Hello there, and welcome to the September 2024 edition of News of the Nude. The fall equinox has come and gone, and with it, we find ourselves in that curious space between seasons. The air’s changing, the weather in many places still supports summertime events, and the stories reflect that. There’s plenty to unpack this month; from late-season naked bike rides to nude-ish protests, it’s all here. The world of body freedom moves ahead, regardless of how chilly the mornings are starting to feel.
Looking at this month’s stories, one thing that stands out to me is how public spaces seem to be, once again, the main battleground for nude expression. Whether it’s cyclists in Portland or naturists rallying for beach access in Byron Bay, these stories seem to reflect something deeper about our time. There’s this recurring overlap between nudism and larger societal movements—environmentalism, public rights, body positivity. It’s not all that surprising, really, but it’s interesting to see how these connections keep surfacing.
Can we just take a moment for Strips? It’s been six months already since we launched our original webcomics platform! Time flies. Perhaps even more remarkable, in that time we’ve already shared more than forty-five original panel gags and comic strips from eight different amazing contributing artists. Think about that! I’m curious—how’s it been landing with you all? What are your favorite titles? Do you have any feedback? I’d love to hear some thoughts in the comments.
Finally, don’t forget the crossword puzzle at the end of the post. This month’s clues are all pulled from the stories below. Leave a comment with your thoughts, or even share answers; I don’t care. It’s meant to be fun.
Alright then, let’s not dawdle—on to the news. 🚀
News of the Nude, Vol. 21 🪐
The famous naked bike ride pedals on unofficially in Portland this year
Portland’s famous World Naked Bike Ride continued unofficially this year on September 21st, despite the official event being canceled due to volunteer burnout and planning delays. The spin-off event drew hundreds of cyclists to protest fossil fuel dependency, particularly focusing on Zenith Energy’s operations in Portland, while promoting body positivity and cyclist safety. Starting from Colonel Summers Park, riders followed a route from the Hawthorne Bridge to the Steel Bridge, ending at the waterfront with a brief protest outside the Zenith Energy building.
Although the ride maintained the core themes of environmental activism, concerns were raised by the original organizers of the World Naked Bike Ride (PDXWNBR). In a statement to Planet Nude, they expressed disappointment over the handling of this year’s event by the new organizers, noting the divisive nature of the ride’s leadership and the lack of communication. The original team also voiced concerns about being blocked on social media by the new group and stressed that they were still actively planning future rides with proper preparation and support.
Despite the leadership changes, the event concluded with an after-party featuring DJs and dancing, in line with the celebratory atmosphere of previous rides. 🚀
Heidi Klum declares her life is ‘nicer without clothes’
Supermodel Heidi Klum has made headlines by declaring that life is “nicer without clothes.” In a recent interview, Klum expressed her love for body freedom and shared that she enjoys being nude whenever possible. Known for her bold and confident style, Klum emphasized how going without clothes helps her feel more comfortable and in touch with herself, adding that she finds it both freeing and empowering. Soon after, her stance on the birthday suit was made into a question on Jeopardy.
Klum’s welcome comments come amidst a broader cultural conversation about body positivity and the benefits of naturism. Her declaration highlights the rising trend of celebrities embracing nudity as a way to promote confidence and self-acceptance. For Klum, being unclothed is not about making a statement, but rather about enjoying the simplicity and comfort it offers in her everyday life. 🚀
Naturist pals surprised by reaction as they take on six-day naked tandem bike holiday
Naturists Neil Cox, 36, and J Antic, 25, embarked on a six-day, 260-mile tandem bike ride from Gloucester to Land’s End, Cornwall, entirely in the nude. Both naturists, the pair aimed to enjoy the scenic beauty of southwest England while challenging societal norms. Along the way, they camped under the stars, stayed in hotels, and even stopped for drinks at local bars—all while staying in their birthday suits.
