Donna Dodd is a 48 year old single mum of 3 humans, 2 huskies, and 5 cats. She is a Nursing Associate, has previously enjoyed a career in law and has even been a croupier.
Q: What got you into naturism/nudism?
A: A friend introduced me to naturism just before the global covid pandemic. I have always enjoyed skinny dipping and being naked at home and in my garden but hearing that they were organised swims and club events was a bonus.
Q: Is there a difference between the two labels?
A: If there is any difference then I would say that nudism is when you’re at home and naturism is when you engage in social nudity but generally I don’t think there is any difference.
Q: How does it impact your life on a day-to-day basis?
A: Whilst I enjoy the freedom of being nude at home, I have to have consideration for my teenage sons who at the moment think it’s a bit weird. I also find it difficult to discuss naturism with my colleagues as they know little about it and assume it to be taboo.
Q: What challenges do women face in naturism generally?
A: For me, safety is a concern. Being able to attend events as a single female is liberating yet completely overwhelming at the same time. Women are often objectified in society so to put yourself into a nude environment the first time can be scary - until you realise that nobody is looking at you.
Q: How can we encourage more women to try it?
A: Women only events are a positive step forward. It would be nice to see some events created to appeal to a younger market too.
Q: How can women help in desexualising nudity?
A: By talking about it in an effort to normalise it. Also censorship on social media platforms needs attention. How is it that the female nipple needs to be censored yet the male nipple does not? They are the same!
Q: What can men do to help in desexualising nudity?
A: Men can stop objectifying women. Not just within naturism but society as a whole. In naturist environments, men should maintain eye contact and give women space.
Q: How can we encourage body positivity and acceptance?
A: Society needs to be more aware of non-sexual nudity by way of images to see that there is no such thing as the perfect body. The images that young people see on social media are obscured by filters and photoshopped, giving a sense of the unattainability of the perfect body. Our young people need to know that bodies come in all shapes and sizes and that is perfectly OK.
Q: What advice would you offer to women curious about naturism?
A: I would advise Women just to take the leap. Buddy up with someone and try a naturist swim or club. Once you’ve experienced a nude swim, you won’t ever want to wear a costume again.
Q: What drives your passion in promoting naturism?
A: I believe that naturism is a natural, healthy way to live. I promote it to my female friends and family members as I believe they could benefit from it in terms of wellbeing and body positivity.
Q: Is your family supportive?
A: Yes. My parents are aware that I am a naturist and although they don’t take part, they are fully understanding and supportive.
Q: Has naturism changed since you first got involved?
A: It’s still early days for me but I am finding more events are being organised and the subject of naturism is less taboo.
Q: How do you see the future of naturism?
A: I see naturism growing and more in line with Europe where it’s much more commonplace. I hope that younger people will experience naturism as it will help with body positivity and realism.
