What's your Angle

Nudists like to be around other like minded people. That is just a fact. Much like footballs fans, NASCAR fans, people in the same line of work, ones having same interests like to be around others like them. Since there isn't yet laws on the books that permit public nudity in the USA as a whole, many of us nudists share our daily experiences, life events via social media. That involves chatting, posting in groups where our friends are, and yes that Does mean sharing our nude selves.

Being enthusiastic and excited to share with others, even the most seasoned nudist can forget a few things, let's call them protocols. Nudists are by and large wholesome minded, morally upstanding individuals. When making posts to social media especially, we do our best to share pics and posts that go hand in hand with a wholesome, non sexual/objectifying way. 

I thought it might be a nice idea to go over just a refresher course real quick as to how we should go about our postings.  For me, seeing something usually registers better and more long term than just being TOLD something. So, let's get started! REFRESHER 101.

Tripods are awesome. Selfie sticks are pretty great as well. When it comes to capturing our selves, our activities, we won't always have a friend there with us, so what can we do? Set up a tripod, sure. Pray out arm is long enough to use a selfie stick, sure. Prop our camera/cell against a tree, um, maybe. Like in any art form, film industry, photography in general, angles play a huge role in not only the subject matter but also the context that is trying to be portrayed.  Let's look at some examples.

To make this simpler, I'll post a number of nudist photos and in your own head, decide if it is a thumbs up (appropriate) or thumbs down (not appropriate.) Then below them all I'll weigh in on my take from being a nudist for over 25 years.

Got your opinions yet? How bout a few more.

Okay, that should be enough of the good and bad to make the point of what thing we SHOULD be posting and sharing as nudists. 

The first pic, although it does have the woman's vagina closer to the camera than other parts, I would say it is an appropriate pic. Here's why. In the context of where she is, with a selfie stick, no one there to take pic for her, that may be as far as she can reach. She also is simply enjoying her time there on what appears to be a beach. Her face is also IN the pic. 

The next 3 in that section are perfect for posting and sharing. They show activity or just a normal non sexually suggestive or objectified center in the pics. The 5th pic in the first section, you know the shot from Down below looking up the woman's body? Yes her face is visible and that's good. However, at that angle, her vaginal region is the central focus our eye naturally is drawn to. There is nothing sexual about her pic, but again, to those who are new, or do not fully understand nudism, context and all those variables, the 5th pic should not be one to post and share. 6th pic uses a selfie stick. Well shot, within arms reach but fully captures the surroundings enough that the viewer knows what is going on. 

In the 2nd set of pics, 1, 3 and 4 are fine. Number 2, def not. There is nothing wrong with a man's penis at all. It is simply another part of the body. But again, making that the focal point in the pic can send out the wrong signal. That angle should be avoided. For those who are astute, you may be saying, "um but #4 is questionable." You have a point. Let me break it down for you.  Although the way the woman is sitting, with legs spread a bit, looking at the whole picture, and it's context, we can understand that that is a normal way we sit in such a situation. Her hands are in a good place, not suggesting anything inappropriate, just posing for a pic probably taken by a friend at the beach. Yes, some would say there is a grey area. In my nudist groups I would not have a problem with that pic because I see the whole thing, the big picture if you will.

As nudists, both new in the lifestyle or seasoned nudists, it is important how we display ourselves. Bringing others on board, friends, family, co-workers, takes them understanding and embracing the wholesomeness, family friendliness of nudism. Leading by example is what works. Sure as adults we are well aware that a penis, or boobs, or vagina is just another body part. We aren't stupid or prudish. Context...that is the benchmark. What you share with another person away from a group setting, that is up to you. In ANY true, legit nudist social media group/page/platform, we should all work hard to foster the right message.  I have one more pic example I'd like to share with you.

Okay....

