Karie Jane, 56, is a single mother of a young adult and is the proud owner of BHH Naturist Resort Fuerteventura. Previously she enjoyed a career working for The Prince’s Trust as Regional Director, and then fifteen years as a Theatre Producer in the UK and throughout Europe. She likes sailing, yoga and Padel Tennis and enjoys daily walks on the beach with her labradoodle, Milo.
Q: What got you into naturism/nudism?
A: I got into naturism when I started coming to Fuerteventura in the late 80’s and was always nude on the beaches. Most people are without clothes on the beaches here!
Q: Is there a difference between the two labels?
A: I think naturism is how Europeans describe being nude. Nudism is how the rest of the world describes it. But ultimately to me it means exactly the same thing!
Q: How does it impact your life on a day-to-day basis?
A: I live in a naturist environment at my naturist resort in Fuerteventura which is a private paradise for naturists and so I enjoy spending my time with like minded people.
Q: What challenges do women face in naturism generally?
A: There are more challenges being a woman in naturism because we strive for a safe environment which is sometimes difficult. I prefer to be more discreet and I have always struggled with body positivity but naturism gives me confidence and being around lots of women in naturism shows me that we are all different and should be celebrated. It feels such a privilege to have guests at my naturist resort who have not got perfect bodies, commonly due to breast cancer, but have overcome this.
Q: How can we encourage more women to try it?
A: We should provide more opportunities for women to be nude in the company of other women. I’m delighted to see women-only events like swimming and wellness weekends. I would be thrilled to host women only naturist holidays in Fuerteventura.
Q: How can women help in desexualising nudity?
A: Women can help in desexualising nudity by discussing this topic frequently. Be open and honest if a male naturist starts looking at your body in a sexual way and explaining to them it is not appropriate. Set personal boundaries and stick with them!
Q: What can men do to help in desexualising nudity?
A: By understanding that naturism is not sexual, give respect and space to women naturists, do not comment about the size of their breasts or any other aspect of their body in a sexual context. Maintain eye contact at all times. Give women naturists physical space on a sun terrace or at the beach.
Q: How can we encourage body positivity and acceptance?
A: We need to see more public images of body shapes in the media including social media. I think the more different bodies you see, the more you visualise all shapes and sizes and realise there is no such thing as a perfect body.
Q: What advice would you offer to women curious about naturism?
A: I would not force them to take off their clothes but if they were curious, I would encourage them to be topless in the beginning. And then, if they felt comfortable to be nude in a safe environment, for a few minutes at a time to remove all their clothes. We would have a discussion about the fact that I, personally, enjoy laying on a sunbed nude and that sometimes I do not feel comfortable walking about in the nude. But then again, sometimes I am perfectly comfortable strolling about all day without clothes! There is no right or wrong way.
Q: What drives your passion in promoting naturism?
A: It is a very liberating experience and I find it empowering as a woman. I would love to see more women naturists and be happy to do whatever it takes to encourage this by leading by example.
Q: Is your family supportive?
A: My son is a young adult and as yet he does not understand the benefits of naturism. I live in hope that one day he will appreciate the freedom.
Q: Has naturism changed since you first got involved?
A: I think when I first became a naturist it was common to be mainly nude in private. Now I am pretty sure it is a fast growing market and many naturists love to enjoy naturism outside their own home, especially on beaches on holidays .
Q: How do you see the future of naturism?
A: In my opinion, naturism will grow stronger and stronger.I would like to encourage more women and younger people to become the next generation of naturists. I would wholeheartedly support a campaign which promotes naturism to people in their 30s, 40s and 50s.
Karie was featured on episode 11 of the Women in Focus podcast. You can listen to her episode here.
