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Nudity and Indecency in Michigan Law
Nudity and Indecency in Michigan Law by Matthew Kerwin
First understand that I am not a lawyer, have never formally studied law, and have done very little informal investigation into law or legal theory. Nonetheless, what little I have considered and discovered about it might be useful to the degree that it is not wrong.
While laws against indecency are on the books, the interpretation and enforcement has certainly changed since People v. Ring (1934) 255 N.W.373, 267 Mich. 657. In that infamous case, "the operator of nudist camp who went about without clothing was guilty of 'indecent exposure,' irrespective of whether members' sense of propriety was thereby shocked." If this finding were still valid, all nudist camps and nude gatherings would be illegal (and so would the presence of children in locker rooms and public showers as well as parents' nudity before their kids under any circumstances).
Importantly for Michiganders, in a significant ruling in 1958 the Michigan Supreme Court determined in People v. Hildabridle that nudity is not indecent and in a private setting not "open". This separated nudity from indecency in Michigan law.
So the law has changed from the bad days of People v Ring. We can see it in the lack of enforcement of prohibition of nude art per Act 328 of 1931 which states in part that "any representation of the human form in an attitude or dress which would be indecent in the case of a living person, if such person so appeared in any public street, square or highway, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor." This act was recently ruled unconstitutional -- in whole or in part, I forget which -- when some prosecutor tried to have Right to Lifers charged with this for displaying aborted fetuses (displays of personal violence is covered in this act.) We can see the change in actual law, even as early as 1937. In Act 94 of 1937 (205.93a), a law establishing a tax for use or consumption, "nudist camps" are specifically mentioned as an establishment along with inns, motels, et al. How can nudist camps be legal establishments if nudity is indecent and therefore unlawful? That would be like recognizing Crack Houses as legitimate places of business.
More telling, though, is the passage of The Home Rule City Act, Act 279 of 1901, which was amended (117.5h) in the 1990s to allow cities to "regulate or prohibit public nudity". Act 245, 41.181, sec 1 does the same for townships. If nudity were prohibited by the "open and indecent exposure" act, there would be no need for these acts. Furthermore, the judiciary scorns the use of general laws to prosecute a behavior when a specific law was or could have been available. The questions arise: Why did the city or township council not pass a law regulating nudity, or if they did, why did they not write it to cover this situation? Is the prosecution violating separation of powers by taking on the legislative powers of the council in attempting to make nudity illegal when the council hasn't?
The City of Ann Arbor, for example, does have an ordinance on the books prohibiting nudity in any city-owned building (but nowhere else, actually). Dexter Township and other townships having Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Parks have passed a law -- at the behest of HCMP -- to make illegal to "intentionally expose the male or female buttocks or genital areas or the female breasts, either openly or by wearing beach attire calculated to expose such areas." This came about when some woman complained about a skate boarder or roller-blader wearing a thong (she complained about both). Thus, the HCMP asked for this law, despite the existence of the "Indecency Act", to allow for the regulation or prohibition of these activities or states of dress. However, the law passed by Dexter Township is specific to the HCMP park in Dexter Township. Nudity may well be legal anywhere in Dexter Township outside the park and legal anywhere on public land in Ann Arbor outside of city owned buildings. However, testing this hypothesis in court, even if won, would just prompt more expansive laws. A coordinated effort at developing political savvy is needed.
Think about it: on the basis of one woman's complaint the HCMP proposed a law and various townships complied. Has the HCMP ever even received a request for a clothing-optional section? Could the HCMP or the DNR or your county parks' department completely ignore an organized effort by lots of people asking for clothing-optional sections of our parks? Maybe. But why should bureaucrats or legislators risk their necks for us when we naturists have done nothing much in the way of demanding our rights. Have we? So when you finish this article, join a group so you can get in contact with other naturists. And form a local group of your own if there is none near you. Well, I digress. Back to the main topic.
Despite the lack of any specific prohibition of nudity, you probably will get arrested if publicly nude. However, getting arrested and being found guilty are not the same. Initially, a person will be charged with "indecent exposure". Ignorant and frightened persons will plead guilty, but that is a mistake. Get convicted twice and you go onto the "Sexual Offenders List". Yet, if you were merely simply being nude and were not acting out sexually, then prosecutors will drop the charge of "indecent exposure" should you exercise your right to a trial. They may drop charges altogether or attempt to substitute some other charge such as "disturbing the peace". Always seek competent legal help should you be arrested and make sure your lawyer has read this article.
Entangling Nudity with Free Speech
How did nudity get separated from the legal concept of "indecency"? It probably started at the federal level with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on nudist films which declared them not obscene. Thus we find in the Federal Reporter in a case involving South Florida Free Beaches, Inc. that "Nudity is protected as speech only when combined with some mode of expression which itself is entitled to First Amendment protection." Please realize the significance of this. Combining nudity with any 1st Amendment entitlement gives protection to nudity. Sexual acts, murder, assault, drug use, rape, and the like are not protected no matter how entangled one might make them with First Amendment rights. Throw rocks at a speaker and you will be arrested, charged, and convicted. Perform a sex act on stage in a play and you will go to jail. Light up a joint during a demonstration against draconian drug laws, and you will be busted. In Michigan, there is the afore mentioned 1958 Michigan Supreme Court Ruling that firmly separates simple nudity from the legal definition of indecency. This suggests that we naturists could, with appropriate permits firmly in place, have a public protest, march, or the like -- in the nude.
A Brief Review of Judicial Rulings
A thorough study of federal law regarding nudity would be worthwhile as I don't know that it has ever been done. There are informative books about federal law and obscenity which have some applicability to nudity, but nothing I know of that focuses on nudity and brings in all the cases in a good time line.
The same is true in Michigan, but here is a bit I've managed to get from Michigan Compiled Laws. By the way, while the Internet site is useful for getting the text of the laws, the book form at the library gives useful commentary about the laws. Thus I found these tidbits:
~~ "Michigan Criminal Obscenity statutes 750.nconstitutional on their face" People v Neumayer (1979).
~~ "Requirement that the prohibited material be specifically defined in a statute or ordinance regulating pornography is designed to provide clear and conspicuous notice to sellers of sex related material as to the scope of the prohibition." People v Austin (1977)
~~ "Obscenity ordinance which prohibited, inter alia, the showing, less than completely and opaquely covered, of the buttock and the female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola was overly broad and attempted to prohibit nudity" People of City of East Detroit v Vickery (1976)
~~ Justice Boyle previously indicated in the opinion that the statute should be construed in
conformity with the minimum standards set forth in Miller, supra, to proscribe only the “patently
offensive exhibition of ultimate sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated,” or “patently
offensive exhibitions of masturbation or excretory functions, and lewd exhibition of the
genitals.” In re Certified Question, supra at 63. [note that the judge wrote "lewd exhibition of the genitals, not merely "exhibition of the genitals". This is a major distinction.]
Rulings like the above, I think, led to the amendment of the Home Rule Act to allow the regulation of nudity.
Look at the logic of the Indecency Act, which states, "Any person who shall knowingly make any open or indecent exposure of his or her person or of the person of another shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment ..." This is not a regulatory law that prohibits indecency in particular places at particular times; it is a law of prohibition, flat out. To say that nudity is covered by this act is to say, as I stated earlier, that all nudity in front of children is prohibited -- anyplace, anytime, by anyone. To say that it applies only in certain places is to say then that sexual acts can knowingly take place in front of children -- in one's own home. Courts have ruled, however, that sexual acts are indecent when done in a place where children could happen upon the act, even if they were not there at the start. So indecency is indecency anytime it is knowingly in the presence of children.
s nudity, therefore, indecent and therefore prohibited in front of children at all times and in all places? Furthermore, if nudity is indecent, wouldn't subjecting children per the"or of the person of another" to the condition of nudity also be indecent and, in fact, abusive? Thus, wouldn't bathing one's child subject one to prosecution unless one kept him in a bathing gown? It would be if nudity is legally "indecent".