Surprisingly, the public response has been overwhelmingly positive. In places like Glastonbury, people were supportive, with some even thanking the duo. While social media reactions were mixed, the two friends have been largely embraced during their adventure, which also highlights naturism as a way to promote body confidence and acceptance.
Despite occasional rain forcing them to briefly cover-up, Neil and J are nearing the end of their journey and remain enthusiastic about the experience, which they see as an opportunity to normalize nudity and challenge body image issues. 🚀
Naked anti-graft protesters arrested
Ugandan police arrested several topfree and nearly nude protesters on September 2nd, 2024, as they marched towards the Ugandan parliament in Kampala, protesting against corruption. The protestors, part of the “Uganda Freedom Activists,” were calling for an end to corruption, chanting slogans like “Save the women, save the children, save the future and end corruption.” Some had “no corruption” painted on their bodies, while others referenced the recent Kiteezi landfill disaster, which claimed dozens of lives in August.
Security officers swiftly arrested the women, including law student Praise Aloikin Opoloje, and charged them with unauthorized public procession and causing public annoyance. The women had been demonstrating against Parliament Speaker Anita Among and demanding government accountability for the Kiteezi disaster, accusing authorities of misusing public resources.
Obviously, this is not a protest about naturism or even real body freedom, but it’s still timely and remarkable when the body is used for its power to create controversy and grab attention. To many, this can be considered a negative aspect of nudity, but in many ways, it can be viewed as its superpower, for it can amplify a statement of freedom through symbology and generate major headlines—in the case of this protest, even internationally. It also serves as an example of naked oppression and adversity, as the women were arrested for their nudity. The protest reflects growing unrest in Uganda, where anti-government demonstrations, particularly from younger generations, have gained momentum, partly inspired by similar protests in neighboring Kenya.
The activists are scheduled to appear in court on September 12th, facing charges related to their semi-nude protest. 🚀
Naked viewing hosted at Dorset Museum
Dorset Museum in Dorchester hosted a private viewing for naturists, offering attendees the chance to explore the galleries completely naked on September 17th. The event, organized by British Naturism, welcomed over 60 participants, surpassing initial expectations. Guests enjoyed exhibits ranging from the works of Thomas Hardy and Mary Anning to sculptures by Elisabeth Frink, all while embracing the body-positive and community-focused atmosphere of the evening.
This is thought to be the first event of its kind at a UK museum, and it offered a unique experience for naturists to engage with art and history in a comfortable and inclusive setting. Museum Director Claire Dixon emphasized that the event highlighted how museums can creatively serve their communities, particularly as the museum seeks new ways to boost visitor numbers amidst financial challenges caused by the pandemic and other economic factors. 🚀
Sponsor shout-out:
Hundreds of nudists plan to attend ‘Naked in a Cave’ event this weekend
The 6th annual “Naked in a Cave” event is set to take place at Howe Caverns in New York this Saturday, attracting around 350 participants for a sold-out celebration of body positivity. This unique event offers a clothing-free experience, with attendees enjoying a mile-and-a-half walking tour, a boat ride, and arts and crafts—all while exploring the cave in the nude.
Regular attendee Chelsey Fay Ostrander shared that while she was initially nervous during her first visit, the atmosphere inside the cave is friendly and non-judgmental, with no one staring or making others feel uncomfortable. However, participants are warned about the cold cave climate, with jokes about “shrinkage” being common among attendees.
While this will be the final time the event will be held at Howe Caverns, participants are encouraged to explore other similar nudist-friendly events across the country. The event’s combination of body positivity, socializing, and cave exploration has made it a beloved tradition for many. 🚀
‘The feeling of freedom’: Why these campers prefer to enjoy the outdoors in the nude
Naturist camping, where clothes are optional, is gaining popularity as more people discover the mental and physical freedom that comes with being nude in nature. Traced back to the late 1800s, naturist camping offers a chance to connect with the outdoors in a nonsexual, body-positive way. The activity is growing in the U.S., with naturist campsites available in states like Arizona, Colorado, and Virginia. Searches for U.S. naturist campsites surged by 85% in July 2024 compared to the previous year, according to Pitchup.com.
