If You See Something Say Something

Violence and Social Issues In America Today 

Each year brings change. People evolve, society evolves, and crime rates are affected. At times the crimes decrease, but sometimes the opposite occurs. The following article is a look at some of the most worrisome crimes in the United States and reveals the statistical changes that have occurred within each crime.

Sexual assault

Sexual assaults are sexually verbal and physical attacks that do not include rape. Similar to rape, sexual assaults have seen a decline of 64% from 1995 to 2005. There was a significant increase in 2003. At that time, the rate of sexual assaults was 56%, when in 1995, the numbers were 29%. In 2010 the percentage of sexual assaults reported dropped to 35%.

The current average of sexual assault victims is over 200,000. The numbers relate to 1 victim every 2 minutes.

Teenage Rape

Studies show that teenage rape incidents have significantly dropped by nearly half since 1993, but it continues to be a very pervasive and grave issue. According to Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), a rape or an attempted rape occurs every six minutes in the United States, and the targets of these rapes or attempts are mostly teenagers.

To put these numbers into perspective, let’s look at the statistics of 2002. During that year 247,730 cases of rape were reported, and nearly half, 44%, of the victims are under 18 years of age. Close to half of all victims are teenagers!

In 2005, reports demonstrate that teenagers are 3 times more likely than any other age group to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault. Teenagers are believed to be more susceptible to falling victim to rape because of the rise in technology. Ninety percent of teens go online and use a social networking site. Nearly 80% of these teens post photos online and almost half of them have sent “sexual” type messages. The message is then shared with people other than the intended recipient. This inadvertently increases the possibility of rape.

Teenage girls continue to be four times more likely to be raped than any other demographic. 54% of the 1 in 6 rape victims in the United States are teenagers. Of the 22 million reported rape incidents, over 11 million are teenagers. The cases of rape as a whole decline, but the number of teenage victims are increasing.

Date rape

Date rape was only recognized as an actual crime in the 80′s. This category of rape occurs during a date or outing with someone who is, at least, relatively familiar. At times drugs and alcohol may be present before the crime, but this is not always the case. In the mid 1990s, it was reported that date rape occurs with 57% of current rapes. 38% percent of victims say that the rapist was a friend, relative, or acquaintance. Rape cases may be declining as a whole, but date rape accounts for more than half of those incidents.

The use of the term “date rape” became prominent in the 90’s and has been a focus since. So although rape as a whole is declining, of those rapes, more than half happen with someone the victim just met, slightly knows, or has known for some time. The numbers of date rape victims continue to rise. Since 2005, more than 70% of rapes, that were reported, were considered date rape.

Rape (over the age of 18)

Rape is a violent and demeaning crime that has existed all over the world for centuries. Over the years, rape has been recognized as a crime derived for the perpetrator’s need for power and control over the victim more than it is about the sex act itself. Regardless of the perpetrator’s reason for committing the crime, rape deprives the victim of any say over what occurs to her or his body. Usually the victims are women, but males also fall victim to this demoralizing crime.

Rape occurs once every 2 minutes in the United States. Of the nearly 208,000 victims, over 80 percent are over 30 years of age. Similar to rape among teens, the cases of rape are declining steadily over the years. In 2009 rape decreased nearly 3 percent from 2008.
The statistics were more than 6.5 percent lower than in 2005 and more than 2 percent lower than 2000. So while any amount of rape cases is upsetting, it is a good sign to see the numbers of incidents declining.

Law officials do offer some uncertainty on the accuracy of these figures and voice some concern on how difficult it is to truly understand the scope of the problem. Lack of reporting a rape coupled with false reporting cause a distortion in the numbers. A positive note is that false reporting has decreased to 2% since the assigning of female police officers to rape cases. But if we want to see the numbers truly decline, then we need every victim to report the crime!

Teenage suicide

Suicide among teens is continuously on an alarmingly steady climb. It has been determined that about 1 in 6 teenagers have thought about committing suicide at some point in their life. Of those teens, 1 in 12 actually attempts the suicide. More females than males attempt suicide, but more men than women actually commit suicide. Many girls may attempt suicide in an effort to ask for help. Boys attempt suicide with the intent to end their lives.

Suicide among teens in America increased by 8% in 2004; this is the largest increase in decades. A decline was witnessed before 2003 when the rate of suicide was 6.78 suicides per 100,000 adolescents in comparison to 1990 figures of 9.48 per 100,000.

Suddenly there was a shift and the numbers began climbing again. In 2003 there were 4,232 suicides, and in 2004 the number jumped to 4,599. Teen suicide increased from 6.3% in 2009 to 7.8% in 2011. Current statistics show that nearly 10 in 100,000 teenagers attempt suicide, and each day there are 11 teenage suicide victims. 11 dead teenagers every single day!

Teenage Eating Disorders

It was recorded in 1991 that 40% of those diagnosed with eating disorders of bulimia nervosa and / or anorexia nervosa were teenagers. More than 5 million teenage girls and 500,000 teenage boys suffered with at least one of the eating disorders. Those numbers have been climbing ever since.

In 2004, the numbers were a staggering! There were 12 million teenagers suffering from eating disorders!!! The numbers more than doubled in a little over a decade. Current studies show that 25,000 per every million teenagers suffer from at least one eating disorder.

Bullying (in school)

Bullying among children in school appears to be on the rise, probably due to the various ways children can communicate in today’s tech savvy world. With cell phones, computers, and other means of reaching an outlet to say cruel and hurtful remarks, students are able to say things that they may not say in a face-to-face situation. 

Even while in class, students are taking pictures, posting comments on social media and sending texts with their cell phones. Bullying occurs within the school or on school grounds 79% of the time. Bullying does not need to be done through actual physical interaction, regardless of location.

Current studies indicate that 20.8 percent of students admit to participating in some form of bullying while at school. This translates into 1 in 7 students either being the bully or being the victim of bullying. Perhaps shocking to many is the fact that bullying has decreased to 41 % in 2008 from 52 % in 2001. Statistics show that bullying is steadily decreasing, but the increasing severity of the bullying is still an issue.

School Shootings

It seems like school shootings are all too familiar news stories in today’s world, yet reports show that school shootings are not on the rise. This fact may seem surprising since the media may tend to indicate otherwise. The first shooting in a school was recorded in 1966. Since then there have been 90 school shootings with a total of 231 deaths.

There was a sudden increase in school shootings during the 1990′s and early 2000′s and then they quickly dropped again. These incidents are always shocking, devastating, and difficult to process, but they are considered atypical and rare. 33 deaths were reported as a result of school shootings in the 2009 – 2010 school year. This is a dramatic change from the 63 deaths recorded in 2006 – 2007. Taking into consideration that there are over 50 million children in school in the United States, these statistics relate to a 1 in 2 million probability.

1995 experienced a significant drop from the year before, and it was also the lowest incidents of school shootings since 1985. While the incidents may spike up suddenly, studies demonstrate that the numbers do drop significantly (and quite quickly). As we have seen with the dramatic change between 2003 and the current number of report incidents.

School Violence

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were 53 violent crimes in 1993. Forty-two of these crimes ended in death.

In 2000, more than 80% of schools reported school violence in their school. The crimes were recorded as 40 crimes per every 1,000 students. Many of these crimes were so violent that they were criminal and needed police involvement. Approximately 15 crimes per 1,000 students were involved in a violent act requiring the police to be contacted. In 2010 those numbers were very different. The number of violent crimes dropped to 2 per 1,000 students.

Guns at School

In the 1990s it was reported that 25% of students carried a gun to school at some point during the school year. The numbers have been on a decline since then. In 1995, the numbers dropped to 20% of students, and since then the numbers have remained quite steady. In 2001, findings show it was discovered that 17% of students brought guns to school.

Since the all time low in 2001, the statistics have remained steady, with little fluctuation. In 2011, there was a reporting that 15% of students had carried a gun to school.

* While these students do not always use the guns, the weapons are a danger and should not be in the hands of young children while in a school setting.

Teenage Drug Use (not marijuana)

Teenagers were recently surveyed on personal drug use, and many easily and willingly admitted to using some form of a drug. More than seventy percent used alcohol, 10 percent used some form of stimulants or uppers, more than 9 percent used opiates, more than 7 percent used tranquilizers, 6.5 used sedatives, more than 6 percent used hallucinogens, cocaine use was more than 5 percent, inhalants use was more than 5 percent, steroid use was at 2.5 percent, and heroin use was nearly 1 percent.

The drug use among teens was on a steady decline between the mid 90′s until mid year in 2000, but now is steadily increasing. In the 90s, drug use among teens was over 75%. The number of teenagers using drugs began declining by about 3% per year.

In 1995, “only” 65% teenagers reported using any drugs. The numbers were still high, but significantly declining. The numbers remained similar over the next few years until they reached a low in 2000 of 60%. While there was still room for improvement, it appears that the statistics were going on the rise again. With current studies showing that 70% of students admit to using some form of drugs at some point in their lives the fact is simple… teenagers are in fact using more drugs these days.

Drunk Driving

In 1982 there were a total of 26,173 alcohol related fatalities. In 1991, the numbers of underage drunk driving fatalities were 3.8 per 100,000 people. This was the highest number of fatalities resulted from underage drunk driving in the past two decades.

The number of fatalities has decreased, and this shows that teenagers are not getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking alcohol. Between 1995 and 2007, the number remained under 3 fatalities per 100,000 people. In 2010, we witnessed the lowest number of fatalities with a recorded 1.3 per 100.00.

The numbers have significantly reduced to 9,878 in 2011 and lets hope the number of fatalities continues to decline.

Gang Related Violence

Over 40 percent of United States cities with a population of more than 20,000 people have been witness to an increase in gang violence over the past few years. Although there was an approximate 8 percent drop in gang related violence between 1999 and 2000, the numbers are continuing to grow.

In 1999, there were 27,000 gangs in the United States. The number of gangs and gang-related violence was decreasing every year until it reached its lowest in 2003, with “only” 20,000 gangs. The very next year there was a spike in the number of gangs and their violent actions.