As there is obviously doubt about the validity of charging one with a crime merely for being nude, I like the following: "Constitutional provisions for protection of life, liberty, and property are to be largely and liberally in favor of citizens." Lockwood v Nims (1959)
What About the "Open Exposure" Provision?
The question arises as to whether the "open exposure" part of the "indecency act" might not be pretty clear cut. However, the same problems that come with prohibiting nudity as "indecent exposure" come to bear in prohibiting "open exposure". No child could be exposed to adults, no group showers, etc. Yet, if the courts found a way to somehow enforce prohibition of "open exposure" while allowing children into public locker rooms as places where exposure were to be expected and therefor not illegal, then that automatically would still allow for the development of public nude beaches. Simple signage warning that nudity is to be expected in this area then makes the nudity no longer "open", being restricted to but still allowed in a place where nudity is -- well -- expected. Thus the Michigan Department of Recreation's argument that they cannot authorize nude use areas on state beaches is incorrect even now. They just need to set aside clearly marked areas for nude recreation as any nudity within that area would not be "open". You need to demand that they do so. (See the article, Exercise Your Right to Write, elsewhere in the articles section.)
People v. Hildabridle provides a clear cut ruling specifically on this issue in Michigan so that no police officer, prosecutor, or bureaucrat can use the Indecency Ordinance abusively. I had a magistrate volunteer in a Chelsea court that the indecency act was not applicable to nudity, although his remark was not a ruling, merely a comment in response to the police officer's assertion that I could have been charged with indecency rather than the far lesser charge of "disturbing the peace" for which I was in court.
Once naturists make it fully understood that nudity is already not "indecent" by law, the lawmakers and prosecutors will be put in the position of having to actually defend the laws against nudity. What is the basis for these laws? That someone is actually harmed? Or merely that someone is offended?
Entangling Nudity as a Religious Right
Per the Michigan Constitution, one group of people can not be placed above another group. It may be a stretch to define nudists as a group, but what about Pagans who wish to perform a sky clad service in a public park? Why should the Mormons be allowed to have service on public park land dressed as they wish, but not the Pagans? Since nudity harms no one and is not indecent, the government had better have a damn good case for restricting a religious practice other than "it's offensive." And if Pagans (or even some Christian nudist groups) were able to worship nude on public land, why should nudity be prohibited to anyone? The very least a government must do to even pretend to uphold the rights of all citizens is to provide some public park areas for freedom of choice rather than giving all the land over to the Textilists. Imagine if Dearborn, with its large Mideast population, were to restrict all Dearborn Public Lands to only those who covered their chests and legs at all times (and women their hair) or restricted beaches to either women and children or to men. According to the Home Rule Act, Dearborn can do so! Would that stand up to muster in a Michigan court?
Women's Right to Be Topfree
Right now, women can demand the right to go top-free using the successful arguments that won top-freedom in Ontario and in New York State. The Federal and State Constitutions make it illegal not to treat every group and every person equally. Furthermore, many Michigan cities, such as Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, have their own ordinances that emphasize the right of women to be treated no differently than men under the law. The East Lansing City Council has gone further to actually pass a law that legalizes the right of women to go top-free in public. Challenging the prohibition of women's toplessness in any place or situation that men can go topless would be a slam dunk if actually pursued. Any woman out there willing to at least start a Top Free Rights Group for Michigan? If so, get in touch with me.
Start a Local Group
Any men and women willing to start a Local Political Action Group for Naturists' Rights? Just meeting once a quarter to discuss options would be a start. Getting volunteers to attend city or township council meetings to keep aware of anti-nudity legislation and to mobilize for nudist rights would be very helpful. For example, just 12 Ann Arbor volunteers could attend Ann Arbor City Council meetings with each volunteer having to attend just once a year -- unless there was a call to action. Even, maybe especially, starting a naturist social group in your area will help move this state to the full legal accommodation of naturists. (See the page on clubs and resorts for just such groups in S. E. Michigan.) I've started the Washtenaw Skinnydippers specifically to organize nudists in Washtenaw County to pressure the county parks and recreation department to work with us. What about in your county or city? Read the article on starting a group.
Please don't depend on others to do this. Don't expect the officers of your local naturist group or nudist camp to do it, if there is one. They are carrying too much of the load already. For that matter, if there is no naturist group in your community, are you willing to start one?
So what do you say? Are you willing to exercise your civic duty in an area that actually interests you? Join the Washtenaw Skinnydippers if you live in or very near Washtenaw County, start a group in your county if you live elsewhere, join the Yahoo group for the Michigan Nude Beach Advocates. I look forward to hearing your announcements and will be interested in helping promote your efforts. Return to index
How to Start a Naturist Group (and keep it going)
Obviously, you like to be naked as much as is feasible. You can enjoy being naked at home or maybe on some remote beach. However, you are going to have more fun hanging out naked with friends, whether at home or on the beach. So, a very good reason to start (or join) a naturist group is to increase your number of like-minded friends and acquaintances and to increase the opportunities to enjoy getting naked without being harassed. For example, you can't afford to rent a pool and gym for a winter swim, but a group can. If there are others already willing to help form a group, great; but you can start a naturist group on your own if need be. Soon enough, others will be there. Also, the more people there are that are involved in local groups and the more connected these groups are to each other, the more likely we are to take effective political action and to organize major social and/or political events.
Now, you've decided to start a group. What to do?
First, decide what type of group are you going to be. Will it be a community wide group? Or limited to campus, church, or business? Perhaps a group dedicated to preserving or creating nude use at a certain beach?
A community wide group, of course, will be open to and promoted to all naturists and clothing-optional enthusiasts in the entire community. This type group offers the greatest opportunity for growth and effectiveness. However, your group might focus upon your college campus, your church, or your place of employment, assuming any of these allow clubs. If there is no group at all near your community, you will want to start a community wide group. If there is already a community wide group, then you should join that and work to make it better. However, you can also start a more focused group. This more focused group can and should connect to the larger group while still maintaining its own identity.
Colleges are a natural for the development of groups and will have an established procedure for getting your group recognized. This recognition will afford you all the rights granted to every other campus group. The senior and junior classes will want to make sure first and second year students are recruited and trained in management of the group so that the club continues despite graduations. The club could be open to college staff and faculty which could help maintain continuity.
Churches may seem unlikely, but many congregations are surprisingly accepting of diversity and will accept naturists amongst them -- not actually naked, of course -- although some churches have actually allowed clothing-optional activities in limited times or places. Pagan or New Age Churches should be particularly open to naturism. Getting you and your fellow naturists recognized affords you opportunities to educate other congregants about naturism and enlist their assistance in advocating for your rights. If ultimately, they reject you, well, what do you want to support such a church for anyway? Find a church where what is preached is actually practiced. Most every church has social clubs, so why not a naturist club?
If you work amongst lots of employees, your work place too could use a naturist group. Why not? You may have to educate your employer about Naturism, but most will have no problem with it. Wouldn't it be nice to make naturist friends at work? If you are concerned about your employer punishing you for being a naturist, check with a civil rights attorney as to your rights. Obviously, using company time and materials to promote your activity may be just cause for disciplinary action, but you should be able to participate in any legal activity outside of work and not have it impact your status at work.
You also may decide to limit the club to heterosexual couples and families or to homosexual men or to lesbians and their families. Or you might wish to introduce a naturist subgroup to an already established ethnic or tribal association. By definition, such a limitation is not naturist -- nudist perhaps, but not naturist. However, that is your decision. You will still be encouraged to connect to the Michigan Nude Beach Advocates.
Decide on a goal for the group. Look at the agenda and goals that I have established for the Michigan Nude Beach Advocates. Having such far reaching and encompassing goals projects the group well into the future. Knowing your main goal and keeping it in mind allows you to shrug off any tactical failures while learning from them. So no one attends some event or meeting. That event failed, but so what? You try again, get smarter, fail again, try again, succeed here and there, and slowly build momentum by keeping in mind your major goal rather than dwelling on momentary failures. Eventually, the tactical successes far outnumber the failures.
