Skinny Dip Day team spotlight: Black Naturists Association
A national community built on the idea that naturism is for every body
The Black Naturists Association has spent years working to make naturism more welcoming, building inclusive spaces around a simple conviction: naturism is for every body, not just a certain kind. That mission is the heart of everything BNA does, and it carries right into Skinny Dip Day. This year the group is hosting its gathering at Green Valley in Ohio and joining the roster of teams raising money for the Fistula Foundation ahead of the July 11 dip. We asked BNA's Sergio to tell us about it.
What inspired your team to get involved in Skinny Dip Day?
International Skinny Dip Day is a fun way to introduce people to naturism in a positive and welcoming environment. BNA has been committed to creating more inclusive spaces within naturism, and Green Valley has a long history of promoting body acceptance and community. Add those two together and you have a winning combination! When I was asked to host the event again this year, I saw it as an opportunity to help people experience naturism for themselves and discover that it’s much more about community and self-acceptance than most folks know.
What makes your team special?
What makes our group special is that we intentionally try to make everyone feel welcome, regardless of your background and relationship to naturist events. We want people to feel comfortable showing up as they are. We believe naturism is for every body, not just a certain type of body, or a certain look, and we work hard to create an atmosphere where people can relax, connect, and simply enjoy being themselves in their most natural state. And you get to step out of your comfort zone in the process!
What’s been the most memorable moment of your fundraising journey so far?
The most memorable moments have been meeting people who were nervous about attending their first naturist event and then watching them leave with a completely different perspective. Seeing someone realize they don’t have to hide, compare themselves to others, or worry about being judged is incredibly rewarding.
What impact do you hope this fundraiser will have?
I hope it raises awareness and support for an important cause while also introducing more people to the naturist community. If we can help someone in need and help someone discover greater confidence and self-acceptance at the same time, that’s a win on both fronts I’d say.
What’s one message you’d like to share with supporters?
Come as you are! You don’t need the perfect body, the perfect level of confidence, or any prior experience to participate. Besides, nothing is perfect anyway, other than it being the perfect time to try something new! 🪐
Support Team BNA. You can donate to the Black Naturists Association fundraiser right here. And if you’d like to join them in person, BNA is hosting Skinny Dip Day meetups July 10–12 at Green Valley in Ohio. RSVP here.
And BNA is just one of many teams taking the plunge this year. We only have space to feature a sample of them here, but you can see the full roster and pick any team to support, or start a team of your own, at SkinnyDipDay.org.
Naturally, that includes Team Planet Nude! We’re fielding our own team this year for the third consecutive year. Every dollar goes to the same place: curing women of obstetric fistula. Join us here.