INTERNATIONAL NUDIST

Why are there many more male nudists than female nudists in most places? There are many reasons, some reasonable and some not so reasonable.

Women may feel a natural, perhaps even instinctual vulnerability, even when they have no reason to believe they’ll be in danger. Of course nudist resorts and even nudist beaches can be very safe places, especially if accompanied by friends. Nudist resorts weed out offending types so that you’ll encounter a better-behaving bunch of people than in mainstream society.

Women in the modern world are also heavily influenced by harsh mainstream judgement about what a woman should and should not look like, and they fear other nudists will judge similarly. Of course, modern nudists are accepting of all body types and will admire your courage instead of judge you. A woman attending a nudist resort will likely see other women with similar forms. Any experienced nudist has seen all types of real bodies, with all their imperfections as well, so just be nude for yourself and have no fear what others think of your appearance.

There is likely some tendency for the male mind to be a little more attracted to nudity more than females as well. Yes, most males are more visual sexually and as “pure” as we want to keep nudism, doubtless this is a motivation to some males. But another possible difference may be that males are simply more curious and experimental, at least regarding something like nudity. This is sure to be a controversial point. It is difficult to determine what traits are caused by culture, upbringing, genetics or hormonal influences. Whether you’re talking about possible differences in the way male and female minds work in intellectual, vocational, political endeavors or nudism, it will probably be a couple decades before science sorts out all the causes.

On the other hand, there is apparent evidence for the gender ratio being more due to culture and upbringing, rather than genes/biology in liberal college town nudist spots. In small, isolated liberal college town settings, nudist clubs, resorts and swimming spots tend to actually attract something close to a 50/50 ratio of males to females. This is surprising to many used to big city/non-college nudist scenes, but seems to show that women can indeed be as bold as men in nude ventures (at least at college age), when they feel empowered and feel free to explore something other than tradition and mainstream culture would dictate.

So if you are a female curious about nudism, but haven’t jumped in yet, give it a try! Be tolerant and patient if your first experience isn’t ideal, but be bold and feel this wonderful multi-level freedom we call nudism!

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As a first-time visitor to a nude beach or nudist resort, you might ask “Should I be embarrassed about my body at a nude beach or nudist resort?” The basic answer is… No. Absolutely not. Real nudists are one of the few havens of body acceptance in modern western society. It is a basic nudist principle that you should not judge others based on their appearance, but if anything, should admire them for their courage to join you despite their possible insecurities and issues. For many, it takes a tremendous amount of courage to try a nudist location or event for the first time. You’ll see that many of your fears are needless, and that’s certainly the case with concerns about your appearance.

With nudists, you’ll see all shapes and sizes, all ages, men and women, and those with all manner of scars and abormalities. Some have even reported a sort of mild reverse discrimination at some nudist venues toward those who look too good… but that is rare, and not something to worry about if you happen to fall into that group. Appearance is just a non-issue at any real nudist place…so go, be free and be without worries. The size and shape of your breasts, penis, butt, belly or anything else just doesn’t come up. Nudists are a more sophisticated bunch than that!

Here, I’ll run down a list of common concerns:

