News of the Nude, no. 10
A splattering of spooky news headlines pertaining to things nude and nude-ish from the month of October
Welcome to the tenth monthly edition of News of the Nude. October was a comparatively tranquil month in the world of nudity in the media. The headlines around the globe seemed to feature fewer than the average number of stories involving nudity or nudism. However, amidst this apparent lull, there emerged a few significant and consequential developments, at least here in the United States. One revolves around the state legislature of Wisconsin and its consideration of multiple bills that could profoundly impact public nudity and naturist gatherings within the state, particularly those involving children. Another couple of stories pertain to the shifting landscape of California nudist clubs. I’ll give an overview of these and other notable stories that managed to grace the headlines in October. 🚀
Anti-nude bills in Wisconsin
More trouble in Madison: Wisconsin anti-nude bills advance to State Assembly
Wisconsin nudity ban: DNR throws a curveball, October 18th, 2023
As reported by Planet Nude extensively over the last month—and in previous editions of News of the Nude over the last several months as this controversy progressed—the Wisconsin legislature is currently deliberating two bills, SB 477 and SB 478, alongside their counterparts in the lower house, AB 504 and AB 503, respectively. These bills were recently introduced in response to a contrived controversy over a minor at a World Naked Bike Ride in Madison back in June, and propose stringent measures to criminalize public nudity in the state, adopting an exceedingly conservative definition of nudity. Compounding this legislative threat, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has suggested rule amendments that could effectively outlaw nudity on state lands. This constitutes a significant and unprecedented challenge to the principles of nudity and nudism, making it the first such instance in the United States in several years.
In response, at least three national organizations have voiced their concerns, two of which are headquartered in Wisconsin. All of these organizations express caution about the bills and outline varying levels of action being taken, as well as ways individuals can contribute. Even from an outside perspective, a noticeable lack of collaboration and communication exists among these groups, despite their statements being relatively similar. To effectively counter this harmful legislation, it's crucial for these organizations to put aside past differences and collaborate. Together, they can forge a formidable coalition to safeguard the rights and values at stake. Apart, they risk being divided and conquered. 🚀
South Australia's Pelican Point beach 'completely locked' off to nudists and public, naturists say
For nearly four decades, Pelican Point on Lake Bonney in South Australia has been a cherished nudist beach, providing naturists like Garry Cornish with a place to bask in the sun and swim freely. However, due to serious flooding to the Murray River—one of the most significant natural disasters in modern South Australian history—the beach was closed to the public, with authorities assessing damage and addressing safety concerns. While recognizing the cultural significance of the site, local naturists are now seeking answers on when they'll be allowed to return. The closure not only affects the naturist community but also tourists like Hans van Bavel, who cut their holiday plans short due to the lack of communication about the beach's status. While the protection of cultural sites and safety is paramount, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, like the River Murray floods, puts naturist beaches and their communities at risk. As naturists, we must not only advocate for our lifestyle but also join the broader conversation on climate change and environmental preservation. The fight to preserve our beloved nudist spaces is intrinsically linked to the fight against climate change. 🚀
Bikini tops not mandatory in Amsterdam pools; Topless swimming, sunbathing allowed
Original Planet Nude coverage of Berlin ruling in News of the Nude, no. 3, March, 2023
Planet Nude coverage of Catalonia ruling in News of the Nude, no. 7, July, 2023
Following Berlin's progressive ruling in March and Catalonia’s in July, Amsterdam has embraced a similar stance, allowing women to swim topless in public swimming areas, including pools and canals. While Berlin's decision sparked discussions about "free body culture" in Germany, Amsterdam's move reflects a growing acceptance of body freedom and gender equality. This decision reinforces the notion that female breasts are secondary sex characteristics and should be treated equally to men's chests. It's an inspiring step towards eliminating gender bias and fostering a more inclusive society. While such changes may not occur swiftly in American cities, there's hope that more European cities will follow suit, potentially bringing this sea change to even more shores. 🚀
The fruity rewards of working in the flesh
As October ushers in autumn in the northern hemisphere, the southern part of the world is gearing up for warmer days and outdoor pastimes. New Zealand is embracing the arrival of spring and with the celebration of their National Nude Gardening Day, a quirky holiday usually celebrated in May in the northern hemisphere, promotes the joys of tending to your garden in the buff.
In the first of the two above articles, Fiona Arthur emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of gardening without clothing. In the second article, the Southern Naturally naturist club in New Zealand's southernmost region is opening its gardens to the public, showcasing the joys of nude gardening.
New Zealand is, according to one study, one of the top countries for naturism. As the weather grows colder here in the USA, it's tempting to browse Zillow for condos in Christchurch.🚀
Pittsburgh Museum To Host Nudist Art Tour
The Mattress Factory museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is offering a unique experience next month for local nudists. On Friday, November 10, the museum will host a nude art tour organized by the Pittsburgh Area Naturists. The 90-minute tours will start at 6:30 p.m., providing an opportunity for participants to engage with thought-provoking artworks that challenge societal norms. The event will also include catered appetizers and allows attendees to bring their own beer or wine. A professional photographer will be present, but wristbands will be available for those who do not wish to be photographed. It's a daring and artistic way to experience both art and nudism in Pittsburgh.
