News of the Nude, Oct. 2024
Volume 22: A spine-tingling showcase of shocking stories and spirited self-expression from the spooky month of October
Boo! And welcome to a special spooky edition of News of the Nude. Turns out, nothing’s scarier than trying to carve a jack-o-lantern in the nude—at least when you’re as clumsy as I am! I almost made my own slasher film. Yeeps!
There’s plenty to review this month in international media. Stories about legal battles over nudity, growing public acceptance of body freedom, and even controversial performances featuring naked nuns. If you’re curious about the impact of AI on body image, the aftermath of natural disasters in nudist communities, or how the law views nudity in Minnesota, you’re in the right place.
But first, I’d like to welcome our new paid subscribers this month. Our amazing paid members are the heart of this community, engaging in threads, enjoying our stories, joining our weekly chats, and fueling the content machine behind this newsletter. While many deserve acknowledgment, these words come from the newest subscribers who left messages when they upgraded to paid. We love receiving these notes. Send us one and become a part of the paid community today.
We love our paid subscribers. We love our free subscribers. We love all our readers, subscribed or not. Thank you for being here.
Some news about News of the Nude
There won’t be a “Top 5” video this month, and that’s intentional. The series hasn’t drawn much engagement, and it takes a lot of time to produce. I’m exploring better ways to use video on the site, but for now, I’m returning News of the Nude to its roots. I think this change will strengthen the experience and improve accessibility—but what do you think?
Don’t forget, there’s an all new crossword puzzle down at the bottom of this post, taking all of its clues from the stories within this edition of News of the Nude. Give it a try and let us know how you did.
Now let’s dive into this month’s stories. Go Dodgers! 🚀
News of the Nude, Vol. 22 🪐
Dear Abby: Wife went to a nudist resort without telling me, and I feel betrayed
AANR President Linda Weber letter, October 20th, 2024 (No link available).
In a recent Dear Abby column, a reader from Maine shared his distress after finding out that his wife visited a nudist resort during a vacation with her friend. She admitted to taking off her bathing suit and swimming naked, which left him feeling betrayed and upset. Abby responded by reassuring him that naturist resorts are not focused on sexuality, but instead offer a healthy, family-friendly environment. She advised him to calmly ask his wife about her experience, noting that while he may “own her heart,” he certainly does not own her body.
Dear Abby, now written by Jeanne Phillips, the daughter of the original Abby, has long been open-minded about naturism. This consistency in addressing body freedom without judgment reflects the column’s history of advocating for personal acceptance and healthy relationships.
Linda Weber, President of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), commended Abby’s thoughtful response in a letter to the author following the originally publication. In her letter, Linda re-emphasized that naturist communities promote body acceptance, self-respect, and equality. Weber reiterated that AANR’s members come from all walks of life, and thanked Abby for her ongoing support of these values. 🚀
29 million Canadians are OK with nude beaches
A new study released by the Federation of Canadian Naturists (FCN) at the 39th World Congress of the International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI) in Zipolite, Mexico, reveals that a significant number of Canadians are open to naturist activities. The study, conducted by Ipsos using a nationally representative sample, examined Canadians’ experiences and attitudes toward naturism and nudity. Findings show that 57% of respondents have or would sleep in the nude, while 46% are comfortable walking around their house without clothes. However, participation in public naturist spaces like nude beaches (10%) and naturist resorts (2%) remains much lower.
Interestingly, 70% of Canadians believe people should have the right to sunbathe or swim nude at designated nude beaches without government interference. FCN’s Stéphane Deschênes, who is also the president of INF-FNI, is quoted in the above article emphasizing that naturism promotes body acceptance and counters the negative effects of body-shaming prevalent on social media. 🚀
Sunnier Palms Nudist Park likely closed for months after tornado, Hurricane Milton
Sunnier Palms Nudist Park in St. Lucie County, Florida, is facing months of closure after being ravaged by a tornado ahead of Hurricane Milton on October 9, 2024. Nearly every home in the 55-lot park was either destroyed or severely damaged, according to board president Julene Martin-Morganelli. The tornado’s impact on the decades-old naturist community was devastating, leaving residents like Susan Carlos and Wayne Ober in shock as they returned to find their homes in ruins.
In the story linked above, Carlos recounted the harrowing experience of sheltering in a bathroom stall during the storm and emerging to see her house completely destroyed. Ober, who was away at the time, described being overwhelmed by the extent of the destruction upon his return. It is estimated that repairs will take at least three to four months.