You've decided on the type of group and its goals. Now what?
Establish a means for people to contact you. A mailing address, a phone number and answering machine, an e-mail address or some or all of these.
Promote through whatever means are allowed, available, and affordable.
Have occasional events to get together in person now and then. All events do not have to appeal to everyone, so try to have different events occasionally.
Recruit help. Make this a cooperative enterprise. Don't allow others to expect not to have to do anything but show up (when they feel like it). Especially when someone says, " You should ..." or "I wish..." or " It would be good if we did ..." Agree but get them to get it started (or it's not going to happen). Form committees and have others form committees to get particular activities started and to keep things going..
Have fun. Don't neglect to have fun yourself. One of the reasons to start a group is to increase your naturist fun. Naturism is a social activity. Don't do all the planning and all the work. You've started a group, but expect and encourage others to meet their own expectations for events: canoeing, cards, hiking, outings to nudist resorts, whatever. You do not have to initiate every event. How much you let others do may have to do with your own personality. If you are a controlling type or a perfectionist, you will end up squelching the enthusiasm and initiative of others. Channel your energies into encouraging others and let them get on with it without your constantly overseeing or altering things; otherwise, you will drive them nuts and exhaust yourself. Recognize that others will have better ideas and more skill in certain areas than you, so let them at it. Your job is to inspire, not do nor even oversee.
Here are some promotional ideas that helped establish the Southeast Michigan Naturists:
Attend Naturist Gatherings and see if you can meet people from your area. At a closing circle, for example, listen for where people say they are from and approach them afterwards. Post flyers at the gathering and at any nudist resort. Send flyers to the resorts and ask for them to post them for you (concentrate on the nearer resorts). For a list of naturist gatherings, see The Naturist Society's website. (See Resorts and Clubs page for a link to TNS.)
Post and get others to post flyers all around the town and the county and as far as you care to outreach. Post anywhere you are allowed to do so. Check on the posters often and replace as needed. The flyers should make some announcement about the existence of the group or the forming of it and give a means to contact you. Keep them posted.
Does your local newspaper have a calendar of events? Have a monthly informational meeting at a cafe and get the information about the meeting into the calendars. Don't be sad if no one shows up. Keep "meeting". Enjoy a quiet tea on the days no one shows up. As your group grows, make it a social meeting for the group to hobnob about naturism and your group, clothed unless the establishment allows nudity. Should new people show up, switch to a more introductory discussion, but let all the group members who are there talk and answer questions.
Get your group listed with The Naturist Society and with The Michigan Nude Beach Advocates.
Set up an informational booth at local art fairs and other shows when possible (this is great fun!).
Set up a website for the club.
Contact The Naturist Society, The Michigan Nude Beach Advocates, The Southeast Michigan Naturists, and any other naturist groups and ask if they could send out a message to any of their members in the area about your new group. Ask them for advise. Nicky Hoffman of The Naturist Society can send you an additional article about starting a naturist group.
Now the group is a growing enterprise. Hooray! How have you been staying in contact with each other? Establish an e-mail notification system right from the start and keep it going and up to date. You can utilize Yahoo Groups or the like for this.
Also, a hardcopy newsletter mailed out on a periodical basis reinforces the "reality" of the group and increases attendance at events, but it is work and costs money. So, having a newsletter means increased dues. It's worth having, but don't bust yourself over it. Make sure the treasury can handle it and make sure you've recruited at least one person who really enjoys publishing. As the size of the group increases, a committee will be needed for the newsletter to get it addressed, folded, stamped, sorted, and mailed -- unless you have the wherewithal to turn it all over to a service.
Committees are a good idea for many activities. A small house party or picnic or outing can be handled by one "host", perhaps; but major activities should have a committee formed as part of the planning stage, otherwise who is going to do all the work? My mantra is this: "Don't ask me to do it. Tell me what you are doing . Need help? Write up a request for volunteers and send it to the newsletter editor, etc."
Some groups make volunteering a requirement of membership ... just several hours a year, and may require a fee or an additional fee for non-members to attend events. Once a person is volunteering, he usually puts in many more hours than the minimum. Having volunteering a requirement assures that everyone is contributing in some small way. But what about the problem of losing people who won't or can't work? Easy. Give them them a brochure for the nearest naturist resort. There they pay for the privilege of being catered to.
The most important person to recruit is someone good at handling money and maintaining a budget. This is your treasurer. As the group grows, you will need to establish some official organizational mechanisms: such things as by-laws and a board of directors. This is needed to give the organization a future. You want the group to outlive you. You want it around at least until nudity on public lands is no longer remarkable, until the day you can stroll naked on any public beach, smile at any passing police officer, and merrily continue on your way. Do get started! There are lots of good folk in your community who also enjoy naturist activities. Get them connected. Of course, you can keep it simple. Maybe only act as a contact person in your community, not getting any fancier than creating a Yahoo group to connect interested persons. That's fine too if not very effective. You have to meet occasionally to be a real group.
Either way, we need local naturist groups to power the state and national organizations. A local naturist group in every major population center in every county in Michigan is needed to give every naturist in the state a naturist group with which to connect. The Southeast Michigan Naturists is centered in Ann Arbor and is helping to connect naturists in Washtenaw County and well beyond, but we need groups -- not just exclusive resorts, although those are great too -- in the cities of Monroe, Adrian, Hillsdale, Coldwater, Three Rivers, Sturgis, Dowagiac, Niles, Benton Harbor, South Haven, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Marshall, Albion, Jackson, any of the suburbs of the greater Metro area, Detroit itself, Holland, Hastings, Battle Creek, Ionia, Charlotte, Lansing, St. Johns, Owosso, Flint, Lapeer, Brighton/Howell, Pontiac, Mt. Clemens, Pt. Huron, Lapeer, Sandusky, Bad Axe, Caro, Saginaw, Alma, Greenville, Newaygo, Muskegon, Ludington, Pentwater, Big Rapids, Mt. Pleasant, Midland, Bay City, Standish, Gladwin, Clare, Reed City, Baldwin, Manistee, Cadillac, Lake City, St. Helen, West Branch, Tawas/Oscoda, Harrisville, Mio, Grayling, Kalkaska, Traverse City, Frankfort, Mancelona, Gaylord, Atlanta, Alpena, Rogers City, Cheboygan, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Mackinaw City, Point Aux Pins, St. James, St. Ignace, De Tour Village, Sault Ste Marie, Newberry, Manistique, Munising, Escanaba/Gladstone, Menominee, Iron Mountain, Marquette, Baraga, Iron River, Ironwood, Hancock/Haughton, Ontonagon, and all other small and large communities throughout Michigan. Can't be done? Well, that's what we were told when we set out to create The Southeast Michigan Naturists. Now that group is able to rent the entirety of a public recreational facility in Washtenaw County for nude recreation. Imagine the power we would have with interconnected local naturist groups in every county! Let's move each of the above cities from the "wish list". Will you help establish naturism in your community? return to index
Is It OK to Be Open about Enjoying the Nudist Lifestyle?
By Matthew Kerwin
At a recent party of about 20 people put on by my friend Craig, who is not a naturist, I discovered 3 other members of the Southeast MiChigan Naturists in attendance. I had not known any of them were acquainted with Craig. Well, what a happy reunion! Since it was not our party and Craig never offered to allow nudity, we did not suggest it; but the four of us were not shy about talking about naturism and having other people listen in. Nobody was shocked or perturbed by the conversation and some were interested.
Why then are many naturists reluctant to acknowledge to the world -- even to their family and friends -- that they enjoy and participate in nude recreation? Some undoubtedly have real concerns such as an estranged ex-spouse who might use naturism as an excuse to limit the naturist's contact with their children or a teacher who worries for her job, although, even in a profession as sensitive as teaching that fear is not realistic everywhere. Here in Ann Arbor, a teacher in the Ann Arbor Public Schools was quite open about being a naturist. Obviously, she did not discuss it in class, as a teacher would not discuss her religious beliefs and practices in class; however, she often sat in at our very public "Michigan Nude Beach Advocates" information booth at the Ann Arbor Art Fair and would be greeted by her middle school students and their parents. Of course, she had tenure in a somewhat tolerant city. A teacher in Grand Rapids, Michigan, even tenured, might not fair so well. So the concerns of some naturists are legitimate, but need we all be so concerned?
