Maja Penko is 50 years old and is a Tour Leader and Tourist Guide in her hometown of Ljubljana in Slovenia. She has also worked for the INF and is now the President of the Slovenian naturist federation.
Q: What got you into naturism/nudism?
A: I was born without clothes and shoes. Then raised in a normal (=naturist) family. Dad and Mum and my brother were always (when we wanted) naked. Our parents never taught us to »cover up« or to »feel ashamed« of our bodies or parts of our bodies.
Q: Is there a difference between the two labels?
A: Everyone who is sunbathing, swimming, moving around naked is nudist. Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature and social nudity is the most visible, acceptable and desired, and includes (self)respect, self-esteem, and we care about our mother Nature.
Very important is the fact that we ARE naturists and we DO NOT PRACTICE naturism.
Q: How does it impact your life on a day-to-day basis? (Maybe describe roles/business)
A: I am a tour guide, so I mention a lot this wonderful lifestyle to the tourists I meet. There are still so many taboos about nudity…
Q: What challenges do women face in naturism generally?
A: When we are in NATURIST society – none. But, when we find ourselves in unofficial nudist beaches, parks, we still may find out that people are still so ignorant and led by the “system” which imposed norms of behavior and has made from a womans’ naked body a sexual symbol. And thus influencing (maybe a better expression = brainwashing?) the people that naked body has to hide its’ “intimate” parts. What if my most intimate part are lips and eyes?
Q: How can we encourage more women to try it?
A: First of all - do not force them to undress. Try to remind her that our natural state is a body without clothes and shoes. She shall start at home by looking at herself in the mirror, every day, many times a day and completely naked. Accepting her body as it is and loving it as it is, regardless of the shape, overweight, stains, cellulitis, no matter what – she is sincerely invited to stop listening that media that emphasis our “physical imperfections” and start to love herself. Then take her to a gathering or an event, where nobody will force her to undress – she will take of clothes soon, when she sees, that people are looking her in the face when they talk to her….
Q: How can women help in desexualising nudity?
A: First, we need to stop with the discrimination of our bodies and throw away bras at public places. Men don’t wear bra, so why should we. But we need to be self-confident and strong and don’t give up. And educate all the people, especially the young children about acceptance of our bodies (female and male). Getting back to nature.
Q: What can men do to help in desexualising nudity?
A: Support us, stand by our side when we are all topless and /or naked. Men shall also accept them as they are (mirrors) and have it understood, that a naked woman – doesn’t mean invitation to sexual activities (education is essential!!!).
Q: How can we encourage body positivity and acceptance?
A: By talking, writing about it. Children who are raised in a naturist family, will grow into respectful people and will understand all above mentioned. Using the available and not corrupt media to talk about the freedom of our bodies and stop putting those dots and clouds on our nipples!!! Apear in studio naked. Good idea are events, such as Dia sin banador (Day without swimming suit – that began in Spain) and thus inviting textile people to join us.
Q: What advice would you offer to women curious about naturism?
A: Just free your mind and be as you feel! Feelings are important. Ignore the media and the fear of other people’s opinion! You are important in your life. Others do not live your life. Just blossom!
Q: What drives your passion in promoting naturism?
A: Me, myself and I do not like injustice and since ever I am convinced that being as we were born, we are not doing ANYTHING wrong. Exhibition is other thing. Not naturism.
Q: Is your family supportive?
A: YES. Completely.
Q: How is naturism viewed in your country?
A: My personal opinion is that people know what nudism/naturism is, but as we lack of official campsites, resorts, glamping for naturists, we take our money out of the country – the majority still goes to spend their vacations in our neighbours – Croatia. I see that a great thing is that we have a lot of sauna centres – in all of them – no clothes allowed!
Q: Has naturism changed since you first got involved?
A: Yes. Somewhat.