This woman is smiling, obviously happy in her state of undress and is showing what a normal nude female body looks like. Being it is not a totally vag shot, the lines on is it appropriate or not can be a little blurred. For most of us, I don't think we would have a huge objection to her pic. In my groups, I would likely message this lady, and ask if she had another that had less of an angle from down below. It can be a little tough trying to frame yourself when taking a pic propping your phone without aid of a tripod, selfie stick etc. It takes some trial and error. For me, if I was planning on sharing and posting some sort of pic and one like hers was in the ones I had taken, I would choose another to use.

Perhaps that's just me. You will never please everyone. That is just impossible. The old adage, better safe than sorry I think is a good one to follow. If there is any question how a pic you post may be construed or taken, just refrain. Choose wisely, and your online group experiences will not only never come into question, but will also represent all of US, in the best light possible. 

Hopefully this post has jogged your memory and reaffirmed what you are already doing.  Go enjoy your day. Enjoy your time nude as God intended, and let's keep being great advocates for normalizing nudism.

Sometimes being "naked" is what is required

This is typically a nudist centered blog. Today, there is a slight exception, a play on words if you will. This year has been among the most trying I have had to face for many many reasons. We often live our lives thinking we know somewhat of what to expect, what may be coming down the pipe and we aren't too surprised by certain outcomes. This year, I made some decisions to stand my ground, fighting for what I believed was best. Sadly, some of those things I fought so hard for, backfired right in my face.

When disappointment comes, especially out of the blue when you think it has NO right to even be there, well, that's tough to deal with and overcome. This year I've had my life turned upside down, literally. Family trouble, health issues, 2 random small fires at the house, car trouble, job upheaval, you name it. It has really pushed me to the brink. Beyond my unwelcomed problems, my poor mother has had an equally full plate to contend with. My grandmother is 94 years of age and her health has been rapidly declining this year. My mother has been her caregiver and also caregiver to my grandfather who passed away a couple of years ago. Her life has been put totally on hold for the better part of 10 years now. She stays with my grandmother a good 22 hours per day, 7 days a week, with no help, no break. She is exhausted mentally, physically, emotionally, wondering constantly, "am I doing enough." Of course she is! Days get better, then worse, then way worse with no end in sight. My mother has had to keep up a big house for the past 20 yrs since my Dad passed. It is a huge undertaking. Since moving to the current house, our old house has sat vacant. I've worked on it quite a lot this year preparing it for Mom to move there sometime in the near future. She can't or won't totally move until Grandma passes out of respect for her situation. I get that and admire her loyalty. So in addition to her big house, being caregiver, working at our old house doing things she wants to have done, my mother is spread way too thin. 

What can you expect when you are doing way too much? Exhaustion, depression, divided interests?

All of the above. There is a beauty in having expectations. Where we fail is in not knowing when it is okay to step aside and regroup, ask for help, and be willing to change our expectations. My mother is a very stubborn, prideful woman. Good hearted to a fault. She will literally kill herself trying to please and help others. I am much the same way. So back to my year. Without going into detail, I now live alone for the time being, am not working, bills are very tight, health issues still are a daily concern. Cars are both older and falling apart with daily use, dogs are having issues with health and well being. It is a mess. So what can I do about any or all of this?  Well, here is where being naked is what is required. Now you guys and gals are smart. You know that I am not referring to an actually naked state of undress, right? Ha. As much as I do live that way, I am speaking of being naked, vulnerable, susceptible to changes, humility, saying I'm sorry, welcoming positive change. 

Just as a person can by timid, shy or hesitant in literally being naked, so are we when it comes to our behavior, attitude, and accepting the need for changes. It is uncomfortable the first few times you have to do it or when you haven't had to make those type of changes and admittances in years and years. That is where I have found myself the past several months. Errors in judgment, being stagnant and resistant to opinions and ideas that were not mine, and just being a stubborn ass have haunted me. Over the past month or so, I have realized my need to make positive changes in my life. From eating better, being more active again, exercising, opening my mind and heart to new ideas/concepts, admitting wrong and failure, all of these have led to a true change in my personal demeanor. People around me have begun to notice these changes for the good and are happy along with me. 

