Thankfully, here in England non sexual public nudity is perfectly legal, as long as the person is not trying to cause alarm or distress. It’s a bit mad when people or organisations try to censor the natural, naked human form.
That's true but I still wouldn't feel comfortable strolling round to the local shops with nothing on on a hot day. I like being naked around the house and in the back garden. I try to stay hidden from view but if someone catches a glimpse I'm not worried.
I try not to impose my nudity upon those who don't want to see it, but I do spend a lot of time naked (especially in this heat). Today I was moving some lumber in my back yard naked and the man cleaning the roof on the house behind mine clearly saw me. I don't really care and he didn't react in any way that I can see. This is as it should be.
I frequently hike barefoot and naked on public lands, but only at times when nobody is likely to object. Sometimes I get surprised and spotted but most people don't seem to mind. I think it all depends on context and behavior.
It’s not so much about visibility as it is about being able to enjoy the freedom of socializing nude with like minded people. Nudity in private can be a wonderful experience, however, we as naturist long to be accepted as we are. I don’t know of any other life style that truly defines acceptance without judgement!!!
I think the issue is culturally defined. Clearly, in certain cultures it is beyond taboo. But, let's focus for a moment here in the U.S. When it comes to nudity our culture is schizophrenic. In a utopian setting it would be "you be you and I will be me" so long as it does not materially infringe on another's ability to do the same. Many laws, depending on jurisdiction though, may permit public nudity so long as no one is able to be offended. First off, no one should be offended by the human body -- we all have one - and anyone over the age of 5 knows the fundamental anatomical differences. We need to get past the sexuality - eroticism - nudity implied equivalency that persists and seems to be gaining some momentum in the current Administration. For me, when I see someone nude in a public setting, I may make note of it, but frankly I don't give it a second thought. (Not the same if the behavior is lewd). And, as to children and nudity, I believe it is healthy and that the risks of sexual exploitation are significantly exaggerated especially in the context of a family setting or a supervised activity. We have gone from naked swim classes in public schools, to students opting out because they would have to change in a locker room. We have gotten to the point that kids and teens refuse to dress out or shower in relation to P.E. classes. Public nudity should be acceptable anywhere it is acceptable to be in a swim suit/bikini or the like; and, of course in environments tailored to nude recreation.
We completely agree John. Luckily we have a naturist resort close by with pools, dancing and karaoke nights and more. Additionally, with our clothing optional house and backyard, we’re fine. We don’t seek or need any visibility… just living our life as it is.
I am realistic. Here is what I would demand: a park in every town, a section on every beach. Those who claim to be offended can just stay away from those places.
I'm not sure if designating naturist areas is a good idea. Areas which have become naturist due to tradition have a better atmosphere, and less chance of attracting people with doubtful motives, than a location that has been decreed by local government
In the UK and many other places public nudity is not strictly speaking illegal although social convention is often opposed to it. Places where it is customary to be nude have been established by bold individuals pushing the envelope allowing the less bold to follow.
Designated naturist areas are like designated "free speech" areas. They reinforce the restrictions and prohibitions everywhere else. In the US, courts have ruled that universities and cities cannot limit "free speech" to one area. The same should be true for limiting body freedom to one hidden area.
It should be true. But too many people are prudes who claim to be offended by nudity. Therefore, right now all we have is places like nudist resorts and nude beaches, which are far and few between. My proposal would give EVERY nudist an option within driving distance. As of now, most of us do NOT have this option.
Sadly that only makes it worse. A century of nudists hiding out in hidden or remote places away from the public has only served to make nudity more uncommon and raised fear by the public. It gets worse instead of better.
Nudism needs a more pro-active stance with public displays and demands for acceptance, not unlike gay or colored civil rights activism.
Well, I suppose opposition to gay and interracial (like mine) marriage was similar: "I don't want to see THAT in public". Of course, ideally, non-sexual nudity should be allowed, but realistically... I don't think having an option in every town is equal to "hidden or remote". It's a viable option for everyone.