Perhaps a few feel that naturism, while indeed fun, might have some negative effects on children or society. Despite their own experiences or perhaps because of insufficient experience, they feel that on some level the prohibitions against social nudity must have some validity, for why else, they think, would society so adamantly protect itself from public nudity and the depiction of nudity; yet any research on the matter indicates that naturism has nothing but positive effects. For example, Dennis Surgue, Phd,clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School,states in his book, "Sex Matters for Women", that nudity in the home is natural and not harmful. If any of you have even the slightest thought that simple nudity might be harmful to children or to society, do go to the Naturist Society's website for a more exhaustive discussion of naturism's benefits to society.
Those who ardently believe that nudity is bad for society and children are inexperienced in social nudity and also over-sexualize the environment. Their attitudes toward sex can be positive or negative. For example, a swinger couple contacted me about attending the Southeast Michigan Naturists' swims but decided not to attend when told that children may be there. "My wife says she would feel weird and so would I to be naked around children," wrote the swinger. Well, while there are a few polyamorists in naturism, we know that many swingers are not naturist as these swingers aren't actually comfortable with simple nudity. The few naturists whom I know to be free lovers are able to separate simple nudity from sex -- probably because they are experienced with and knowledgeable about naturism. People who are actually hostile to nudity have had negative experiences with sex: abuse from a relative, rape, or being the abusers of others. I know people -- even my sister -- who, because of past sexual abuse, are adamantly opposed to my being nude around them. Nonetheless, so long as I respect that wish, we are able to have good relationships. None of them excoriate either me or my involvement in naturism. They don't care what my beliefs are so long as I don't practice naturism in their presence. Nor does my sister want me discreetly practicing naturism at her lake even when she is not there, for she believes that everyone else feels as she does so she does not want her neighbors "insulted" by mere suspicion of my nudity.
But are my sister's concerns valid? Are most people offended by nudity or even the discreet practice of naturism? Many naturists act as though it is true. Where do we get this idea that everyone but nudists is offended by nudity? Why do so many naturists believe that they will be ostracized by friends, family, and society if it is revealed that they practice social nudity?
The idea comes primarily from two sources.
One source is the media. The other is our own desire to conform.
American media rarely shows simple nudity. In the past, of course, nudity was limited to National Geographic's display of "primitives". Such non-conformity was understandable, as not only was the nudity not Western, it was not even "civilized", thus depiction of it was allowed. The late 60's and 70's began to see the occasional displays of simple nudity. PBS Channel 56 in Detroit allowed some nudity then with nary a complaint; I particularly remember plenty of nudity in a teleplay in which God masqueraded as a steam room attendant. However, as the cultural conservatives organized and became political, they targeted displays of nudity; and the FCC has complied with fines for nudity on over-the-air TV signals. However, note the high level of violence and salaciousness that is allowed. Even by FCC rules, nudity could be displayed late night, yet nudity is self-censored by the programmers. For example, on the Tonight show, Jay Leno held up a picture of nudists on bicycles. The private areas, even the buttocks, were pixallated. Cable TV, can display nudity and does, but seemingly it is always associated with sex or violence. And, boy, do both cable and over-the-air programmers display the sex and violence. Thus we get explicit scenes, say on Private Practice, of passionate sex and lots of bare skin -- but never (female) breast, buttock, or pubes under any circumstance. Even an old youth oriented show like Buffy the Vampire Slayer (which I love) is rife with the sex act (and violence) -- but no nudity. I suppose some people infer from this that simple nudity is more indecent than open sex or violence. For sure, most begin to think that everyone else must think so.
Yet what is the truth about what most people think about nudity? We who read N Magazine know that nude people are allowed to run in public races in some west coast cities with little complaint but great enthusiasm from the spectators. Vermont allows nudity most anywhere and where practiced, even in the downtown area of one village, it has garnered few complaints (though much publicity). Here in Michigan, the Nude Mile on UM campus generated but one complaint but was shut down by the then president of the university in cooperation with the then attorney general (Jennifer Granholm) ostensibly "for the protection of the runners", but primarily because Bollinger thought it presented a bad public image for the university. Even in Chelsea in the conservative western half of Washtenaw County in Michigan, a proposed photo shoot of a "Lady Godiva" by the artist, Harvey, generated no public complaints but did attract lots of spectators, including parents with their children. The rider, of course, was pulled off the horse and arrested by Chelsea's chief of police, because, despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, he believed people would be offended.
And I have painted the houses of many non-naturists and they allowed me to do the painting in the nude, even those with children, without worrying about what the neighbors would think about what they allow in their own house. 
(See my article "A Tale of Two Naturists" for more on this. Scroll down to Part 2, Matthew's Story.) In N Magazine we are reading more and more of naturists pushing the boundary of "acceptable" nudity with little or no complaints.
But what about the uproar over the accidental baring of one of Janet Jackson's breasts at the 2004 Superbowl? In the aftermath of that, the FCC chair, Michael Powell, reported to Congress that his agency had received a record number of complaints about "indecency" in 2003 -- more than 240,000 (for the year), up from 14,000 from the year before. However, a reporter from Mediaweek.com investigated the complaints: 99.8 percent of the complaints in 2003 originated from the conservative Parents Television Council. In 2004, if the complaints regarding Ms. Jackson's bared breast aren't considered, 99.9 percent of the complaints were again generated by the PTC, and while the publicity over the Super Bowl incident generated some additional complaints, the media publicity and the PTC were undoubtedly behind most of those. Another reporter examined the 90 complaints that led to a 1.2 million dollar fine for an episode of Fox's Married by America. He found that all the complaints were generated by 23 people and that all but four of the complaints were identical. Only one person mentioned having seen the program. More than 5 million households had watched the "offending" episode. So, because of an overreaching and repressive federal agency, the media feels compelled to avoid nudity. But they go farther than the FCC demands, censoring nudity when even the FCC does not require it while at the same time associating any incident of nudity with salaciousness or violence. Yet a minuscule number is actually complaining about nudity.
The media's effect is that Americans believe that everyone else is offended by nudity even though most Americans themselves aren't offended at all. (It is true that most American men profess no desire to see naked penises up on the big screen, but that's not to say they are offended by it. Women seem to be as interested in seeing naked women as men are, but for different reasons. It seems that very few are offended by nudity at all.) However, in defense of conformity and the supposed sensibilities of others, most people would presumably still not support nudity on public streets or in public parks except under special circumstances; despite this, surveys have repeatedly found that over 70 percent of the people have no objection to official, clothing-optional beaches, since they understand that nobody should be rightfully offended by the mere existance of a nude beach. One can extrapolate that far fewer care if anyone privately practices social nudity, and do you really want to associate with anyone who is so virulently opposed to nudity as to want to ostracize people merely for going to a private nudist resort? I sure don't want such a person in my life no matter the relationship; fortunately, I've never on any level personally known such a person.
OK. So we know where people get the erroneous idea that most people are offended by nudity, but there is also a strong desire in most people to conform, to not stick out. Therefore, many naturists are uncomfortable being nude when most or all other people are clothed, even when it is legal to be nude. For example, at Turtle Lake Resort one Windsor woman told me that she had just been to an outdoor music festival in Ontario (where women can legally go top-free anywhere men can). "Did you take your shirt off?" I asked. "Oh, no," she repled, "I was waiting for someone else to do so first." Hmmm, thus despite the legality, I have yet to see a top-free woman in my many visits to Ontario beaches.
How will society's acceptance of nudity ever improve if naturists refuse to spearhead the change and if we continue to allow the most socially repressive in our society to determine, not just public opinion, but the opinions of our friends, family, and neighbors?
