News of the Nude, Nov. 2024
Volume 23: A treasure trove of tantalizing tales and transformative truths from the season of thanks
Since our last update just a month ago the whole world has changed, yet many of the stories about nudity and naturism in this month’s News of the Nude have familiar themes: body freedom, cultural shifts, and the challenges of navigating societal norms, all make appearances in the stories below. And yet, there’s plenty of fresh ground to cover, with several new stories that reflect the ongoing tension in this world between progress and, well, going backwards.
This month’s edition is being shared on Thanksgiving weekend here in the US, and I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of you. Whether you’re a paid subscriber, a free reader, or simply someone who occasionally drops by, your support makes Planet Nude what it is. This is more than just a newsletter—it’s a community of thoughtful, curious individuals who care about body freedom and the stories that shape it. Thank you for being part of this journey, for engaging in our threads, joining our chats, and helping us keep the content flowing. I’m truly thankful to be a part of this with you all.
Holiday gifts for nudists
Today, of course, is Black Friday, and tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, then we have Cyber Monday. You don’t want to buy from Amazon again this Christmas. All their workers are striking anyway, and you’re no scab. Instead, use this perfect occasion to shop for holiday gifts that support independent creators! Don’t forget to visit our Planet Nude gift shop on Etsy for some unique items that make great gifts and directly support our work. I’ve highlighted a few of our favorite products in the image gallery below, so be sure to check those out.
You can also “give the gift of nakedness” this holiday season with Nakedness by Richard Ungewitter (translated from German). Originally published in 1905, this pioneering book advocated for nudism as a path to health, equality, and a deeper connection to nature, it became a cornerstone of the early naturist movement and remains a fascinating read for anyone interested in the roots of body freedom.
One more thing for the puzzleheads
Finally, don’t miss this month’s crossword puzzle at the bottom of this edition! It’s packed with clues inspired by this month’s stories and is a fun way to challenge yourself while staying in the loop. Who knows—you might even uncover a detail or two you missed. Happy puzzling!
Now, on to the news! 🪐
News of the Nude, Vol. 23 🪐
Naturism events axed as social media makes nudists too ashamed of their bodies
Is Germany drawing the curtain on nudism?
Germany’s Freikörperkultur (FKK), a cornerstone of its cultural identity, is facing modern challenges as societal attitudes and technological advancements reshape naturism. The DFK, Germany’s leading naturist organization, reports a dramatic membership decline from 65,000 in the 1990s to 34,000 today. Both articles explore how the rise of social media fuels body insecurity through curated images and unrealistic standards, while fears of unauthorized photos being shared online deter participation. These shifts have led to canceled events, including 75th-anniversary celebrations for the DFK, and a shift toward profit-driven alternatives like glamping.
Historically, FKK promoted body acceptance and equality, with its roots as a rebellion against industrialization’s rigid norms. Activities like nude hiking and swimming created inclusive spaces for authentic body positivity. Despite waning participation, FKK remains culturally significant, and research highlights its mental health benefits, including improved self-esteem and reduced appearance anxiety. Advocates like DFK President Alfred Sigloch are determined to preserve naturism, emphasizing its potential to counteract digital culture’s pressures and provide healthier, more inclusive environments for future generations.
This synthesis underscores naturism’s enduring value amid societal and technological changes that threaten its survival. 🚀
Iran arrests woman who stripped in protest at ‘abusive’ dress code policing
Iran urged to free woman detained after undressing at university
Iranian authorities are facing international pressure following the arrest of a female university student who undressed in protest against the country’s mandatory hijab laws. The incident, captured in widely circulated videos, shows the woman removing her clothing at Tehran’s Islamic Azad University after reportedly clashing with Basij paramilitary agents over not wearing a headscarf. She was later violently detained by plainclothes agents and taken to an undisclosed location.