Several thoughts: First, it's telling, I think, that most replies I see on this site are from men (me included). What does that say? In relation to this particular question, the previous posts echo my thoughts. I am frequently nude in my backyard but if certain neighbors who could perhaps see me are outside I will refrain. I also like to take nude walks after midnight around the block where I live. It helps me get to sleep. I have been stopped by police twice. They asked if I was ok, where I live, etc. I tell them what I'm doing and that I'm fine. In both cases they let me finish walking home. I will admit it has made me wary of continuing this habit though. I've also done the Milwaukee Polar Bear Plunge into Lake Michigan on New Year's Day two years with a small group of people. We have done it nude. Hundreds and hundreds of people are there including families with children. We have only had a positive response-clapping and cheering. After the plunge we have stood around a fire wearing only towels and chatted with people. It's never been a problem. Milwaukee has had a World Naked Bike Ride for 5 years or so. I have done it twice. The organizers have a site with room to gather before and after the ride at an estasblishment, usually a bar, with vendors set up, live music playing and hundreds of nude people mingling with each other and clothed non-participants. During the ride, which usually lasts around 3 hours, nude cyclists are seen by many, many people. There are times when the ride comes to a halt and one is left standing, nude, in public. I have been nude for hours in the venues with people passing by who had no idea why there were nude people milling about and have not seen or heard about there being any problems. I tell you all this because I believe nudity can be, if done plainly and clearly in a non sexual manner, accepted in a public place. Yes, there will always be some people offended but it's clear that a majority think it's no big deal!
I would like nudity accepted anywhere, anytime as long as it is NOT lewd or a danger to public safety and health. Clothing should be optional for those who desire to wear it and as needed for protection against environmental hazards.
I'm in favor or non sexual public nudity being legal and open in almost ever setting. I think a good start would be making sure parks, beaches, and other recreation areas have at least a trail or section of an area designated as clothing optional until we can reach a point where most people accept nudity as a normal part of humanity. Events like the World Naked Bike Rides and others should be allowed in any community.
Where do you think nudity belongs in public life—if anywhere?
It belongs anywhere that the people involved would not like to wear clothes.
---
Has being seen (or not seen) ever changed how you feel about being nude?
Yes, being seen nude has made me more comfortable with my own nudity, and more aware of how natural it is, and more aware that laws against nudity are wrong.
---
How do you respond when someone says, “It’s fine, just not in public”?
They used to say that about mixed race couples. They used to say that about exposing one's ankles.
I believe that people who want to be nude should be able to do it wherever they want to. I really don’t care if people see me nude or not. I wear clothes when I have to otherwise I’m nude all the time. I do things in my backyard nude all the time and the neighbors know I’m a nudist. I wear as little as possible if I have to go out to the front yard, like bringing out the garbage, getting the mail, etc. I am a member and work as the office manager for a nudist club so the first person visitors see is me, in the nude. Going back to when this country was founded Ben Franklin, one of the founding fathers, used to walk the streets of Philadelphia nude at night. As long as nudity is nonsexual in nature, people should be able to be nude wherever they want, whenever they want.
Having ridden naked down Oxford Street, Piccadilly and Whitehall with a thousand other mostly naked people as thousands more people on buses and pavements and in cars looked on, I felt accepted and seen. However, one person I know on a much smaller ride in Essex was attacked by a rentamob bigot. What I take from that is the vast majority of people accept public nakedness in a context like WNBR. Objections always seem to result from social and psychological conditioning which can only be opposed by demonstrations of public nudity, like WNBR, that use the expression of personal body freedom to promote and publicise obviously and unarguably non-sexual causes...
Our society has some really weird ideas about nudity and the naked body.
Like the idea that somehow people will be damaged if they see a nude body.
But It’s just a penis.
Men would have you believe that even a momentary glimpse of one from a great distance can cause grown women to swoon, young girls to run off and dedicate their lives to prostitution, and young boys to become homosexuals.
But it is just a penis. You can look right at one and nothing happens. It is about as harmful as looking at someone’s thumb. And while it is natural for someone who has rarely or never seen one (and in our unnatural culture that is possible) to be fascinated, perhaps even riveted by the sight, seeing a penis is certainly not harmful or in and of itself sexual. People from cultures where nudity is accepted and more common, get used to seeing them and it quickly comes to mean nothing.
Our society has some really weird ideas about nudity and the naked body.
Like the idea that somehow people will be damaged if they see a nude body.
But It’s just a penis.
Men would have you believe that even a momentary glimpse of one from a great distance can cause grown women to swoon, young girls to run off and dedicate their lives to prostitution, and young boys to become homosexuals.