Planet Nude has reported on similar museum events in Europe in the past, but this is the first of its kind that I have seen in America. It's exciting to see such an event finally happening in the United States, offering a novel and boundary-pushing experience for art enthusiasts and nudists alike. Congrats to the Pittsburgh Area Naturists for pulling this together. More of this. 🚀
Barcelona museum stages exhibition that can be visited completely naked
From Pittsburgh to Catalonia, the world of art and culture is making strides towards embracing the naturist ethos. In a city that recently made headlines for legalizing topless swimming and sunbathing, Barcelona is taking another bold step towards embracing naturism. The Archaeology Museum of Catalonia has partnered with the Catalan Naturist Club to offer a distinctive opportunity: a naked visit to the "The Riace bronzes" exhibition, featuring striking photographs by artist Luigi Spina showcasing two 5th-century B.C. nude statues. This experience, scheduled for October 28, invites visitors to connect with the art while in a state of undress, surrounded by like-minded individuals, promoting a sense of unity and challenging societal norms around nudity. 🚀
Nudist sent out of pub for exposing his private part to a child
In Hastings, East Sussex, a recent incident at a Wetherspoons pub has garnered far too much media attention. Richard Collins, a naturist, was asked to leave the pub after accidentally exposing his backside in a kilt while picking up a poppadom, causing discomfort to a young girl and her mother.
This story is at best a "nothingburger" issue that has found its way into tabloids globally, particularly in the UK, where such stories tend to generate outrage, despite their relatively minor nature. At worst, it’s an intentional and malicious effort by the media to generate moral panic. It's often difficult to discern between genuinely newsworthy events and those that make headlines due to their sensationalistic qualities, which is why these sorts of stories can be harmful to naturism in general, by perpetuating stereotypes and fomenting moral fear. While everyone's entitled to their beliefs and preferences, this incident, in the grand scheme of things, appears more like a tempest in a teapot than a significant societal issue. 🚀
'We went to nudist resort to spice up our sex life and visited 200-person orgy'
While we’re on the topic of media-sensationalized moral panic, this recent Daily Star article tells the story of a couple's visit to the Sea Mountain Nude Resort and Spa, which is portrayed as a thrilling adventure in a "Disneyland for adults." The article highlights couples engaging in various intimate activities, creating an impression of a non-stop party.
It's crucial to clarify that such resorts primarily cater to a lifestyle altogether separate from nudism or naturism. This all-to-common conflation contributes to misconceptions and moral panic surrounding nudism. Nudists in the U.S. have lost control of the narrative, if we ever held onto it to begin with To address this, it's important for naturists to emphasize the genuine values of nudist communities and counter the misleading narratives often perpetuated by outlets like the Daily Star, and for naturist organizations to combat this nafarious breed of media coverage with aggressive and progressive PR efforts. 🚀
You're not seeing things —'nudity creep' in streaming TV reveals more of its stars
According to NPR, streaming TV is experiencing a phenomenon known as "nudity creep," where nudity is increasingly prominent in popular shows. The British dating show "Naked Attraction" is an example, featuring contestants eliminating potential partners based on gradually revealed, uncensored nudity. This trend is not entirely new; cable TV, like HBO, has a history of provocative content, and streaming platforms have offered shows centered around female nudity. However, what's noteworthy is the expansion of this trend to include male nudity, presumably reflecting a growing acceptance of the human body and a move away from outdated taboos. While some may view it as a marketing ploy, it also showcases nudity's role as an art form and a fundamental aspect of human existence. 🚀
I Spent My Summer Vacation Naked With My Friends
Abby Moss recounts her transformative summer at CHM Montalivet, Europe's oldest naturist community in France. In this candid narrative, Moss explores the unique atmosphere of CHM Montalivet, where nudity is embraced as a source of freedom, safety, and self-confidence, while emphasizing that naturism is about non-sexualized, body-positive liberation. This article profoundly captures the spirit of naturism, endorsing a world where nudity is celebrated without judgment, and serves as a testament to the community's values.
I saw this article shared around social media multiple times, probably because most recognized the way it beautifully encapsulates the naturist spirit, highlighting the essence of freedom and respect that defines our beloved lifestyle. It's a reminder of the liberating feeling of being at one with nature, unburdened by societal expectations. Kudos to Abby Moss for sharing her inspiring experience. 🚀
As October draws to a close, we're reminded of the privileges we enjoy—including some amount of freedom to experience the world around us in the raw. But these cherished freedoms are fragile, and if we don't want to lose this good thing we've got, we’d better do more than just knock on wood. 🪐