Amnesty International and human rights activists condemned the arrest, demanding her immediate release and an independent investigation into allegations of abuse during her detention. Iranian state media claimed she suffered from mental illness and was sent to a psychiatric hospital, a narrative activists argue is often used to discredit dissenters.
The protest is seen as part of the ongoing “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement that gained momentum after Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022 while in custody for a hijab violation. Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi highlighted the symbolic defiance of the woman’s actions, calling for an end to the systemic repression of women. The case underscores the enduring tension between Iran’s strict dress code enforcement and the growing resistance from women advocating for personal and political freedom. 🚀
France celebrates a century of naturism
France is celebrating 100 years of naturism with the Naturist Paradises exhibition at Marseille’s Museum, showcasing 600 photos, films, and artifacts that explore the country’s enduring appeal as the world’s leading destination for naturists. With 4.7 million regular participants, including 2.1 million French nationals, naturism is a significant cultural and economic force, generating up to €370 million annually and supporting 3,000 jobs.
The movement’s roots in health and environmentalism trace back to the 1920s, emphasizing a connection to nature and freedom from societal restraints. Today, France has over 360 designated naturist spaces, including beaches, campsites, and urban areas like Paris’s Bois de Vincennes. Interest in naturism has grown post-pandemic, particularly among families seeking meaningful ways to reconnect with nature.
The exhibition runs until December, offering visitors the chance to experience a rich cultural tradition that celebrates inclusivity, sustainability, and personal freedom. 🚀
Google’s new app will help warn you about nude images in Messages
Google is rolling out a new feature in its Messages app called Sensitive Content Warnings, aimed at reducing the risks associated with sharing and receiving nude images. Powered by the new Android System SafetyCore app, this feature uses on-device technology to detect potentially explicit content. It then applies a “speed bump” that blurs the image and prompts users with resources and options, including whether to view the content. For users under 18, the feature will be enabled by default, while adults can opt in voluntarily.
This initiative comes as part of Google’s broader efforts to promote cybersecurity and responsible online behavior, particularly for minors. Sensitive Content Warnings will not only warn recipients but also intervene when users attempt to send or forward explicit images, offering an additional layer of accountability.
The technology raises interesting implications for body freedom advocates. While the feature aims to protect users, particularly younger ones, it also highlights the delicate balance between privacy, safety, and how nudity is perceived in digital spaces. Its success could influence how other messaging platforms handle sensitive content in the future. 🚀
Gallery defies police and puts more nudes on show
The Chair Gallery in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, has launched Slay Hay, a nude art exhibition featuring fifty works by thirty artists, after police requested the removal of a provocative nude painting from its window display in September. The earlier piece, depicting a woman in cowboy boots with abstracted anatomy, sparked complaints, but gallery owner Val Harris stood firm, framing the incident as an opportunity to normalize life drawing and spark dialogue around the human form.
Now, the exhibition includes a variety of nudes, with a full-frontal male drawing prominently displayed in the window. Harris describes the show as an educational tool rather than a protest, aiming to celebrate the natural body and the importance of life drawing in art. Visitor comments have largely been positive, highlighting evolving attitudes toward nudity in art. Harris hopes to make the exhibition an annual event to continue challenging perceptions of the nude in public spaces. 🚀
Sponsor shout-out:
‘Needlez’ covers breast cancer scars with art
Candice ‘Needlez’ Davis, a tattoo artist and entrepreneur in Jamaica, offers free mastectomy tattoos to breast cancer survivors each October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Her services include decorative tattoos to cover scars and realistic areolar tattoos that restore the appearance of nipples, boosting confidence for those affected by cancer.
Davis was inspired over a decade ago when a university friend battling breast cancer shared her struggles and introduced her to areolar tattoos. This experience, combined with her family’s history with cancer, motivated Davis to help survivors reclaim their sense of beauty and self-esteem.
