News of the Nude, May. 2025
Volume 29: A roundup of reviews of nude and body free media from the month of May
Welcome to another News of the Nude.
Look, you don’t really want to be reading this right now—and honestly, I don’t blame you. The sun is out, the weather’s warming (for those of us up north), and nature is out there practically shouting your name. You’ve spent all week glued to screens, and now here I come, waving around a newsletter? Bold move.
But we both know that body freedom doesn’t pause when the weather’s nice. If anything, it gets louder. The conversations, the conflicts, the wins, the losses—they keep coming. So when you do find a moment (maybe this weekend, toes in the dirt, skin in the wind), I hope you’ll read what we’ve gathered below. There’s a lot happening.
But hey, no rush. Nature’s calling. Go soak it in—then circle back when you’re ready. Or, if you have a few moments to spare now, read on. I’ll try to keep it briefer than briefs. I’ll try to keep it nude. 🚀
News of the Nude, Vol. 29 🪐
Florence’s life models threaten nude strike over poor working conditions
Life models at Florence’s famed Accademia di Belle Arti are threatening a nude protest—and possibly legal action—over what they say are exploitative conditions. With many working under temporary contracts and outdated pay, some say they endure grueling eight-hour sessions with minimal breaks, no sick leave, and no formal job protections.
Recent government labor reforms were meant to improve conditions, but the academy’s interpretation excludes veteran models who weren’t hired through current formal processes. For these workers, the fight isn’t just about contracts—it’s about respect for the physical and artistic labor that underpins centuries of Italian art. Their threatened protest calls attention to a troubling paradox: in the very place that venerates the nude as subject, the people who model it remain overlooked. 🚀
Nudists Trespassed from Frenchman Coulee Recreation Area as Grant PUD Enforces Nudism Ban
Long considered a quiet spot for nude sunbathing along the Columbia River in Washington state, the area known to nudists as “Vantage Beach” is now the subject of strict enforcement. Grant PUD has officially banned nudism at the Frenchman Coulee Recreation Area, installing “no nudity” signage, surveillance cameras, and even a security guard. The crackdown follows reports of indecent exposure and public complaints about inappropriate behavior. On May 2, a man was permanently trespassed after refusing to leave the site while nude. Although never formally designated as a nude beach, the area had become a known gathering spot for nudist groups from Seattle and Ephrata. PUD officials are now contacting websites that list the site as clothing-optional, signaling an end to its informal naturist use. Active enforcement began in March and is expected to continue indefinitely. 🚀
Minnesota Supreme Court: Female breasts are not lewd or inherently sexual and can be exposed in public
In a landmark ruling, the Minnesota Supreme Court overturned the conviction of Eloisa Plancarte, deciding that simply exposing female breasts in public does not constitute indecent exposure under state law unless accompanied by sexual behavior. The court emphasized that “lewdness” must involve conduct of a sexual nature and clarified that female breasts are not “private parts” in this context. A concurring opinion by Justice Hennesy argued that interpreting breasts as inherently sexual reinforces harmful gender stereotypes. The ruling marks a major shift toward legal parity in topless rights, aligning Minnesota with a growing number of states reevaluating laws that stigmatize female nudity. 🚀
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A nudist resort sits in a rural corner of the Upstate. Its naked 5K offers you a glimpse inside.
The Carolina Foothills Resort in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, is drawing national headlines for its annual clothing-optional 5K—the Buck Creek Streak—which is on track to be its biggest yet. With more than 160 runners already registered, the June 14 race is not only a record-setter, but a surprising media magnet.
What’s most notable is the sheer volume of positive press this single event has generated. The three stories above are just a small slice of the coverage; for reasons not entirely clear, this year’s Streak has captured the attention of outlets across the country. Other nudist resorts might take note: something about CFR’s messaging, presentation, or perhaps just the charm of a well-timed event, is resonating far beyond naturist circles.
The resort’s board members say many attendees are first-timers drawn by the novelty of the race—and many of them stick around. As member Tom Crowder put it, “You can go anywhere and do a 5K, but you can’t go anywhere and run a 5K naked.” 🚀
Topless trans protest outside Holyrood a ‘public act of grief, resistance and solidarity’
In a powerful act of civil disobedience, a group of trans women protested topless outside the Scottish Parliament on May 17, denouncing a recent UK Supreme Court ruling that redefined the legal term “sex” to mean only biological sex. The decision has major implications for trans rights across the UK, including access to single-sex spaces and participation in public life.
With tape across their mouths, red-painted arms, and white roses in hand, the women embodied both mourning and defiance. The protest criticized not only the court ruling, but the Scottish government’s rapid compliance with new policies that restrict access to gendered facilities based on biology. The demonstrators called on Scottish ministers to resist what they described as “a descent into fascism” and to stand with trans citizens in seeking justice at home and in the European Court of Human Rights. 🚀
This idyllic NSW beach has been a gay haven for decades. Is the freedom it provides now under threat?