By being open about my practice of naturism, I have been able to invite friends and family to the clothing-optional swims sponsored by the Southeast Michigan Naturists. Few have accepted the invitation, but even so it is beneficial. For example, when my niece was trying to get a small dinner party together at a restaurant for her mom's birthday, she e-mailed asking for restaurant suggestions. I replied to all suggesting that, since the weekend in question was the night of an SMN nude swim (emphasizing that they could stay suited), I could get the group into it after dinner to enjoy the hot tub and pools. Knowing that no one but me on the reply list is a naturist, my niece's mom replied that it would be OK with her (even though I've never seen her nude), and she went on to explain that she knows that "it has nothing to do with sex". So I've got a non-naturist controlling the conversation in our favor.
Even if you feel you can't be as completely open as I have been, do consider "coming out" to just a few more friends, family, and neighbors than you have. The more you do so, the more you control the conversation and your life. You won't thereafter have to worry about their "finding out". What a relief and what a joy! Plus, you along with other open naturists make it easier for that teacher or divorced parent to openly acknowledge her practice of naturism without negative repercussions. Thus society is improved as well. Perhaps someday nudity will no longer be regarded negatively by the FCC or the media. If so, the change starts with you, not by what political party happens to be in office. Return to Index
Two Naturists Experiences Being Open
Part One: Elizabeth's Story
PROLOGUE
While still attending school in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Lisa contacted me, via e-mail, seeking information about youthful naturist activities in the area. Unfortunately, too soon afterwards, Lisa moved to another state. We have yet to meet in person. None-the-less, we have had excellent conversations between us. We believe that other naturists may find our conversations relating to naturism to be interesting. At least there are nuggets of inspiration within. We have compiled our conversations into an article relating our individual involvement and development in Naturism. Elizabeth’s story is the lead.
Part One
Elizabeth’s Story
Growing up Naturist?
I would call myself a naturist by necessity. In other words, sometimes it just makes more sense!
I grew up the eldest of five children: three sisters and one brother. Although our parents were not naturists by definition, we were brought up in a pretty open environment. It wasn't unusual to see someone bare in the house from time to time, in the morning or at night, especially around shower time.
When we were young, we would go to our grandparents’ farm in the summer. Here, we would regularly go swimming in a pond together, sans suits. I didn't really think of it as skinny-dipping, just swimming, because it was only with my siblings; but as kids, we inevitably didn't get dressed after swimming and in the summer's heat preferred to be naked as much as possible. With very few people around, I got used to spending time at the grandparents helping out without being dressed. I remember helping with chores and wondering why we were the only ones to follow through with this great idea! Although we have gotten older, going to their house over the summer still means having fun in the sun without worrying about tan lines.
We moved into a new house (in the city, unfortunately!) when I was about 12 and it had a large swimming pool in the back yard. This was a dream come true for us! I fell in love with swimming and spent a lot of time in the pool. I rarely (okay, never!) wore a swimsuit because it was our pool in our backyard. When friends would come over, most that knew us would go without a swimsuit as well. Tan lines looked so bad, I just never wanted any!
However, my brother's friends wore shorts most of the time. The rest of us had only girls over, so co-ed was not an issue. As I spent more time swimming, I would come back into the house and not put clothes back on. This was a conscientious effort: sometimes you dry off and cover yourself up with a towel, sometimes you just don't. Being the oldest, my siblings often copied me, and my mother never discouraged us from being naked. They didn't do it often themselves, but basically if our family went swimming in the pool, no one wore a swimsuit.
If you look at me as an example of a more "open" naturist childhood, I should explain something. For first-time visitors, my parents sometimes prepped them with something like, "We like to let our kids play in the house or yard without their clothes on if they want. Is that okay with you?" even if we were staying clothed. Most people asked a couple questions and then didn't seem to mind at all. Some parents showed concern over their boys seeing my sisters or me naked (or their daughters seeing my brother), but my parents would usually talk about it and the situation would resolve.
It goes without saying that most kids warmed up to the idea quite easily. I don't remember any boys shying away from my sisters or me when we were naked (in fact, for many of them I'm sure it may have been a first!). Sometimes they would be nervous or stare (and yes, erections), but I'd tell them it was okay to be curious and ask them if they would prefer if we were clothed. The answer was always "no" and it only got easier from there. The staring would sometimes continue, but I figure if they hadn't seen a naked woman too often, they were bound to be curious. Then again, one of my brother's friends once pointed between my legs and asked "What IS that?" Tough question! But these things rarely happened.
As far as adults, I don't think they were bothered. The most they probably thought was "Oh look, there are the Middleton girls running around naked! Boy, they're not shy are they!" I was a late-bloomer and I think my parents' friends used to still look at me as a kid until I went to college. Now, I'm more in the "adult" category. Walking around isn’t as "cute". That's too bad!
The bottom line is communication. Even the most prudish people aren't really gonna run away or anything. If you've ever seen a Candid Camera video where they place naked women in social settings (albeit, more sexual), most people are surprised, but aren't freaked out. If parents talk to their kids and their friends about nudity rather than just assuming things, textile friends and guests would have no problem in a naturist setting.
A "breakthrough" occurred for my 15th birthday. I had about a dozen friends over and we turned it into a pool party. I guess some of my friends brought swimsuits and some didn't. I basically assumed no one would care and told them not to wear bathing suits and jump in. Less than half my girlfriends wore swimsuits, but it was not a real issue. Some did and some didn't. My parents supervised the party and thought it was a great success. The party continued all day and most of us didn't put on clothes until much later, by which time a few more of the girls had gotten naked.
As you can guess, word around school had spread about the party and I had a certain reputation. Most people thought it was great, I just never realized nudity was much of an issue. Three years later my brother (a year younger) and I had a joint party. Although not planned, it turned into a pool party. We had just our close friends over. Most of my friends showed little concern over skinny-dipping with boys, while many of them were reluctant to drop their shorts. By the end, I think all of us were naked and it was a very comfortable atmosphere. Getting dressed seemed something few of us wanted to do! It was a nice surprise to see us interact so well with boys around. Although most of my brother's friends had known about the prevalence of nudity in our household having seen us naked before, I really didn't expect them to join us so readily.
I must admit I was nervous and excited as well. I had never really been naked in front of so many guys, especially some I did not know. I never knew they came in so many different sizes, circumcised and uncircumcised. But being with all my girlfriends helped a lot. I remember being conscious about "covering up" as much as possible when out of the water and avoiding bending over and such. But with so many people around that soon became a moot point. I liked the fact that being naked in front of guys felt the same as being naked with the girls. I quit feeling like I needed to cover up!
By now, I had been spending a lot more time nude. It wasn't just when swimming, but most opportunities I could get. It was pretty common that some of us kids spent time in the house in the nude. However, we rarely did it for no reason; usually there was a cause. I always found an excuse, but usually got dressed when friends of the family came over.
When I used to go to the doctor's office for health check ups, I would strip down all the way, at which point the nurse would remind me that I could keep my underwear on. But I'd always tell her that I really didn't mind. The doctor never mentioned anything about it; she'd walk in and start talking like I had clothes on. To this day, I know friends who feel awkward undressing in front of their doctor! What can I say?
I think the biggest reason I didn't wear clothes was that it made more sense. If I were going swimming, why wear a swimsuit? And if I came back in the house, did I really need to get dressed? In the winter, it was colder in the house, so nudity was not really prevalent. But from the time I would take a shower at night to the time I'd go to bed, there wasn't a need for me (or anyone else!) to be dressed, so I wasn't. My family used to joke that I liked being naked more than I liked being with clothes on from the time I was a kid, and I guess that's true.
My family was really the same, but my brother was never as comfortable with his friends. Within the family, he would be undressed all the time, but with friends over that rarely happened. He would be undressed when my (female) friends were over, so much so that sometimes he was even the only guy with us. But he never had the same experiences with his friends!