Operating studios in Jamaica and Florida, Davis offers her services at significantly reduced rates year-round to make the procedures accessible. She emphasizes the importance of options for trauma survivors, aiming to make them feel whole and empowered. Through her artistry, Davis transforms scars into symbols of strength and renewal. 🚀
The weirdest thing about stripping naked with 5,500 people? It didn’t feel weird at all
In a reflective and cheeky article from The Guardian, Monique Ross chronicles her experience in Spencer Tunick’s Rising Tide, a record-breaking nude art installation in Brisbane. The event saw 5,500 participants strip down at sunrise to create a “living sculpture” celebrating diversity and inclusion. Part of Brisbane’s Melt Festival, the installation became a meditative exploration of body image, vulnerability, and shared humanity.
Ross’s narrative dives into the logistics and emotions of the event, which ranged from soaking rain to blazing sun, and her personal transformation amidst the sea of exposed bodies. What might sound awkward or mortifying quickly evolved into a surprisingly liberating experience. Tunick’s project also garnered amusing reactions from bystanders, including a balcony observer who, inspired by the scene, stripped naked in solidarity to the crowd’s applause.
The article reminds readers that art—even naked, sweaty, and occasionally uncomfortable—can transcend the barriers of judgment, leaving us connected in our shared imperfections. 🚀
What Nudists Pack for Vacation
The article from Thrillist offers a lighthearted exploration of what naturists pack for their travels, framed as a contrast to the typical overstuffed suitcases of clothed travelers. Through interviews with naturists like Jeff from Australia, Nick and Lins of Naked Wanderings, and Martin Novoa of the B.E.A.C.H.E.S. Foundation, the piece highlights practical essentials such as towels, sunscreen, bug spray, and footwear.
More than just a packing list, the article delves into the philosophy and etiquette of naturist travel. It uses humor and a conversational tone to demystify nudist experiences while showcasing the unique simplicity and practicality of naturist lifestyles. By weaving in personal stories and cultural observations, the article provides both an educational and entertaining look at how naturists balance travel essentials with their commitment to body freedom. Ultimately, it’s an engaging primer for anyone curious about the logistics of clothing-free adventures. 🚀
Kanye West and Bianca Censori ‘started doing naked therapy’ as they consider ‘nudist colony’
Kanye West and Bianca Censori are reportedly exploring unconventional methods to repair their relationship, including “naked therapy.” Sources suggest the couple believes that stripping down during sessions helps them communicate more openly and “bare their souls.” Their commitment to nudity extends beyond therapy, with plans to attend nude retreats and even consider launching a “nudist colony” as a business venture, positioning Bianca as the public face of their endeavor.
Nudity has become a defining feature of their dynamic, with Kanye embracing it as a creative outlet and Bianca frequently making headlines for her daring, minimalist fashion choices. The insider in the above article described Kanye’s exhibitionism as surprising given his typically conservative public attire, labeling his embrace of nudity as a “fetish.”
There’s plenty to unpack in the way nudism is framed here—as a “fetish” happening in “colonies”—and how offensive and outdated these stereotypes are. But, frankly, I’ve said it all before or simply come to expect this kind of misrepresentation from publications like The Mirror. As for Kanye West, his repeated antisemitic remarks make it hard for me to feel any sympathy or goodwill toward him. That said, I know from experience that shared nudity can have genuine therapeutic and transformative effects, and I’m glad to see it recognized in any capacity—even if the framing leaves much to be desired. 🚀
Brave nudists get their tackles out for naked swim with Loch Ness Monster
Naturists are gathering for a skinny dip in Loch Ness as part of the “Loch and Land Feel Good Finale,” organized by British Naturism. The event, held at Borlum Farm on the Geldoe Estate, invites participants to “be at one with the monster” while enjoying yoga, axe throwing, archery, and a rural sauna.
