News of the Nude, no. 11
A curated roundup of recent nude-ish news headlines from planet Earth
Welcome to the 11th monthly News of the Nude, where we bring you the latest from the naked world. This month’s stories highlight a stark contrast in the nudism/naturism landscape across the globe. I won’t sugarcoat it, there’s a lot of bad news.
There are at least a few positive stories in the mix, stories of healing, or expression, or progress. In contrast, other stories paint a comparatively grim picture. Particularly here in the United States, we're seeing an increase in legislative attacks on nude freedoms, alongside a rise in anti-nude sentiment and moral panic surrounding nudity. Reports of club sales and closures add to the challenges. This scenario is a stark reminder of the work still needed to advocate for body freedom and naturist values in many parts of the world, including here at home.
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Massachusetts Bill would allow women to go topless in public
A bill filed in the Massachusetts legislature seeks to allow women to go topless in public. Introduced as bill HD 4316 by political activist Jacquelyn Wehtje and filed by state representative Michael Kushmerek, the bill proposes to amend Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272 Section 16. It aims to remove “female breasts” from the definition of Open and Gross Lewdness and Lascivious Behavior. The bill's text highlights gender discrimination, gender fluidity, and the stigmatization of the female body. Currently, exposure of female breasts in certain circumstances is considered Open and Gross Lewdness and Lascivious Behavior in Massachusetts, punishable by up to three years in prison. Nantucket is the only municipality in Massachusetts where women can legally be topless in public, specifically on beaches. No action has been taken on the bill yet.
For more detailed information about the bill, you can visit the Massachusetts legislature's website at Bill HD 4316. 🚀
Nudists are planning a museum and library in Miami
In Miami, local nudists and naturists are planning to establish a museum and library focused on naturism, exploring potential sites from North Miami to Sunny Isles Beach. Spearheaded by Shirley Mason and the B.E.A.C.H.E.S. Foundation, the facility aims to educate people about naturism through various mediums. The initiative highlights the significant economic contribution of nude tourism to Florida’s economy, with Haulover Beach Park being a prime example, attracting 1.2 million visitors annually. B.E.A.C.H.E.S. promotes safe, family-friendly nude recreation and body-positive culture, along with environmental and health initiatives. This effort comes at a time when nudist beaches in Florida have dwindled due to property development pressures.
It’s encouraging to see this story receiving national attention in the press. As someone involved with B.E.A.C.H.E.S., it’s a pleasure to note that the story was most likely picked up from Planet Nude, which counts the author as a subscriber—hello if you’re reading this!
B.E.A.C.H.E.S. is currently holding a raffle to support our causes, with the prize being two passes on the February 2024 Bare Necessities Big Nude Boat cruise, worth over $5,000. Don’t miss your chance to participate and support a great cause. 🚀
Read more:
Man who attacked naked bike riders in Portland sentenced to prison
In Portland, Oregon, a man named Robert Houchins was sentenced to three years in prison for assaulting two cyclists with a metal pipe during a naked bike ride. Planet Nude first shared the story of this event, which occurred on June 3, in a previous edition of News of the Nude. Houchins shouted homophobic slurs and struck the riders as they passed him. Initially indicted on multiple charges, including second-degree assault and first-degree bias crime, Houchins accepted a plea agreement, reducing his charges to second-degree attempted assault and first-degree bias crime. He is now serving his sentence at the Oregon Department of Corrections. 🚀
‘When I took my clothes off, the weight of the world came off my shoulders’
Spencer Tunick’s “Tide” installation in Brisbane, captured beautifully in the Brisbane Times article, is a vibrant example of how nudity can serve as a powerful medium for inclusivity and diversity. Nearly 150 participants, embodying a spectrum of identities and body types, found liberation and empowerment in their collective nudity. This event, especially resonant for the LGBTQ+ community, reinforces the significance of nudity as more than just an expression of physical freedom but a conduit for social and personal empowerment. The event’s diverse participation and positive reception are a testament to nudism’s expanding scope and demographics, both as an artistic expression and a social movement. The article beautifully encapsulates this transformative experience in its detailed and empathetic coverage. 🚀
Seattle wants to put a playground next to a historically queer nude beach
In Seattle, a controversial proposal to construct a children’s playground at Denny Blaine Park, renowned for being a historically queer nude beach, has sparked debate. The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation aims to address a local playground shortage with this project, slated for late summer to fall 2024. An anonymous donor is reportedly funding the project. However, over 2,700 petitioners and community members opposed the plan (as of the writing of the above article—the number has climbed to over 5,000 as of this writing), fearing it may displace queer beachgoers and reinforce damaging stereotypes. Critics argue that the playground’s proximity to the nude beach could fuel the harmful “groomer” panic and force the queer community to either abandon the beach or face heightened risks amidst rising anti-LGBTQ sentiment.