A GoFundMe has been established to raise funds for the rebuilding of Sunnier Palms. Please follow the link below and donate any amount you can afford to give. 🚀
Learn more about the history behind Sunnier Palms:
Suwannee Valley: Deepest Gratitude for Everyone’s Support
From AANR Florida, October 2024 (No link available)
In the aftermath of the recent hurricane, BG Parkes, the owner of Suwannee Valley Resort (SVR) expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received. The storm left behind significant damage to their naturist resort, including fencing, roofing, the well, and a massive amount of debris. However, the community’s quick response, from donations to hands-on help, has made a remarkable impact on the recovery efforts.
In a personal message shared through AANR Florida’s newsletter, Parkes highlighted the efforts of those who showed up with large equipment, strong backs, and leadership skills, ensuring that SVR could begin the process of rebuilding. They also extended their thoughts and prayers to others in Central and South Florida who faced even greater devastation from the storm. Reflecting on the losses in their hometown, the owners stopped a GoFundMe effort from AANR Florida, feeling that other communities (like Sunnier Palms, for example) might be in more dire need of assistance. Despite the challenges, the message conveyed a deep sense of gratitude for the close-knit naturist community that helped them through, emphasizing that SVR is a truly special place where everyone supports one another in times of need. 🚀
More reading:
First Japanese “onsen,” bath house with many naked customers, opening in U.S.
Hoshino Resorts, one of Japan’s top luxury hotel firms, is set to open the first Japanese-run “onsen” hot spring resort in the U.S. by 2028. Located in Sharon Springs, New York, this traditional Japanese bathhouse will allow patrons to bathe naked in mineral-rich hot springs, following the longstanding Japanese custom of communal nude bathing. While onsens are a staple of Japanese relaxation and wellness culture, this will be the first time such an authentic experience is offered by a Japanese operator in the U.S. The company is hoping to capture the spirit of Japan’s onsens, something they failed to achieve during an earlier attempt to enter the U.S. market in the 1980s.
This venture could signal a new acceptance of communal nudity in American spa culture. Or, if nothing else it may at least represent a new naked experience for American naturists in the general area. I, for one, know multiple naturists who would love an opportunity to experience this. 🚀
We’re nudists! So, we had a nude wedding!
Debra Bowe and her husband Tony, both longtime nudists, celebrated their love with a fully nude wedding at the Kiata Country Club in New South Wales, Australia. Debra, who embraced the naturist lifestyle after her divorce, was introduced to nudism by her father. Over the years, she became deeply involved with the naturist community, even becoming a liaison for the Australian Naturist Federation.
When she met Tony in 2021, their shared love of philosophy and the naturist lifestyle quickly brought them together. The pair decided that a nude wedding was the perfect way to tie the knot, inviting 80 friends from their nudist club to the ceremony on Valentine’s Day. Walking down the aisle completely naked, Debra and Tony exchanged vows in front of their closest friends. Their story is a heartwarming reminder that naturism is about comfort in your own skin, and is simply a way to live life authentically. 🚀
Sponsor shout-out:
Judge Dismissed Romeo and Juliet Underage Nudity Lawsuit
A lawsuit filed by Romeo and Juliet stars Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who claimed they were pressured into filming a nude scene as minors in the 1968 film, was dismissed by Judge Holly J. Fujie. The actors, who were just 16 and 17 years old when the movie was filmed, cited the California Child Victims Act, alleging they were coerced and that the scene was filmed without their consent. The case was initially dismissed due to the statute of limitations, but they attempted to revive it in 2023 under “revenge pornography” claims following a re-release. The judge rejected this argument, leaving the actors disappointed but considering an appeal. 🚀
Millions of People Are Using Abusive AI ‘Nudify’ Bots on Telegram
A recent investigation by WIRED has revealed the widespread use of AI-powered “nudify” bots on Telegram, which create explicit images by digitally removing clothing from photos. These bots, operating on a platform known for lax moderation, have millions of monthly users and are responsible for producing nonconsensual deepfake content, primarily targeting women and minors. The bots range in capabilities, but many promise to “undress” photos with minimal effort, raising ethical concerns about privacy violations and image-based abuse.