Gang members were recorded as accounting for 6% of crimes from the end of the 1990s to the early 2000s. The numbers translate to over 350,000 of the over 6 million crimes reported. The number of gang related crimes has dropped over the last decade. 1994 demonstrated an all-time high of 5.2 per every 1,000 persons or 1.1 million. In 2003, the numbers were 1.4 victims per 1,000 persons or 341,000 victims.

*Although victims reported crime as being gang-related, over 50% of the time this was not the case after investigation.

If you see something, say something!

The most troubling of all these stats is the fact that people are filing less complaints. The police can only act when a crime is reported and charges are filed. If you are a victim of a crime (sexual or otherwise), you MUST speak up. You should not be ashamed – you are the victim. 

No one will think less of you! If on the off chance that someone says or acts in a non supportive way you should cut them out of your life. People like that — HATERS — are not worthy of your time! You are so worth more than that!

Here are phone numbers that you can call – You Are Not Alone! And you don’t have to give your name:

1-800-SUICIDE – National Suicide Hotline

1-800-656-HOPE (4673) - Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network

1-800-621-4000 – National Runaway Safeline

1-866-331-9474 - loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

1-800-230-PLAN (7526) - Planned Parenthood

1-800-799-SAFE (7233) - National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-422-4453 – National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-931-2237 - National Association For Eating Disorders

1-800-662-HELP - National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism

1-866-SPEAK-UP (773-2587) – School Violence - SPEAK UP

1-800-843-5678 - Cyber Bullying Tipline

1-800-273-TALK (8255) - National Mental Health Association Hotline

1-800-246-PRIDE (7743) - GLBT National Youth Talkline

Young Naturists America YNA

References:

Www.cdc.gov
Www.crimeinamerica.net
Www.fbi.gov
Www.nationalgangcenter.gov
Www.Rainn.org
Www.rapecrisisonline.com

The post From Rape To Teenage Suicide – The State Of America appeared first on Young Naturists America.

Bodies and Souls: The Century Project by Frank Cordelle - Age and other factors that change the body can feel like a blessing to some people, but, more often than not, for many it feels like a curse. Puberty is a frightening prospect along with physical blemishes, and the thought of reaching old age. Though such fears affect both genders, girls and women seem to be the prime recipients of these anxieties. It takes a special person to help alleviate the potential insecurities that females feel.

Enter photographer Frank Cordelle, who has received praise and recognition for his daring photos of females of all ages. What has really given his work attention is not that it’s women of all ages, from birth to old age, but that they are taken in the nude. But these aren’t super models. These are women with blemishes and disabilities, from the very young to the very old and wrinkled. Some are fat and some are thin. And a substantial body of his work has been comprised in a book entitled Bodies and Souls: The Century Project.

© 2006 by Frank Cordelle Mary-Age 94

Bodies and Souls is a most stunning piece of work, filled with women from all walks of life.

The book starts out, just as it states, with a birth. We then move on to children, to teens, to young adults, to middle age, concluded by a ninety-four year old lady. While some women would fit into society’s definition of attractive, there are a lot who wouldn’t. Some are missing breasts, some have scars, some are obese and aside from the physical features, some have emotional baggage in which they are weeping in the photos (This process, it turns out, helps them heal). Many of these young girls and women have also written their testimonies in the book, stating how such a project has been beneficial and helpful to their emotional well-being. Some of the stories are funny and lighthearted, others heartbreaking, but all of them express a profound sense of gratitude to Cordelle for letting them be a part of this project.

Many people have been taken aback and surprised to see such candid photos of real women. Some have a hard time handling it. How often is it that society is asked to accept the body of an obese woman, naked no less, or of a nude woman in a wheelchair?

Stripping away the clothing actually does help the viewer to see and accept them as real people.

Therefore, the nudity in this book, far from being degrading or a cheap gimmick, helps the viewer to see women and girls as they really are, as living breathing beings, worthy of respect and admiration. I’ve often been disgusted with the way women are treated in society. Derogatory comments, pornography, and other unhealthy ways we treat women are not good for their self-esteem, nor is it good for society. It’s imperative to remember that they are our mothers, daughters, sisters and wives. Bodies and Souls does much to help sweep away unhealthy views that men have of women and that women have of their bodies. By stripping these women with blemishes, naked and bare, the photographer has been able to help us identify with them more, as well as the models identifying with them.

Naturists, who are often advocates in the philosophy of “everybody is beautiful,” will find much to appreciate about this fine work of art as it reinforced their already aforementioned convictions. Every naturist should have a copy of this book in his or her personal library. Cordelle has given the world a wonderful gift with this book full of hope and understanding. I can only hope that more people will peruse its pages, reading the beautiful messages of hope from females of all ages and all walks of life.

Read their stories on The Century Project!

Bodies and Souls

Young Naturists And Nudists America YNA

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As I was listening to an online broadcast from a European radio station today, I heard a report about a new picture-sharing app called Snapchat. This app allows users to send messages (including pictures) which self-delete within a time period specified by the sender – usually a few seconds.

Snapchat was initially considered to be something of a solution to the issue of “sexting,” where young people take nude photos of themselves to send to someone, only to have the photos inadvertently forwarded to others. Since the messages on Snapchat can’t be saved or forwarded, the logic goes, discretion is preserved.

Unfortunately, Snapchat really offers no such solution. The Achilles Heel of the service is that nothing prevents the recipient from photographing their communication device’s screen with another camera in another device before the message self-deletes.

My intention here, however, is not to write a review of Snapchat. But the way that some young people are using their camera-enabled phones and other devices in conjunction with services like Snapchat illustrates a particularly difficult challenge for the naturist movement – how to educate teenagers about naturism.

When discussing nudism and naturism, we don’t talk about (or to) teenagers very much. We talk a lot about how many naturists are of an older generation, and there is an urgent need to get younger people involved. We talk about very young children, and are generally in agreement that naturism is not harmful to them in any way. But we don’t talk about teenagers – specifically those who are 13 to 17 years of age.

A documentary like My Daughter the Teenage Nudist is about as close as we’ve gotten. While the film is good and generally portrays naturism in a positive light for young people, it is important to note that the people in the film – not the least of which is the teenage daughter mentioned in the title – are 18 years or older, which makes them legally adults almost everywhere in the world.

“Legally” is the key word here, because I believe it’s the key to understanding why we don’t specifically address naturism for teenagers. Since nudity is so widely equated with sex, we know we can start getting into a problem area once we begin to mix the two below the age of 18. But in today’s society people jump to the conclusion that that if an individual is nude anywhere near a person below a certain age who is not their child, then that individual is guilty of engaging in sexual acts with a minor until proven innocent.

So does this mean that we shouldn’t talk about teenagers and naturism? Or that we shouldn’t talk TO them about it? I hope not. We know what the alternative is. The misunderstanding and outright persecution of nudity, often tied in with slut-shaming, among teenagers has led to bullying and suicide. There was the recent case of Amanda Todd who was exploited, blackmailed and shunned by her peers for showing her breasts on a webcam. We need to figure out a way to address this age group regarding the healthy expression of naturism.

To begin this discussion, I think it is important to understand two things (which most naturists are likely to agree with). The first is that young people are capable of understanding that nudity can be non-sexual. The second is that we should take issue with the term “sexting” – at least in part. Taking a nude photo of oneself and sending it to someone else does not have to be sexual in nature.

I recall very clearly that I understood the difference between sexual and nonsexual nudity by the time I was in my early teens, and that was before the internet. Many other naturists have said the same. I also know that if I’d had access to a modern-day smartphone or digital camera, I probably would have taken photos of myself nude. Would I have sent them to anyone? The 30-something me says no, but remembering the 14-year-old me…well, who knows?

And now we have this great digital research and communication tool called the internet, which spans the world and seems to contain quite literally everything anyone would want to know about any possible subject. If only the internet had existed when I was 13 – my mind reels at the possibility of having been able to figure out what naturism is and connect with other naturists much earlier than I did.

The problem today, however, is that the phrase “nude teenager” is internet-speak for “child pornography.” Typing the phrases “nudism questions for teenagers” or “naturism for teenagers” – or any other phrase containing variants of the words “nude” and “teenager” – into Google will return plenty of search results, but nothing close to what we would consider good information about naturism.

Access to electronic communication devices with built-in cameras and photo services such as Snapchat, therefore, provide teenagers with what for many of them is likely their only outlet to engage in nude behavior.

Assuming they did not grow up in a nudist family (which applies to most teenagers), any given teenager probably lacks the ability to go where most naturists congregate – private resorts and legal nude beaches. For one thing, most private naturist resorts will not admit unaccompanied minors for various reasons. Also, most teenagers under the age of 16 can’t drive. And those teenagers who can drive may not have a great deal of time to get to and spend time at a nude beach – that is, if there is even one located nearby.

If they can somehow get to a publicly-accessible nude area, they may not (and probably should not) go alone. This brings up the idea of trying to talk about naturism with friends in order to find a partner to go with. Most teens probably find this idea frightening as well, and given the stigma of being a naturist, they likely don’t know of a relative or friend who could accompany them either. 

Combine this with myriad state-by-state laws regarding public nudity, and it’s no surprise that teenagers stick to something simple like photographing themselves with their phones.

So what are we naturists to do? It’s a shame that we are not addressing this age group. They are going through a critical period in their physical and emotional development, in which they are forming a lot of opinions about their bodies – many of which will last for decades to come. We know that some of these teenagers will eventually become practicing nudists and naturists. They are the future of the movement, but right now they are being told that nudity is bad. And the spreading of nude photos via “sexting” is not helping the issue.

It seems to me that there is a huge information vacuum that needs to be filled. If there are good naturism resources specifically for teenagers out there somewhere, I haven’t been able to find them. One action item I would propose is assembling a free downloadable guide to naturism specifically for teens, giving some outlines as to what they can and can’t do (or shouldn’t do). It could also provide links to good blogs and web sites that positively portray naturism, which would help teens avoid the dense internet forest consisting of porn sites that masquerade as naturism / nudism sites. 