I once asked him why he was only naked in front of the family or with girls over, but not with guys. By now he was about 15 and his explanation was surprising. He said the boys’ locker room had turned into a "sizing up" area and that boys wouldn't change in front of each other for fear of being ridiculed and made fun of. He said none of the girls ever cared about these things, but the boys did. Also, for boys to go skinny-dipping together was too "gay." I guess a lot of it has to do with the fact that my brother was used to being naked with his four sisters. But it made me realize that getting naked for guys can be difficult. Perhaps I am slanted in my views, but over the years I rarely see women that shy in the locker room. Could it be that women are sometimes more predisposed to be naked?
As I got older, I realized how some people had qualms with nudity. But I only felt uncomfortable when another person felt awkward. If they didn't mind, then I didn't mind. I never had problems with any girlfriends for even if they didn't feel comfortable naked, none ever minded if I was. I remember swimming a few times with my friends who were in swimsuits while I was the only one nude. Why in the world should anyone care if I was naked? I don't ever think it was a big deal.
When it came to boys, I felt quite liberated to be able to be naked with them. I realized most would be tempted to stare or gawk, but that usually passed quickly. Even my brother's friends warmed up to the idea of nudity easily. I must admit I did feel quite sensual being naked in front of men. I couldn't help but be surprised and pleased to see erections.
When I got to college, I joined a sorority. The showers were open to each other and I noticed a lot of the girls were uncomfortable in there. But a lot weren't, too.
I went camping a lot and this one time we found a site not too far from a lake. We hadn't planned to go swimming but since no one was around we decided to go skinny-dipping. These excursions got very popular and although the girl to guy ratio was always very high, I did get male friends to come with us. I remember telling them, "Come skinnydip with six girls this weekend!" and watching their eyes light up. But, there was never sexual references or lewd behavior. By the end of college, these camping trips were completely nude weekends. I took a lot of photos and looking back at them I realize that there were always many more girls than guys and once they tried it, they were hooked.
Later, I lived with two roommates, one female, one male. I never asked, "Can I be nude?" -- just took the liberty of being undressed sometimes and seeing the reaction. Neither batted an eyelid. My female roommate inquired about my openness and in talking with her I understood she was curious about naturism. The fact that she could be naked with me really comforted her and she began to enjoy it. We eventually asked our roommate about it and to our surprise he was very cool about it. It was nice to know we could spend time at home without clothes on.
Over the years, friends have asked me if my being nude has ever made me the target of unwanted or unwarranted attention. I tell them the complete opposite. Being clothed has!
Being blonde has not helped. I am often grouped, wrongly, with the "dumb blonde". In addition, I am tall and skinny: 5'8", weigh around 130 lbs., and have fairly noticeable breasts (large C cup bra size). There are more gawking and unwanted remarks clothed, at bars, in restaurants, at the beach, etc., than there is when I am naked! I have rarely, if ever, encountered such remarks when nude. I have found men staring at my chest far more in tight tops than when I'm naked.
To this day, I feel "the eyes" of men on me far more when I am wearing a skirt than when I am naked in the company of others who don't mind nudity. I am, by no means, trying to generalize men. I have usually found that when I am seen purely for my physical attributes, I become a sexual object, rather than the individual (woman) that I truly am. When nude, I find these fantasy elements are de-sexualized greatly. It provides for a warm, friendly and honest atmosphere.
That is one of the reasons I am so quick to praise naturism and so comfortable with it: the people: People accepting, not judging. I'd like to think that I am the same way.
That's my story -- Naturist when necessary. And becoming more necessary every day!
I find naturism and nudity one of those addictive qualities. There are many people who say they'd never try it, but once they do, they become hooked. It's easy to see why. So spreading the word and making nude recreation easier to access is key. So is motivating young people (my age and even younger) to get involved. I was brought up not knowing anything called "naturism" or "nudism." I was raised just to think nudity was okay, especially when necessary or convenient. In contrast, a lot of other kids were raised to associate it with embarrassment, hiding, vulnerability, etc. That's pretty stupid if you ask me.
Also, nudity was more associated with the kids, not my parents. Although they would get naked to go in the pool and sometimes in the house, I think out of respect or something like that, they weren't naked as often as we were. But then again, I was always going swimming or coming back from sports and they were usually just going to work and back, so it made sense for me to be naked more often.
But not being raised a "naturist", I think I took to it easier. Just classifying it makes it easier to be scared of. Take an example: vegetarianism. There are so many stereotypes associated with vegetarians (liberals, tree-huggers, hippies, etc.), but there is almost no stereotype associated with "normal" people who just don't like meat or choose not to eat it. Put the two next to each other, and most people will have an opinion about a vegetarian, but not about a "normal" person. See the difference? So am I a true naturist? Perhaps not. But I am person who loves to be naked!
So I was raised to think we were "normal" in not choosing to wear clothes at times. If it was a whole lifestyle I would have had to adopt, that may have put me off somewhat. Instead, since there was no difference between my neighbor and me, other than the fact that I often didn't wear clothes, there wasn't a distinction between "naturism" and "normality." Am I making sense? I just want to come across saying that I view naturism as normal, and hence it's not something you have to hide or show or do anything with. It's just there!
I also think it's very easy for parents to raise kids naturist. Sure, we had people over who would see me or my siblings naked and just not be as understanding as others. But who cares? I'm having fun in the pool! Now, if guests came over and my parents were naked, that's a different situation. My parents had friends over sometimes and they would BBQ in the back while we would be playing around. I would usually be naked, along with maybe my sisters or brother, but my parents wouldn't. It was easier for guests to accept some naked youngsters than adults. We got away with that a lot and I can see why
I think there needs to be a way for the average person to know it's okay to be nude. I'm sure at least 1 in 10 people like it (a number I just made up), so if Ann Arbor has 100,000 people in it, shouldn't there be 10,000 naturists?
On Relationships and Naturism
Age does creep up on us, doesn’t it? I hardly feel in my mid-twenties, yet here I am! I think my carefree lifestyle and laid-back nature make people think I’m younger. I like that! Even as a child, I was a late bloomer so people always mistook me for a few years younger.
But I must say, Matthew, I guess I never thought about your age! Reading your last email, it suddenly occurred to me that you have been married almost as long as I have been alive! I guess a medium like naturism has no age barriers. It still must be very difficult to be involved with someone not as into naturism as you. I don’t think it would be much of a problem for me. If my husband didn’t like being nude, that’s fine, just as long as I can be. Of course, when raising children, I firmly believe I would like to raise mine as my parents raised me: with open values and ideas. They never knew there was a group of nudists or naturists out there, they just thought it was okay.
You are right that clothing issues with a future husband need to be ironed out first. Even though your wife never gets nude in public, the fact that she goes to nude beaches with you is very cool. I’ve never been to any in America, but I did go to some in Greece. I was truly amazed at seeing hundreds of naked people as far as the eye could see - and a surprising number of attractive women. The Europeans are so different about nudity: they walk around like they would with clothes on. Americans seem to still have a level of self-consciousness, which sometimes prevents them from having fun. Too bad!
As far as meeting a man who shares my beliefs, my friends tell me that I intimidate men with my openness with nudity and self-confidence. Well, if a man gets scared off by a girl because she is comfortable naked and is proud of who she is, then who needs them? Ideally, I'll take a rich man comfortable with nudity. Perfect!
A Relative Acceptance of Naturism
Through the summer, I had the daunting task of keeping a watchful eye on two cousins, aged 11 and 14. Both boys were raised in a very strict religious environment. I was not very close to them and we had not spent a great deal of time together. Without directly realizing it, I continued swimming in our backyard with no swimsuit on, as I had grown up doing.
Regarding my aunt and uncle's impressions about being naked around my cousins, I had to be very careful about that as they are strictly religious. I am sure they had some idea of my family's habits, but I think they believed that very little nudity would take place in front of their kids. When I asked my cousins what they would tell their parents we did, they both said "just swimming." They explained their parents might get upset if they knew either they or I were naked. They were told before coming over that if they saw someone naked to "not look and turn away."
