Let’s get naked for a minute and talk about something very close to my heart…
I identify as a naked person and I enjoy engaging in what I like to call consensual exhibitionism.
I use the label naked person because being a nudist doesn’t sit right with me for many reasons. At the top of that list is the idea that the many in the nudist community want to do everything they can to desexualize nudity in anyway. A few examples of this are erection shaming by asking those with a penis to cover up should that happen and leaving no room for any acknowledgement of mutual attraction and respectful and consensual sexual discourse or exploration.
I totally understand why it is this way. I get that these communities have to be mindful of predatory behaviour, appropriateness and sending the wrong message. There’s also the fact that not everyone has a crystal clear understanding of what enthusiastic consent is and how it works. So yes, some policy around expected behaviors is necessary to ensure the safety of everyone. But wouldn’t it be far more beneficial to create space for open and honest dialogue about these subjects as opposed to pretending as if they don’t exist for anyone and shaming others who’s experiences are different?
Having said this, I do believe wholeheartedly that we can hold space for attraction and desire while being socially naked and not feel compelled to act on it in any way. So, I live a naked life whenever and wherever possible. At home, with friends of a like mind, both socially and sexually. It’s a part of who I am and as such it’s an important part of my self expression. I have come to accept and love the sexual arousal I experience when there’s an appreciative audience but it is not the primary driver for my desire to be seen and accepted naked. For me, there’s a freedom and a vulnerability in the naked expression of my being. I feel most at ease naked. Fully in my energy and my being when stripped of the trappings of clothing and other traditional conventions.
