new swimsuit—and it doesn’t
shrink, bind or fade! Join now and discover what you’ve been missing.
A whole new world of body freedom awaits.
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