Naturist campers often speak of the emotional benefits, including improved self-esteem and body image. A 2017 study from the University of London found that naturists experience significant improvements in body image and life satisfaction after participating in nude activities. Campers like Austin Redgrave and Harry Hanbury describe the experience as liberating and conducive to mental well-being.
Safety and community are key aspects of naturist camps, with many sites ensuring a secure and respectful environment. Background checks and strict behavior policies help maintain the nonsexual, family-friendly nature of these camps, where campers often form strong social bonds. Naturist camping continues to be a relaxing, freeing way to enjoy the outdoors. 🚀
‘A very brave thing to do’: all-nude play about boomers v gen Z to premiere at Sydney’s Griffin Theatre
The Griffin Theatre Company in Sydney will premiere Naturism, an all-nude comedy by playwright Ang Collins, as part of its 2025 season. The play pits a group of nudist baby boomers against a gen Z eco-influencer (played by Camila Ponte Alvarez), who crashes their off-grid eco-paradise. Directed by Griffin’s artistic director Declan Greene, the comedy aims to explore themes of vulnerability and humanity’s relationship to the natural environment, using nudity as a tool to highlight these ideas.
The play is part of a lineup of five new Australian works premiering in Griffin’s 2025 season, with nudity in Naturism intended to be joyful and liberating rather than confrontational. The cast will gradually acclimate to performing nude during rehearsals, with the help of intimacy director Chloe Dallimore.
The play will take the stage alongside other climate-focused works in Griffin’s 2025 season, including Birdsong for Tomorrow, which explores human interactions with birds, and Nucleus, a play about the nuclear power debate. Griffin will continue presenting productions at other venues while its SBW Stables Theatre undergoes renovations. 🚀
Shangri-La Ranch is taking off as a place where everyone is comfortable in their own skin
It’s wonderful to see such a great club like Shangri-La Ranch getting positive press! I was just there last month for the AANR National Convention, and it’s a truly wonderful club, run by a wonderful family. I had an excellent time and can personally vouch for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
Shangri-La Ranch, a nudist community in New River, Arizona, has experienced a surge in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, with full bookings every weekend and a 5-to-7 year waitlist for full-time residents. The ranch, which has been around since 1959, is now home to 150 full-time residents, offering a space where people of all professions enjoy the freedom of nudity year-round.
Despite the challenges posed by the desert heat, residents manage with sunscreen and shade. The ranch fosters a relaxed environment where social structures fall away, and residents emphasize that nudity is about freedom and relaxation, not sexuality. 🚀
Coroner reveals cause of death for elderly couple who disappeared from nudist ranch
We’ve covered the tragedy at Olive Dell in great detail on Planet Nude, but a few of the stories—particularly the more grisly ones—we’ve avoided directly reporting, our of deference to the community here. For many of us, particularly those of us in Southern California, these are our neighbors, and at Planet Nude we are very sensitive to the reality of that, and do our best to approach it with respect. This particular development was one we chose not to address with a direct story, but we are still following it closely in the media.
In essence, the San Bernardino County Coroner confirmed that Stephanie Menard, 73, and Daniel Menard, 79, died from blunt-force trauma to the head, with their deaths ruled a homicide. The couple, residents of Olive Dell Ranch, were last seen on August 24th and were reported missing the following day after they failed to attend church. Their bodies were discovered after an extensive police investigation, which led to the arrest of their neighbor, Michael Royce Sparks.
After a standoff with police, Sparks was charged with two counts of murder, with authorities suspecting foul play. The investigation continues, with Sparks pleading not guilty and set to appear in court on October 18th. 🚀
Byron Bay naturists need a forever home
Naturists gathered for a nearly nude rally at Tyagarah Beach on Saturday, protesting the loss of their once clothes-optional spot. Despite restrictions preventing full nudity, participants enjoyed the peaceful protest, covering only the bare essentials. Rohan Anderson, a prominent naturist, expressed the group’s hope for the new council to designate a permanent naturist-friendly area in Byron Bay, noting that negotiations with National Parks had not been fruitful.
