I just wanted to make a little post about nudism because a few people have asked me what it’s all about.
First of all, here are some terms for nudism that can be used interchangeably:
- nudism
- naturism
- clothes-free living
Being a nudist is not about eroticism. While some people may join a nudist colony specifically to see people naked, they often leave because their sexual desires are not met. Nudism isn’t about getting together for one big orgy. Nudists are just people doing every-day things, just without clothes.
The most common question I get is, “If you’re a nudist, why do you wear clothes?” The answer is simple: It’s kind of the law. Public nudity is deemed in our society as indecent and grotesque, and even sexual. “Topfreedom” is a law in Canada that allows both men and women to be topless in public. This is an attempt to kill inequality and sexism for men and women. However, if a woman walks around in public with no shirt or bra/bikini on, I can probably guarantee she will be discriminated against by the general public. The fact of the matter is, men and women both have nipples that look the exact same, they just don’t work the same way.
In addition, it is not always convenient to be nude. When the cold Canadian tempuratures hit -20 degrees Celcius, it just makes sense to put on a sweater. When I’m cooking bacon and the grease splatters, I’ll want to wear some kind of protection. Yes, clothing is useful to nudists as well! We aren’t just naked ALL the time.
I mentioned that nudity is seen as sexual or pornographic. Often times, people assume that if I post a picture of myself or others in the nude online, I am distributing pornography. This is definitely not true! I looked up the word “pornography” online to find the definition, and it states, “Printed or visual material containing the explicit description or display of sexual organs or activity. Breasts are not pornographic, as they are not sexual organs. Genitals are a touchy subject, as they are sexual/reproductive body parts. But what’s to stop a person from being topless? I’d also like to point out that some pictures and paintings with nudity are considered “art” while others are “porn,” and it’s considered OK to look at naked bodies when it comes to education. The difference is some are deemed more “tasteful” than others. The way I see it, the human body is not a sexual thing unless it is used in sexual acts. Pornography and nudity are not terms to be used interchangeably.
Some people are curious about when I am nude, like “Do you belong to a nudist club?” or “Is everyone in your family a nudist?” Personally, my answer to these questions is “No.” I am a Personal Nudist, meaning I like to be nude when I am in the privacy of my home. Similar to personal nudism is Family Nudism, wherein nudists choose to be nude in their homes with and around their family members. This can be occasional or a lifestyle choice. Social Nudism is nudism in a social environment, as in clothes-free beaches, clubs, resorts, or other facilities where clothing is optional. It can also be nudism around friends in the home.
For many people, nudity has a place in religion/spirituality. Especially in Pagan and Naturalistic believers, nudity is a way of saying people are no more important in this world than animals. It’s seen as natural, because no person or animal is born with clothing. Nudism also has a lot to do with personal values. It is believed that clothing create social barriers and show status, and both are counter productive in relationship building based on personality. Nudist families are taught to respect one another as they come, and to be non-judgmental in regards to physical appearance.
Now I’m not going to lie, I love wearing pretty dresses and I get really excited about a hot pair of shoes. That doesn’t make me any less of a nudist, nor does that make me superficial. Clothing can certainly be used to express oneself, and I would never criticize someone because they choose to always wear clothes. Nudity is simply a personal choice, and I’m really glad that most people I know respect that about me.
For those of you who see pictures of me without clothes, please do not sexualize my body. I am doing what makes me comfortable, and I do not mean for any personal nudity to be sexual at all. I’ve received comments in my inbox saying that my “tits are fun to play with” or I have a “sexy body.” I don’t really find these comments flattering, and I am not comfortable being see in that way by strangers. I’m not asking for that kind of attention, either. Please respect that this is how I live my life, and I am happy with it.
Thank you for taking the time to read what was supposed to be a “little post” about nudism!
