Helen speaks to Samantha Graham, 32, originally from North Bay, Ontario, Canada and currently living in Playa Ocotal, Costa Rica. Sam currently works as social media manager for Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park, Canada.
Q: What got you into naturism/nudism?
A: I've always preferred to be clothes free, around the house and especially when I sleep. Growing up there weren't opportunities to be nude in a public setting, other than the occasional skinny dip with girlfriends back in high school. It was back in 2017 when I finally had a weekend off and was looking for a different and more freeing experience. I went to Google and searched for a nude beach nearby and found Bare Oaks Family Naturist Resort was only 20 minutes away. I ended up booking three nights at the park and the experience I had completely changed my life in so many positive ways. That weekend was the beginning of me realising I had found something I had always wanted. I went from have no experience at all with social nudity to very quickly spending a large portion of my days seeking out places that allowed me to be my clothes-free authentic self.
Q: Is there a difference between the two labels?
A: This is a tricky question. I believe that there are differences between the two labels, but I’m also aware that the "differences" and a person's preferences on their preferred label can vary for a number of different reasons including age, location and/or background. I am naturist and would correct someone who referred to me as a nudist. Not that there is anything wrong with being a nudist or labelling someone as one, but for me because of the very clear differences that I perceive, calling me a nudist is inaccurate. As a naturist I would rather be clothes-free because when I am I feel I am presenting my authentic self and am better able to connect with myself and others. The core values in naturism are all based on respect. Respect for self, respect for others and respect for the environment. I consciously aim to live my life with those core values in mind. Nudism as I see it is a term the general public might be more familiar with and tends to feel that is more focused on the being naked part. A nudist is someone who simply enjoys being naked and finds a thrill in being sans clothing.
Q: How does it impact your life on a day-to-day basis?
A: Naturism is a huge part of my life. I live day to day clothes-free whenever possible and both my current roles are based around naturism. I started doing social media for the park back in 2017 and I am the Editor and Producer of The Naturist Living Show. With both roles I have had the opportunity to promote ethical naturism and share the benefits of being clothes-free and living a clothes-free life.
Q: What challenges do women face in naturism generally?
A: One of the biggest is the lack of confidence due to society and body shaming. Society's attitude towards the human body, especially females, can completely be attributed to the self-esteem and self-confidence issues that so many face. The commercial world that we all exist in constantly bombards us with images and messaging around how bodies should look and in far too many cases are completely unrealistic and unachievable. I have seen this to be one of the biggest reasons women are hesitant to try naturism. They feel that their body isn't "good enough" or that they will be judge or ridiculed, which is absolutely false. Another challenge would be that many women, whether they're new or non-naturist, believe that there is an uneven gender balance at naturist parks, events, or beaches. This can be the case where there are in fact more men than women but that is not the norm I have seen. After years of being a member at a park, having attended many events and visiting numerous clothing optional beaches I have seen a balance. True naturist setting has more balance. Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park is a great example. The balance in the park is easily created with the number of people and families that visit. From babies, to youth, to singles and couples, young and old there seems to be balance in a true naturist setting. Lastly and unfortunately, sexualization and harassment don't disappear in naturism. There are still instances where these situations occur. Fortunately, I truly believe that it happens far less often in a naturist verses a non-naturist setting. In a naturist setting you have far more support if something is inappropriate or unacceptable.
Q: How can we encourage more women to try it?
A: By sharing, demonstrating, and communicating that naturism is a safe space and their body exactly as it is will be welcomed into the community. Also by promoting the benefits - physically, mentally and emotionally - that occur as a naturist are incredibly positive, beneficial and life changing.
Q: How can women help in desexualising nudity?
A: By standing up for yourself, especially in a naturist setting. Naturism is founded on respect for self and others. Being respectful (not just acting respectful) is the fundamental basis of all good interpersonal relationships. Women need to actively ensure that the societal norm of hyper-sexualizating our bodily form doesn't go beyond that moment they encounter a situation in which they feel they are being sexualized. You have the right to have interactions where the other person is looking you in the eye, isn't staring or in your personal space, and/or commenting on your physical appearance. Additionally, participate in and promote non-sexualized nudity. Participating is simple, the tricky part is promoting; finding platforms that don't have body shaming policies and will allow the content to include nudity.
Q: What can men do to help in desexualising nudity?
A: Again, participate in and promote non-sexualized nudity in addition to being respectful and conscious about your interactions. Look but don't stare and look people in the eyes. Be aware of your intentions, always give people their space and avoid physical contact. Additionally avoid sexual comment or sexual jokes, and of course don't comment on people's bodies - good or bad!
Q: How can we encourage body positivity and acceptance?
A: By demonstrating that the societal norms we are constantly subjected to are not realistic or right. Naturist settings and content clearly aim to show the diversity in people's appearance and that weight, body hair, stretch marks and scars are all what make us, us. We are all unique and you should be confident in the vessel you exist in.
Q: What advice would you offer to women curious about naturism?
A: Try by yourself first. Whether is it in your house, a backyard, a garden, feel comfortable in your skin in your own space. Another option which if you haven't tried it is skinny dipping. Once you've tried, you'll probably never want to swim in a bathing suit again. You could go alone or take a friend and visit a naturist beach. If available, you could also visit a naturist park which may be intimidating but is a safe welcoming environment to start your journey. Lastly watch this video that truly demonstrates what it is like to visit a naturist environment for the first time. I promise, many if not all your questions and concerns about what to expect the first time are answered in this video:
Q: What drives your passion in promoting naturism?
A: My drive is truly based in the benefits that I have experienced both in myself and others that I have seen on their journey discovering and living a naturist lifestyle.
Q: Is your family supportive?
A: While no one other than my boyfriend has ever decided to participate, my family is incredibly supportive.
Q: How is naturism viewed in your country?
A: Naturism is certainly present but in small doses. With only a few beaches and naturist parks in the country. Being clothes-free is not common at all.
Q: Has naturism changed since you first got involved?
A: I don't feel as though there has been a lot of change. Social media has always been incredibly frustrating and has become ever more difficult to navigate. The rules and regulations are ever changing and are challenging to interrupt in many cases. Twitter has been consistently the worst culprit for me personally having lost multiple personal and business accounts for reasons that to this day I'm not even sure why. A positive change that I have noticed is the younger generations discovering and participating. When I first started visiting the park there were people of all ages include mine (at the time 27) but now there certainly appears to be more people in their 20s and 30s that visit and stay at the park.
Q: How do you see the future of naturism?
A: I'm hopeful that there will come a time that non-sexual nudity is completely normalized but it will not come easy. It'll come through conversations that naturists have with non-naturist to create a solid understanding of what naturism is really all about. I would love for the world to accept non-sexualized nudity for what it is, a truly beneficial and life changing movement.
Sam was featured on episode 9 of the Women in Focus podcast. You can listen to her episode here.