Seattle Council Members and locals have questioned the proposal’s intent, perceiving it as a divisive tactic rather than a genuine community service.
It is not uncommon for development plans to be used as tools to push out nude beaches. However, the introduction of a children’s playground next to a queer nude beach is a particularly creative, yet somewhat insidious, twist on this familiar strategy. This latest development in Seattle is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by nudist and naturist communities in preserving their spaces against subtle yet impactful forms of encroachment.
A public hearing is planned for December 6th from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Martin Luther King FAME Community Center. Nudists interested in attending to voice opposition to the initiative are encouraged to contact AANR Northwest. 🚀
Read more:
Nudist resort lists for $32.8M — sellers fear clothes-minded buyers
The potential sale of Lupin Lodge Naturist Club, a historic nudist retreat in Los Gatos, California, raises concerns within the nudist community. Priced at $32.8 million, the likelihood of it remaining a nudist club seems slim. This loss is deeply troubling, as the club has been a naturist haven since 1935. Despite this, Lori Kay Stout, the owner since 1978, remains a steadfast advocate for naturism. Commendably, she's collaborating with members and the Western Nudist Research Library to preserve the club's rich history and culture, embodying a spirit of dedication to the naturist movement that continues to inspire. Members of Lupin have formed a travel club, tentatively called the “Friends of Lupin,” who hope to raise capital to continue the club’s culture of naturism either in the same spot or a new one. 🚀
Read more about this:
DeAnza Springs sheds the naked life
News report from CBS 8
Parallel to Planet Nude’s coverage of the DeAnza Springs Resort in Jacumba, California and its recent transformation to a textile resort, other outlets have also reported on the wave of discontent among residents there, including this in depth piece written by Danielle Thomassen for San Diego Reader, as well as the above report for CBS News.
Here’s the “Cliffs Notes” version for those to whom this is new: After its purchase in 2020 by Luke Wasyliw and Kevin Cho, the long-standing nudist haven has shifted to a textile-based operation with plans for attracting new clientele by hosting psychedelic retreats. This change, which includes a new clothing-mandatory policy in public areas and a lifted photography ban, has sparked discontent among residents, who express sadness over the loss of the resort’s traditional nudist ethos. The shift has led to tensions within the community, as reflected in town hall meetings and various resident reactions. While the new owners envision a different future for DeAnza Springs, incorporating elements like festivals and wellness retreats, many residents mourn the loss of a cherished community and way of life. 🚀
Read more:
Crisis as 200 homeowners in El Portus Naturist Camping to be evicted
El Portús, a naturist camping site near Cartagena in the Costa Cálida region of Murcia, Spain, is facing a crisis as over 200 long-term residents, many of them retirees and families, are being evicted from their homes. The situation has sparked outrage and legal battles as residents refuse to leave.
The eviction notices were issued in November 2023, with management informing residents that their "temporary stay contracts" would expire on January 1, 2024, forcing them to vacate their properties. This move has created significant distress among the affected residents, who have lived in El Portús for decades, with some even being born there.
The residents are determined to seek justice and compensation, viewing the eviction as a violation of their rights and dignity. They argue that they have abided by laws and paid taxes while purchasing or inheriting their homes. However, relocation poses a considerable challenge for most of them, given the nature of their homes, which range from prefabricated structures to permanent residences.
Elderly residents, like 85-year-old Rose Marie, who has lived in El Portús since 1987, face the imminent threat of displacement. Finding affordable alternatives remains a challenge, and many are financially constrained. The situation has predictably taken a severe toll on the mental and physical well-being of the residents. “The threat to their homes and lives has already claimed one life,” revealed the Owners’ Association. “One of the residents tragically took their own life after receiving the eviction notice, and several others are currently grappling with heightened stress and depression.”
The situation has prompted legal action, with residents consulting lawyers to explore any loopholes that might reverse the eviction notices. Their fight is fueled by the desire for fairness and compensation as they stand united against losing their homes and the lifestyle they have cherished for years. 🚀
Nudity doesn’t have to be naughty
November 3rd, 2023
In her excellent TED talk titled “Nudity Doesn’t Have to Be Naughty,” Liz Hansen, a boudoir photographer, explores the power of nudity and challenges the stigma surrounding it. She begins by mentioning the common advice to imagine the audience naked and how, as a boudoir photographer, this feels like a typical day at work for her.