• Body weight/body shape:
  As stated above, you will see all shapes and sizes. You’ll certainly see a more realistic picture of body diversity than you’ll ever get from the mainstream media. So don’t be thinking “I’m too fat” - you can be anything from very “overweight” to very skinny and you’ll fit in fine regardless!
• Scars/abnormalities/skin conditions:
  Nudists have just as many scars, abnormalities and skin conditions as everyone else. The difference being it’s not hidden, of course. Nobody is “perfect” and you’ll see everyone has some scars or something they could be self-conscious about, if they chose to be. The bottom line is…don’t worry - you’ll likely see several others much like you, all happily enjoying nudity as well!
• Age:
  You’ll see all ages at a nude beach or nudist resort. And I mean all! In the U.S., most locations are demographically weighted toward older people, but that’s just because more young people haven’t mustered up the courage yet. Think about it - statistically, some of those fraidy-cat younger adults will eventually become declared nudists themselves, by the time they have gray hair. And if you are younger and concerned with the age distribution, remember, the only way to balance it out is to do your part - attend and invite your friends!
• Piercings/Jewelry/ornamentation:
  In general, any tattoos, piercings or jewelry are just fine, probably common and so likely won’t even raise an eyebrow. Years ago, when new kinds of piercings were not so widespread, some resorts banned genital piercings, but that’s less common today. The main concern seems to be with genital piercings, jewelry or ornamentation that flaunts or calls attention to the genitals. This is mainly an issue for men, since their genitals are more out in the open and obvious. Women might wear such jewelry without it being viewable, and therefore it wouldn’t be an issue. For men… a good guideline is…if you might imagine it appearing innapropriate, creepy or pervy to other nudists, don’t do it or at least ask management first! The bottom line is… even nudists have some taboos, so be considerate and take into account the likely feelings or taboos of those around you - some crowds are more liberal or conservative in this regard than others.
• Gender:
  Some nudist locations have more males than females. As with the age issue above, the way this can change is by doing your part. If you are a female, attend anyway, bring one or several female friends with you if possible.
• Race:
  This is not something to worry about in the least. Nudists love diversity and welcome all, regardless of race, ethnicity or cultural background. If anything you’ll probably experience even more social warmth as a racial minority.
• Pubic Hair:
  In recent years, the shaving of all or part of one’s pubic hair has been fashionable. This is another non-issue. You will see those who are all natural (don’t shave or trim a thing), to those who shave all, and all variations in-between. Remember, nudists are a diversity-friendly bunch, and whatever style of pubic hair you have, it’s fine and not a concern. Likewise, distribution of other body hair, male or female, is a non-issue.
• Genitals, breasts appearance:
  Here again, you’ll see how pop culture badly lies and misrepresents about the true diversity of genitals and breasts. Do not be concerned about the size, shape or general appearance of yours. For one thing, you’ll probably see others like you. In addition, your appearance, of any body part, just doesn’t matter. Nudist locations aren’t pagents - just a place for you to be free, comfortable, happy, healthy and social if you want!
• Tattoos:
  Tattoos are essentially not an issue. And as common as they have become, they barely raise an eyebrow. The only problems I could imagine is if someone had a tattoo said something very offensive, like “I hate nudists”!

Other body-related concerns

• Arousal/erections:
  Some are concerned they may become aroused at a nude beach or resort. While this is certainly possible, many don’t find a nudist environment particularly arousing once they get there, depending on the person and the environment. Even then, you’ll be surpised how much you can keep your thoughts and feelings under control if you really try. Women are luckier in this regard, because their signs of arousal are usually not as obvious as with men. Men should take care to hide an erection if it occurs, and psychologically suppress it as soon as possible. This is one of the few nudist taboos, the seriousness of which depending on the actual crowd or resort/club policies.
• Menstruation:
  Even nudist women menstruate (surprise?) and however you handle it, you will have no reason for embarrassment. Some women wear a tampon, but snip off the string. Some leave the string. Some wear shorts those days, if the resort policies allow. The concern some resorts or groups have is that if they allow women to wear shorts at their discretion, some will wear shorts all the time, then some men will and before you know it everyone is going to a nudist resort to wear clothes - making those who are fully nude feel very awkard and like they’re in the wrong place! I know, sounds strange, but people do strange things without some guidelnes and rules. The bottom line here is, do what you need to do, possibly check resort policies or ask other women in the resort or group. Most places will be fine however you handle it, as long as it’s reasonable.
• Body position:
  Mosts nudists aren’t offended by any particular position or view of the body. I mean, nudists are prepared to see the full reality of the human body and therefore it doesn’t make sense for them to be offended or bothered by someone bent over or legs spread apart. Some older nudists, from a previous generation, often 60 or older, may be offended by “un-lady-like” positions, but they are in the opinion minority, so be comfortable and have no worries in your nude relaxation and recreation!

