Glossary
Naturism
Nudity as a way of life, not as a stimulus. What it is about, and why it has nothing to do with sex.
What is naturism?
Naturism is a way of life in which people are nude together without sexual intent, to foster respect for themselves, for others and for nature. It is about social nudity and not about eroticism. The International Naturist Federation set that description down in 1974.
| Also called | nudism |
| Category | a way of life around social nudity and body image |
| Not to be confused with | exhibitionism, which is about being watched and arousal |
| Core values | respect for yourself, for others and for nature |
| Where | nude beaches, naturist campsites, places with their own etiquette |
| Core to know | naturism is explicitly non-sexual; looking, photos and towel use follow fixed rules |
Where naturism comes from and what it involves
Naturism is an organized way of life with a definition of its own. At its fourteenth congress in Agde, in 1974, the International Naturist Federation described it as “a way of life in harmony with nature characterised by the practice of communal nudity.” The nudity is the means, not the goal: it is meant to encourage self-respect and respect for others and the surroundings. Many naturists and their organizations stress that social nudity stands clearly apart from sexual activity.
Why people become naturists
For most people the pull is in how ordinary it is: no clothing to hide behind, no gaze that sizes you up, no performance. What it gives is often a calmer relationship with your own body. For anyone who struggles with their body image, a setting where every body is ordinary can be a relief rather than an exposure. What naturism is not: a step toward sex or a setting to be watched in. Anyone looking for that has come to the wrong place with naturism, and that is exactly what the etiquette is about.
Naturism is not sex
“Nude together means sexual intent.” Not in naturism. The whole arrangement is that nudity and sex are decoupled. Taking photos, staring or making advances are the things that do not belong at a naturist place. That sets it apart from exhibitionism and from voyeurism, where the arousal of watching or being watched is the point.
Where this fits on my site
Naturism is not a service I offer, and it is not part of what I do either. Where it does touch on my work is being at ease in your own skin. If that is what you struggle with, my work is about that more often than you would think. The page on what I do shows how I approach it, and you may always ask something first.
Sources
- About Naturism. International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI). Yields the official 1974 definition, congress of Agde, describing naturism as a way of life in harmony with nature, marked by communal nudity aimed at respect for yourself, others and the surroundings.
- Naturism. Wikipedia. Yields the placement as a way of life around social, non-sexual nudity and the distinction from forms in which nudity is aimed at arousal.
Related terms
- Body image. The picture you have of your own body, which naturism touches directly.
- Exhibitionism. The opposite: being nude precisely for the thrill of being watched.
- Voyeurism. The other side of that watching, and what naturism explicitly is not.
- Swinging. Often mentioned in the same breath, but swinging is sexual and naturism explicitly is not.
Frequently asked questions
What people still ask about naturism.
What is naturism?
Naturism is a way of life in which people are nude together without sexual intent, to foster respect for themselves, others and nature. It is about social nudity, not eroticism. The International Naturist Federation set that description down in 1974.
Is naturism sexual?
No, naturism is explicitly non-sexual. The whole arrangement is that nudity and sex stand apart from each other: staring, taking photos or making advances do not belong. That sets naturism apart from exhibitionism and voyeurism, where the watching is exactly the point.
Who can you turn to with questions about naturism?
For naturism itself a naturist federation is your best bet; it is not a service I offer. If your question is really about feeling at ease in your own body, you can put that one to me. I’m Victor, a gigolo with a background as a psychotherapist, and that is what these kinds of questions are more often really about. Ask with no obligation through the contact form or chat for free first.
Learn more
Still have questions about naturism?
I'm Victor, a gigolo. Naturism is not something I do, but being at ease in your own skin is often what my work is about. Ask your question, no obligation, and I'll message you back whenever suits you.
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