I don’t really have any answers beyond that. The main purpose of this blog posting is to get the discussion started.  

What do you think?  What, if anything, can we do to educate teenagers about naturism?

Young Naturists & Nudists America

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First Nude Scene in Filim History

Nudity in the Movies - The first motion picture ever made in 1878 was Eadweard Muybridge’s infamous galloping horse. Ever since then, rumors are that the second film Muybridge made was of a nude woman and a Shetland pony. What is known is that he did film completely naked men and women walking down staircases and turning in a circle from 1884 – 1887.

Nude Actresses

Frontal nude actresses were considered acceptable in cinema as early as “Inspiration” (1915.) The nudity passed censors because all of the nude women that were posing for artists. But if that nude woman began engaging in sexual acts, then the film was banned or became “men-only” films where mostly clad men had their way with almost completely naked young women.

Naked women, especially filmed from the navel up, are expected in films these days. In 2009, British celebrity actress Kate Winslet won the Oscar for Best Actress in “The Reader” (2008), a film where she spends considerable portion of time completely naked. For the most part, all nude women shown in movies were young and beautiful. If a certain part was not considered attractive enough, it could be played by a body double. Arguably, the most famous is Shelley Michelle, who doubled for Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman” (1990.)

Nude Actors

Small children under the age of six, male or female, were allowed to be in mainstream movies as early as “Tarzan of the Apes” movies serial of 1918. Even during the ultra-conservative Reagan years in America, the hit film “Superman” (1979) featured a brief scene of a young boy in full frontal nudity. Nude children were acceptable, even males, because of their perceived innocence.

But full frontal nudity for adult male actors still makes even the most liberal moviegoer uncomfortable. If the man was not facing the camera, then that is easier to slip by the censors than if the actor were facing the camera in all his naked glory. The first time a movie was not condemned for full frontal male nudity was “The Crying Game” (1992) where a brief nude scene was central to the plot. But under no circumstances is an aroused naked man allowed to be filmed in mainstream media. This is still taboo and probably will be for many years to come.

There seems to be something about a penis that makes people uncomfortable. I am not too sure why this is the case, perhaps people could comment and share their thoughts. 

Why is society so accepting of female nudity but not of male nudity? 

Young Nudists America

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Portuguese translation by (Traduzido Por): Rafael Saraiva 

[Click here to see the original article, "Nudism," in English or click here to read it in Spanish.]

O que é o nudismo

Nudismo é a filosofia pela qual pessoas acreditam nos benefícios de estarem e viverem nuas. Na realidade, é a crença ou prática de estar sem roupas em local privado e/ou público. Frequentemente ele reflete uma escolha de estilo de vida familiar e/ou pessoal e pode também ser chamada de “naturismo“. O que é interessante sobre nudismo é o fato de ser facilmente aceito em muitas culturas, especificamente aquelas da linhagem europeia, como Alemanha, França e Polônia. Ao longo do último século, o nudismo nos Estados Unidos se tornou, aos poucos, mais aceito. Por exemplo, em 1995, foi criada a American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), que inclui aproximadamente 100 resorts e 150 clubes para que os nudistas desfrutem.

Por que o nudismo?

Enquanto algumas pessoas aderem ao nudismo devido ao naturismo (crenças que abrangem a natureza, o meio ambiente, alimentação saudável, atividade física e yoga, pra citar algumas), outras praticam esse estilo de vida baseado em fatores pessoais, familiares ou sociais. O que atrai a maioria dos indivíduos ao nudismo hoje em dia é o sentimento de liberdade e bem-estar propiciado pelo libertar das roupas. Além disso, com o número crescente de pessoas praticando o nudismo, há uma série de opções direcionadas aos novatos e aos já iniciados, incluindo praias, resorts, colônias de férias e eventos ciclísticos. Aliás, atualmente, existe um dia mundial da jardinagem nua (World Naked Gardening Day), que acontece todo ano no mês de Maio, assim como a Bicicletada Pelada (World Naked Bike Ride) e as festas de Ano Novo nu (Nude Years Eve Parties) que também acontecem anualmente.

Ao aderir ao nudismo, uma pessoa ou grupo provavelmente experimentará tanto reações positivas quanto negativas vindas de diferentes comunidades. Praticar o nudismo na privacidade de seu lar, ou em piscinas, lagos e terrenos privativos gerará menos críticas e especulações de estranhos. Já praticar o nudismo em locais públicos, como praias e parques, pode gerar mais críticas vindas daqueles mais conservadores. Obviamente, cada um deve ponderar sobre esses fatores antes de decidir quando, onde e como aderir a esse estilo de vida.

Em um mundo perfeito, as pessoas viveriam em um mundo livre de preconceitos, julgamentos, pressões sociais, restrições e inseguranças pessoais. Se esse fosse o caso, todos poderiam praticar o nudismo livremente em suas casas e comunidades. Mas como não é, as pessoas que procuram aderir ao nudismo devem aproveitar suas propriedades ou locais específicos que aceitem a nudez para poderem curtir a prática. Esses destinos podem incluir praias nudistas oficiais, clubes, eventos, hotéis e países europeus onde a prática do nudismo está se tornando regra ao invés da exceção.

Quem pratica o nudismo

Nudistas são pessoas que se despem de suas inibições e tornam-se um só com a natureza. Parte dessa experiência inclui fazer atividades nu. O comportamento naturista tradicionalmente nada tem a ver com sexo. Entretanto, sempre há um pequeno grupo que escolhe incorporar o sexo à experiência. Muitas famílias gostam de estarem e interagirem nuas em um ambiente de nudez. Existem vários resorts que propiciam esse tipo de experiência libertadora. Adicionalmente, também há resorts que focam em casais e adultos que decidem interagir sem roupa para renovar a sensualidade em seus relacionamentos. Cada uma dessas experiências será explorada nesse Blog Nudista. Entretanto, é importante entender a origem dos nudistas e naturistas.

Pessoas de diferentes origens podem ser encontradas em praias e resorts nudistas. Elas também são de todas as formas e tamanhos. Enquanto muitos esperam que esses lugares sejam repletos de pessoas saudáveis, divertidas e que parecem modelos, essa certamente não é a realidade. Indivíduos de todos os tipos que se sentem confortáveis em sua própria pele serão encontrados nesses resorts e tomando Sol em praias. Viver o estilo de vida naturista é ter autoconfiança com seu próprio corpo e ser honesto consigo mesmo. Também é uma lição de que nem todo mundo é perfeito. Pessoas que aceitam outro semelhante enquanto estão nuas podem também aceitá-lo como um ser completo. Entretanto, a maioria se sentirá tão consciente de si próprio acerca de sua experiência sem roupas que se irá se empenhar em atingir a perfeição do corpo para se sentirem mais confiantes. Mas esse não é o objetivo no estilo de vida naturista.

O Blog Nudista da YNA:

Esse blog nudista é feito para construir uma consciência sobre a nudez e a prática da nudez pública. Muitos acreditam que, quanto mais pessoas forem expostas à nudez, mais lugar comum ela será. Pessoas ficarão menos excitadas e mais controladas em um ambiente com nudez. Alguns até se arriscam a dizer que, com o tempo, a exposição à nudez levará a menos crimes sexuais, como aconteceu na Europa. Homens e mulheres, que ficam receosos com a potencial excitação que possa acontecer, podem considerar tal experiência como um condicionamento que os permitirá tornarem-se acostumados a aceitar a nudez.

Nudismo é um modo de vida que é seguido por um número cada vez maior da população mundial. Muitos resorts e praias nudistas serão abordados nesse blog. A maioria dos resorts são locais familiares e checam os antecedentes de seus hóspedes baseados na Lei de Megan. A maioria também não permite câmeras fotográficas ou de vídeo, a menos que para um material promocional. Algumas pessoas podem considerar essa experiência bíblica e relaciona-la com a de Adão e Eva antes da noção de bem e mal. Esses indivíduos simplesmente desejam retornar ao estado no qual Deus ou a natureza os fez na terra. Já outros apenas se sentem mais confortáveis sem roupas. De qualquer jeito, esses ambientes são feitos para que todos se sintam confortáveis.

O grupo Young Naturists & Young Nudists America (YNA) procura educar pessoas sobre os recursos disponíveis para seguir o estilo de vida nudista. Periodicamente, artigos serão postados no Blog Nudista para explorar esse estilo de vida e as opções de férias para nudistas. O Blog Nudista visa livrar as pessoas de seus estigmas e acabar com a ignorância associada a aqueles que se sentem confortáveis andando nus. Eles serão libertados de seus preconceitos e inibições à medida que exploram esse estilo de vida alternativo que muitos consideram absolutamente natural. Considere nosso Blog Nudista uma grande fonte de informação para sua jornada de entendimento do naturismo.

Algumas razões pela quais as pessoas praticam o nudismo:

Elas ficam mais relaxadas e em contato com sua “alma interior” quando estão nuas.
Elas se sentem “bem” quando não vestem roupas, e não tanto quando estão vestidas.
Elas se sentem menos inibidas desse jeito, à medida que as barreiras sociais caem. Um doutor, um rei e um mendigo são reduzidos a seus estados mais puros e reais quando vistos sem as vestimentas de seus ofícios e profissões.
Todos nós somos de carne e osso. Alguns nudistas dizem que estar sem roupas liberta o seu verdadeiro eu, e que as roupas o subjugam.

Young Naturists & Nudists America

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BN Youth Officer from 2008-2011 (this was originally posted on the Bare Times 1/7/2012)

Young British Naturism

Leah Thomas, our Youth Officer for British Naturism (and leader of YBN) for the past 3 years, has now resigned from her official position, to enjoy a more laid back role in the world of YBN.

So now has come the time for Leah to hang up her official flip flops, and pass the baton over to another member of the YBN team.