More common nudist concerns

• Mainstream reputation:
  Will the word get out, to friends, family, co-workers and your community, that you are a nudist or frequent nude beaches? This is a legitimate concern for many, but in practice, nudists rarely “tattletale” on who they saw at a resort, beach or club. They wouldn’t want you to tell on them either. Unless you tell your aquaintences, they usually don’t find out, unless you give give big clues. Even then, most people don’t have the nerve to ask or bring it up. If they do, you could always tell a white lie or downplay your nudist experience if you need. Some people don’t feel the need to hide it and freely tell anyone they know that they’re a nudist. Whichever type you are, it’s fine, but respect the privacy of other nudists.
• Photographs:
  Will someone take my picture at a nude beach? It’s unlikely. It’s highly taboo to photograph nudists without their permission, and this is one reason a nudist resort is a safer place than a public nude beach. If you’re at a public nude beach and you’re very concerned about being photographed nude, put on some sunglasses or maybe wear your hair different. That’s probably enough to at least make you unidentifiable in the unlikely event someone were to take your picture and put in on the web.
• Gawking:
  Will you be gawked at, firted with or otherwise harassed at a nudist place? Probably not, but again, nudist resorts are much, much better, for this concern, than public nude beaches. Most public nude beaches have no effective way to keep out badly-behaving individuals. If you do go to a public nude beach, it really helps to go with a friend (or many), especially if one of those friends looks like he/she can kick some gawker ass!

You’ll see that, though many people have fears about trying nudism for the first time, most of the fears are unfounded, and the rest usually worth the benefits. So get out and there and feel the freedom today!

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OK, folks if this does not prove America’s insanity on female body image, I don’t know what does. To any other people in the world, at any time the history of man, Jennifer Love Hewitt would be considered beautiful and shapely, but somehow America’s warped, monstrous vision calls this “fat”.

For the record, Jennifer says she loves her body and that “a size 2 is not fat! Nor will it ever be.” She says “To set the record straight, I’m not upset for me, but for all the girls out there that are struggling with their body image.” We couldn’t agree with you more, Jennifer.
More:
Hewitt strikes back over bikini shots (omg! news on Yahoo!)

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It appears, that from various fronts, Hollywood and the mass media’s anti-feminine agenda is (finally) being rejected with a vengence! Hollywood, the mass media and the fashion industry effectively preach that the natural variety of feminine forms are bad, and that women must be ultra-thin and have more male-ish features.

People are starting to talk - in a good way - about curvier celebrities, like Queen Latifah, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Love Hewitt and others. There have been several TV progams in recent months talking about how maybe it’s OK after all for a woman to actually look like a woman, rather than some unrealistic, unhealthy ideal. Of course, real men have always liked the curvier women, but nobody has listened to them (I guess it’s not politically correct to).

As nudists, we know very well what real, everyday women look like, but the non-nudist American only sees that 2% unrealistic group that the media allows to be displayed. Imagine young women seeing this 2% and naturally assuming they, themselves, must be abnormal and inferior. It’s no wonder many have suggested nudism as a healing therapy for body image problems.

Tyra Banks Show: “Do I look fat?”

Some might wonder how this strange, anti-feminine prejudice came to be in America (and increasingly in Europe and other places). There are probably several causes. To make women feel horrible about having normal bodies might be a concious or subconcious supression tool used by men to make women feel inferior, and therefore more hopeless and easier to control. Some have suggested that the authority of gay men in the fashion industry has really warped the idea of what should be considered attractive in a woman. Nothing against gay men, but should they really be the authorities on what makes a woman attractive? There might be evidence that American men don’t have the testosterone levels and clear instincts at the level they once had, which might help explain why so many men are confused and impressionable regarding what they think they should be attracted to. In addition, it could be a self-reinforcing cultural phenomenon, that nobody really thinks makes sense, but any objectors are struck down for disagreeing with the majority. Whatever the case, this culture of natural-female-hate and mother-hate (that will be abother article) is very, very wrong and must change!

