Nudism and the Lines We Draw

Published by Nevada Motojicho in Nudist/Naturist · Sunday 04 Jun 2017 · 6:00

"Nudism and the Lines We Draw"

Reflections from The Turtle’s Diary*

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Nudism and the Lines We Draw

What Is Nudism, Really?

Ask a dozen people, get a dozen different answers. Nudism means many things to many people—including those who aren’t even nudists. Some textile folks are tolerant, some are not. Cross that imaginary line into nudism, and you'll find an entire landscape of beliefs, behaviors, and opinions. Some of those opinions are shared across both worlds—nudist and textile—but throw in a naked body and suddenly everyone pays more attention.

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I’ve read more blogs and opinions than I can count, not because I have to but because I’m always looking for that spark of discovery. Something that clicks. Something that changes how I think or how I live. Not everything does, but the best ones stay with me.

Life experience shapes opinions, too. I was labeled a nonconformist before I could spell the word. My kindergarten teacher wrote it in my report card — and it included, '...needs to be monitored at all times.' That same mischievous energy shaped who I am today. And while I might get distracted by memories of a childhood friend named Annette or the fact that I once threw my keys in the trash, I never forget the important stuff. And when it comes to nudism, I have strong opinions.

Let’s Stop Pretending

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Here’s one that might rub people the wrong way: the idea that nudism isn’t at all sexual. I get it—we want to separate nudism from porn, and rightly so. But human nature is what it is. We are sexual beings. Denying that only leads to contradiction.

I once wrote (or tried to write) a blog titled "Prude Nude or Just Rude?" that dove into the idea that we might be lying to ourselves about the overlap between nudism, exhibitionism, and voyeurism. Naturist author Dan Carlson wrote something along these lines too—his work pointed out that, like it or not, most of us are both to some degree.

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Carlson made an analogy I found especially insightful: when an infant cries, they receive attention simply for existing—because of the sound they made, the need they expressed—it plants a seed. From that moment, we begin learning that our bodies can provoke a response. It’s innocent and primal. As we grow older, that seed matures into social behaviors: new clothes, flattering glances, a desire to be seen. We crave acknowledgment. We seek feedback. We want to feel noticed.

Even as nudists—trading those designer labels for sarongs and butt towels—the instinct remains. We want to be seen. We want to see. The impulse is natural. Pretending it doesn’t exist only creates space for denial and hypocrisy.

Online Nudism and the Double Life

Another blogger friend, TL Lim, once wrote something that stuck with me. He brought up a category I had never considered: those who gain sexual gratification simply by being naked. Not from touching, not from porn—just from being naked. And suddenly a lot of things clicked. Like why some folks show up in both wholesome nudist groups and the adult groups on the same platform.

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You see the problem here, right?

These are the same people saying they’re committed to family-friendly, body-positive naturism—while also posting clips of themselves doing sexual things in front of a webcam for their online 'nudist friends.'

People talk. Screenshots circulate. And let me be clear: I don’t snoop. But I do ask questions when I get a contact request from someone I don’t recognize. And trust me—people answer. Sometimes in more detail than I ever wanted.

I’m not saying folks can’t explore their sexuality. Do what you need to do—just don’t drag it into the same pool you expect families and genuine naturists to swim in. There’s a difference between nudity and sexualized nudity. And when someone crosses that line inside a general nudist community? That’s where trust breaks.

Perception Matters

I say this a lot: perception matters.

If you claim to be a wholesome, family-oriented nudist, then your actions should match. If you’re sneaking around in adult groups, sharing content that leaves nothing to the imagination, don’t expect people to believe you when you preach body acceptance and innocence in the other half of your online life. That’s hypocrisy.

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And if you’re hiding your friend lists, locking down your profile, or pretending your adult content doesn’t exist? Let me tell you: it does exist. The platforms don’t hide you from group membership lists. If someone really wants to know, they can find out.

If you’re proud of your sexuality, that’s fine. Say so. Own it. But don’t lie to the rest of us who are trying to maintain what’s left of a traditional, non-sexual nudist space. Because when you blur those lines, you damage not just your reputation—you hurt the entire community’s public image.

No, I’m Not a Prude

Let’s get something clear: I’m not a prude. I’ve lived through the wild side of gay culture in the 70's. I came out back when bathhouses and backrooms weren’t hidden—they were expected. I’ve seen things you wouldn’t believe. But I never confused that with my nudism. Never mixed them. Never blurred the lines.

And yeah, I’ve posted things I regret. Who hasn’t? But even in my wilder days, I didn’t drag my friends into my private sexual experiences. There’s a boundary there, and I respected it. Still do.

Final Thoughts

I’m not here to call people out by name. That’s not my style. But I will say this: if you claim to be a true nudist, act like one. Don’t hide behind locked profiles and emoji-only friend lists while secretly sharing adult material in parallel groups. If you want to be kinky, be kinky. Just don’t use 'nudism' as a cloak for it.

We live in a small community. Word gets around. And in a world already skeptical of what we stand for, every misstep leaves a mark.

Be honest. Be who you are. But don’t deceive those of us who are out here trying to protect a way of life that deserves better.

*The Turtle’s Diary is a collection of thoughts, insights, and stories based on true-life experiences – all born from the misguided trust in others.

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