12 Comments
Jul 28Liked by Evan Nicks

Thanks Evan, hopefully we can avoid having comments referring to the mythical “Trans agenda”.

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When it comes to the story of the Nude Bike Ride and similar news stories involving children being exposed to adult nudity as a form of 'sexual abuse', like the nude swim in Canada a few years ago, I've noticed that the majority of those condemning these actions are Millennials. As a Millennial myself (I'm 36), I believe this is linked to the unfortunate way my generation was raised with an unhealthy view of the human body. Innocent, non-sexual nudity in school showers was already phased out, and incidents of summer camp nudity were becoming rarer (although I do remember having communal showers at two of the overnight camps I attended, and a moment of skinny dipping at one). During our formative years in the late 90s and mid-00s, we were bombarded with the over-sexualization of the human body, from Britney Spears selling Pepsi in a thong during the Super Bowl to the explosion of online pornography and sensationalistic shows like 'Dateline, Pedophile, Chris Hansen.' These influences led my generation to view the human body as "gross" and, something to be hidden unless being sexual. Consequently, as adults in our 30s, when we see an adult nude in front of a child, we perceive it as a form of 'abuse.' However, until the 90s, such occurrences were common in public pools or sports club locker rooms."

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As always, thanks Evan. A few comments from the articles:

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Well done HRH! I realize it wasn’t a gesture specifically designed to bolster naturism. But still….we’ll take a win!

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I continue to hope that we as a society evolve to the point where nudity can be seen as something other than sexual, perverse, and immoral. That said, I’m all for respecting each others rights while showing compassion, tolerance, and understanding. It has to go both ways.

Unfortunately, sometimes naturism gets lumped in with some events and movements due to one obvious commonality — nudity. Such instances can case damage to the typical naturist message.

But even more sad — hate continues to thrive, whether in one sided articles, anonymous social media comments, or actual physical violence. It’s absolutely gutting how empowered some feel to share their message of intolerance and disgust.

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I love Spain. It’s there that my wife first went topless on a textile beach. The freedom, the lift in her spirit, the boost in her pride. It was absolutely stunning. So, well done Catalonians!

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In past LA WNBRs there were often a small number of children participating with their parents. This year LAPD suggested that any participating children wear something outside of the registration and formation area, which was the Museum of Contemporary Art parking lot. I think they got complaints but didn't see anything wrong. Still, they didn't want to get those kinds of complaints.

I have never seen any constitutional "right" not to see something. Freedom is under threat as long as governing officials are more afraid of the far right than they are of nudists.

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Aug 2Liked by Evan Nicks

I am the founder and organizer of the Madison, Wisconsin instantiation of the World Naked Bike Ride. I very much appreciate the support of the News of the Nude curator, as well as the sympathy of the commenters.

It has always been our policy that children are welcome to participate in our event, provided they are accompanied by parent or legal guardian. I suppose it says something about changing attitudes that this year's ride was the first that gave rise to the indignation reflected in the press.

I am a little puzzled that after those who got upset were frustrated in their appeal to local authorities, they decided to take it up with the federal government, bypassing Wisconsin legislators. Anyway, I am hoping that the response from the United States Attorney General, the country's top prosecutor, will definitively put an end to the discussion; he is certain to agree with county and city law enforcement that there was no impropriety.

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This company has been around for years selling tan through clothing.

https://www.cooltan.com/

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