Sexual Harassment?

[Frank R]

I have been asking people to not just admit but to do everything they can to promote the nudist lifestyles with anyone and everyone they know. I would certainly like to do so myself but am concerned about one aspect. I am a manager where I work and the majority of my employees are females. I am also an instructor of classes for teaching employees about sexual harassment that we call Prevention of Sexual Harassment or POSH. My concern is that if I tell any of my employees about my being a nudist, I may be letting myself in for a charge of sexual harassment. I cannot even take my naturist calender to work as it contains nude pictures. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img] Does anyone know of any safe way to tell my employees about my being a nudist without having to worry about a sexual harassment charge? [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img]

[Frank R]

I have been asking people to not just admit but to do everything they can to promote the nudist lifestyles with anyone and everyone they know. I would certainly like to do so myself but am concerned about one aspect. I am a manager where I work and the majority of my employees are females. I am also an instructor of classes for teaching employees about sexual harassment that we call Prevention of Sexual Harassment or POSH. My concern is that if I tell any of my employees about my being a nudist, I may be letting myself in for a charge of sexual harassment. I cannot even take my naturist calender to work as it contains nude pictures. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img] Does anyone know of any safe way to tell my employees about my being a nudist without having to worry about a sexual harassment charge? [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img]

[nudeM]

Frank R: Having worked for the government, local and federal, pinning up nude calendars could be a form of sexual harassment. Don't ask me why, but the way the work places have changed over the past ten years or so, it is virtualy impossible to show any type of nude photography in the work place.

I do remember several years ago, a contractor was doing some work at a federal facility. The men had a nude calendar with females in the buff. Also employeed with them was a female. Did she complain? NO! She went out an bought a calendar with nude males. Turn abouts fair play. There was no complaints what-so-ever. They all had fun and continued to perform their duties.

This is the way work places used to be, before the whiney-birds started to join the ranks. It used to be fun to work, but with all the new regulations and hang-ups people have with whatever, the work place will never be the same.

As far as telling people you are a nudist, I see no problem with that. Being grown-ups, they SHOULD be able to know the difference between a casual nudist and an exhibitionist. They should know that nudists do the same things around the house and in social atmospheres as everyone else does, only they choose not to wear clothes. An exhibitionist will go out of their way, just to show themselves off and get a thrill out of it.

Lot of luck. You may want to mention that you have a nudist calendar, explain that you are a nudist, and test the waters just to see if there are any objections. If there isn't any, then you should be fine. First, I would check with your superiors. If it's okay with them, then you can check with your fellow work mates.

I work for the federal government, and sexual harrassment is something for which they have zero tolerance. Asking a woman for a date the second time after she says no is considered harrassment. We're afraid to even compliment a woman for fear she will take it wrong and cry "sexual harrassment".

I've told people including one woman where I work that I'm a nudist without any repercussions. I'm sure you're not ashamed of being a nudist any more than I am, but you have to be careful where women are concerned if they should be offended. I mentioned to the woman that I had gone camping at a nudist resort. She didn't seem in the least bit surprised or . I told the woman next door to me that I was going there when she asked me where I was going camping. If they ask I tell them, or I'll say something that will subtly cause them to ask where I go, and I tell them. Mostly I've only mentioned it to men since most men won't be , embarrassed or offended by it. They may say, "I couldn'tdo it" or "It's not for me", but mostly they see nothing wrong with me doing it if I want. I can't think of any reason to suddenly say, "I'm a nudist, and I go to a nudist resort. Would you ladies mind if I bring a nudist calendar to work?" Of course, if you want you can try that approach. Just be careful not to get a sexual harrassment charge against you. Be nude and have fun. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

[Gary Naturist]

Based on stuff I have read in the past about what constitutes sexual harassment, I think that you should drop the idea of putting up a nudist calendar, or bringing photos to the office. Even if your superiors approve, anyone could make a complaint later on.

I can't see any real danger in being honest about your lifestyle, as long as you don't attempt to involve others in it. In other words "I'm a nudist" is OK, but adding "Would you like to visit a nudist club sometime" isn't OK, even asking one time only. Putting up a calendar or passing around photos could also be viewed as involving others in your lifestyle.

When I want to communicate my interest in nudism, I sometimes use the word "naturist" instead of nudist, as people have less preconceptions about this word, and it sounds more genteel.

Sometimes I introduce the topic by mentioning (in the appropriate context) that I like to go to clothing-optional beaches. I've never had a hostile response from anyone when I tell them this.

I may follow that up in later discussion by saying that, when it's warm and sunny, the fewer clothes I'm wearing the better. I might also say that I prefer being "clothes-free".

At worst, people think that I'm a bit odd or eccentric for having this interest. Usually, they are a bit amused and often equally intrigued.

Gary

[CAPE COD NUDISTS]

Frank R,
I see no problem w/advising your employees that you are a nudist. Just tell one and it will get around to all of them. Just don't keep bringing the topic up. I live in Mass., and our Sexual Harrassment must be unwanted and repeated. I would assume it's pretty much the same everywhere. If they ask you questions about being a nudist answer them, let them know of a resort in the area if they want to check it out. I wouldn't invite them as this might be considered harrassment.
I agree that having the calendar in the office would probably meet the guidelines for S.H. Perhaps obtain a coffee mug or a hat from the INA store and let them ask questions about it.

[Frank R]

Actually, I never had any intention of taking my calender to work. As an instructor I have told our employees that it is not allowed. I only mentioned it as a point of reference. Thanks for your many suggestions and I found all the posts to be useful and on point. Now at I have to do is to work up the nerve to tell an employee. Not being as brave as some 14 year old girls depresses me [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

[Dolby]

Frank R,

As a manager, I wouldn't say anything to my employees about being a nudist.
Simply telling them could easily be perceived as sexual harassment, especially if you are the one who brings the subject up. Your motives are likely to be questioned or misinterpreted. It doesn't matter if your motives are innocent, what matters legally is how the employee perceives the situation.

Even though you aren't planning to bring your calendar in, I would like to make the point that even if you did ask and your employees don't object, they could still file a complaint. Since you are the one in authority, they could simply say they felt pressured into agreeing with you.

You might be less likely to have these problems if the discussion was between co-workers, but as a manager, I wouldn't say anything. It isn't worth the risk.

[Bob S.]

I would imagine the key would be in finding a good time to bring up the topic. Just going to work one day and saying, "Boy, I hope they get the copier fixed and by the way, I am a nudist" would not be a good way.

Maybe if they are complaining about the hot weather, you could mention, "Yeah. Sometimes on days like this, I can really see the benefits of being a nudist." You can then use their reaction as a guide to see how far you can take it.

Maybe even occasionally dropping hints or talking about when you stole a chance to go skinny-dipping the past weekend.

But the key, IMHO is to find the right time and topic to begin the dialogue.

Bob S.