For the past 3 years BN has had the honor of having Leah for a ‘Youth Officer’ just as YBN has been graced with a fantastic leader and keeper of the youth.  Leah has dedicated her time helping create many more happy times, memories and events for hundreds of young naturists all around the UK.  During her role as Youth Officer Leah has guided us with her wisdom, led us with her strengths and got drunk with us all, – on many occasions…

We can’t forget all the hard work, energy and enthusiasm that have been put in by Leah for the past few years, or from Debbie & Joel before that, nor our very own YBN founder Ben Rose, all shaping and creating the youth group we call YBN today.  It would also not have been possible for those carrying that lead the group without the help and passion of many other people behind the scenes.

Young British Naturism

Being the Youth officer for British Nudism entails a substantial amount of hard work and politics, not just organizing events and making sure we are all safe and happy, but going to several BN meetings every year, answering thousands of Emails, networking with hundreds of influential and important people, dedicating nearly all of their spare time to making sure YBN is what it is today, so that we can all sit back and enjoy the benefits of having such a fantastic youth group.

Leah has dedicated these valuable years of her life to not just us the members, but to the great cause for Naturism in general and to all young people nationwide, making sure that the opportunities to-be socially nude in a safe and welcoming environment are there for all.

Young British Naturism

Taking over the official position for BN and helping to lead the way with YBN for the next 2 years is Daryl Jones, who was co-opted in by the Executive Council at the last AGM on the 16^th Oct 2011.

Hi from the new Youth Officer…
“Hello, I’m Daryl Jones the new YBN representative. As of the close of the AGM on 16^Th Oct, I have been co-opted by the BN executive council as the Youth Officer for British Naturism for the foreseeable future (or until someone else steps up to the challenge).
For those of you who don’t know or haven’t met me yet, I’m an enthusiastic member of YBN, with many ideas and good prospects for the youth group, and can’t wait to get stuck in!

About me…
I believe I will make a good candidate for the role of ‘Youth Officer’ for this elective term of 2 years, to represent BN and YBN for the following reasons:

I am a somewhat organized, fairly well spoken and can be an adequate undressed member of the BN youth community, with the self-confidence and motivation to complete even a whole pack of sugar doughnuts without licking my lips…

I have run my own business as a self employed kitchen-fitter for many years now, entailing all sorts of administrative roles, not only co-coordinating my own time and finances, but many others around me. Showing good time keeping, bookkeeping, organization and planning skills I feel I can co-ordinate my time more easily and give myself wholly to YBN…

London World Naked Bike Ride

Within the past 2 years of my time being a part of YBN, I feel I have integrated well with the group in general – beating everyone at twister and monopoly, and made a good impression at visited clubs – well, the ones that will have us back anyway. (Sorry again Telford Naturist Club).
Also being involved internationally for the past 2 years in the European Youth Committee (ENY) and not falling asleep at their AGM!
I have many ideas and practices I would like to see put in place for the future, to help our youth naturist community grow and prosper in the times to come and I have only the best intentions for the youth group, members of YBN and the BN organization itself, present, pissed and future.
Starting with an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting to rectify the damage already caused to long-standing YBN members…

Right, – now the official political stuff is out the way,
let’s talk YBN…

What actually is YBN…?  And why do we need it…?

Young British Naturists – creating an environment for young nudists alike to have a place in our organization to call their own.

It is still a real challenge for young teenagers of today to feel part of any organization without creating specific activities or events that appeal to them, normally away from their parental control & supervision.  This is a key reason why YBN was first created, as it’s the safest and most fun way to carry on enjoying naturism through and past your teenage years.

BN Mag

YBN is a group that was formed over 10 years ago for the members of BN under 30, to help bring together the age minority and to help make friends more easily with each other nationwide.  We are a social youth group of naturists, which can benefit all young adults in one way or another in their journey through life.
Being able to socialize with like-minded people of a similar age within our organization can create an environment with more trust and understanding, more so than they may have in their everyday ‘clothed’ lives.
YBN is also a halfway house and integration point for your naturist kids growing into teenagers and young adults, to help bring them sensibly and more communicative into the big and magical world of British Naturism, (Or in short, we as a group together help to teach each other how to integrate, socialize and drink responsibly with other naturists, away from their home ;-)
YBN is good for individuals on so many levels, not just for the fun on the weekends away that we have, but as well as getting members involved in sports, cooking, camping, socializing, travelling internationally and many other useful skills in life.  It’s also well known that naturism can be a huge confidence-booster and a great networking tool. And no-one leaves YBN without learning how to cremate a good BBQ!

Daryl Jones
‘New’ BN Youth Officer

Please visit their website: http://ybn.org.uk/

Young British Naturism

Young Naturists & Nudists America YNA

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(A Guest Blog)

Nude Outdoors

I have always heard of nudism and naturism but never really gave it too much thought. I have to admit that when I first saw a news report on a local nudist resort, I was the only one in my family not to say “what weird and perverted people.” But the truth is that I was I actually envious of them. They were walking around, completely naked, in what they were born with, and none of them seemed to mind what the world thought of them. They all seemed perfectly happy and none of them seemed to have any body image issues what so ever.

So I figured I would see what it felt like to go about my daily routine nude. So when I had the house to myself, I would get naked, and do everything from cleaning to homework. To my surprise, it felt great to be that way. I was surprised to discover that it did not feel sexual at all… it was a simply a feeling of just total freedom.

As the years went by, I got my own place and moved out of my family’s home. I used to go to the beach a lot, and always wondered what it would be like if I just dropped my swimming trunks and jumped on in but it was not a nude beach and I knew it was not the place to try skinny dipping. 

The changing area at the beach was without a roof. I heard a lot of people comment on how they would freak if a helicopter or a plane flew by. It was far enough from the local hotels, that no one on any of the floors could see in. I remember just undressing and wondering what would happen if I left the booth before putting on any clothing. I kept thinking about how great it would feel to be naked outdoors.

Things just moved on from there. I mentioned, one time, to a close friend about my fascination with being naked and he thought I was crazy. I think he told some of my other friends, which explains why they wouldn’t hang out at my place to drink beer, eat pizza or play x-box anymore.

Then, to make it worse, the girl I was dating at the time found out. From that point on, she kept pestering me why I was so interested in a “nudist” lifestyle. I told her my reasons, but she took it to mean I was looking to become a “swinger” and that it was a “perverted” lifestyle. Needless to say, we broke up soon after. I never once had a physical intimate relationship with her, but to this day, she probably speaks of me as nothing but a pervert. But just to play it safe, for about year and a half, I stayed quiet about the subject.

Then, at the local community college, I was taking an art class. Naturally, at some point it came time to draw a nude model. We drew two models, one male and one female. They stood there with such reserve, calmness and didn’t seem to care what others thought of them. I asked a few classmates about the models and they told me that it was a paid position, but that they were just your “everyday people.”

So I put out an ad, and asked if anyone wouldn’t mind modeling for me at home. Behold, my ad was answered. Her name was Rachel (named changed to honor privacy). I told her that I wanted to draw a nude model, in a home setting, doing everyday things, but nude. To my surprise, she said “no problem.”

The day came for the sketch, and first I thought an ice breaker session would be good. She was from Canada originally and she moved with her family to the USA a few years earlier. She even told me they had been to nudist beaches and at times spent family time in the nude. She was a great model and did some basic poses. To my surprised, to her, it all felt completely natural.

I took a photo first, and sketched her next. I offered her a robe to wear in between sketches, but she didn’t want to put it on. She even walked away to the kitchen to get a drink and went to the bathroom, all nude. I told her of my “secret” desire to have a nudist lifestyle free from judgement. She decided to challenged me to pose in the nude with her for the last photo. I took her up on her suggestion and after seeing the image, I was astonished at how natural we looked, like we didn’t even notice we weren’t wearing clothes.

I knew after that, I had to find out more. I was scoping areas for a good long time for the upcoming spring. I knew of this church I went to a long time ago with my friend and his grandmother. It was way out in the sticks and behind the church, the property ended at a ditch. From that point on there was a field, then a meadow and beyond that there was nothing but wooded areas for miles. There was only one street light on the road, and the only other light was the light from the church’s shed. I had my plan – In spring I would go past the property and try outdoor / social nudity for my very first time!

Then, as if just for me, it happened. We had a very unusual warm streak of weather for 2 weeks in January. The first night, I drove to the church and noticed that the residence near the church had their lights on, even late at night. This put me a little bit on edge because I knew they could see me pull in the parking lot. Once you past the parking lot and drive on the grass, you can’t see pass twenty feet . It is that pitch black except for the moonlight but on that first night, I couldn’t go through with it.

The next night, after work, I decided to drive past and see how I felt. At twelve thirty they only had their living room light on and I could still see movement but I decided that it was the right place. I needed some coffee, so I drove to a convince store where I had a cup of coffee and listen to the radio for a while. Then I decided I would drive back and see if these people were the type that left their lights on all night. It was now close to 2:00 am. The lights were all out so I decided that this would be it.

I went to a local Walgreen’s (15 minutes away) and purchased a small flashlight. I drove back and waited in the lot. I waited for 30 more minutes. Not one person, car, or even cat went past. It was only filled with the sound of the of the leaves of rustling in the wind. I drove my car past church on the grass and all the way to the ditch, where I knew the property ended. I waited another 10 minutes. The neighbors didn’t hear me at all. I looked around and realized I was “safe”. I went behind the car away from the road, and began my phase one of undressing. I took off my boxer shorts and T-shirt and only wore my sneakers, pants and hoodie. I decided the less clothes the better. I started walking,  jumped over the ditch and walked down till I was about 10 feet from the woods. I looked back and saw the road, but I knew, from my earlier drives past, that if anyone came down the road, they wouldn’t be able to see me. 

