Arkansas mother battles for custody over naturism
Arkansas mother battles for custody over naturism
Help Sarah retain custody of her child by donating to her legal fund
A woman in Arkansas is facing a nightmare come true. Sarah, a devoted naturist, is battling to keep custody of her child after her ex-partner filed a petition in court. He claims that Sarah’s naturist practice is harmful to their child following a visit to Cypress Cove Nudist Resort in Florida for a family-friendly event.
An inspiring story with a shocking twist
Last year, Sarah discovered naturism and experienced a profound transformation. After a lifelong struggle with body shame, she found joy and confidence through naturism. She quickly became a vocal advocate, sharing her journey on social media and on podcasts, inspiring many with her newfound happiness and self-acceptance. “I have struggled with feeling very alone my entire life,” She wrote on X back in May. “I always thought I was “[too] much” or “weird” because I have always been a complex human with many interests and hobbies. But when I was at [Oaklake Trails Naturist club], I finally felt SEEN, and not just the surface interesting person people gravitate to figure out but for who I really am. And people liked that version of me without knowing anything about me. It was a healing moment in time I will never forget!”
Her life has taken a challenging turn after she took her child to Cypress Cove Nudist Resort in Florida for the annual Nude Revolution Family Weekend. This family-friendly event, attended by hundreds of families, was later used by her ex-partner to petition for custody. He argued to an Arkansas court that Sarah’s naturist way of life was harmful to their child, and the court’s biased perspective on naturism led to an unjust ruling against her. Despite being the primary caregiver and a good mother, Sarah now faces losing custody of her child. A parent’s worst nightmare.
Arkansas is notoriously restrictive regarding naturism. It remains the only state where advocating for nudism is explicitly outlawed. The state has broad laws that criminalize the practice and promotion of naturism, creating significant challenges for naturists residing there. It is important to note that Sarah’s custody battle is a civil matter, not a criminal one.
The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) is in touch with Sarah and is offering legal assistance, but the costs are still a very real need. Sarah’s legal battle is ongoing, and she is willing to go the distance and not settle because she believes she did nothing harmful to her child. She needs our help. The fundraiser has currently raised $2,000 of its $7,500 goal. Every contribution helps cover court costs, filing fees, and other expenses necessary to fight this unjust ruling. Please consider supporting Sarah in her fight to retain custody of her child and stand against the prejudices faced by naturists. 🪐
As soon as I read the title to this article, I knew this would be an uphill, very unfair battle. Arkansas? The one state that very obviously has no clue what Naturism is about. It’s unfortunate that she’s learned the value and the benefits of pure innocent nudism while living there. And thinking it’s possible she’s not allowed to move, take her child with her of course, away from AR.
She’s done nothing wrong. Her Ex and the state are the ones who are wrong. 😢
This isn't just an Arkansas thing. I met a woman at Deep Creek who couldn't bring her almost adult children because it was a clothing optional place. It was part of a custody agreement and her ex-husband thought naturism was evil. The court thought it was reasonable. This is California, where there is no state law against nudity and the county didn't have one either.
I'm not sure why the Arkansas state law against even advocating for nudity wasn't challenged and overturned long ago. And now that SCOTUS is dominated by right wing ideologues, its too late.