The whole point of becoming naked in these ways, is to expand yourself beyond borders of your own making. Moving being the limitations you yourself have created over the years can and likely will expose you to new things that can truly be healing and joyous. I am there now. I've had to say I'm sorry to some people. I have had to admit I don't know it all every day. I have had to accept criticism, counsel and chastising. Now I'm not saying just bow down and take any beating that comes from people who disagree with you. Not at all! It is paramount to stand up for yourself and what you believe in. BUT at the same time, learn to recognize those who are on your side, who want you to succeed and be an even better you. Those are the people who you should be open to their wisdom and spankings.

It is perfectly okay as human being to BE wrong now and then. What you do with that is up to you. I have chosen to swallow pride and admit that I can be wrong, I have been wrong, and to work hard to improve and learn from my being wrong this year. In doing this, I have begun to relearn who I am and what is truly important. It is amazing what we can learn when we open ourselves up in a naked way emotionally, physically, psychologically, spiritually. The path ahead becomes limitless  and full of untapped potential and blessing. Just today, I was able to meet with a company representative with a company that buys homes. Within 3 hours of meeting this very educated, professional younger woman, she sent my mother a cash offer for her big house. Contract has been signed and her house will be closed on in February. The stress, delay, worry is now over for her. I could not be happier. Sure there is a sadness saying goodbye to a home with rich history, memories and decades of life within its walls, but there is also the welcoming of a new chapter to yet be written. 

Not only am I thrilled for my mother right now with this off of her plate, I am also excited for me as well. You see, mother had told me, once her house sells, she is going to pay me for our old house. So with that money, I get to shop for a new truck which I desperately need! I know, that may not be as important to some, but for me, nursing a 16 year old vehicle along is exhausting and expensive. Having reliable, nice, appropriate for my needs truck is pretty darn important. Yes, I admit, I'm a little selfish wishing I didn't have to wait another 2 months but in reality, I am very blessed she is willing to pay me for the old house. 

To wrap this post up, let me say a couple of things. I can stand bare before most people whom I trust and admit things, be totally honest and transparent. Is it always easy? Heck no it's not. But it is necessary in not only maintaining those relationships, but also in fostering, growing and allowing those relationships new opportunities to deepen. We all need people in our lives who are on our side through thick and thin. Granted some people don't have that in their life. To them I say, stay the course, remain positive and be the best you that you can be. They will come. Like in the movie The Field of Dreams, Ray was told, "if you build it they will come" and come they did. Same applies. 

No one knows what tomorrow will bring. It could be disaster or it could be unparalleled blessing. Be willing to be "naked" and open to all that life affords, the bad and the good. Attitude determines our Altitude!!  Go be well, be the real you, cast off any mask that you wear, and embrace the goodness within you and those who love you. 

Whine while the Moon Shines

For the past month or so now, my beloved bulldog has started this thing where when it gets to be bedtime, he whines and whines, pawing at me. Got a new bed and I purposely made it high enough all the dogs are not able to jump up on it. Smart huh? Gives me the room I finally need  to try and get some good sleep. Being that he is my favorite, I've been hoisting is big fat butt up on the bed most nights and he settles right in. This past 2 weeks, that isn't working anymore. Bed is high enough that he can't really jump down so after a couple of hours, he'll slide over the edge on his belly and plop to the floor, and  off he trots. In about a half hour, he's back again whining to get back up. Okay dog, I get it. Maybe you had to go pee, maybe you were thirsty.

