I’ve been a naturist for decades, and if there’s one thing experience has hammered home, it’s this: hiding your love for naturism and nudism does more harm than good. It breeds shame where there shouldn’t be any, and it robs you of the pure joy that comes from living authentically. Recently, I listened to the latest episode of the Naked Age podcast – “Making Space” with Dan Speers, a dedicated activist who’s spent years creating and protecting naturist communities. His stories about carving out welcoming spaces for everyone, no matter their background, really struck a chord. But what hit me hardest was the underlying theme of confidence: the quiet strength it takes to be open about naturism with the people closest to you, including children.
That episode transported me back to my own childhood summers in Croatia. My parents were unapologetic naturists. We’d pack up the car and ended up on a nude beach, where families have been enjoying nude recreation for generations. The beaches were alive with kids playing around, adults playing volleyball, everyone just… bare and happy under the sun.
What I remember most vividly isn’t the freedom of swimming without a soggy swimsuit – though that was heaven. It’s how my parents never hid it. Back home, when relatives came over, they’d casually pull out the photo album from our trips. There we’d be: me as a grinning kid, splashing in the waves, all of us nude, tanned, and utterly carefree. My mom would flip the pages and say matter-of-factly, “Look how beautiful the beaches are in Croatia!” No whispers, no embarrassment, no “hide this from the kids” nonsense. They treated it like any other family vacation – because it was.
At the time, I didn’t think much of it. But looking back, that openness shaped me profoundly. It taught me early on that bodies are nothing to be ashamed of. Nudity was normal, natural, and fun. There was no mystery or taboo that could later be twisted into something dirty. Studies back this up: children raised in non-sexualized nude environments develop healthier body image, higher self-esteem, and better boundaries around consent and respect. The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and similar organizations have long promoted these benefits, citing research that shows family naturism reduces body shaming and fosters equality.
Yet so many naturists I meet today still struggle with this. They love the lifestyle in private – at resorts, beaches, or home – but clam up when it comes to family or friends. “What if they judge me?” “What about the kids?” I get it; society’s hang-ups run deep. But here’s the no-BS truth: staying silent reinforces the very stigma we’re fighting against. When we hide, we imply there’s something wrong. When we share confidently, we normalize it.
If you’re ready to build that confidence and start being more open, here’s how I’ve done it – and how you can too, step by step:
- Start with yourself. Before telling anyone else, own it fully. Spend time nude at home, remind yourself daily why you love it: the comfort, the equality, the connection to nature. Confidence radiates from genuine comfort in your own skin.
- Choose your moments wisely. Don’t blast it on social media if you’re not ready. Begin with trusted people – a close friend over coffee, or a sibling who already knows you’re “alternative.” Share a positive story: “We had the best time at this clothing-optional beach – felt so freeing!”
- With family photos, keep it casual. Just like my parents did. Next family gathering, have an album ready (digital or print). Flip through vacation pics naturally. Include the nude ones without fanfare. Comment on the scenery, the fun, the relaxation. Most people will follow your lead – if you’re relaxed, they’ll relax.
- Talking to kids (yours or others). Be age-appropriate and straightforward. Young children? Explain it like this: “Some beaches let people go without clothes because it’s hot and feels nice, just like bathing at home.” Older kids? Dive deeper: “Naturism is about respecting bodies, equality, and not judging appearances.” Answer questions honestly, without oversharing adult contexts. This builds trust and body positivity early.
- Handle pushback directly. Not everyone will get it right away. If someone reacts negatively, stay calm: “It’s a wholesome family activity for us – no different from any beach, just without suits.” Offer resources like the AANR website or British Naturism’s family guides. Often, curiosity wins over judgment.
- It’s not about shouting it openly. Being an open and confident naturist does mean you have to show up naked everywhere or publicize it. You need to apply judgement as some people see naturism as wrong and you’re not going to change them. Don’t go public if backlash may hurt you, not everyone is ready to accept your naturism.
Over the years, I’ve seen this openness pay off hugely. Friends who’ve joined us on trips, relatives who now defend naturism when others mock it, and younger generations growing up without the body shame that plagues so many. It’s liberating – not just physically, but emotionally.
If you’re hesitating, ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen? A raised eyebrow? And what’s the best? Living fully, authentically, and inspiring others to do the same.
Go ahead. Share that photo. Tell that story. Build the confidence – the world needs more of it.
Get Nude, Stay Nude, Live Nude and Share the Nude Love!
