Janet Cooper is 79, married to Steven, and lives in Blackheath, London. She enjoys writing short stories, poetry and sketches and says her claim to fame is having one of her sketches performed on The News Huddlines on Radio Two. She enjoys card making and doing crosswords and in her spare time she loves to go walking through the woods naked.
Q: What got you into naturism/nudism?
A: My husband has always been a naturist and as soon as he comes home, the clothes come off. Nudity has never been an issue for me. He decided to do the Naked 5k run at the Naturist Foundation in 2019 so I went with him although I stayed clothed. During the warmer months at home, I would take my clothes off too. I felt so much better in my natural state. Steven entered the 5K race for the second time and I went to support him. Although I remained dressed, I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the friendliness of all the people there. We planned a return visit during the summer and this time I took my clothes off! I haven’t looked back since.
Q: Is there a difference between the two labels?
A: I do not see any difference. Nudity, unfortunately, always seems to be associated more with Pornography so I believe naturist people use naturism as it is a better word to describe the lifestyle.
Q: How does it impact your life on a day-to-day basis?
A: Being retired it doesn’t impact my life at all, I do not go about the streets naked but when it is hot I sit in the garden and remove most of my clothes, I do tend to wear either shorts or a Sarong as being 79 I can’t be sure what will happen when i cough or sneeze.
Q: What challenges do women face in naturism generally?
A: I have only been to the Naturist Foundation and to Painshill Park. I suppose many women, especially younger women may feel vulnerable being naked, in front of men they do not know and could be bothered about being abused. I think a lot would depend on how comfortable she would be within herself and her own body. In the past, women have never been seen as equal in society, people are inclined to accept men as naturists, but sadly, women quite often would be seen as a bit of whore only going for the men.
Q: How can we encourage more women to try it?
A: When I tell people I like jellied eels, a lot turn their nose up saying they’re horrible, so I ask if they have tried them and they say no, I say How do you know you don’t like them if you haven’t tried them? It’s the same with naturism. When the conversation about naturism arises, if they say I couldn’t do that it's not nice, I give them the same answer. Quite often they say I would like to do that, but I am not brave enough. In fact, I have a cousin, who said exactly that. Apparently her sister goes nude swimming, so I said "well come with us one day, see if you like it, “I would not feel comfortable about my body,” she said. Sadly, that’s another problem with society. I said no one takes any notice, but couldn’t convince her and you cannot force people, it has to be their choice you can only encourage.
Q: How can women help in desexualising nudity?
A: I do not watch television and I have very seldom bought women’s magazines. In my opinion these media are two of the biggest culprits in using women’s bodies sexually in promoting their goods.
Q: What can men do to help in desexualising nudity?
A: Stop ogling naked women in papers and magazines.For men to see women as a person rather than a sex object.
Q: How can we encourage body positivity and acceptance?
A: As I see it, body positivity and acceptance comes from within. You need to learn to love yourself and thank your body regularly for what it does for you.
Q: What advice would you offer to women curious about naturism?
A: To try it somewhere you know you can trust, like the Naturist Foundation which is family orientated.
Q: What drives your passion in promoting naturism?
A: The freedom and confidence it gives me. I found when I went to the Naturist Foundation people were accepted for who they are and not what they looked like, which to me helps to make you more positive about your body. When we took the photos for this article, I felt I had finally become a naturist as I realised I had lost all my insecurities.
Q: Is your family supportive?
A: I have no hang ups about telling people I am a naturist. Most of my family and friends know and accept it.
Q: How do you see the future of naturism?
A: I think it is becoming more acceptable and can see it growing especially as more and more people bring their children, and hopefully they will grow up with body confidence...
