Next week's The Forum Live (22 May) will be hosted by BN's Women in Naturism coordinator, Helen Berriman. It will be an opportunity to hear from women and share your opinions on our campaign to introduce more women to Naturism.
Join the session on the night from the BN shop
In the meantime, here's Helen's article from the latest BN Magazine - arriving on your doorstep in early June!
Naturism means something different to each of us. For me it’s about freeing myself from body dysmorphia and from societal conditioning of what Naturism is. For others, it’s friendship and community, or wellbeing and philosophy. Whatever it means to you, people always agree that Naturism is good for them.
Like many others, I had been conditioned into believing that nudity equated to sex and no amount of comments from my husband that it couldn’t be further from the truth as far are Naturism was concerned was going to convince me otherwise. It wasn't until I had experienced social nudity for myself that I had my ‘Eureka’ moment. Almost instantly, I knew my husband was right (unusually). For the first time, I wasn’t being objectified. I was naked, around strangers, and I felt completely safe. No-one could care less about how I looked, the scars I wore or the apron of excess skin I carry from yo-yo dieting. I wanted to take this new understanding of Naturism and body freedom and share it with the world. I wanted other people to experience this feeling of liberation and contentment and that is why I joined British Naturism’s campaigning team, to encourage people, particularly Women, to discover many of the benefits I had.
It is said that once women have tried Naturism for the first time, they become very passionate about it. It’s true that I and many other women are examples of this and are shouting from the rooftops about it. It’s not so easy for some women to give it a go; society, fashion, media and beauty standards have done a good number on us. The female form has been sexualised and we have learned to compare ourselves to what is being shown in fashion and media, beating ourselves up for not meeting those standards. But, these standards are not REAL. What you see in the glossy mags and on social media is not REAL. Photoshopping apps and filters are disguising the reality. The truth is, everyday women are REAL. Women like you and me. And we need to celebrate this.
The Women in Focus series was designed to do just that. A platform within British Naturism, where women across the community share their views on Naturism and nudity. The idea is to demonstrate a sense of community, diversity and relatability. No two stories are the same and there is a chance you will see someone like you, someone you can relate to whether on a physical or mental basis. We need women like YOU to contribute too. Everyone has a story and an opinion so why not have your say? Let us build this community and empower each other.
I understand that not everyone is going to be willing to share their stories and that’s fine too. There are many other ways to get involved with the WIN campaign. Perhaps you could join the Women in Naturism Facebook group? It’s a private group run by women, for women and provides a man free space. (It’s nice to have that.) We share ideas, events, thoughts, chats and whatever else we want to talk about.
There’s plenty of events and activities taking place across the UK where women are under-represented. Could you be an ambassador to encourage other women? Maybe walking is your thing and you could lead a ladies-only hike? With all the Naked Heart walks taking place across the UK, could you help represent women by showing up and being a ‘buddy’, or bring some friends? It’s a great way to get together and raise some money for the British Heart Foundation at the same time. From heart walks to skinny dips, naked hikes to naked dining events, any contribution from you is most welcome. Perhaps you have an idea of an event you’d like to see happening? Let’s talk, let’s make it happen!
Women in Naturism already know how liberating it is. Join me in telling other women so they too can free themselves from body hang ups and fear, and make lasting friendships.
In a nutshell, what I'm looking for is to expand the team of women willing to support and contribute to the Women in Naturism campaign. To grow and develop our community, to make a safe place for women to celebrate their true selves. Together, we can make a difference.
Please get in touch and I’ll see you at an event soon.
Much Love
Helen Berriman
Women in Naturism co-ordinator, British Naturism
bn.org.uk/campaigning/womens-stories/focus
facebook.com/groups/womeninNaturism