But it is just a penis. You can look right at one and nothing happens. It is about as harmful as looking at someone’s thumb. And while it is natural for someone who has rarely or never seen one (and in our unnatural culture that is possible) to be fascinated, perhaps even riveted by the sight, seeing a penis is certainly not harmful or in and of itself sexual. People from cultures where nudity is accepted and more common, get used to seeing them and it quickly comes to mean nothing.
Our society has some really weird ideas about nudity and the naked body.
Like the idea that somehow people will be damaged if they see a nude body.
But It’s just a penis.
Men would have you believe that even a momentary glimpse of one from a great distance can cause grown women to swoon, young girls to run off and dedicate their lives to prostitution, and young boys to become homosexuals.
But it is just a penis. You can look right at one and nothing happens. It is about as harmful as looking at someone’s thumb. And while it is natural for someone who has rarely or never seen one (and in our unnatural culture that is possible) to be fascinated, perhaps even riveted by the sight, seeing a penis is certainly not harmful or in and of itself sexual. People from cultures where nudity is accepted and more common, get used to seeing them and it quickly comes to mean nothing.
Our society has some really weird ideas about nudity and the naked body.
Like the idea that somehow people will be damaged if they see a nude body.
But It’s just a penis.
Men would have you believe that even a momentary glimpse of one from a great distance can cause grown women to swoon, young girls to run off and dedicate their lives to prostitution, and young boys to become homosexuals.
But it is just a penis. You can look right at one and nothing happens. It is about as harmful as looking at someone’s thumb. And while it is natural for someone who has rarely or never seen one (and in our unnatural culture that is possible) to be fascinated, perhaps even riveted by the sight, seeing a penis is certainly not harmful or in and of itself sexual. People from cultures where nudity is accepted and more common, get used to seeing them and it quickly comes to mean nothing.
Thankfully, here in England non sexual public nudity is perfectly legal, as long as the person is not trying to cause alarm or distress. It’s a bit mad when people or organisations try to censor the natural, naked human form.
That's true but I still wouldn't feel comfortable strolling round to the local shops with nothing on on a hot day. I like being naked around the house and in the back garden. I try to stay hidden from view but if someone catches a glimpse I'm not worried.
I agree. The human body should not be illegal.
I try not to impose my nudity upon those who don't want to see it, but I do spend a lot of time naked (especially in this heat). Today I was moving some lumber in my back yard naked and the man cleaning the roof on the house behind mine clearly saw me. I don't really care and he didn't react in any way that I can see. This is as it should be.
I frequently hike barefoot and naked on public lands, but only at times when nobody is likely to object. Sometimes I get surprised and spotted but most people don't seem to mind. I think it all depends on context and behavior.
It’s not so much about visibility as it is about being able to enjoy the freedom of socializing nude with like minded people. Nudity in private can be a wonderful experience, however, we as naturist long to be accepted as we are. I don’t know of any other life style that truly defines acceptance without judgement!!!
I think the issue is culturally defined. Clearly, in certain cultures it is beyond taboo. But, let's focus for a moment here in the U.S. When it comes to nudity our culture is schizophrenic. In a utopian setting it would be "you be you and I will be me" so long as it does not materially infringe on another's ability to do the same. Many laws, depending on jurisdiction though, may permit public nudity so long as no one is able to be offended. First off, no one should be offended by the human body -- we all have one - and anyone over the age of 5 knows the fundamental anatomical differences. We need to get past the sexuality - eroticism - nudity implied equivalency that persists and seems to be gaining some momentum in the current Administration. For me, when I see someone nude in a public setting, I may make note of it, but frankly I don't give it a second thought. (Not the same if the behavior is lewd). And, as to children and nudity, I believe it is healthy and that the risks of sexual exploitation are significantly exaggerated especially in the context of a family setting or a supervised activity. We have gone from naked swim classes in public schools, to students opting out because they would have to change in a locker room. We have gotten to the point that kids and teens refuse to dress out or shower in relation to P.E. classes. Public nudity should be acceptable anywhere it is acceptable to be in a swim suit/bikini or the like; and, of course in environments tailored to nude recreation.
