Anne Nisbet is an enthusiastic BN volunteer and at time of writing is standing for the position of BN International Director.
Q: What got you into naturism/nudism?
A: Other than naked swimming while on family holidays, there was one particular work trip to Finland in March 2001, when I stumbled upon a municipal sauna devoted to a naked ladies-only evening. I observed a traditional ‘birch branch beating’ in the sauna and participated in a steam room session and several laps of the swimming pool as well as an enjoyable women-only social event afterwards in the cafe. My overall impression was that naturism was liberating, civilised and an enjoyable way of life. From that moment, I never looked back. A few years later, I joined OxNat (Oxford Naturists) and served as membership secretary of the club for a few years before discovering the wonders of BN and what it has to offer! Last, but not least, I met my wonderful partner Colin on a French naturist holiday 10 years ago. Together, we lead a naturist lifestyle.
Q: Is there a difference between the two labels?
A: I tend to identify as a naturist because I feel it encompasses ‘being in a natural state’ as ‘nature intended’ and at one with ‘nature and the world around’. To me, nudism doesn’t infer the same links to nature, simply implying the practice of social nudity.
Q: How does it impact your life on a day-to-day basis?
A: Being a naturist is a way of life, both at home and in the outside world. We are fortunate in the UK to have a wide range of naturist activities that are accessible at club and national level. My typical 'working from home day' involves a range of online fitness and yoga classes, courtesy of BN. Friday is generally a day off, and during the season I engage in naturist walks organised by BN Eastern Region, occasionally helping to lead them! I also love to attend various social events and festivals run by BN or the Naturist Foundation, including Nudefest, Bournemouth, Alton Towers, Party in the Stark, fitness weekends etc. We bought a campervan in 2019 to enjoy the delights of naturist campsites all over Europe, where opportunities for swimming, cycling, and walking abound. Closer to home, it has been a joy to be one of a group of volunteer wardens looking after BN’s Sunfolk site and taking part in 'work weekends' there, out of season.
Q: What challenges do women face in naturism generally?
A: Firstly, men tend to predominate many naturist activities, and this may be off putting to some women, especially those just starting out on their naturist journey. Personally, I don’t mind the imbalance, as I interact with people on an individual basis. Secondly, sometimes women struggle with body image and self-confidence, and this again tends to be more prevalent in those new to naturism. Thirdly, women may feel uncomfortable due to a perception that they are objects of sexual desire and that they may be subject to unsolicited and unwelcome advances (see points below for addressing this issue).
Q: How can we encourage more women to try it?
A: Targeted campaigns by clubs and BN. Establishment of social media groups. Buddying up between novices and experienced naturists for attending events. Clothing optional for social gatherings, although probably not for swimming and sauna sessions. Promotion and dissemination of mainstream TV programmes such as C4s brilliant Naked Education. Normalising naturism (see below) on Twitter, Instagram and other social media which are gaining more and more naturist content, is probably one of the better ways to raise awareness and by osmosis may encourage more women. However, I'm not a Twitter Queen!
Q: How can women help in desexualising nudity?
A: Zero tolerance. Reporting inappropriate behaviour (of women, as well as men) and the imposition of appropriate sanctions by those running events. Confidence for women to speak out against sexual innuendo, rather than a strategy of ignore and hoping the problem will go away.
Q: What can men do to help in desexualising nudity?
A: Same actions as for women. Have very clear and explicit rules about inappropriate behaviour and formalised sanctions as part of membership agreement.
Q: How can we encourage body positivity and acceptance?
A: Debunking myths that you must have a perfect body to get naked. More promotional material photos and stories from cross section of women (all ages, sizes, scars etc.)
Q: What advice would you offer to women curious about naturism?
A: Try it at home or on holiday. Contact a local club to organise a meet with other women from the club. Go to clothing optional events. Chat with other female naturists online and consider meeting up with them, if they live close-by.
Q: What drives your passion in promoting naturism?
A: The positive physical and mental health benefits. The inclusivity of naturism - it is a great leveller! Events and opportunities to meet like-minded souls. All my best friends are naturist.
Q: Is your family supportive?
A: Absolutely! I did a naked interview with Max Fosh (the famous YouTube vlogger) when he visited Sunfolk site in July 2021. My sons were so impressed with this encounter, that they sent the video link to the hundreds, perhaps thousands of contacts in their address books! The video by the way has had over 1 million views. Check out the link.
Q: Has naturism changed since you first got involved?
A: From a BN perspective, there seems to be so many more organised events and opportunities to interact with other naturists. I’m extremely grateful to the BN events team for all their hard work, dedication and inspiration.
Q: How do you see the future of naturism?
A: Going in a positive direction. Naturism is become more accepted in society, through for example, World naked bike rides, TV programmes, and social media platform that all help to normalise naturism. We are also fortunate in the UK to have the legal system supportive of naturism.
Q: Any other thoughts?
A: It would be great to see more female representation on the BN Executive Committee, and to that end I am standing for BN International Director (watch out for my election address due out with the summer edition of the BN magazine)
Anne was featured on episode 10 of the Women in Focus podcast. You can listen to her episode here.