I love all my dogs dearly and Otis especially. Tonight, it has been a non stop barrage of whining, howling and nothing I did seemed to do would make it stop. Checked his ears because he will get ear infections now and then because of his being a bulldog. They were fine. Gave him ear drops anyway as a precaution and because, heck, maybe the one ear IS bothering him. No luck. He was in bed with for maybe 10 minutes and then determined himself to get  down. Went to pick his fat ass up and lower him down and for the first time EVER, he snapped at me. Whoa! This never happens. Otis is the most laid back, docile dog on the frickin planet! Got him down and off he trotted. I went on to bed, lights out, my other two dogs sauntered in and were content to lay on their dog beds beside mine. For the next 2 and 1/2 hours all I heard was Otis whining loudly from the other end of the house.

I lay in bed praying, "Dear God fix whatever is wrong so Otis will quiet down and sleep."At the end of 2 and 1/2 hours he finally gets quiet. I should be happy right?  Well.....My brain went into overdrive thinking, Oh God he's dead! SO I get up, wander into the kitchen and there he lies on the bean bag, sawing logs. Now before you all tear me a new one and preach about why haven't I taken him to the vet, I have a lifelong friend who IS a vet. David and his wife have known me since I was  a little kid and he has  very well known Vet practice here in town. I've reached out to him and was told a few things to look at:

1. Look for any signs of trauma.. well duh

2. Check Otis' belly to see if it is supple and soft or distended. Okay, check.

3. Watch him during the day for unusual movements, limp or other signs he may have an injury. Check

4. Feel his nose.  Ya, think? 

5. Take his temperature. Check.

6. Make sure he has water etc.  They have a big self dispensing water thingy, eat on a routine, have the doggie door to come and go potty as they please. So again, check

7. Check his paw for thorns or bad irritation. That's a good one. Check

8. Keep track of when he whines and if you notice any triggers. Hmm, okay, slight check.

For the most part for a free advice giving session, I'll take it.  

Well tonight, about the time he quieted down, I had gotten on the magical world wide web looking up symptoms of his behavior. Low and behold there were a TON of sites addressing his issues! Who knew?  After wading through page after page for nearly 45 minutes, getting up to check  on him, making coffee, I was drawn to one particular topic which is older aged dogs and things they may start doing. Whining at night, pawing at you, pacing, restlessness. BINGO!! Now what is the cause I asked whimsically in my head.

Apparently older dogs can get dementia, and  also anxiety. The article pretty eloquently explained both and the criteria by which to see if that could be relevant to your dog. 

Some suggestions were of course, see your vet. Others suggested dog therapy, a doggy psychologist and what not. Okay vet I can see doing, a shrink? I don't know about that. Seems a little like hog wash to me, but won't rule it out. Fast forward a half an hour. Coffee is made, cigar lit, I walk over, bend down to love on the ole boy and he just flops on his side as if to say, "HA, hey sucker, rub my belly!" And I  do. At this point, what I am surmising is, since I am now back at work during the day for many hours, and he is not very motivated to get his lazy butt outside like his brothers, he is probably more of less ready to be awake by nightfall and wants attention from daddy. Once he gets his fill, even if that means whining like a failing water pump to do so, then he's content to go to sleep. Since I've been up over and hour now, he hasn't budged. I've been in the kitchen purposely banging around, opening and closing the back door, clinking coffee cups, spoons and hasn't roused yet. 

I am working with horses some now at the new job and they, like dogs, are like people. They all have needs psychologically, physically and emotionally. As a nudist guy, I have always found my therapy in playing music, writing songs, writing my blog posts among other things. My dog can't do any of those things. People however, can. 

We can do things to burn energy, heal our minds and inner self both of which promote therapeutic results.

We can: 

And....

And...

And...