Despite Telegram removing 75 bots after being contacted by WIRED, new ones quickly emerged, highlighting the platform’s ongoing struggle to control such harmful content. These tools contribute to what is now referred to as nonconsensual intimate image abuse (NCII), a growing issue fueled by advancements in AI technology. Naturist communities, which promote body freedom and mutual respect, should be deeply concerned about the misuse of AI tools that violate consent and exploit the human body for malicious purposes, counteracting the very principles naturism stands for. 🚀
Racy opera with naked rollerskating nuns hits back after claims audience members threw up
The Staatsoper Stuttgart, located in Stuttgart, Germany, is at the center of controversy with its latest production Sancta Susanna, a provocative one-act opera that features naked rollerskating nuns and intense sexual themes. Since its debut on October 5, rumors spread that up to 18 audience members became physically ill during the performances. However, the opera house denies these claims, with its head of communications, Johannes Lachermeier, stating that no one threw up, although some did require minor medical assistance.
The show, a radical feminist adaptation directed by performance artist Florentina Holzinger, explores the sexual awakening of a nun in shocking and explicit scenes, including nudity, simulated sex with religious icons, and provocative performances. The opera, which runs until November 3, has stirred mixed reactions, yet performances are set to continue as planned.
While the risqué nature of Sancta Susanna may not align with naturism’s values of body freedom and respect, the use of nudity in such an artistic and controversial context highlights ongoing conversations around the boundaries of art, body expression, and public perception. 🚀
Minnesota Supreme Court reviews indecent exposure conviction of woman who went topless
The Minnesota Supreme Court is reviewing the case of Eloisa Rubi Plancarte, convicted of indecent exposure after she was seen topless in a gas station parking lot. Her defense argues that, under state law, breasts are not considered “private parts” and that her conviction violates gender equality, as men are allowed to go shirtless without consequence.
This case touches on broader questions of public nudity and gender discrimination, with the court contemplating whether Minnesota’s indecent exposure laws treat men and women equally. The state’s attorney acknowledged that even non-sexual body parts like elbows could be construed as lewd, depending on context, a point that raised concerns about overreach in public decency laws.
The court’s ruling could have significant implications for body freedom advocates in Minnesota, challenging traditional views on what constitutes public indecency and whether such laws unfairly target women’s bodies.
More on this:
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News of the Nude, Vol. 22 Crossword
All of the clues in the puzzle come from the stories above. Click here to play.
Across
1. Country where 29 million people support nude beaches
5. U.S. town where a Japanese onsen will open in 2028
7. Resort expressing gratitude for community support after hurricane damage
8. Film involved in a dismissed lawsuit over underage nudity
9. Hurricane that damaged Sunnier Palms Nudist Park
10. Last name of woman appealing an indecent exposure conviction in Minnesota
Down
2. Group rollerskating naked in a controversial German opera
3. Advice columnist who reassured a reader about naturist resorts
4. Location of the nude wedding in Australia
6. Platform where AI “nudify” bots are causing privacy concerns
Click the button below to play the interactive puzzle online
(Opens in a new page).
Or put your answers in the comments!
(Consider this your official spoiler alert.)
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: 2. mucem; 4. corruption; 7. Dorchester; 9. Shangri La; 10. Heidi Klum.
Down: 1. Pednvounder; 3. Zenith; 5. Portland; 6. graft; 8. tandem.
That’s it for now.
Thanks for reading. In case you haven’t noticed, each month at the end of these editions I share a song. A few weeks ago, I was traveling back home on a family emergency, staying in my childhood house and taking care of my dad in illness—and also parenting my son in his youth. On one particularly sentimental day, I was stopped dead in my tracks by the song below when it played suddenly during an old rerun of The Andy Griffith Show—a scene that is striking in its departure from the show’s typical laugh track and character hijinks. It’s true, I’m a bit of a softie, but the song and lyrics raised goose flesh and soon brought me to tears due to its message and the relevance it held for me in that moment. I don’t know. It just hit me. Life is so short. And somehow, so long. Plus, that banjo player is wicked on the strings.
Change is in the air, at least in my little bubble. I don’t know about you, but I feel it, and I am not afraid. There is a time for everything, and right now, it’s a time for change and for growth.
I’ll see you all on the other side. 🪐
News of the Nude is a great publication. We enjoy every issue. You just have to love this all Nude all the time kind of a thing.
Of course, all of this was interesting, but I especially enjoyed that closing video of the singing group. My kind of music. I definitely thought that some of the lawsuits mentioned were absolutely absurd.....people deciding many years afterward that they were in a situation that they now regret, and figuring that they can make money in a silly lawsuit.