Nude Outdoors

I found an area where the tree branches would not get in the way and began to undress. First my shoes, then my hoodie and then I paused. Underneath my work pants I wore nothing. I took a deep breath, slid them off, folded them neatly and placed them on a nearby tree branch. I was totally nude, outside and I wasn’t scared, ashamed or anything. In fact I wanted to give a shout of triumph but decided not to press my luck. I walked away from my clothes, which had my wallet, keys and everything else I needed in the real world. I was going to use the flashlight, but the moonlight was enough.

Before I knew it I had to be at least 100 feet into the woods and a good way from my clothes. It was great. I hiked nude and for a few moments, I thought I was being followed by a small animal. But that was not the case. I felt like the “natives” who first settled the land.

Before I realized it was an hour later and I knew I had to go back. I used my light to find my things but oddly enough, I actually decided not to put them on. I wanted to feeling to last forever and was not ready to give it up!

I walked all the way to my car naked and got dressed there. I did it! I spent time nude outdoors like a real naturist.  I went back the next two nights.

If you are still deciding if to try it or not then I say go for it. The freedom and the feeling of being yourself is simply amazing! 

Young Naturists America

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Guest Blog by: African American Naturist

One of the first things that global mercantile forces did to establish textile markets among the indigenous peoples of the regions and islands of the Arctic, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, Australia, and Oceania Polynesian/Melanesian societies) and was to promote and enforce body shame upon subject populations, requiring the purchase of textile clothing. This was done through religious institutions (doctrines, crusades, jihad, and missionaries), as well as military force. Some of the objectives of textile enforcement were to establish, increase, and solidify hierarchical and social divisions among subject populations according to gender, age, wealth, ethnicity, appearance, status, and many other criteria (i.e. who wears the pants, skirts, uniforms, boots, bras, and badges) among subject populations to keep them more alienated from one another, less cooperative with each other, 
and more easily controlled.

Kate Middleton meets topfree Marau women, not long after being shamed for her own topless photos in the press. The women’s breasts were censored in many news publications.

The global marketing and enforcement of textiles was in part done (in similar manner as the marketing of credit cards and mortgages) by tying textiles to innate human desires for security, social status, beauty, comfort, and convenience. Ostensibly this was to promote “modesty.” However, modest dress simply means humble, practical, and non-ostentatious attire. Our holistic naturist ancestors did indeed have modesty and shame, though it was shame (and honor) about their behavior, their contribution to their families and their society, not about their bodies or the bodies of those around them. Our naturist (family and social nudist) ancestors were by these standards quite modest, though when viewed through the warped lens of repressive colonizing cultures, they were labeled as “primitive” and “shameless.” Overtly and covertly textile enforcement and pseudo-religious indoctrination, was used as a means of shaming, devaluing, repressing, and subjugating holistic naturist cultures. Western photographers and authors primarily chose to include only “decent” clothed images of individual, family and social life (often omitting common wholesome naturist practices) in popular historic records. The colonizing global textile industry and pseudo-religious orthodoxies also plundered local economic resources, encouraged slavery and child labor (including historic agro-textile cotton picking slaves and modern sweatshop factory workers), created conflicts and divisions within indigenous societies, and harmed the mental, physical, and spiritual health of subject peoples, as they continue to do today.

Example of a clothing advertisement portraying nudity as sexual and deviant.

Today, textile products are continually overtly and covertly marketed to almost every single human being on the planet from birth until death. This marketing is often so effective that many of us have come to believe that we could not live without our clothes. Some of us believe that our clothes define who we are, that they are an essential and necessary part of our daily lives, that they are required for us to be accepted, moral, humble, and good human beings. In the USA and around the globe mainstream media portrays human nakedness as lewd, indecent, offensive, hyper-sexualized, deviant, psychologically harmful, pornographic, shameful, ridiculous, and immoral to such an extent that many mothers are ashamed, and in some cases not permitted by law, to be seen breastfeeding their children. It is no coincidence that the USA also has much more adult and child pornography, sexual abuse and sex crime, teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, bullying, and a larger prison population than any of the more naturist supportive nations in the world today. Around the world, in our modern textile enforced societies, people are routinely ostracized, bullied, robbed, beaten, raped, and even killed because of what they wear.

Before the influence of global mercantile forces (often operating within and through religious, military, and government institutions), many of our ancestors maintained well established holistic naturist traditions in their daily individual, family, social, casual, and ceremonial interactions, including respect for each other, and respect for their environment. This was true even among Arctic peoples such as the Inuit, Sami, and Nordic tribes. What many of us may not be aware of is the role that naturism played in strengthening communal bonds, local economies, individual and cultural self-esteem, and physical health. Holistic naturism permitted our ancestors to see each other as sacred whole people, and to accept different body types as perfectly natural. Youths were able to see the entire cycle of human development from birth, through puberty, young adulthood, adulthood, elderly adulthood, and eventually death, as a normal part of life. Much of the sexual misinformation, preoccupation and confusion that surrounds westernized “modern” adolescence was absent from their lives. This allowed the development of better informed and more socially responsible young members of the community. Our ancestors accepted their bodies as they were, without diet crazes, plastic surgery, steroids, harmful beauty products, latest fashions, or bank breaking “bling.” Though, on occasion they wore textiles and jewelry for artistic self-expression, displays of wealth or status, protection, practicality, and to regulate body temperature when needed, they didn’t mask or define themselves by what they wore, and they were comfortable and respectful with themselves and with each other without any required adornment.

Surprisingly, over the last century, many European and westernized societies have begun to recognize and reclaim the benefits of naturism. Physical benefits include increased vitality and longevity, increased oxygen intake, increased vitamin D intake, better early neurological development, strengthened immune systems, greater temperature tolerance, and reduced allergies. Social benefits include reduced crime, reduced sexual perversion, reduced teen pregnancy, reduced textile expenditures, reduced textile waste generation, greater family and community harmony and cohesion, greater equality, tolerance, and sense of belonging. Personal benefits include greater self-esteem, positive body image, better connection to our true self, other people, our immediate environment, our Universe, our Reality, and our Creator. Many European and westernized societies now encourage naturism within families and socially as part of their health and recreational practices. Some of these European and westernized naturist supportive societies are also represented by well-established naturist organizations such as the International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI), and the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR).

It is no accident that some of the most successful, productive, and creative economies in the world today have well established naturist traditions and practices. It is my belief that entrenched socio-economic engineering forces within the global power structure still regard the benefits of naturism as a threat to their continued covert domination of the greater society. This is because people who are healthy, happier, psychologically whole, emotionally fulfilled and secure, more self-confident, more self-accepting, more united, more cooperative with each other, more sovereign, less hierarchical, more competent, and less competitive, are also less likely to become shopaholic consumer debt slaves, and more likely to become self-empowered producers and investors.

Sources: The health and psychological benefit information is widely documented. The social benefit information is largely from The Naked Child: Growing Up Without Shame by Dennis Craig, and Therapy, Nudity & Joy: The Therapeutic Use of Nudity Through the Ages from Ancient Ritual to Modern Psychology by Aileen Goodson, as well as my own anthropological and historical studies (read lots of Wikipedia and a few good anthropology and history books from various perspectives) and personal cultural heritage (West African of the Mande’ tribe/people) and personal experience (traveling, living in NYC and getting to know lots of different people from all over the world). Some of it is my opinion too…I’m sure not all textile firms are evil, and not all naturists are healthier, more friendly, or more thrifty than non-naturists.

Young Naturists & Nudists America

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Young Nudists

Young Nudists

Young nudists are becoming increasingly more common in the latest years. These types of nudists are commonly young adults that simply enjoy being one with their natural selves. Nudists are welcome to visit a variety of resorts and beaches that cater to this lifestyle, welcoming all who are interested in becoming a nudist and showing their bodies whether it is simply their preferred lifestyle or are doing so as a social movement to defend social nudity in both private and in public. While many nudists prefer to go without clothing whenever possible, the younger generation may not always be comfortable with being nude around certain individuals. Some nudist resorts now cater selectively towards younger individuals that prefer to be naked around those who are their own age.

About Young Nudists

While the literal definition of a nudist is one that practices going naked whenever possible, this is not always the case. Some enjoy being nude, but do not do so in a way that is harmful to others. Young nudists who are new to this lifestyle may prefer trying out this way of life by first visiting a nude beach to see if it is right for them. Young naturists that are certain that this lifestyle is the right choice can choose to visit nudist clubs and meet others their own age who believe in the same practices that they do. Some young nudists also choose to show their bare skin as a political movement in practicing and advocating social nudity, whether it be in private or in public.

Interests in Social Nudity

Many young people are interested in social nudity because it allows them to show their true selves without any hiding. In nudist resorts, judgments that others typically make seem to be stripped away and forgotten. While many young people deal with the hardships of being judged on a daily basis, whether it is for what they wear or what they look like, becoming a nudist allows them to be themselves and not be judged for what they do or look like, but for who they are. When nude, beauty becomes more obvious rather than being hidden behind clothes that do no justice for your shape or personality.

Struggles and Issues for Young Nudists

There are many issues that both young and older nudists may face on a daily basis. One of the most common is that some believe that nudity is a controversial issue and should not be taken outside of your own home. While stereotypes of nudists and the human body still exist today, there are many different locations that specifically cater to nudists and offer the ability to be nude whenever and wherever they want while on the property. Young adults are typically underrepresented in the nudist community, sometimes making it harder for younger nudists to feel accepted. This can be one of the biggest challenges that young nudists will face.

The Ideal Nudist Lifestyle

In a perfect world, others would not judge one another for preferring to show their naked bodies. Nudists young and old would be welcome among others who may prefer to wear clothing. In the coming years, we can expect to see a rise in nudity and a more accepting attitude towards this lifestyle among others.

Young Nudists – Established nude social gatherings typically include a large number of people over thirty, as well as families with children. It may seem like young nudists & individuals in the 18-30 range are missing from these venues. However, being a young nudist fits in perfectly with the beliefs and values of peoples in this age range.