The rally drew attention from local residents, leading to an early visit by NSW Police, who found no illegal activity. Anderson emphasized that Byron Bay should embrace its reputation as an open-minded community by legalizing nudity across designated beach areas, allowing naturists a permanent home within the shire. As the future of the area’s skinny-dipping community remains uncertain, supporters continue to push for legal solutions that align with Byron Bay’s inclusive identity. 🚀
Dua Lipa becomes unlikely poster girl for naturism after recommending nudist beach in Cornwall
Pop star Dua Lipa has unexpectedly become a new symbol for British naturism after mentioning Pedn Vounder Beach in Cornwall as one of her favorite spots in a recent newsletter. The beach is well-known in naturist circles as a popular nude beach, and her endorsement has brought it into the mainstream spotlight.
Andrew Welch, a spokesman for British Naturism, praised the positive influence of a high-profile celebrity like Lipa, remarking that her comments could help reduce the stigma associated with naturism and broaden its appeal. He noted that having a well-known public figure speak positively about naturism could significantly change societal perceptions.
While there’s no confirmation of whether Lipa herself embraced nudism during her visits, Welch pointed out that this kind of celebrity attention could help shift the conversation toward more body-positive and body-acceptance narratives. Lipa’s mention has the potential to make naturism more accepted as a mainstream activity, particularly in the UK, where naturist participation is seeing slow but steady growth. 🚀
When France takes its clothes off
We’ve now covered Marseille’s “Paradis Naturistes” exhibit at the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (Mucem) in three consecutive News of the Nude features due to its ongoing media presence. We’re sharing it again because this insightful piece from The New Yorker adds significant cultural context to the exhibit.
The article explores Mucem’s naturist-friendly event, held in collaboration with the Fédération Française de Naturisme, allowing attendees to view the museum’s “Naturist Paradises” exhibition in the nude. This exhibit, featuring over six hundred works, highlights the history of French naturism, a movement that has drawn increasing attention, particularly since the pandemic, as younger generations embrace its message of body acceptance and equality.
The piece examines France’s unique relationship with naturism, where being naked is seen as a way to erase class distinctions and experience nature in a more intimate way. The exhibit, along with the growing popularity of naturist activities, underscores France’s position as Europe’s leading naturist destination. 🚀
Enjoying Planet Nude?
News of the Nude, Vol. 21 Crossword
All of the clues in the puzzle come from the stories above. Click here to play.
Across
2. The French museum hosting the “Naturist Paradises” exhibit in Marseille.
4. The societal issue protested by Ugandan activists.
7. The English city where a museum hosted a naturist event in 2024.
9. An Arizona ranch experiencing a surge in popularity post-pandemic.
10. A famous model who said life is “nicer without clothes.”
Down
1. A beach in Cornwall endorsed by Dua Lipa.
3. The fossil fuel company protested during Portland’s naked bike ride.
5. The city where the unofficial World Naked Bike Ride took place in 2024.
6. The type of corruption protested by the Ugandan women in Kampala.
8. The type of bicycle used by Neil Cox and J Antic during their journey.
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: 3. Tarragona; 6. Lupin Lodge; 7. Top Freedom; 8. Hanover; 9. Woodstark; 10. Gunnison
Down: 1. Marseille; 2. Bare Oaks; 4. Alghero; 5. Nudiverso
That’s a wrap.
That’s all for this month. As the days get shorter and the air starts to cool, it feels like autumn has its own melody. We’re tracking a few stories that should hit soon, and you can bet we’ll keep you in the loop. Got something on your radar? You know where to find me.
In the meantime, soak in autumn’s serenade. It’s a good time to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the season. 🪐
News of the Nude, Sep. 2024