Emboldened
Keeping naturism safe for everyone
The naturist community has always been a haven for those seeking freedom from the constraints of a world that can feel overwhelmingly judgmental and prescriptive. But in recent years, we have been faced with a growing list of challenges that threaten to erode the very spirit of naturism. An increasingly hostile textile world, reductions in spaces where we can be clothes-free, the misuse of AI to alter images in ways that go against body freedom (such as non-consensual, AI-generated pornography), and a rising tide of misogyny and hostility toward marginalized groups—all of these forces are pushing against the openness and acceptance that naturism is meant to provide.
Beyond body acceptance
For many women in naturism, the discussion often centers on body acceptance. It’s a vital conversation, especially given the hypersexualization and unrealistic standards imposed upon us in the textile world. This constant scrutiny shapes our perceptions of ourselves and is one reason many women are drawn to naturism, where we can find relief from these pressures. But the conversation doesn’t—and shouldn’t—end with body acceptance. Women need more than just the freedom to accept their bodies; they need to be seen, respected, and accepted as whole people. They deserve the same rights and freedoms as anyone else and to be defended with equal vigor against threats, discrimination, and hostility.
A call for true inclusivity
Recently, I made the difficult decision to abstain from attending a naturist event. It wasn’t the event itself that kept me away, nor was it the people there—people I’d come to know and respect in this shared space of openness. Instead, it was the steady drumbeat of misogynistic attitudes online, attitudes that have grown louder and bolder, that made me question whether my peace of mind would be safe in an environment where 80% of attendees are men. While I would like to believe that those harmful beliefs wouldn’t find their way into a naturist setting, the silence from so many about this pervasive misogyny has made me skeptical. If men everywhere else are growing emboldened in these views, what assurance do I have that the naturist community is immune?
This skepticism is new for me, and it’s deeply unsettling. The naturist community hasn’t changed in any outward way, but everything outside it has, and we have to respond with equal force if we want naturism to remain a sanctuary of respect and inclusion. It’s no longer enough to assume that people will behave with respect; we must create an environment where respect is the standard and make it clear that misogynistic or discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated.
To some, this may seem like an overreaction. But consider what’s at stake. Without a clear stance against discrimination, naturism risks becoming a space that feels unsafe or exclusionary, particularly for women and other marginalized groups. And without women, without diversity, naturism itself will dwindle and diminish, losing the very essence that makes it so powerful.
It’s not enough to simply believe in inclusivity; it must be actively upheld. We need DEI initiatives, codes of conduct, and policies that are visibly in place and actively enforced. We need to let everyone know that the naturist community stands against misogyny, racism, and all forms of discrimination. If we don’t, we risk alienating those who would otherwise embrace naturism, bringing their unique experiences and perspectives into a community that thrives on diversity.
Now is the time to be bold, to stand together, and to ensure that naturism remains a sanctuary for everyone. In doing so, we can ensure that naturism remains not only alive but vibrant and welcoming for generations to come. 🪐
 | A guest post by
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I've tried tirelessly to be an advocate for these very principles over the last few years, and let me tell you... It's a thankless and frustrating job. You are right to be skeptical. Even on Wreck Beach, a place that... Before the pandemic... Was a Haven of comfort and safety for all, have I seen a massive increase in disgusting behavior from men, including a few long time regulars that have suddenly become emboldened enough that they've created little 'cliques' where they only allow 'young hot people' in their spaces, while simultaneously going on the Wreck Beach Facebook group to lament the lack of good looking tanned people.
Then there's ONLINE. From Twitter to private owned websites, the proliferation of misogyny has been brutal. 'Nudist' men shoving porn and erotica into everyone's faces, commenting endlessly on women's accounts with gross objectification, posting penis-centric selfies, attacking anyone that calls them out, commenting negatively on diversity stories, etc.
We've seen plenty of examples here on Planet Nude as well, and that's just the ones that are bold enough to be outwardly nasty... Because you're right in that we have a problem with too many people that are SILENT on this issue. Perhaps they don't want to rock the boat. Perhaps they've built friendships they aren't strong enough to stand up to, perhaps they sit in agreement but don't want to say it out loud yet... Whatever the case, the most frustrating thing for me is watching too many people simply stay silent as we watch society devolve in real time all around us. While women disappear from nudist spaces consistently, and we're left with a hundred posts from men (and some women that are married to the patriarchy) wondering where the hell the women are.
Here's the thing men.. Women aren't stupid. They see you. They see what you are, and what you aren't. They aren't going to hang out in spaces where they are being objectified, depowered and infantilized. They aren't going to feel free and safe in spaces filled with pornography and rude comments and negative reactions to queer inclusivity and silence or hostility to progressive issues.
And while there are some women that are able to stick with it and fight for the right to be in these spaces, it can't be used as an anecdote that so many men's awful behaviour is fine. It isn't. The more we accept or stay silent about that behaviour the more it will grow, and everyone has a breaking point. I'm watching more and more long time nudist advocates fleeing the community, and it's upsetting and insane.
It is very scary and contrary to how I was brought up and lived my life. I see it getting much worse before better especially with what has happened in the States.
May God bless.