We completely agree John. Luckily we have a naturist resort close by with pools, dancing and karaoke nights and more. Additionally, with our clothing optional house and backyard, we’re fine. We don’t seek or need any visibility… just living our life as it is.
I am realistic. Here is what I would demand: a park in every town, a section on every beach. Those who claim to be offended can just stay away from those places.
I'm not sure if designating naturist areas is a good idea. Areas which have become naturist due to tradition have a better atmosphere, and less chance of attracting people with doubtful motives, than a location that has been decreed by local government
Well, if places like that already exist, great. But if not, why should nudists suffer with no options at all?
In the UK and many other places public nudity is not strictly speaking illegal although social convention is often opposed to it. Places where it is customary to be nude have been established by bold individuals pushing the envelope allowing the less bold to follow.
Well, unfortunately, here in the US, being nude in public is illegal, and that’s why creating legal zones is our best bet.
Nude is illegal in SOME parts of the US. In other US states it's more like in UK.
What states are those? I would love to visit. I know Missouri is NOT one of them.
Designated naturist areas are like designated "free speech" areas. They reinforce the restrictions and prohibitions everywhere else. In the US, courts have ruled that universities and cities cannot limit "free speech" to one area. The same should be true for limiting body freedom to one hidden area.
It should be true. But too many people are prudes who claim to be offended by nudity. Therefore, right now all we have is places like nudist resorts and nude beaches, which are far and few between. My proposal would give EVERY nudist an option within driving distance. As of now, most of us do NOT have this option.
Sadly that only makes it worse. A century of nudists hiding out in hidden or remote places away from the public has only served to make nudity more uncommon and raised fear by the public. It gets worse instead of better.
Nudism needs a more pro-active stance with public displays and demands for acceptance, not unlike gay or colored civil rights activism.
Well, I suppose opposition to gay and interracial (like mine) marriage was similar: "I don't want to see THAT in public". Of course, ideally, non-sexual nudity should be allowed, but realistically... I don't think having an option in every town is equal to "hidden or remote". It's a viable option for everyone.
Several thoughts: First, it's telling, I think, that most replies I see on this site are from men (me included). What does that say? In relation to this particular question, the previous posts echo my thoughts. I am frequently nude in my backyard but if certain neighbors who could perhaps see me are outside I will refrain. I also like to take nude walks after midnight around the block where I live. It helps me get to sleep. I have been stopped by police twice. They asked if I was ok, where I live, etc. I tell them what I'm doing and that I'm fine. In both cases they let me finish walking home. I will admit it has made me wary of continuing this habit though. I've also done the Milwaukee Polar Bear Plunge into Lake Michigan on New Year's Day two years with a small group of people. We have done it nude. Hundreds and hundreds of people are there including families with children. We have only had a positive response-clapping and cheering. After the plunge we have stood around a fire wearing only towels and chatted with people. It's never been a problem. Milwaukee has had a World Naked Bike Ride for 5 years or so. I have done it twice. The organizers have a site with room to gather before and after the ride at an estasblishment, usually a bar, with vendors set up, live music playing and hundreds of nude people mingling with each other and clothed non-participants. During the ride, which usually lasts around 3 hours, nude cyclists are seen by many, many people. There are times when the ride comes to a halt and one is left standing, nude, in public. I have been nude for hours in the venues with people passing by who had no idea why there were nude people milling about and have not seen or heard about there being any problems. I tell you all this because I believe nudity can be, if done plainly and clearly in a non sexual manner, accepted in a public place. Yes, there will always be some people offended but it's clear that a majority think it's no big deal!
I would like nudity accepted anywhere, anytime as long as it is NOT lewd or a danger to public safety and health. Clothing should be optional for those who desire to wear it and as needed for protection against environmental hazards.
There are some social hazzards out there too that really require clothing, people need to evaluate and use good judgement for safety's sake.
I'm in favor or non sexual public nudity being legal and open in almost ever setting. I think a good start would be making sure parks, beaches, and other recreation areas have at least a trail or section of an area designated as clothing optional until we can reach a point where most people accept nudity as a normal part of humanity. Events like the World Naked Bike Rides and others should be allowed in any community.
Where do you think nudity belongs in public life—if anywhere?
It belongs anywhere that the people involved would not like to wear clothes.
---
Has being seen (or not seen) ever changed how you feel about being nude?