The talk delves into society’s discomfort with nudity, driven by historical and cultural influences. Liz points out that nudity carries both positive and negative connotations and believes in harnessing its positive power. She emphasizes that nudity is a fundamental aspect of our existence and suggests that embracing it can boost confidence and self-love.
She also discusses the "taboo tax" people pay for challenging these norms and suggests that positive experiences with nudity can lead to strength and personal growth. She shares stories of individuals who found empowerment and self-acceptance through nude experiences, and encourages creating consensual and designated spaces for nudity, emphasizing that boundaries and consent are crucial.
Liz invites the audience to consider embracing their individuality through purposeful nude experiences, emphasizing that nudity doesn’t have to be shameful but can be a source of confidence, empowerment, and joy. 🚀
How a queer nude beach helped me begin to heal from trauma
In a candid narrative, the author reflects on their path to healing following a traumatic incident. They recount an unexpected visit to a queer nude beach in Barcelona as a turning point in their recovery. Initially disconcerted by the sight of nude sunbathers, the author’s discomfort gave way to a liberating sense of self-acceptance.
This well-written account underscores the therapeutic potential of social nudity in fostering emotional healing. The author’s unfiltered storytelling exemplifies the importance of empathy and support for survivors of trauma. 🚀
Marie Willa doxxed and targeted
(Headline and outlet redacted because I don’t want to give them any traffic)
Marie Willa Bobo Smith, a transgender nudist activist from Fort Bragg, California, has been subjected to doxing and harassment by a group of alt-right and anti-LGBTQ blogs. The attack was initiated by Scott Newgent and furthered by stochastic terrorists Chaya Raichik of Libs of TikTok, Graham Linehan (Glinner), Gays Against Groomers, and more. This orchestrated campaign has unleashed a barrage of transphobic and anti-nudist abuse, including death threats.
The controversy stemmed from a harmless video of Marie in a nudist context, celebrating Trans Parent Day with her clothed family, including her adult children and grandchild. Despite its innocent nature, the nudity in the video triggered an avalanche of reports to child protective services and personal attacks.
In her own words, Marie shared her harrowing experience on Facebook, stating, “Since November 4, 2023, I have been living with a terror so intense it has gripped me to the very core of my being.” She explained how she was falsely portrayed as a pedophile and groomer, enduring threats and a living nightmare. “My local antagonist, Shaylee (Shay) Freitas got ahold of the various things being posted online about me, and began stirring up the local conservatives and anyone who would listen with it. It did not matter to the army of haters when they were told by law enforcement and cps that, although nudism is an alternative lifestyle they may not agree with, there was absolutely nothing untoward happening in our home and the child in question is perfectly safe. If anything, the hate and threats took on a more ominous timbre.”
Marie has been a vocal advocate for top-free equality for multiple years. In addition to her visibility on social media, she has participated in interviews for the New Nudist Podcast and Naked Age to discuss her nudist advocacy. She has a history of posting nude videos online, combining her activism with everyday tasks—something many nudists do every day. She has also been vocal about her experiences with nudity during her transition.
Just days before doxing Marie, Chaya Raichik, the individual behind Libs of TikTok, was featured on the cover of Newsweek in a story about her history of provoking harassment against marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, and her actions have led to threats and even bomb scares. She was also in the news recently for being listed in the Anti Defamation League’s glossary of extremism, but was removed after legal threats.
The doxing incident involving Marie Willa raises concerns about the growing intolerance and moral panic surrounding mere nudity, particularly within the nudist community and LGBTQ+ community, and it highlights the risks to nudists from the ongoing wave of transphobia and groomer panic sweeping the country.