Advertised as a family-friendly occasion, tickets cost £12, with half the proceeds going to Trees for Life charity. The event is part of a broader trend of creative naturist gatherings in the UK, from Oktoberfest sausage feasts to naked pop weekends. Organizers hope the swim offers a fun and liberating experience, along with the chance of a close encounter with the mythical Nessie herself. 🚀
Trans artist posts topless photos to test Instagram’s rules on ‘female nipples’
Danish trans artist Ada Ada Ada is using Instagram to challenge its controversial nudity policies through her project, In Transitu. The experiment, which began two years ago after Ada started hormone replacement therapy (HRT), involves posting weekly topless photos to test when the platform’s algorithms classify a nipple as “female.” Instagram’s policies prohibit female nipples unless tied to specific contexts like breastfeeding or protest, leading to criticism for being binary and discriminatory.
Ada meticulously tracks the platform’s enforcement patterns, noting inconsistencies in censorship as her transition progresses. Surprisingly, some explicit images remain, while others, like a photo with a partially visible nipple in lingerie, are flagged and removed. Ada also tests AI gender classifiers, which produce varied results on her perceived gender, highlighting flaws in automated systems. Her project holds broader implications for body autonomy, challenging rigid binary definitions while advocating for transparency and fairness in digital platforms’ community standards. Ada hopes her work will also benefit adult-content creators and educators hindered by similar algorithmic biases. 🚀
Why ghosts wear clothes or white sheets instead of appearing in the nude
The question of why ghosts don’t appear naked reveals a fascinating intersection of folklore, psychology, and cultural norms. Historically, ghosts often appeared in burial shrouds, symbolizing a connection between the physical body and the afterlife. This portrayal evolved in the 19th century with the rise of spiritualism, where ghosts began wearing contemporary clothing, raising questions about whether their garments were also supernatural or projections of the viewer’s mind.
Victorian moralities played a significant role, as clothing identified class, gender, and occupation, and naked ghosts would disrupt these social markers. Anthropologist Andrew Lang suggested that ghosts, like dream figures, were clothed because the viewer’s unconscious mind dressed them based on familiar imagery. This sanitization reflects societal discomfort with nudity, even in death.
For naturists, this discussion offers a curious lens: why does our cultural discomfort extend beyond the living? The reluctance to imagine ghosts in the nude may reveal deeper anxieties about vulnerability and identity—themes naturists have long sought to demystify. 🚀
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News of the Nude, Vol. 23 Crossword
All of the clues in the puzzle come from the stories above. Click here to play.
Across
2. Welsh town hosting a provocative nude art exhibition
4. Country where a woman protested hijab laws by undressing
6. German naturism movement facing challenges
8. Ness Site of a naturist swim with a mythical monster
9. Tech company rolling out Sensitive Content Warnings
Down
1. Artist known for large-scale nude installations
3. Danish artist challenging Instagram’s nudity policies
5. Tattoo artist helping breast cancer survivors reclaim confidence
6. Celebrating 100 years of naturism this year
7. Appear clothed in cultural depictions, not naked
Answers from last month
(See last month’s puzzle here. This month’s answer key will be revealed in next month’s News of the Nude!)
Across: 1. Canada; 5. Sharon Springs; 7. SuwanneeValleyResort; 8. Romy; 9. Milton; 10. Plancarte.
Down: 2. Nuns; 3. Abby; 4. Kiata Country Club; 6. telegram.
Stuffed with gratitude.
That’s it for this month’s News of the Nude! Thank you for being here and supporting this community—it truly means a lot. As the holidays approach, I hope you find time to relax, connect, and maybe even savor a heaping plate of mashed potatoes. Until next time, take care and stay true to yourself. 🪐
I love this edition of news in the nude.
It's tough to get out of the Western bubble sometimes, but there are still non-Western and indigenous people living arguably "naturist" and "nudist" lifestyles as they have for thousands of years. Their naturist lifestyles and practices are also threatened, even more so by their omission or exclusion from being considered "naturists". Their stories need to be told as well. We have much to learn from their resilience in the face of such disregard, exclusion, marginalization. You may have to dig a bit to find their stories, but you may find delightfully uplifting narratives, gain valuable insights, and learn valuable lessons when you do.