At Kings Beach in New South Wales, Australia, tensions are rising as park rangers crack down on nudity at a site quietly cherished by LGBTQ+ beachgoers for generations. Though never officially designated clothing-optional, the beach has historically served as a discreet nude sanctuary—especially during the AIDS crisis. Recent patrols by NSW Parks and Wildlife, joined by an ACON representative, have signaled a shift in tone, leaving regulars feeling unwelcome. Advocates are now calling for formal recognition of the beach’s cultural importance, arguing that access to body freedom and queer safety is being eroded. Efforts are underway to have Kings Beach protected as a significant LGBTQ+ space under local conservation plans. Campaigners stress that nudity is just one part of what makes the beach meaningful: it’s about belonging, history, and the freedom to exist without judgment. 🚀
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Ugandan Activist Aloikin Praise Opoloje Named 2025 EU Human Rights Defender of the Year
Ugandan law student Aloikin Praise Opoloje has been honored with the 2025 EU Human Rights Defenders Award in recognition of her fearless role in the 2024 anti-corruption protests, which we first shared on News of the Nude back in September 2024. A fourth-year student at Makerere University, Opoloje captured national and international attention after leading a symbolic nude protest outside Parliament last September, demanding accountability from corrupt officials.
The protest, which led to her arrest and brief detention, was part of a broader youth-led movement sparked by widespread frustration over systemic injustice and government impunity. Her bold activism—particularly as a woman challenging entrenched power structures—has since become emblematic of a new generation of Ugandan human rights advocates.
While the EU award celebrates her bravery, it also underscores the risks many frontline activists face. Opoloje's recognition places her among past recipients like Agather Atuhaire and Dr. Jimmy Spire, and adds further global visibility to Uganda’s growing youth resistance. 🚀
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What’s Really Behind the Sheer Dress Ban at the Cannes Film Festival?
This year’s Cannes Film Festival is cracking down on the “naked dress” trend with a new red carpet dress code that bans nudity “for decency reasons.” The move comes amid a broader backlash to sheer gowns that have dominated recent events, including Bella Hadid’s Saint Laurent looks and Bianca Censori’s see-through Grammys stunt. Cannes officials also cited logistical issues with large gowns and accessories that disrupt seating and crowd flow. But some see the policy as an attempt to reassert old-school glamour and gatekeep against influencers, models, and the evolving norms of fashion. While France remains famously tolerant of nudity in media and on beaches, the red carpet, it seems, is another matter. The rule echoes earlier Cannes controversies over footwear, when actresses were criticized for wearing flats. Whether this dress code holds—or sparks another round of protest—remains to be seen as the festival gets underway. 🚀
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El Portús naturist campsite prepares to reopen without the nudists
El Portús, once a prominent naturist destination on Spain’s southern coast, is being rebranded for mainstream tourism—without the nudists who made it what it was. As new owners push ahead with summer reopening plans, a handful of longtime residents remain in quiet defiance, resisting eviction amid legal battles, surveillance, and deteriorating living conditions. Access to the nearby Cala Morena beach has also become a flashpoint, with activists accusing the developers of cutting off public entry in violation of Spain’s Coastal Law. Officials have now begun expropriation proceedings to restore access. The company claims compliance with regulations and says only a small minority of residents are misrepresenting the situation. But the tension at El Portús tells a larger story: what happens when legacy naturist spaces collide with commercial redevelopment and coastal privatization. 🚀
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Cheshire naturist campsite gets green light for extension
Springfield Manchester Sun and Air Society, a long-established naturist club in Lower Peover, England, has received planning approval for a small extension to its pavilion building. The project, approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council, will add toilet facilities, including a wheelchair-accessible restroom with a ramp. The 17-acre club, which has operated since 1948, includes fields for camping and caravanning, a pool, and a social pavilion with a sauna, kitchen, and games areas. Officials deemed the expansion modest and in keeping with the rural setting, noting no impact on local amenities or safety. With no objections submitted, the decision clears the way for improved accessibility at this friendly, family-welcoming naturist site. 🚀
Yep, Getting Naked in Nature Is Still Trending. Here’s How to Do It (and Not Get Arrested)
This recent piece in Sunset by Krista Simmons highlights the growing popularity of naturist camping, noting a 742% spike in searches for nudist sites on Pitchup.com. The piece frames non-sexualized nudity in nature as a pathway to body positivity and self-acceptance—and a way to pack lighter, too. Featured spots include Wild Horse Mountain View Campsite in Colorado, Lupin Lodge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgeway, and the famed clothing-optional hot springs at Esalen Institute. Though not deeply reported, the article is notable for its affirming tone and relaxed treatment of social nudity, adding to the growing visibility of naturism in mainstream travel media. 🚀
‘The only place nudity was tolerated’: stripping off on Soviet beaches – in pictures
A wonderful photo essay from The Guardian highlights the evocative, sun-drenched portraits of Soviet photographer Nikolay Bakharev, whose work offers a rare and quietly radical glimpse into everyday nudity in 1980s USSR. Captured on lakeside beaches like Cheryomushki—where nudity was unofficially tolerated—his photographs reveal moments of warmth, connection, and vulnerability in a society that otherwise criminalized such openness.
Far from provocative, these images are tender and beautifully composed: parents with their children, young couples caught in bashful embraces, and groups of friends baring not just their bodies but their joy. The collection, now available through publisher Stanley/Barker, is a striking testament to the power of photography as both quiet resistance and human celebration. 🚀
That’s it for May.
See, hopefully that wasn’t too bad. We had a good time. Lots of crazy stories this month. More to come next month, surely. Until then, you’re free. Enjoy it. 🪐
Disclosure: This post used generative AI to support the writing and editing process.