And.. If we are needing a little less active therapy,

So, WE have a lot of options. Our pets may not. Since my work schedule is starting to normalize a little bit now, and my dogs are starting to adjust to my being gone more every day, I think it's time to make a concerted effort to spend more time with them, especially Otis in the mornings before I head off to work. Is it a guarantee that his nighttime behavior will improve or disappear, no. But it's definitely worth a shot and more fair to all of them, especially him, if he is having some anxiety at night and just needing more daddy time. So, once I get back to bed here soon and hopefully get some sleep, come morning, it's "Wake up old lazy boy, we are gonna go outside and do stuff." Unlike people, sadly, dogs are very forgiving and have the agape love that knows no end. I love that about them so so much. We as human beings can learn a great deal from their loyalty, forgiveness and unparalleled commitment to being there for us nearly all of the time. 

As you go about your day today and in the days to come, try and be a little more DOG-MINDED. Loving on people for no reason, having their back, being submissive more and less argumentative. I betcha it will make you not only a better person, but a happier one!

Go enjoy some nude time this week and refresh your mind and heart. And, if you have pets, take them with you when you can. They won't care if you're bare.

I admit it

Happy November! Fall is showing her face now and then and that makes me So happy. I love summer but the humidity and heat here in Florida can really take a toll on you. 

Alright. Let me get right to it. I ADMIT IT!  What on earth am I admitting to now? Ha, good question. I am not one to admit to a whole lot, especially if it involves me making a poor decision, not handling something well or what not. But, in this case, I'm admitting because I think it's for a good cause and purpose.  

How often do we as nudists so long to bring friends and family over to "our" side that we tend to push a bit too much? I know I am guilty. This year I made the decision to be much more vocal in my admittance of being a nudist. Those who know me locally know little about my depth of love for nudism. They know enough to call me insane, crazy and just plain nuts. There may be some truth to those labels but NOT because I am a nudist.

to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another They tried to convert us to their way of thinking.

to exchange for an equivalent 

I hate the word convert. For me, that word is such a demanding and arrogant word. Sway or convince seems much more palatable.  In my quest to expand the awareness among those I know, I have used the social media platforms much more often. Facebook we all know frowns on most everything nudist relater. Twitter is pretty darn tolerant surprisingly, and Instagram, well, they are mediocre I'll say. 

Here is the game plan I've been trying to use.

Facebook: I will make more posts that jokingly allude to things like skinny dipping, no tan lines, comments about going to the lake which is actually Hidden Lake here, our local nudist spot. I also have some nudist friends that I have added on FB and will comment on their posts more often. There are a few in my friend garage that have caught on. Some have messaged me asking, "so you're a nudist? Why?' Open door!!  A few others like my friend, we'll call her Sally, she may comment on my posts and others with some comical reply that points to my lifestyle. I think it's cute and clever. She is definitely not a participant and likely never would be, but she does accept me for who I am.

Twitter: I have only a few follows there, mostly people from high school. These are people who I either haven't seen in decades or have seen just a time or two since. The first time I posted my naked butt, man did I get quite the reactions!  But all but one has stuck around. I've also shared articles on Twitter about nudism, the wholesomeness of it and all of my followers there are supportive and accepting that hey that's just how Gregory is. I love that! I have since posted full frontal nude shots and for the most part, all are supportive.

Instagram: This is a bit more complex. I have friends on there who I know personally, have spent a lot of time with over the years, and others whom I've met through social media, a few high school friends and also two cousins as well as nudist friends from my mewe groups and others. The initial approach on Instagram was to ease everyone into the idea of me being bare and okay with that. I believe my first shot at that was a photo of my lying on the beach sans clothes with a couple of textile volleyball players in the background. Sure, you saw my bare butt but other than that, nothing too shocking. My friend Sally was the first to comment, something along the lines, "you are too crazy!" I think I commented back, "Don't knock it til you try it."  My high school people didn't say a whole lot BUT all but 2 stayed with me. As time went on, I would post things about nudism, being clothes free, body acceptance. More and more likes started to come in. Since then, having added more nudist friends, MY people have really stepped up. Got message just the other day from guy I went to school with and he said I was very brave and he loved my posts. I have just in the past month or so shared photos with my um, bat and balls blurred. Great responses. I seldom get comments or likes from all my people, but I do know they are seeing my posts and choose to stick around. That gives me hope. 