My impressions are that neither of the boys, especially being so young, had been exposed to (female) nudity before, in which case my actions were probably quite sudden. Although they weren’t fully sure how to act, I made it clear that I was comfortable with it and I understood how it's okay to be curious or stare, but definitely not to turn away like it was a bad thing. I also chose to remain unclothed throughout the day so they would have more time to deal with it.
Considering neither boy had seen a naked woman before, I was very conscious about "over-exposing" them. I was hesitant at first to bend over in front of them, or sit with my legs apart, but if you are outside and in the pool for an hour or two, they are essentially bound to "see everything". After some initial staring and curiosity, it didn’t seem to matter at all. Their level of maturity around me naked is like that of anyone else, man or woman. Soon after, I would say they were as comfortable with me, as I with them. Most noticeable, physical contact with me, which terrified them at first, was as natural as if I were clothed. In the beginning they didn’t like to even come near me, and later they were jumping on my back and wrestling!
Things proceeded similarly the next few days as my nudity became the norm and they stayed clothed. When I asked them if they thought it was strange that I was naked, they both said yes. Neither had a problem with me being naked by now, but were uncomfortable getting undressed. I explained how it's no big deal and I wouldn’t care one way or the other. It took some time, but both chose to remove their shorts, explaining that their parents had often said nudity was "bad," but it seemed harmless when I had done it. After my sisters came home and joined us in the pool they seemed to take to naturism very well. It was nice to see the five of us having a great time outdoors without any shame.
I thought you would find it interesting how naturism not only didn't cause problems, but actually brought us closer together as a family. I now have many fond memories of spending quality time with my cousins throughout the summer erasing their inhibitions and simply having fun. If there are positive attributes to naturism, I think this is one of them.
I don’t know what my aunt and uncle know and don't know, but I have spoken to them since and they have said only that the boys keep asking them if they can be naked. My aunt laughed and said something like, "Looks like your habits rubbed off on them", but she didn’t seem upset or angry. I am curious what they think!
An update you may find interesting: I went home two weekends back and as you may know, the weather was gorgeous. My cousins were over and kept begging me to go play with them in the pool, but I refrained because I wasn’t sure if their parents would object or not. Finally, my aunt asked me why I wasn’t going to swim and I told her that I didn’t bring my swimsuit home. She calmly said "We know you usually don’t wear one, so why don’t you go ahead and join them?" My mother and I looked at each other in disbelief! I hopped in the pool and was naked for the rest of the afternoon. Although no one else was fully undressed, it seemed to make no difference. I finally came inside and was going to my room to put something on when my uncle stopped me and we began talking about my job. After spending the greater portion of an hour, sitting, talking to him naked, I went to help my mom in the kitchen. Normally someone in my place would have worn a bikini or swimsuit, but the fact that I didn’t have one on didn’t even matter. I knew my uncle and aunt never minded nudity in our house, but now they didn’t seem to be bothered by their sons seeing me naked, either. Only much later when the house became colder did I put anything on. This was quite a change from earlier behavior - when I said very STRICTLY religious, I had meant it!
I was as surprised as anyone else. I don’t believe their conviction in Christianity has lessened, I just believe they accepted the fact that their children were exposed to nudity and it didn’t seem harmful.
Pushing the (Imaginary) Envelope
Your comment that you wish you had a daughter so you could have raised her to be like me was sweet, Matthew. Thank you. I'm sure if my parents believed in naturism like you, I'd hardly be wearing clothes at all! I plan to "test the waters" around my house and stay undressed. Maybe no one will even notice? Your stories of nude house painting inspire me!
I haven’t told my family about correspondences with you or what I’ve learned about naturism. It’s not out of shame; it’s just that they never seemed that interested. But e-mailing you and the experience with my relatives is making me more comfortable spending time indoors in the nude. Earlier, I would only occasionally do so at night or going for my shower, but now I find myself getting home and wanting to take off my clothes! I guess the point of this is that I am surprising myself with my interest more than I thought!
Inspired by your stories and our email conversations, I went home and decided to try staying in the nude while I was there. This wasn’t a very bold move, as there’s a fair amount of nudity in my parents’ home anyway, but it was unusual for me (or anyone else) to be nude throughout the day. I had a great time from watching TV to helping with chores, and the absence of clothes only seemed to make things more enjoyable! I asked my mom what she thought about it and she gave me a puzzled look and said, "I think it’s a great idea! Now you don’t have to bring clothes home for the weekend!"
An Australian Vacation
SO sorry for not replying or being in contact. LONG story short, I am currently in Sydney, Australia, on a vacation! How are you doing in Michigan? Must be awfully cold! I won't make you too jealous, but let me just say that summer in Sydney is MAGNIFICENT!
Matthew, I cannot begin to tell you how different the attitudes towards nudity are here. It's simply amazing. Toplessness is accepted at the beaches here, though full nudity is rare. Still, especially on less family-oriented beaches, it's sometimes okay for people to sunbathe nude (I know, as I've done it a few times!). But walking around topless is rare - you just don’t see it.
When I first arrived, I was uncertain what was legal or not, but even on busy public beaches I saw the occasional surfer showering nude in plain view of everyone. So usually after a swim at the beach, if I strip down completely for a shower, I do get a few stares, but no trouble at all! How shocking in public, wouldn't you think? Imagine a typical, crowded beach in America, and imagine this!
I have found a few legal nude beaches here, but they were disappointing. Chock full of males, mostly older; I did not feel 100% comfortable. But in remote areas, you will see people wearing what they want - naked, partially, or not. I have stayed with numerous friends (and extended family) and here you can see the real difference between Aussie and American culture in their acceptance of nudity. Within these households, nudity is perfectly fine. Many do not go naked at all, but if I or someone else does, not a word is mentioned (not what I found in the U.S.). Most people sleep naked (as it is very warm and no A/C) and in the morning before showering, some people don’t bother putting anything on. And in the few places I have stayed with a private swimming pool, most chose to stay fully dressed but could not care less if I did or not. Even as the only nude swimmer, I have had no troubles with families with children! How wonderful and open!
Needless to say, I am getting a superb tan, with few tan lines and overall I love life here.
I just spent the entire day at an unofficial nude beach called Little Conwang in La Perouse (southern Sydney). It is unofficial, but located near a residential area, yet the locals do what they want. I had quite an adventure there.
Though predominantly male, this beach does have a fair bit of singles (women) and families (with kids). The wonderful part is that it is truly clothing optional: many people wear their swimmers while others do not. I spent most of the day climbing over rocks and checking out the views. From the time I arrived to when I left many hours later, I never had one stitch on all day and remained outdoors. It felt truly wonderful - the wind, the water, the sand and sun! I REALLY wish I could do this all the time.
I didn’t fear leaving my wallet behind at the beach; this place seems very safe. Around the rocks, there are many kids who fish throughout the day. At first I wondered what their reaction would be to me, but they just smiled and said "G'day" -- they are used to seeing many of the male walkers nearby! I continued climbing through the rocks for quite a while trying to get to a high point.
I saw a kid (about 10-12 years old?) fishing with his friends and I said, "Caught anything today?" to which he introduced himself and began a conversation. I got around to telling him I had never fished, and he immediately picked up a rod that appeared to have a bite and handed it to me! It was slippery and as I had no shoes on, I slipped and fell a few feet on some sharp rocks. I cut myself (bleeding!) on my leg, foot, and upper torso and was hurt quite badly. The young boy was shocked and asked if I was all right. Clotheless, hurt, and somewhat lost -- now comes the shocking part -- this boy, gave me a hand up and spoke to me maturely. He told me his family’s house was right up the hill where I could get some medication if I needed it. I felt very silly, but accepted. He also told me that off the beach (where we were) was NOT a clothing-optional area. I apologized profusely and felt very embarrassed and offered to go get my clothes, but the boy quickly said, "No worries, I don’t mind at all," and proceeded to take me up to the house.