Fortunately, local law enforcement has recognized the targeted nature of Marie’s situation, providing support. Despite the trauma, Marie is determined to overcome this ordeal and emerge stronger. “I am talking to my therapist and taking baby steps to make the terror release its grip on me,” she says, “but it's not easy. I will come through the other side of my terror and woe to those that continue to attack me with their hatred once I am free of it.” 🚀
Listen to Marie Willa on Naked Age:
Croatian Adriatic city bans nudism and alcohol on beaches
In a contentious decision, Pula City Council in Croatia has banned nudism on its beaches, stirring a debate on the city's longstanding tradition of nude bathing. This move, aligning with the new Law on Maritime Property and Ports, was challenged by Councilwoman Dušica Radojčić, who argued it stigmatizes nudism as morally unacceptable. The ban, viewed by some council members as a means to establish order, has raised concerns about its practicality and enforcement. This decision represents a significant shift for a city known for its naturist-friendly beaches, marking a challenging moment for the nudist community in Pula. 🚀
Nudists and Supervisor help cut glare from 15 Freeway headlights near Corona
As multiple other clubs in California are making headlines for being sold off or converting to non-nudist spaces, Glen Eden Sun Club in Temescal Valley (my own home club) is in the news this week for a more positive and community-focused reason. The club, recognized as America’s largest member-owned nudist resort, was pivotal in addressing a longstanding safety concern. Collaborating with Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel, the club facilitated the installation of an anti-glare fence along a section of Interstate 15. This initiative aimed to reduce the dangerous glare from oncoming headlights, a significant hazard, especially near the club’s location. The effort symbolizes the power of cooperative action in enhancing community safety, emphasizing the club’s commitment to the well-being of its members and the broader Temescal Valley community. 🚀
More reading:
Icky, pointless, invasive – is this the death of sex on TV?
This compelling article by Aneesa Ahmeda examines a notable shift in Generation Z’s attitude towards sex and nudity on screen. The Teens and Screens report indicates a growing disinterest among young viewers in explicit sex scenes and trauma in media. Gen Z favors authenticity, self-love, and friendships over-sexualized content, reflecting a cultural shift away from traditional romantic narratives. Many express discomforts with unnecessary explicitness and the portrayal of sexual assault, advocating for a more nuanced and respectful approach to intimacy.
It’s interesting to understand the nuances of how Gen Z perceives sex and sexuality, and these habits bring with them opportunities and lessons for organized nudism with regard to how it markets itself to these young people. This generation’s preference for authenticity and non-sexualized relationships aligns well with nudism’s principles of body autonomy and self-expression. Nudism can appeal to Gen Z by emphasizing these values, showcasing nudism as a celebration of unfiltered body acceptance and a rejection of societal norms. Marketing strategies focusing on inclusivity, environmental consciousness, and community building can resonate with Gen Z’s progressive and eco-conscious attitudes. This approach not only aligns with their values but also offers a refreshing alternative to the sexualized portrayal of bodies, potentially making nudism an attractive and relevant choice for the future. 🚀
14-year-old sexually assaulted while visiting grandparents at ‘family-friendly’ nudist colony
A deeply distressing incident has occurred at the Oakwood Club, a nudist club in Minnesota, involving a 14-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted. Multiple sources, including the New York Post, Star Tribune, and Daily Mail, report that a 69-year-old Wisconsin man was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct following the assault. The girl, visiting the club with her grandparents, was allegedly assaulted while alone and nude in the clubhouse, and the man had been described to her as a family friend. The complaint reveals alarming details, including requests for explicit photos and the assault itself.
In the wake of such a horrifying event, it is imperative for naturists and naturist organizations to unilaterally and unequivocally denounce this abuse when it occurs. Such behavior is utterly antithetical to the values of respect, consent, and safety that are central to naturism. This stance is crucial not only for moral and ethical reasons but also to maintain the integrity and positive ethos of naturist spaces. For its part, our naturist organizations do take these reports with due gravity. “We are aware of the situation and have been working with the club, the region Trustee, and the family,” Erich Shuttauf, Executive Director of the American Association for Nude Recreation, told Planet Nude.
This tragic event is a stark reminder that assault can happen in any environment, including nudist settings, akin to occurrences in schools, churches, and homes. The profound impact on the young girl and her family cannot be overstated, and our empathy for their ordeal is immense.
It’s also worth noting that the media’s approach to covering such incidents often leans towards sensationalism and can often draw upon and perpetuate a culture of ‘groomer’ panic. This is particularly concerning given the ongoing legislative discussions in Wisconsin regarding anti-nudity laws. These stories, linked to Wisconsin, can easily become political fodder for these legislators to argue for advancing their restrictive bills. It is vital to maintain a sensitive and balanced perspective, focusing on the gravity of the crime while avoiding sensationalized narratives that could contribute to unwarranted hysteria. 🚀
NYC's Naked Comedy puts on hilarious nude shows in Brooklyn
NYC's Naked Comedy in Brooklyn offers a unique twist on stand-up comedy: performers are completely nude. Organizer Billy Procida and various comedians, including those from major networks, embrace the challenge as a way to push boundaries and re-experience the nervousness of their early days on stage. The show, hosted monthly, features a lineup of willing comics who find performing naked adds a fresh dynamic to their acts. Audience participation is encouraged, with clothing-optional seating and opportunities for guests to perform nude. The event emphasizes respect and a no-phones policy, creating a supportive environment where physicality and vulnerability play key roles in the comedic experience. 🚀
The world can’t cope with Kim K’s nipple bra and that says everything you need to know about policing women’s bodies
Kim Kardashian’s recent SKIMS shapewear launch, featuring the "Ultimate Nipple Bra," has stirred both fascination and controversy. This bra, complete with a faux nipple, has ignited discussions about the female body, censorship, and societal expectations. Kim’s product, accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek climate-themed promotional video, garnered mixed reactions. Some criticized it as provocative and perpetuating body objectification, while others appreciated its launch during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, viewing it as empowering for survivors and those with body image concerns.