Mewe: (which is my favorite by the way)  Mewe is a very open format. They do not censor, police your posts, send the posting police running after you and they do not farm out your information to advertisers or own your content. Excellent!  So on Mewe, I do not have but maybe two local friends on there at this point. Trying to get people to either come over to mewe from Facebook or at least make an account there has not been successful, YET! On Mewe.com I have a couple of nudist groups that I have had for a couple of years. In fact one of my groups was the very first nudist group ON mewe. Since there have been a lot of groups that have followed suit. Now, on that social media, I can honestly and openly share whatever I like about nudism, my lifestyle, my daily activities and outings. It is fantastic! The interactions available are unparalleled in my book. The friends I have there are all nudist minded with the exception of one, maybe two persons. I promote mewe as often as I can without getting dinged by the FB police. The beauty there lies in the fact I can be who I am, as I am and everyone is cool with it. 

Now as far as the rest of social media or face to face encounters, I may not come right out and say, "Hey bob! Good to see you, oh by the way, I'm a nudist!" If I see an open door, sure I'll go through it boldly and proudly. I was brought up in a very conservative home and nudeness wasn't frowned upon but it darn sure wasn't endorsed either. I remember at around age 12 I got the urge to go sit in the sun nude. I told my mom I was gonna go outside. She came out a little while later, took a gander at me all sprawled out and pretty much just said, "You enjoying yourself?'  I sure was! I think at that point is when I really realized how amazing my body out in nature and the sun really was. It wasn't until after college when I got my first place that I was able to really enjoy time sunning and sitting out on my back deck.  That's not a bad thing, however, I think I would've loved much more if I had grown up as a nudist. 

My advice is this and it's simple. I think we can judge fairly well who among our friends and family will be open minded enough to not run for the hills if you tell them you are a nudist. Then there are others we automatically know will have a holy hell fit. There are those on the fence as well. Being familiar enough with your circle is the key. For those who aren't nudist or may seem to be more straight laced, drop hints in conversations. On a hot day out with them at the beach or river, say something about skinny dipping for example. It may get just a laugh or even an Are you serious?  Both are acceptable responses. You have opened the door. 

To the ones more open minded, extend an invitation to go to a resort or somewhere with you where you know you can be nude and they won't object. They may even join in! I have seen that happen. 

For a lot of people unfortunately, there is body shame, low self esteem and their own lack of acceptance of their body. For men this happens but way more so for women. To overcome that, gently remind these persons that nearly everything they see in magazines or film or tv, has been doctored, photoshopped and made to look amazing. THIS IS NOT REALITY!  Encourage them, compliment, be supportive but do not push! Forcing nudism on anyone even as a playful act will cause so much damage. My ex had a lot of self esteem issues, still does somewhat. But, doing as I have suggested worked with her. She now rarely is dressed and loves it. She isn't one who will be around a crowd and really enjoy it but she has. 

If you look for those open doors, offer opportunities, encourage, educate and inform people whether they be friends, family or perfect strangers, differences can be made. True, none of your people in your circle may even lose their clothes even for a day, let alone come over to our side. That's okay. Having them accept us as we are, respect us, that is paramount. To those who abandon us and leave the fold, that's okay too. Some people are so deeply set it their ways and have been brainwashed by the media, religious beliefs etc. that they will never realize the wholesome joy of nudism. Let them be. They know where you are and who you are. The ones who truly love you, will one day fully accept you. My people have and I am so so thankful.

No matter what you do, just be you. People always appreciate real people who do not hide behind masks and pretend just to satisfy another person or group. Be true to you!  As you head out tomorrow, hold your head high and be confident in your nudist lifestyle. There's not a better way to be. 