Being a young nudist allows you to enjoy all that nudism has to offer. So why be a nudist? Nudism (or naturism) provides the opportunity to free yourself from clothes and accept and enjoy the body you have. The absence of bodily shame and the presence of others comfortable in their own skin allow you to enjoy outdoor activities like you never have. Free from these restrictions, it’s almost like being a kid again!

Those interested in becoming a young nudist may have never been in a naturist environment. If you have ever enjoyed skinny-dipping, that freedom is close to what it’s like to be a nudist. If you think back, swimming without the confines of a bathing suit was refreshing. Your body absorbed the sun in the absence of a clinging, uncomfortable bathing suit and you could feel the water lap against your skin. This is just a taste of what it’s like to be a young nudist. Nudism extends that freeing experience to other activities, including kayaking, sports, hiking, camping, or just walking on the beach. These activities enjoyed by young nudists are the same as those enjoyed by young people all over the country. Enjoying these fun pastimes without clothing simply enhances the experience.

Areas of the country that are most welcoming to a young nudist are also areas that young people frequently visit and enjoy. A lot of nudist groups exist in southern states, where it is warmer. This is where individuals can enjoy the feel of the sun on their skin, engage in outdoor activities, and stay warm in the absence of clothing. College students already flock south during spring break, so why not spend your time at a nudist resort?

Although exposing your body to others may seem intimidating, how many college students do this already? An entire business has been made of spring breakers “flashing” cameras. Rather than doing this on video while inebriated, why not enjoy the experience in a private and welcoming setting? Spending some time as a young nudist will let you enjoy your body, rather than sharing it with others during drunken moments. In a space where everyone else is nude, you can feel comfortable and simply enjoy your regular activities with other young nudists, rather than feeling like you are the one on display.

One factor that might influence someone interested in pursuing nudism is the fear of making permanent lifestyle changes. However, nudism does not have to be all or nothing. A typical individual that identifies as a young nudist spends his or her days attending college or working in professional areas. When they want to get back to nature and the relaxing experience of enjoying life clothes-free, they can spend a week or two at a nudist club.

There is a place for everyone in a nudist club, including young people. Engaging in everyday activities without clothes is freeing, enjoyable, and natural. While it may be something you never would have considered, once you have experience nudism, you will want to experience it again.

Young Nudists

Young Naturists & Nudists America YNA

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Nudist Community

Nudist Community - Many people have a curiosity about nudist resorts, nude beaches and the nudist community in general. What really goes on behind the gated entrance of a facility dedicated to promoting the nudist lifestyle? Are there wild parties and orgies taking place on the grounds? Not hardly. Any club or resort that is a member of the American Association of Nudist Recreation (AANR) or is otherwise a reputable establishment, has rules and regulations that its patrons must abide by. These rules are designed to ensure everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy their visit.

The nudist community is not much different from the so called “normal” environment in which most people live. Aside from being free of clothes, naturists are regular people doing regular things. They just happen to enjoy doing them without the restriction of wearing clothes. Naturists come in all shapes and sizes and from all sorts of backgrounds. One of the freeing things about a naturist environment is that people are judged and evaluated based on their inner being and not on outward appearances.

Within most nudist clubs and resorts are a number of nude recreation activities and scheduled events designed to bring people closer together. There may be social dances, bingo, lectures and other events that address a common interest. Many outdoor activities such as volleyball, softball, swimming, hiking and so forth, are available, just as they would be in a more traditional resort or camp experience.

The nudist community is an accepting environment. Every attempt is made to make sure people are comfortable and relaxed. There is no pressure to participate in any activity. Dining usually is clothing optional as many people feel more comfortable dressing for dinner. People quickly learn the etiquette expected at a nudist camp. After a very short time, seeing naked people all about, does not even raise an eyebrow. People get used to the environment and simply go about their business as normal.

Whether you are new to the nudist community / environment or an experienced veteran of the lifestyle, you can be assured, that, as a group, naturists are some of the friendliest, most accepting people you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Nudist Community

Young Naturists Nudists America

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( Guest Blog Post By Gymnos )

Nudist Movement - A state of the state of our nudist movement, the beginnings of a map for raising consciousness and support for the rights of nudists everywhere.

Supporters of the ‘Freedom to be yourself’ movement, protest for the right to appear naked in public.

liberté, fraternité, nudité !!!

This is the slogan of a possible movement… calling out from a time when the bond of men in brotherhood was understood as the basis for “la communauté.” Yet, in this moment, it is presented with a twist on the revolution that it calls to mind. This time let it be a nudist revolution lead by naked activists.

A few years back this was one of the faux slogans marched down 5th Avenue in NYC by the men of Males Au Natural (MAN) for the annual Pride festivities back in 2007.  Yet those men were not naked: their crotches and butts were strategically covered by smaller signs with shorter slogans like “NUDE RIGHTS NOW” & “this crack don’t kill.”

But why use faux slogans? Why are they considered a performance costume any more than a call to action?  In fact the line separating the performance from the slogan may only be semantic, yet the men of MAN are hardly a politically charged lot.

Women march topless down the streets of Venice Beach, CA in protest for topfree equality

Since the women of NYS won their right to be topless in all those places men easily took for granted (1992), & since the TNT!MEN (Totally Naked Toronto Men Enjoying  Nudity) won the right to march in their Pride celebrations with only shoes & hats… the courts just couldn’t admit that any harm would be done or it was just enough to deem them ‘not naked’ depending on whom you ask (2000), since the first segregation of beaches along lines of textile options (how far back do we have to go?)…   Since the rise of modern society, public nudism has been the center of its own civil rights tug-of-war.

In America, exercising our right to be free of covering is a drama-ridden morality play of the first order. In Europe, it’s more a matter of social convention & propriety.  In parts of Asia, it’s a practice deemed entirely illegal & severely punished.

Yet, with the arrival of 2012, we see the rise of the [virtual] nudist community and a determination to win the battles for more body freedom. These are cause for a palpable urgency.

Participant in the World Naked Bike Ride

The urgency itself may be a matter of simple perception – seeing new social associations and internet communities propagate, older groups have responded in some cases as if threatened for their very existence.  Likewise, the rise of this online community, fueled by the speed of the newest social connectivity presents new fault lines for the encroaching of fetish life on a more naturist aesthetic.  Yet to underscore these new developments, the online communities are not staying virtual.  Nudists involved are attending organized house parties and events with a new vitality.

Yet the road ahead is anything but assured as progress towards more freedom.

Thousands of naked volunteers pose for US photographer Spencer Tunick at Mexico City’s Zocalo square

The infighting among naturist groups is but one symptom of a larger anxiety about the dwindling of our adherents. Recent updates to nudity laws in my home city of New York nearly included language that would have outlawed social nudism of any kind. While 2011 saw serious soul-searching in Vermont and San Francisco as anti-nudity laws were debated and nearly enacted.  The disparate local responses to the rising number of World Naked Bike Rides vary from open acceptance (in cities like Philly and Chicago)  to the overwhelming police presence in other localities (NYC stands out). Despite the landmark case in NYC where Spencer Tunick established a state constitutional right to assemble nude people in public places based on our freedom of expression, artists making nude art is public must expect harassment and arrest.  And with economics as they are, community based nudist clubs are under extreme pressures to keep their membership numbers stable, while the succession of these family owned businesses is hardly guaranteed.

The fact of the matter remains that exercising our rights as nudists is not as simple as the innocence of teenage skinny dipping.  The political implications – whether it’s a matter of our neighbors knowing that we’re entertaining tonight, or the intricacies of local law & it’s possible enforcement – make being a nudist no small personal statement.

To move forward, we need much stronger legal advocates at both the local and national levels.  We also need data and lots of it.  Currently we

A group of AIDS activists hold a naked protest outside of New York’s Madison Square Garden August 26, 2004. The protesters blocked 8th Avenue in midtown Manhattan outside Madison Square Garden, site of the Republican National Convention.

don’t really know what over-arching attitudes exist either within the nudist communities or beyond them. Sure, each of us has had passing conversations, some even with depth and honest conviction, but this cannot pass for a scientific census of our attitudes, beliefs, desires and practices. We need to learn how to sway public opinion and to advocate for our rights as equal citizens.  And we need to move beyond the cloistered, nudist-only communities and engage the larger populace in clothing optional and nude-friendly spaces and events.

Only after data is collected, poured over, and truly understood can we begin to steer our movement to one of greater human freedom without internal shame or external condemnation.  The future is ours, but only if we’re ready, willing and able to develop strategies, and implement a game plan that will win the war of hearts, minds and bodies.

Nudist Movement

Young Nudists And Naturists America YNA

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(This was submitted by one of our readers who would rather not mention his name – which we naturally respect)

Naked Party

My Naked Party Experience

Naked Party

Young Naturists And Nudists America YNA

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Guest Blog by: Daniel Jacobs

I had never given much thought to being a nudist.  My girlfriend and I had tossed the idea around a bit, but I’d never taken it too seriously.  I’ve never had any great yearning to be nude.  More often than not, I wear clothes around the apartment.  To be fair, that’s because I get cold.  If I’m warm, I take them off.

Why Get Naked?

I had thought about undressing around people when I was a freshman in college, but that was in the context of a party where people are getting drunk and doing crazy things.  Things like dancing on tables, making out with complete strangers, and taking their clothes off in front of everyone (yes, those seemed “crazy” to me; my high-school years were not exciting).

For me, the idea of taking off my clothes in front of people was a way of coming out of my shell.  I didn’t do it because it was comforting, I did it because it was exciting and, for the people around me, a tad shocking.

However, I’ve always had a boundary.  I figured being in your underwear is no different from what you wear at the beach, so that’s no big deal, but I wouldn’t go beyond that.

At the time, it was one of several prudish ideas I had. As I grew older, it became more a matter of simple bashfulness.  I had never been naked around anyone I wasn’t having sex with, and the idea can be scary for a first-timer.  Like doing karaoke.

I never had any strong desire to be nude, and still don’t, but I also don’t feel any particular aversion to the idea either.  Aside from those first-time jitters, I think about the idea and ask, “Why not?”