Jessica Weiner is perhaps the most well-known heroine of this movement. Jessica has appeared on Oprah, the Tyra Banks Show, The View, CNN, MTV and more. Jessica’s books are helping to restore self-esteem to millions of young women and girls who have needlessly been made to feel inferior by this bizarre anti-female assault by the media.

Links:
JessicaWeiner.com
Jessica Weiner on MySpace

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One of the most compelling principles of modern nudism is the ideal of body acceptance. While crude mainstream society and mass media makes harsh judgement and discriminates against those who don’t match their unrealistic ideal, mosts nudists and naturists make you feel welcome no matter what you look like. It hasn’t always been so much this way, but over the decades nudists have developed some very positive ideas about what nudism should be about. It’s hard to criticize a group that preaches acceptance, but some haters desperately try to find a way.

At a nudist location (nude beach, resort, etc.) you will see all types, young and old, black and white, tan and pale, fat and skinny, fit and saggy. It shows a barbaric arrogance to look down on others just because your age, genetics or other luck that happens to make your appearance more acceptable to mainstream society. Thankfully, nudism tends to attract individuals with a higher level of intelligence and sophistication in this regard. Although nudists might superficially resemble primitive stone age people in their attire (or lack thereof), they are actually more mentally “civilized” than the average person. Those who have the craziest ideas of what nudism is have never tried it themselves. A nudist location or event is not a pagent, it’s a place to feel free, be comfortable, and healthy. You should not see it as getting nude for others, but getting nude for yourself. In this way, it is a dignified form of nudity in the Western world, just as nudity should not be regarded as “dirty” in medicine or art. Therefore, what you look like should not be a concern one way or another. If you are not acceptable in the mainstream, who cares? If you are found very attractive in the mainstream, who cares? Nudist activities may be one of Western society’s few escapes from worsening, narrowing and unrealistic idea of what the body should look like.

Now, as in decades past, women are put to shame by unrealistic ideals of the body. Now, many younger men are feeling insecure because they don’t match up to similarly unrealistic ideals. In addition to general body form, Hollywood and the media make people feel inferior for having the “wrong” type of breasts, hips, buttocks, stomach, penis, legs or body hair patterns. Real nudists don’t pay attention to such things anyway and accept you as you are.

Will it ever stop? Probably not before it gets worse. In the meantime, get nude more for a dose of sanity and relief!

Body Diversity Links to See:
FeminineBeauty.info - Blog promoting feminine beauty.
007b.com Normal Breasts Gallery - Website promotes breastfeeding and the non-sexualization of breasts.
The Shape of a Mother - Celebrates the beauty and diversity of what real moms look like.
Women En Large and Familiar Men Projects - Photograph books of real women and men.

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What’s Leonard Nimoy (a.k.a “Spock”) up to nowadays? Photography, that’s what. Not only photography, but photography of voluptuous, nude women for his Full Body Project. The project is a reaction to society’s unrealistic, frustrating, and cruel ideals about women’s body shapes and sizes.

Nimoy’s work is actually quite good. He has been compared to past famous nude artistic photographers, yet his take is unique. And the fact that he is a celebrity means that any statements he wishes to convey will be heard.

No surpise that it would be Spock to conceive of something so logical! There have been other, similar projects in recent years, photographing heavier and realistic women and men. Keep it up folks! Body acceptance is a beautiful thing!

More:
Leonard Nimoy Photography Homepage
ArtHistoryArchive.com: Nude Photography by Leonard Nimoy
Girth and Nudity, a Pictorial Mission - New York Times
Leonard Nimoy Photography | R.Michelson Galleries
NPR: Large Women in the Lens of Leonard Nimoy

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The Daily Mail reports on a (British?) survey showing a 1/3 of women won’t be seen nude by their partner around the house. The Daily Mail reports “Images of stick-thin models and digitally-slimmed celebrities are convincing a whole generation to keep their clothes on at all times.”

Is this the world we want to live in? Reject body shame today!

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