Fame didn't stop them

I think most of us have heard a few names throughout the course of history who were famous in some regard and who also were known to enjoy doing things in the nude. WHAT?? Yep, it is true!  From actors to composers to inventors and even Presidents, a lot of people enjoyed time nude even though they were in the public eye.

So, who in the world are/were these people? I'm a very curious person and I like to be informed and educated on a vast number of topics, situations, including ones that pertain to history of nations and people. A relatively quick internet search, and you can find a plethora of nude minded persons world wide who currently or while living dropped trousers and LIVED!  Let's toss out some names and see if we recognize any.

Jim backus, actor, voice of mr. magoo and Mr. Howell on Gilligan’s Island

gloria stewart, actress from titanic

Matt Millen, Raiders Football Player

Lynn Redgrave, actress

Benjamin Franklin, U. S. statesman and inventor

John quincy Adams, U. S. President

John F. Kennedy, US president

Senator Ted Kennedy

Elle MacPherson, Australian model and actress

P.J. Harvey, singer

Theodore Roosevelt

Lyndon Johnson

Robbie Williams

Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ neighborhood

Kevin Bacon, actor

barry manilow,singer

duke and duchess of windsor

John Ball ( donald johnson ) writer of “in the heat of the night’

Lady godiva

adam & eve

kurt weill, composer

charles f.  richter, inventor of the richter scale

LOUISE BRooks, actress

erin grey, actress buck rogers, grew up in a nudist family

Not a bad representation of diversity huh?  HOW ABOUT SOME OTHERS. 

Famous Naturists
These are people who are known to practice non-sexual nudity at home or have visited nude beaches or other places for nude recreation.

Christina Aguilera
Pamela Anderson
Jennifer Aniston
Christopher Atkins
Kevin Bacon
Oksana Baiul
Drew Barrymore
Tyra Banks

Bella Bartok, composer
Amanda Beard

alexander graham bell, inventor
Jack Black
Lara Flynn Boyle

Christy Brinkley
Melanie Brown (Spice Girl)
Jimmy Buffett
Kelly Clarkson
Nadia Comaneci
Billy Connolly
Paul Daniels (magician)

ted danson
Rosario Dawson

dom delouise
Johnny Depp
Athena Demos
Alan Dershowitz
Cameron Diaz

Celine Dion

tate donovan from “damages’
Erica Durance
Marianne Faithful
Ralph Fiennes
Colin Farrel
Colin Fletcher
Flea (Bassist - Red Hot Chili Peppers)

Peter Fonda
Matthew Fox
Jamie Foxx
Rebecca Gayheart

theodore geisel ( Dr. Seuss ), Author
Ian Gillian (Lead Singer - Deep Purple)
Jeff Goldblum
Cuba Gooding Jr

laura graham
Amy Grant
Macy Gray
Linda Hamilton
Tom Hanks
Daryl Hannah
Woody Harrelson
Melissa Joan Hart
PJ Harvey
Goldie Hawn
Mariel Hemingway

Kate Hudson
Kate Humble (BBC presenter "Autumn Kate")
Elizabeth Hurley
Jade Jagger
Janet Jackson
Famke Janssen
Ashley Judd
Nicole Kidman, actress
Mollie King (British singer/musician)
Heidi Klum, model
Kiera Knightly
Olga Korbut, olympic gold medalist

Ali Larter, actress on heroes
Avril Lavigne
Jennifer Lopez
Mario Lopez

ludacris
Madonna
Barry Manilow, singer & songwriter
Matthew McConaughey
Andie MacDowell
Ewan McGregor
Sir Ian McKellen
Sarah McLachlan
Patrick McNee
Elle McPherson
Christopher Meloni
Helen Mirren
Demi Moore
Alanis Morrisette, singer
Kate Moss, model
Jack Nicholson, actor
Hayden Panettiere
Paloma Picasso
Pink
Brad Pitt
Sidney Pollock, actor & director
Jamie Pressly
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Lynn Redgrave
Sara Rue
Kurt Russell
Seal
Claudia Schiffer
Jerry Seinfeld
Jane Seymour, actress
Shakira
Sherri Shepherd
Alicia Silverstone
Britney Spears
Princess Stephanie (Monaco)
Patrick Stewart

