Naturism and politics

From the editor of Planet Nude

Photo by Kato Blackmore on Unsplash

“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.”
— Albert Camus

In recent weeks, I’ve received a few messages from readers noting a slight uptick in op-ed-style pieces from me and other contributors—some of which touch on topics that might feel vaguely (or not so vaguely) political. I appreciate that you’ve noticed and taken the time to share your thoughts. Lately, I’ve felt more motivated than ever to speak up and share my perspectives, and I know that’s true for others as well, particularly as we navigate times of significant change.

It’s not lost on me that many believe politics should have no place in naturism, and I’ve been advised to steer clear of such topics on Planet Nude. My short and direct response to this suggestion is simple: no.

Don’t worry, I’ll expand on my reasoning.

I’ve always felt compelled to write about naturism as I see it, and the truth is, I view naturism through a somewhat political lens. As I see it, naturism is not a movement that exists in a silo, isolated from the world’s cultural and political realities. In fact, I believe that naturism is inherently political. But let me clarify what I mean.

Challenging the status quo

At its core, naturism is about challenging societal norms and reclaiming personal freedom. For many, it is a libertarian pursuit that asserts the government should have no say in what people can and cannot wear. If naturism is a movement, it must move for progress in this direction, not settle for complacency.

But it’s more than that. Speaking broadly, when you strip away clothing, you’re also stripping away layers of societal conformity. Clothing often serves as a marker of status, wealth, and adherence to cultural norms, and by choosing to go without it, naturists reject these external indicators of worth. In doing so, they challenge the pervasive influence of consumerism, which ties self-expression and identity to what we buy and wear.

Removing clothing also allows us to step outside the arbitrary expectations society imposes about what bodies should look like and how they should be adorned. It’s an act of liberation that encourages individuals to see themselves and others for who they truly are, free from the judgments and hierarchies often created by clothing. In this way, naturism makes a profound political statement about autonomy, body freedom, and the role of government in personal choice.

Freedom, as Albert Camus suggests in the quote at the top of this article, can be a form of rebellion—but it can also mean stepping away from the expectations society places on us, whether they are cultural, material, or political. Naturism offers a path to this kind of freedom, allowing us to reconnect with our authentic selves. And freedom is never apolitical.

Political not partisan

While naturism is political, it is not inherently partisan. Nudity is human, and the wellness and mindfulness benefits of naturism are for everyone, regardless of their political beliefs. People all across the political spectrum find liberation and liberty in free expression. That is why naturists are as diverse and varied as the human race itself. Naturism brings together people from all walks of life, uniting them in a shared appreciation for body freedom and a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them. Politics can be divisive, but nudity is something that unites all who choose to embrace it.

This universality is, to me, one of the most compelling reasons why naturists should look beyond mere nakedness and toward the preservation and progress of body autonomy for all. When freedom and autonomy are under attack—as they increasingly are worldwide—naturists, with their diversity of perspectives and values, are uniquely positioned to form a coalition defending these rights—not just for naturists, but for everyone. Even when these attacks do not directly target naturists, our shared commitment to personal freedom and body autonomy allows us to make a powerful case for wider progress.

Naturism’s power lies in its plurality—it can mean many things to many people. For some, it’s a deeply personal practice—a way to relax, reconnect with nature, and find peace. For others, it’s a form of liberation or a way of advocating for autonomy and freedom. For many, and for me, it’s both of these things; a practice and a movement. It’s this richness of meaning that makes naturism so enduring and transformative. Even when approached as a personal pursuit, naturism inherently challenges societal norms in ways that intersect with larger cultural and political realities. This duality—personal yet profound—is part of what makes naturism so powerful. As the saying goes, the personal is political.

Planet Nude’s place

At Planet Nude, we take a broad approach to writing about nudity, often exploring aspects that extend beyond naturism, such as its role in art, culture, and politics. This focus—nudity in politics, culture, and art—is front and center on our About page and subscription prompts and defines our editorial direction. We don’t only talk about nude recreation. While naturism remains a major focus of what we write about, we aim to create a space for dialogue that is nuanced, thoughtful, and respectful. This occasionally draws criticism from those who feel a “naturist newsletter” should take a more orthodox stance, serving primarily to promote nudism to outsiders. Of course, not everyone views naturism—or nudity for that matter—through a political lens, and that’s okay. There’s room for differences here.

At the heart of our approach is the belief that the truth will set naturists free. Rather than blindly promoting the positive in a propagandistic way, we examine naturism honestly and critically, with the goal of helping it grow into a better, more conscientious movement. Our mission isn’t simply to celebrate naturism as it is but to encourage it to become what we believe it can be—promoting progress that is both personal and societal. A practice, and a movement.

That’s why we welcome and encourage submissions from readers. If you have a perspective that challenges, provokes, or deepens the conversation around naturism and body freedom, I’d love to hear from you—even if I’m not likely to agree with you. Is every opinion guaranteed to be published? Of course not. But if it’s thoughtful, unique, and contributes to a better understanding of these topics, Planet Nude can be the perfect platform to share it. Submissions that explore naturism through fresh cultural, political, or artistic lenses—especially ones that reflect on its broader social impact—are always of interest.

Carving your own path

Naturism, like Planet Nude, isn’t about fitting into a mold or appealing to everyone—it’s about creating space for diverse perspectives, experiences, and expressions. While not everyone may connect with every piece we publish, this diversity of thought is exactly what makes naturism—and this publication—so vibrant and meaningful. However, if you feel this isn’t the right fit, unsubscribing is perfectly fine. Alternatively, you can customize your subscription preferences to tailor the content you receive. Both options are available here: www.planetnude.co/account.

Ultimately, naturism isn’t just about being naked. It’s about fostering a sense of freedom and connection that can spark meaningful change. And that’s what Planet Nude is here to champion. Together, through dialogue and exploration, we can ensure that naturism continues to grow as both a practice and a movement. 🪐