Sexuality and Nudism

Most nudists will emphatically declare that nudism is non-sexual. We tend to deny the existence of any sexuality in nudism so much that most people think we are either covering it up or are completely against sex. Whichever impression people get, it’s the wrong impression.

I can only speak in terms of my own experiences and observations but I’m probably representative of the average nudist. I’m sure I’m as sexual as any other normal, red-blooded male but I try to keep things in the right context, the right time and place, and the right circumstances.

Yes, there are sexual aspects to nudism. There, I said it. In our society, just being naked with others has obvious sexual overtones. For better or for worse, our society almost always equates nudity with sexuality, even if only by insinuation. Our culture constantly reinforces the notion that nudity is inherently sexual and nudists aren’t immune from that influence.

When I visit a nudist venue or attend a nudist event I see breasts, buttocks and pudenda and I might even take notice but it’s really no big deal. Although I’ve been a nudist for a few years now, I sometimes have to make a conscious effort to disassociate nudity and sexuality and it’s an ongoing process. If sexual feelings or thoughts pop up I simply acknowledge them and let them pass, just as I would in any other social setting.

I don’t believe we should deny the inherent sexuality in nudism. However, we should emphasize that the focus and the practice of nudism is not sexual. Acceptance and respect are important ideals in nudism. Through nudism we learn to accept our own bodies and to accept others regardless of physical characteristics (shape, weight, physical condition, race, age, etc.). Body acceptance also includes accepting our sexuality rather than repressing it. I don’t mean we should go wherever our sexual feelings take us but we should acknowledge those feelings and deal with them appropriately.

Are nudists simply sensible about sex? I suppose that may be true but then I guess most non-nudists are as well. I feel that I was very sensible in handling sexual matters long before I considered nudism as a recreational choice or a lifestyle. What people do in their RVs, tents or isolated places is their own business. I’m certainly not going to begrudge anyone a private moment.

There are undoubtedly areas of sexuality and nudism that I haven’t touched on such as public displays of affection or the discussion of sexual topics in a nudist setting, or how nudist parents talk about sex with their children. I don’t think that sexuality in nudist settings is really that much different than in clothed settings, maybe a bit more subdued. Maybe it’s more open and more honest. I don’t know. Since becoming a nudist, my ideas about sex and sexuality probably haven’t changed much. If anything has changed for me, it’s that nudity has become less sexual and certainly less arousing, especially in a social context.

For readers who haven’t tried social nudism or find nudism’s denial of sexuality troubling, I’d tell you that you needn’t worry about it. Sexuality is as difficult a topic for nudists as it is for anyone else. Yes, some sexuality is present but it’s certainly more benign and less threatening than a similar clothed environment. When you go to a nudist resort or a nude beach, we want you to relax and be comfortable, to have fun, and to enjoy the feeling of having the sun, the breeze, and the water touch every part of your body as nature intended.

See also:

Naturism and Sexual Wellbeing at MojoNude Blog

Sexuality and Naturism at The Academic Naturist

Frequently Asked Question at CAYAnet

[12/01/09 Edit] I’m not going to debate this issue. Maybe Academic Naturist is right in saying whatever sexuality is present in a nudist setting is what we bring into it. Although we’re naturists and we subscribe to a philosophy of nonsexual nudity, we still live in a larger society which does not necessarily hold this view. We are subject to the cultural influences in that society and carry some of it with us. Perhaps some of us are better at putting that aside than others. I’m just speculating here.

Part of my own naturist philosophy is the premise that the focus, intent and practice of naturism is non-sexual. We strive to enjoy naturism in settings where we and our guests feel comfortable and safe. We want to accepted and respected for who we really are. We expect certain standards of behavior and etiquette in order to preserve that level of comfort and safety. Maybe to non-nudists, we seem a little prudish and that confounds them. Again, I’m just speculating.