Yes, being seen nude has made me more comfortable with my own nudity, and more aware of how natural it is, and more aware that laws against nudity are wrong.
---
How do you respond when someone says, “It’s fine, just not in public”?
They used to say that about mixed race couples. They used to say that about exposing one's ankles.
Chuck Fischer
I believe that people who want to be nude should be able to do it wherever they want to. I really don’t care if people see me nude or not. I wear clothes when I have to otherwise I’m nude all the time. I do things in my backyard nude all the time and the neighbors know I’m a nudist. I wear as little as possible if I have to go out to the front yard, like bringing out the garbage, getting the mail, etc. I am a member and work as the office manager for a nudist club so the first person visitors see is me, in the nude. Going back to when this country was founded Ben Franklin, one of the founding fathers, used to walk the streets of Philadelphia nude at night. As long as nudity is nonsexual in nature, people should be able to be nude wherever they want, whenever they want.
Simple nudity should not be illegal for most places in public.
Having ridden naked down Oxford Street, Piccadilly and Whitehall with a thousand other mostly naked people as thousands more people on buses and pavements and in cars looked on, I felt accepted and seen. However, one person I know on a much smaller ride in Essex was attacked by a rentamob bigot. What I take from that is the vast majority of people accept public nakedness in a context like WNBR. Objections always seem to result from social and psychological conditioning which can only be opposed by demonstrations of public nudity, like WNBR, that use the expression of personal body freedom to promote and publicise obviously and unarguably non-sexual causes...
Our society has some really weird ideas about nudity and the naked body.
Like the idea that somehow people will be damaged if they see a nude body.
But It’s just a penis.
Men would have you believe that even a momentary glimpse of one from a great distance can cause grown women to swoon, young girls to run off and dedicate their lives to prostitution, and young boys to become homosexuals.
But it is just a penis. You can look right at one and nothing happens. It is about as harmful as looking at someone’s thumb. And while it is natural for someone who has rarely or never seen one (and in our unnatural culture that is possible) to be fascinated, perhaps even riveted by the sight, seeing a penis is certainly not harmful or in and of itself sexual. People from cultures where nudity is accepted and more common, get used to seeing them and it quickly comes to mean nothing.
Our society has some really weird ideas about nudity and the naked body.
Like the idea that somehow people will be damaged if they see a nude body.
But It’s just a penis.
Men would have you believe that even a momentary glimpse of one from a great distance can cause grown women to swoon, young girls to run off and dedicate their lives to prostitution, and young boys to become homosexuals.
But it is just a penis. You can look right at one and nothing happens. It is about as harmful as looking at someone’s thumb. And while it is natural for someone who has rarely or never seen one (and in our unnatural culture that is possible) to be fascinated, perhaps even riveted by the sight, seeing a penis is certainly not harmful or in and of itself sexual. People from cultures where nudity is accepted and more common, get used to seeing them and it quickly comes to mean nothing.
Our society has some really weird ideas about nudity and the naked body.
Like the idea that somehow people will be damaged if they see a nude body.
But It’s just a penis.
Men would have you believe that even a momentary glimpse of one from a great distance can cause grown women to swoon, young girls to run off and dedicate their lives to prostitution, and young boys to become homosexuals.
But it is just a penis. You can look right at one and nothing happens. It is about as harmful as looking at someone’s thumb. And while it is natural for someone who has rarely or never seen one (and in our unnatural culture that is possible) to be fascinated, perhaps even riveted by the sight, seeing a penis is certainly not harmful or in and of itself sexual. People from cultures where nudity is accepted and more common, get used to seeing them and it quickly comes to mean nothing.
Our society has some really weird ideas about nudity and the naked body.
Like the idea that somehow people will be damaged if they see a nude body.
But It’s just a penis.
Men would have you believe that even a momentary glimpse of one from a great distance can cause grown women to swoon, young girls to run off and dedicate their lives to prostitution, and young boys to become homosexuals.
But it is just a penis. You can look right at one and nothing happens. It is about as harmful as looking at someone’s thumb. And while it is natural for someone who has rarely or never seen one (and in our unnatural culture that is possible) to be fascinated, perhaps even riveted by the sight, seeing a penis is certainly not harmful or in and of itself sexual. People from cultures where nudity is accepted and more common, get used to seeing them and it quickly comes to mean nothing.