At his house, the boy's family all came out to greet me. I felt very silly standing naked and hurt before them, but never did they mention anything, nor was I really offered a towel! It was just like my nudity was nothing out of the ordinary! I was given some antiseptic and bandages. The father and mother simply sat and chatted.
After giving me a glass of water and fixing me up, the boy, his brother (about the same age), and his sister (older) walked me down to the beach. I invited them to stay for a while (they stayed fully dressed the whole time, however) and we played a bit in the sand and water. The parents never even bothered to check on them!
I cannot believe the hospitality of these people. I was offered fruits and juice at their house. I was taken care of very well. All of this on top of the fact that I was naked in an area I should not have been -but they just didn’t care! If ANYTHING like this would have taken place in the States, God knows what may have happened!
So that was my first and last attempt at fishing! I have the scars to prove it!
When I related this story to my friend, I kept thinking of the events from the little boy's point of view. First, a naked lady comes climbing around the rocks and says “hi”. He then offers her a fishing pole, and like an idiot, she falls and hurts herself. Without blinking an eye, he helps her out, takes her to his house and patches her up. Then, he walks her to the beach and hangs out with her. If I hadn’t been naked the whole time, I would not be as shocked. But I was - hence my surprise.
Your stories of people's acceptance with your choice to paint in the nude are wonderful. I've usually participated in nude activities around other naked people (friends, family, etc) or by myself. I was not used to the fact of being naked in the presence of clothed company until my trip Down Under.
But during my last week there, I visited a farming town about four hours northwest of Sydney called Quirindi where my friend Amy (she's 22) lived with her family (mom, dad, two brothers aged about 18 and 14). It's literally in the middle of nowhere; their nearest neighbors are about three miles off!
Things were VERY hot in Quirindi. Amy's family lives on a nice farm where they grow wheat and have some cattle and livestock. Amy did not know of my naturist tendencies, but I wanted to take advantage of the open community on the farm, and luckily I was able to.
Behind their house is a large water tank that is used for fresh water for their cattle. On my first day there, after a tour of the farm, I was invited to swim in the elevated tank with her and her two brothers. As this town was in the middle of nowhere (NOWHERE near the ocean), I had neglected to bring a swimsuit. Amy volunteered some shorts, but I just joked I'd jump in with nothing on. She said she didn't mind as long as I didn't mind. That's how I was able to "break in" my nudity with her family. Her two brothers (who wore big, baggy shorts while Amy wore a skimpy bikini!) never batted an eye-lid. From that point on, I just spent time swimming naked. Neither Amy, nor her brothers ever joined me in taking off everything, but as we were in the water, it didn’t make much of a difference anyway.
After a couple days there, I was swimming in the tank when Amy came out of the house and told me there was a phone call from America. Amy's parents had several guests over, so I climbed out of the tank and fumbled while trying to get a towel around me. Amy cried out: "Oh, don't worry about the towel. Just come get the phone!" So dripping wet, I walked past Amy's guests on the porch and went inside to get the phone call with nothing on. No one said anything nor reacted aversely or reacted at all. After my conversation, I showered, got dressed and joined our company for dinner. Not a word was said of events earlier!
After all this had taken place, I really knew Amy's family was open to nudity but did not participate themselves. We spent our days out from dusk till dawn, either playing around or picking weeds out of the wheat out in the heat. The boys wore shorts and Amy usually wore a bikini top and shorts, while I did the same.
However, one morning I woke up rather late and found no one home. I realized they were all out on the farm and had left me behind. I sleep naked, so as I got out of bed and walked around the house, I neglected to dress as no one was home. I suddenly heard my name called from outside and saw Amy's mom telling me to hurry up as she would drive me down to the fields, otherwise I would have to walk (quite a distance without a four-wheeler or a car-ride). I felt slightly embarrassed to be caught off-guard, but I told her I'd be ready in five minutes. She insisted I come immediately, and I asked her what I should bring? She looked at me and said: "You're fine the way you are! Grab a hat and a bottle of water and let's go!"
I couldn’t believe my ears, but I didn’t hesitate in listening to her and ran out the door with nothing on! Amy's mom smiled, but said nothing. By the time I got down to the fields, Amy and her brothers began laughing as I stepped outside and they summed up: "We knew you'd come out here naked eventually!" I asked if they minded, and although they laughed about it, all of them said it was fine: I could do whatever I pleased. I asked them how they knew I would be naked and they told me they could see my tan lines were really minimal, so obviously I had spent time nude in the sun (at the beaches in Sydney!)
And that is how I got to spend most of my time in Quirindi without needing clothes. I didn’t stay naked in the house in the evenings, as the temps dropped, but during the day I never needed anything but my hat, sunglasses and some shoes! Whether picking fresh vegetables in the garden, pruning flowers in the yard, hanging laundry on the lines or sharing a beer on the porch, I chose to remain naked as much as possible. In such heat, it made SO MUCH more sense.
Matthew, you must understand this is really my first time being naked around people who are not. But I must tell you, I really never noticed the difference. I could have been dressed or not dressed from their point of view. The only difference was how much more comfortable I was with no clothes on. I never really paused and thought, "I am naked, they are not!" It was such a WONDERFUL experience. I have really come to understand more about myself, and my comfort levels with nudity.
Basically, I could care less if others are nude or are not, as long as they are comfortable with my nudity! Again, I am rambling on and on and on. However, reading your story regarding painting and meeting strangers who didn’t mind reminded me of my time in Quirindi. Sharing stories is very enjoyable. Any anyway, I thought you may enjoy hearing about the experience. I have much more to say about Australia, but alas, I've spent too long writing this email already! Hope I didn’t bore you!
At Work
Finally, my addendum: my job in the financial office at a pool where I work:
Well, it started off that I just used to go swimming very early in the morning before the facility opened up. Then, after my swim one morning, I was taking a shower and realized I had not turned the security alarm off. I grabbed a towel and went to do it when the thought occurred that I was completely alone in the facility: I could probably "get away" with being naked. Well, one thing lead to another, and a few mornings later I just decided to swim without my suit on. It was simply terrific! So that was fine for a few weeks until I pop my head out of the pool one morning and notice one of my co-workers and a supervisor coming in. I didn't have time to get dressed, so I decided to be a little pro-active and climbed out to explain myself. My supervisor, Jeff, seemed unfazed by it and was quite normal greeting me with a smile. But Lucy, my co-worker, was quite shocked. Anyway, I told them how I came swimming in the mornings before the pool opened and nudity was never even mentioned. Jeff said it was fine and that was that. So yes, my superiors do indeed know what is happening, and no, they do not seem to mind!
Now this leads to what happened next. So I spoke to Lucy over the next few days and she expressed interest in swimming early before work. I was surprised, because she did not seem very comfortable with me being naked that morning. Anyway, I invited her to come swim (no mention of clothes or no clothes) and she happily accepted. Next morning, I'm swimming laps and in comes Lucy and joins me - in her suit. That's just how it went. Lucy did not seem any different from how I normally knew her, so I was relieved. I did happen to notice in the shower room that Lucy never got undressed in front of me (she showered with her suit on!). I'm not sure what to make of that, but an interesting point none-the-less. This same situation (me swimming naked, Lucy not) has now been going on for the past few weeks. Some mornings we both stop swimming, hop out of the pool and chat. My nudity does not seem to make any difference, but she has never taken off her suit in my presence.
To answer the question, Would the bosses defend your swimming nude before the official opening of the facility even if other staff complained? That I do not know. I do know that no one has really spoken of the situation. Everyone knows Lucy and I swim early in the morning. I don't think they have talked about the fact that I go naked. Jeff has come by once or twice early to take care of business and doesn't even notice we're there. Last time he asked for one of our hands to help him put a sign up. I was far nearer than Lucy, hopped out of the pool and gave Jeff a hand. He never mentioned the fact that I was naked! So I think it's all okay.
Well, that's all!
Love,
Lisa
Part Two
Matthew's Story