charlize theron
Emma Thompson

Uma Thurman
Justin Timberlake
Robbie Williams
Bruce Willis
Amy Winehouse, singer
Katrina Witt, olympic gold medal winner
Adrian Young (Drummer - No Doubt)
John Quincy Adams
Josephine Baker, singer, dancer & actress
Winston Churchill
Isadora Duncan, dancer
Benjamin Franklin
Spalding Gray, author & monologist
Robert A. Heinlein, author
Margaux Hemingway, actress
Ernest Hemingway, writer
Alfred Hitchcock, director
Lyndon Johnson, us president
James Mason, actor
Patrick "Tip" O'Neal, speaker of the house
George Orwell, writer
Fred Rogers
Rod Sirling, writer & creator of the outer limits
Henry David Thoreau, writer
Walt Whitman, writer

sandy shaw - british pop singer from 1960’s

A surprising name to me that is on the list is Mr Rogers. Yep, good ol' former Methodist minister and kid friendly, Fred Rogers. Honestly though, why should that be a surprise? He was an  educated man, monogamous, had a great marriage, upstanding individual so why not?  Presidents as well I'm sure you saw are also on the list of famous nudist/naturists. It's been stated that even our current president, Donald Trump trots around the White House nude when he so feels like it.  I'll spare you the photo on that one!   

So you see, even though nudism is frowned upon by the general public and law makers here in the U.S., a lot of people STILL proudly endorse the lifestyle and take part! Sure, it probably helps that they have some clout as famous persons, but it does not negate the fact that, everyday people we've all heard about, seen in movies, heard their music, read their writings, used their inventions, voted for, they "get it."  That is very encouraging to me as a nudist. 

Perhaps the more famous folks who openly admit to and enjoy being nude, the more chance there will be in the days to come for the rest of us.  Liberal minded people typically are more open to the idea than the conservative base. However, pastors, Christian musicians, lay persons, they too have promoted in some aspect a nudist approval by participating to some degree. I like this quote from Amy Grant, a well known Christian recording artist:

 Ms. Grant nailed it! She realized in that experience the joy there is in simple non sexualized human skin. Kudos, Amy. Of course we know other musicians in today's world such as Lady Gaga, Kevin Costner, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Shakira and a ton of others who also have no qualms about baring it all. I'm sure for some it is about being "seen." Others, I truly believe they just don't care because they understand what nudism is about, its history as a wholesome life choice and they may feel they should not hide their choice simply because they have achieved fame.

In America we are guaranteed Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness, ( as long as we aren't everyday joe nudist.) I know it's a bit tainted and unfair but at least some Americans are able to pull it off.  All we can honestly do is promote our lifestyle in the best way, educate people who are clueless, and hold on to hope that one day, perhaps even our President will legislate nationally, our right to bare arms....and legs, and butts, and boobs, and everything else.

I've heard a lot of aging nudists say that nudism is dying. That is so not the case. There is a culture now among us that is alive and well within the ranks of the younger generation and I could not be happier. Florida Young Naturists for example is alive and well and growing in membership everyday. They have great outreach, events that are staying pretty true to our values and are bringing in more and more young people all the time. I am so encouraged by not only our famous folks but organizations like FYN and even AANR and TNS who are working hard to keep nudism going strong.

The take away from this post is that of encouragement. We for far too long have been on the back burner in society, often seen as outcasts, pariah and a threat to decency. Perhaps the tide is a changin'. Keep doing what you're doing, my fellow nudists, and let's help the current generations so that they have all the resources and support needed to one day hopefully soon, bring nudism mainstream within our shores.

Be well, stay nude and enjoy YOU!