The above article from Cosmopolitan highlights the broader debate surrounding this nipple-centric product. It touches upon the complex relationship society has with women’s bodies, addressing the need to challenge taboos and promote female agency and safety. It also underscores how women often hide natural body parts to conform to societal norms, making the faux nipple a symbol of resistance against such expectations.
From a nudist perspective, the irony lies in the mass marketing of bras replicating the very anatomy that it serves to cover. Of course, I do see great value in products like this which are designed for people with body shame or dysphoria. While nudists may find the concept of nipple bras absurd, as they aim to normalize what these products accentuate—the fact is that people do have to wear clothes in the world, and clothing that normalizes provocative anatomy only allows for more freedom of expression in general. I commend the product and scoff only at the marketing which has missed the mark. On some level, it’s about the intention behind the product, and I’d like to see it marketed in a way that lifts unconventional bodies, rather than the obvious approach of plastering Kim K. in a nipple bra in ads. Still, I appreciate that this launch was newsworthy enough to contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding body acceptance and societal perceptions of breasts. 🚀
When did humans stop being naked?
The article from IFLScience, "When Did Humans Stop Being Naked?", explores the origins of clothing in human history. The oldest direct evidence of clothing is the Tarkhan Dress, a linen shirt dating between 3482 to 3102 BCE, discovered in an Egyptian tomb. This garment survived likely due to the extremely dry conditions of its environment.
However, evidence of clothing predates the Tarkhan Dress. In Çatalhöyük, Turkey, archaeologists found fragments of woven plant-based textiles around 8,500 years old, suggesting earlier use of clothing. Even older are the wild flax fibers found in Dzudzuana Cave, Georgia, estimated to be around 30,000 years old. These fibers showed signs of being twisted and dyed, indicating they might have been used for garment sewing.
Researchers have also used lice to estimate the origins of clothing. By studying the DNA of head and body lice, scientists theorize that the divergence of body louse from head louse, which coincides with the use of clothing, occurred between 83,000 and 170,000 years ago. This estimate is rough, as it would have taken time for body lice to adapt to living in clothing.
The journey of human clothing, as explored in the IFLScience article, traces back to ancient times, with the oldest known garment, the Tarkhan Dress, dating between 3482 and 3102 BCE. Fascinatingly, evidence of clothing use extends even further, with 8,500-year-old textile fragments in Turkey and 30,000-year-old dyed flax fibers in Georgia. The divergence of body lice from head lice between 83,000 to 170,000 years ago offers another intriguing clue, suggesting an even earlier adoption of clothing.
This exploration into clothing’s past brings a thought-provoking perspective for nudists and naturists. It’s intriguing to consider how the adoption of clothing introduced not only protection and personal expression but also, perhaps, unintended consequences like societal taboos, body image stigmas, and even body lice. While nudism doesn’t necessarily seek a full return to pre-clothing days, it does offer a unique lens through which to view our clothed past. In embracing nudity, there’s a playful nod to a simpler time before clothing complexities while recognizing the beneficial aspects of clothing to human societies. 🚀
Thanks for being with us for this month's News of the Nude. As we've seen, the world of naturism is as diverse as it is dynamic, sometimes bringing us face-to-face with “bad news.” 🪐
Reflecting on the article about when clothing was invented, it's clear that ideas about modesty have varied across time and space. In his marathon autobiography Giacomo Casanova (1725-1798) describes an easy going attitude to nudity in contexts such as people getting undressed to go to bed as it was common in coaching inns to have to share a room. He saw the daughters of Louis XV going to church in dresses that fully exposed their breasts. According to the historian Ian Mortimer in 'The Time Traveller's Guide to Elizabethan England' Queen Elizabeth I would receive official visitors bare breasted and it was not uncommon for other women to go around with their breasts exposed until they married.
Thanks very much for sharing the TED Talk about "Nudity Doesn’t Have to Be Naughty" - extremely well done!