My body has its imperfections, but those can be seen when I’m in my underwear or a swimsuit as well as when I’m naked.  I’ve come to terms with those and am not ashamed.  In fact, overall I’m fairly proud of my body.

I simply find myself caring about the issue less and less.  It’s not a passion for being naked that draws me to nudism, but ambivalence about being clothed.  For some people it may be about a thrill, or a movement, or even some sort of cause, but for me it’s just about being comfortable.

About the Author: Daniel Jacobs lives in Wisconsin and has recently joined the team of our YNA Wisconsin Chapter.

Young Naturists & Nudists America

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Guest Blog by: Jordan Blum

A memorable photo from one of the first “Nude Night Out” parties :)

This month, YNA is celebrating its 2 year anniversary. It seems like only yesterday we had our first Nude Night Out in Manhattan. Thinking back to that first naked party, I still can’t believe how much we have grown and how many people we have met. 

For those of you who were not there on day one… We had the most frustrating time just finding a place that would be willing to host a naked party, not to mention the struggle to get a bunch of people to attend. 

Today’s events pull in at least 100 or more people, and they keep getting bigger and bigger. Much of the time we are forced to turn away people because the venue won’t be able to hold more! 

YNA has drawn most of its following from the mainstream, a sign that there is much interest in what we do and offer. But those early days were not easy and as we grew, things got even more difficult. 

We made some mistakes in the beginning because we underestimated just how un-evolved the nudist movement was and still is. 

We also underestimated the willingness of other groups and organizations to collaborate and work together towards a common goal.

It’s no great secret that we have drawn much criticism from fellow nudists.  We’ve speculated why this is, but so far we don’t really know.

During the last weekend of September I had the pleasure of hearing a speaker that really put this into perspective. His name is Seth Godin, and he’s one of my all-time favorite idols.  

For those of you who don’t know who he is – shame on you! (And now Google his name.) 

For those who do, there is no doubt that he is one of the most influential thinkers of our time.

During the lecture, he called into question everything we do (because of the way we go about it). For him, just like for YNA, the end result is less important than the thought process that gets you there. 

One of the examples he gave was the Lego company. The Lego company was about to go bankrupt so they decided to change their whole approach. Instead of just offering random size Legos for kids to create their own world, they started selling kits. Kids could now create only one thing by simply following the instructions. No longer would they need to rely on their imagination to create something unique. Kids today are creating the same thing over and over again just like on an assembly line.

Another example was the current school system, which (based on Seth and my own personal perspective) teaches kids the motions and how to get good grades but stifles creativity and individuality. This education system penalizes kids who think differently and / or in a way that challenges the current conventional way of thinking. It is a mechanism that prepares us to follow orders and gets us ready to work for the “boss man”  in “the real world.” 

What is sadly missing is the creativity of thinking for oneself, the pride in trying to do something completely different or original, the messiness of trial and error and the fact that people only get credit for passing a test and not for the thought process behind the answer.

Thanks to society we are now fully equipped to work in factories and to think within a predetermined box. 

The world rewards us for doing things right and for following orders while it penalizes us for doing things wrong (a philosophy I personally never agreed with). To me, life is a series of ideas, failures and creative risks. Naturally, this got me thinking about YNA; its past, present and future.

We have concluded that YNA is not, in fact, a nudist organization by the traditional definition. In essence, YNA is an acceptance movement which evolved from the naturist and nudist upbringing of its founding members. Both Felicity and I grew up in families where the ideal systems were based off of the naturist family values. So in essence we are both naturists in practice, but perhaps not your typical nudists or naturists in reality.

Felicity’s and my personal beliefs are at the core of what YNA is about. We believe that the days of “new age nudism” are upon us and that the movement needs a form of supplemental movement to make it whole. While AANR, TNS and NAC handle the legal issues, YNA’s primary function and focus is on the human aspect of this movement. We feel that there are a whole slew of issues that need to be addressed in today’s society in order for us all to be more human.

We are trying to create something new and different. Thanks to our new and unique outlook, we have our fair share of critics. 

YNA came under fire very early on by a handful of young people from Vita Nuda as well as the leader of Florida Young Naturists. What Seth Godin was so great at articulating was the fact that new ideas and people who are not afraid to make mistakes will always come under fire from people who have been pre-programmed to think a certain way. 

Some of what we do challenges the status quo, and this fact causes many people to feel uncomfortable. As if a new idea will inevitably destroy what was already created. The fact that we do not think the same way has been, and remains to be, a huge point of friction.

I will be the first to say that neither Felicity, myself nor YNA is perfect. We make mistakes, but we learn from them and move on. We are not afraid to take risks, and we are not afraid to admit when we are wrong.

At the end of the day, looking back, we had a fascinating two years. We met some of the most amazing people. We got to see the best and worst in humanity and we got to survive the first two years.

Now if we get survive another two is up to you!

Join us this weekend in celebrating Halloween and our birthday and don’t forget to buy raffles to benefit lupus research!

Young Naturists & Nudists America

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Nudism / Naturism

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Why Do People Fear Nudity And Can We Change This?

Why People Are Afraid Nudity

Fear Of Nudity

In some cultures nudity is frowned upon due to social and religious structures. This may be due to cultural or religious beliefs or other forms of upbringing. Often people are taught that the body is shameful and should be hidden by clothing and that nudity should be discouraged. In most places public nudity is illegal and can translate into being uncomfortable with it even in a more private location. Other social inhibitions may prevent people from being nude in a public setting (even where it is allowed) such as fear of reprisal from friends or family since it can be looked down upon as being indecent.

Body Image Is One Reason People Fear Nudity

Another factor in why people are afraid of being nude is self-esteem or self-confidence issues. Concerns about bodily appearance can make appearing nude in front of others uncomfortable. Excess weight, body hair or other issues may be considered to be flaws by people in today’s society and can make one uncomfortable with personal nudity. Those who have had surgeries or other things that may cause scarring may feel uncomfortable being seen nude. For some it may be concerns about being objectified instead of being allowed to relax that makes them afraid of being nude.

Discouraging Fear Of Nudity Through Acceptance And Understanding

Often nudist resorts or clubs discourage inappropriate behavior and encourage accepting people the way they are. Many have rules in place for the safety and comfort of guests that are related to attitude and treatment of other guests to keep everything running smoothly. Some nudist locations may also be able to accommodate those who are struggling to be comfortable with nudity and offer a slower introduction to it.

At the end of the day, human beings are social creatures. We all seek acceptance from our surroundings and we all have our own insecurities and issues that we deal with. We all share this world, we all have our own views and we all react differently. People may be surprised to learn just how much one comment can influence a persons psyche. 

Long time nudists may feel that the naked body is just that – a naked body. But for others the naked form may be perceived as shameful, sexual or grounds for eternal damnation. People need to understand these issues, be respectful of others beliefs and be patient. Just because someone might be resistant to the idea of nudism, or even uncomfortable with nakedness in general, does not mean that they will never try it. So we urge everyone to just accept the fact that we all think, feel and react differently.

We are all ambassadors and our actions influence those around us. Therefore, we are all responsible for the preservation of naturism for generations to come! 

Fear of Nudity

By

Young Nudists America

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Young Naturists

Young Naturists Defined

Young naturists, as perceived by most in the naturist movement, are young adults who engage in the naturist lifestyle. Although some young naturists grew up in a naturist family, many young people who participate in naturism today might have little or no background with nudism.

The general consensus seems to be that to qualify as a young naturist / young nudist, the individual should be 18 – 35 or 40 years old. This is not to say that that a 36 year old is old, but this is generally what most nudists will consider the age bracket to be.  Some organizations for young naturists set age requirements to join or participate in events.  Young Naturists America (YNA) is one such organization of young people, but they also welcome the young-at-heart with no imposed age limit.

Young naturists come from all walks of life. Some may have college degrees; others might have dropped out of high school. Naturists don’t come in just one mold, and the diversity is enormous. One can find all kinds of people at young naturist events, from business owners to musicians, politicians, sanitation workers and beyond.

What Types of Things Do Young Naturists Like To Do?

Young Naturist events and activities range all over the board. Some might enjoy nude hiking, skinny dipping, naked yoga while others might like to attend naked parties and nude dancing. There are as many types of naturist events as there are people practicing it. Some popular activities for young naturists include naked body painting, dance parties, volleyball, clothing optional dinners and so on.

Who Organizes All These Naturist Activities and Groups?

There are several nudist organizations around the world that were created especially for and / or by young naturists. Many of them have age restrictions to keep the group’s “young” vibe. In general, many young people prefer to practice their lifestyle in the company of their peers, rather than in the general population. We at YNA are one of the larger young nudist organizations in the United States. Our website is an especially great resource for young people looking to get involved in naturism.

Why Are Young People Drawn to Naturism?

Young people are especially drawn to naturism because it encourages self-respect and body image / body acceptance. This becomes even more appealing at a time when ones young self-esteem may be fairly fragile. However, there are many reasons to get involved. From getting closer to nature to simply enjoying time outdoors without clothing. Some people will spend a fun day at the local nude beach, while others prefer to live a mostly clothing-free life. Naturism can be as simple as spending a morning sunbathing nude, or as extensive as moving to a full time 24/7 nudist community.

Is There A Difference Between Naturism and Nudism?

In the United States, the terms “naturism” and “nudism” tend to be interchangeable.  With that said, in some circles and countries they might refer to different things.  The basic difference that some people make is that Nudism can be simply the act of performing activities without clothes, while naturism tends to be more of a philosophy that includes body acceptance, healthy living, environmentalism and personal freedom.

Naturism as it’s practiced today has its roots in German philosophies from the 1920′s. However, many important philosophers and brilliant minds in America have advocated for, or practiced, naturism. Some of the bigger names or celebrity nudists if you will, include Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Henry David Thoreau and John Quincy Adams. Naturism was seen as restorative and healthful.

Today’s Young Adult Naturists

Getting involved in the naturist movement has never been easier! The Internet makes it easy to find and join one of the many naturist groups in locations around the world with a simple click of the mouse. The growth in popularity of nudist beaches has increased the practice of naturism, making it easier than ever to get involved!

Young Naturists Challenges

 Nudism, though embraced and appreciated by many, is often an unexpressed or ignored impulse by the younger generation. Oh sure, they’ve probably thought about the idea of freeing themselves, but usually, the younger generation considers any type of expression that might not be accepted by their peers as taboo. They are being hit with the trials of young adulthood, but they are also dealing with instant access to anything and anyone. They live in a world of constant overexposure- Facebook, Twitter and smartphones make the sharing of their social lives an instantaneous experience. For the sake of technology, however, they’ve lost the intimacy that comes along with the process of actually getting to know people, nature and the world around them.

Young Naturists And Getting Started

While some might take to naturism like a fish to water, others may need some time to gradually get comfortable with social nudity. As with any group, the younger generation needs to feel comfortable and acclimated to the movement at their own pace. Privacy should be of the utmost concern. Even if they are adults, they are still relatively young. Their hormones, their changing bodies and their developing minds make them easily susceptible to feelings of personal shame and embarrassment. Their minds will jump to the age and gender differences between themselves and others, so allow them plenty of time to get acquainted with the feeling and idea of personal nudity before you approach the topic of going public.

Some find that taking the plunge is easier with a same-sex friend. Chances are, they’ve already seen one another in bathing suits or even showers and the gym or dorm. They’ll be able to put one another at ease, and they’ll have a great string of memories to remember the experience by. Also,  starting this exploration in a private setting might be a wise choice for many.  In-house and backyard nudity can be the precursor to a public nudist resort.

Remember that when bringing someone of any age group into naturism, patience and comfort are the two most important elements to ensure a positive experience. It is no different with the younger generation.

Young Naturists

Young Naturists And Nudists America YNA

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Nudism and Simple Pleasures

Nudism is the philosophy by which people believe in the benefits of being and living naked. In actuality, it is the belief or practice of going without clothes in private and /or public. It often reflects a family and / or personal lifestyle choice and can also be referred to as “naturism.” What is interesting about nudism is the fact that it is readily accepted across many cultures, specifically those of European descent, to include Germany, France, and Poland. Over the last century, nudism in the United States has become increasingly more acceptable. For example, in 1995, the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) was established, which includes nearly 100 resorts and 150 clubs for nudists to enjoy.

Why Nudism ?

While some individuals embrace nudism stemming from naturism (beliefs centered around embracing nature, the environment, healthy eating, physical fitness, and yoga to name a few), others practice this lifestyle based off of personal, family, or social factors. What attracts most individuals to nudism these days, is the feeling of freedom and sense of ease that comes with the shedding of clothes. Additionally, with a growing number of people practicing nudism today, there is an abundance of amenities directed towards emerging and practicing nudists, to include nude beaches, nudist resorts, “clothes free” holiday centers, and cycling events. In fact, currently, there is a World Naked Gardening Day, held in May of each year, as well as a World Naked Bike Ride and Nude Years Eve Parties held annually.

When embracing nudism, an individual or group is likely to experience both positive and negative reactions from different communities. While practicing nudism in the privacy of one’s home, private land, pool, pond, or club will generate the least amount of criticism and speculation from outsiders. Engaging in nudism in more public arenas, such as nudist beaches and parks, might generate some criticism from closed minded individuals. Obviously, one should consider these factors in deciding when, where, and how to embrace his or her nudist lifestyle.

Ideally, individuals would be allowed to live in a world free of prejudice, judgment, social expectations, restrictions, and personal insecurities. If this were the case, individuals could practice nudism in both the comforts of their homes and their local communities. Since this is not the case, individuals seeking to embrace nudism should take advantage of their own personal property, or designated nudie friendly destinations, to enjoy their practice. These destinations can include sanctioned nudist beaches, clubs, events, hotels, and other European countries whose practice of nudism is readily becoming the “norm” rather than the extreme. 

Who practices Nudism

Nudists are individuals who enjoy freeing their inhibitions and being one with nature. Part of this experience includes performing activities in the nude. The one rule of behavior that nudists have always agreed upon is the forbidding of overt sexual behavior. Anyone pursuing the lifestyle to find public sex will be disappointed at any genuine nudist location. It is especially not tolerated in family-oriented nudist clubs or events. Many families enjoy being nude together and interacting together in a nude environment. There are many resorts that cater to this freeing experience. Additionally, there are resorts that cater to couples and adults who choose to interact in the nude to renew sensuality in their relationships. Each of these experiences will be explored in this Nudist Blog. However, it is important to understand the origin of nudists and naturists.

Individuals from all walks of life will be found on nudist beaches and at nudist resorts. Individuals are also of all levels of fitness. While most expect these places to be filled with fun, fit people who look like models, this is certainly not the case. Individuals of all types who feel comfortable in their own skin will be found in these resorts and lying on nude beaches. Living the naturist lifestyle is about being self-confident about your body and being honest with yourself. This is also a lesson in that not everyone is perfect. Individuals who can accept an individual while they are nude may also be able to accept the individual as a whole being. However, most individuals will feel so self-conscious about their nude experience that they will strive for perfection of their body to feel more confident. However, this is not the point of the naturist lifestyle.

Some reasons why people practice nudism:

• They feel more relaxed and in touch with their “inner soul” when they are naked.
• They feel “right” when they have no clothes on, and not so balanced when clothed.
• They feel less inhibited in this state, as the class barriers fall away. A doctor, a king and a beggar are reduced to their purest and real selves when viewed without the clothes of their trades and professions. 
• As flesh and bone we are all equal. Some nudists say that being without clothes releases the “real” them, and that clothes will suppress this.

YNA’s Nudism Blog:

This Nudist Blog is designed to build an awareness of nudity and the practice of public nudity. Many individuals feel that the more individuals are exposed to nudity, the more commonplace it will become. Individuals will become less aroused and more controlled in environments of nudity. Some venture to believe that over time nudity will lead to less sexual crimes as it has in Europe. Men and women, who are concerned about the potential arousal that may occur, may consider the experience as conditioning that will allow individuals to become accustomed to and accepting of nudity.

Nudism is a way of living that is embraced by a growing number of the world’s population. Many resorts and nudist beaches will be explored in this Nudist Blog. Most of the resorts are family friendly and screen all guests staying at the resorts against a database of sex offenders, which is publicly accessible thanks to Megan’s Law. Most of the resorts do not allow cameras or video recorders onto the premises unless doing a promotional shoot. Some individuals may consider the experience biblical and relate it to the Adam and Eve experience before people had knowledge of good and evil. These individuals simply desire to return to the way that nature or God delivered them to the earth. Some individuals just simply feel more comfortable in the nude. Whatever the case, these environments are designed to allow individuals to feel comfortable.

Young Naturists & Young Nudists America seeks to educate people on the resources available to those who seek to pursue a nudist lifestyle. Periodically, articles will be posted on the Nudist Blog to explore the lifestyle and vacation options for nudists. The Nudist Blog aims to free people of their stigma and erase the ignorance associated with individuals who feel comfortable walking around nude. Individuals will be freed of their prejudices and inhibitions as they explore this alternative lifestyle that many find absolutely natural. Consider our Nudist Blog as a wealth of information on your journey to understanding naturism.

Young naturists & Nudists America YNA

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Luring In Future Nudists

Do you have friends or a spouse that is reluctant to try nudism ?

There are many misconceptions associated with social nudism.  Some individuals have experienced these misconceptions when trying to introduce their spouse or friends to the nudist lifestyle for the very first time.

The Major Misconception About Nudism is… SEX

Contrary to uneducated beliefs, nudism is in no way related to any type of erotic behavior. In fact, most informed individuals would agree that the nudist lifestyle is often focused not on sexuality, but on a mixture of equality and a return to nature. When trying to introduce a spouse or friends to try nudism, an individual needs to understand that these underlying misconceptions, along with several other common objections, can pose somewhat of an obstacle that can be overcome. The following key points can help an individual prepare for what could prove to be a difficult process.

The First Steps To Educating Your Friends Or Spouse About Nudism

Education is perhaps the most important part of any introduction process. For starters, nudists need to be able to convey their beliefs and what has lead them to their decision to embrace the nudist lifestyle. Whether the person is more interested in nudism and the naturist lifestyle because of equality, nature or any other factor, it is necessary to be completely comfortable talking about this matter at length. Sharing the appealing attributes of naturism should be enough to entice anyone that truly cares about a person to at least listen. The majority of individuals that object to trying the nudist lifestyle, tend to do so because they are not comfortable with their personal appearance. The lack of clothes can be seen by many as a weakness that reveals imperfections. But people need to be educated in order to feel comfortable. Just be honest and share your thoughts and feelings about the subject. Most times, your enthusiasm alone might be enough to persuade someone to try nudism. The simple fact is that nudism does have a profound positive affect on personal body image and self-esteem. 

What To Do Once Your Friend Or Spouse Agrees To Try Social Nudism

Once a spouse or friend has agreed to at least try social nudism, it is important to understand that there is going to be a learning curve. What may be completely comfortable to nudists may in fact NOT be easy for new individuals. Patience and understanding will definitely be required. The majority of naturist communities will allow new individuals to shed their clothing as they are ready. No pressure should be placed on a person that is not yet prepared to take the plunge. Make sure to include the person and invite them to participate in all the different activities, even if they initially refuse to undress. By making someone feel comfortable and accepted, you create a relaxed and secure environment for everyone involved.

Ready To try Nudism?

The nudist lifestyle is quite enjoyable. Most individuals will quickly relax and realize that nobody else is focusing on their body or their perceived imperfections. While the process may take awhile, getting a spouse or friend to at least try nudism is not impossible and may actually even be easier than most people anticipate.

Try Nudism

Young Naturists And Nudists America YNA

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Why nudism

Are there any benefits to nudism ?

So here are just a few of the reasons that answer the question of –  Why Nudism

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