Out of the closet

[Gary Naturist]

I'm finally out of the closet 100% regarding being a nudist. Previously, I have revealed myself (literally) to family, friends, neighbors and many strangers. But not to oworkers and clients.

Recently, I was staying at a lodge with some coworkers and clients (including the client whom I thought would be most negative).

When three of us decided to go swimming in the late afternoon one day, I decided to go in nude. I did so, after confirming that the other swimmers didn't mind.

Subsequently, I told them that I am a naturist. This momentous announcement was met with shrugs all around.

In fact, no one who has learned that I am a nudist has been negative to any extent. The least positive have said only "ewww" or "too much information".

It's a big relief and a great feeling now that I don't feel the need to keep my involvement in nudism a secret.

Gary

[Gary Naturist]

I'm finally out of the closet 100% regarding being a nudist. Previously, I have revealed myself (literally) to family, friends, neighbors and many strangers. But not to oworkers and clients.

Recently, I was staying at a lodge with some coworkers and clients (including the client whom I thought would be most negative).

When three of us decided to go swimming in the late afternoon one day, I decided to go in nude. I did so, after confirming that the other swimmers didn't mind.

Subsequently, I told them that I am a naturist. This momentous announcement was met with shrugs all around.

In fact, no one who has learned that I am a nudist has been negative to any extent. The least positive have said only "ewww" or "too much information".

It's a big relief and a great feeling now that I don't feel the need to keep my involvement in nudism a secret.

Gary

[Guest]

Of course I have. I get "Too much information" frequently, but no criticism or real negative replies other than "I couldn't do that." I have gotten a lot of kidding.

I work with one of my sons-in-law. He made up some invitations to a non-existent party at the Turtle Lake Resort and handed them out to some people at work. Some of the people realized it was a joke, but some thought it was real. Fortunately no one showed up thinking they were invited to a party!

[OZJames]

I tell lots of people hoping one day to find some "closet" nudists who might visit our farm some day or come to a C/F beach with us. HOWEVER if I know that the friends/people I am with would not be very positive or encouraging, in other words if I think they will be negative, I say nothing. Some of my family have reacted badly and made stupid irritating jokes. Perhaps I am therefore not "out of the closet 100%.

I don't think its appropriate to talk to anybody about any subject that doesn't interest them.

The hard part is how do you pick the ones that will be interested in nudity, either interested enough to talk about it or interested enough to join in - any hints ???

JAMES

[barelybob]

As I've stated before, I make no secret of it. I have never received a negative reaction.

I don't talk about it all of the time, but since it's no secret, those who are curious will ask about it. I have also met other naturists amongst my acquaintances. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[gamblefish]

quote:

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Originally posted by OZJames:
HOWEVER if I know that the friends/people I am with would not be very positive or encouraging, in other words if I think they will be negative, I say nothing. Some of my family have reacted badly and made stupid irritating jokes. Perhaps I am therefore not "out of the closet 100%.

I JAMES

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Yeah, I know for a fact that some people I work with would react badly and that's putting it mildly. So far, only one person I work with knows of my preference to be naked.

I usually try to drop hints when conversations turn to the subject of nudity or swimming or something similar. One guy joked about how he wore a thong on his vacation in Jamaica. I said, "Why bother wearing anything at all?". He just kinda looked at me funny.

[cirram]

I have never made it a secret that I am a naturist. If I see an opening to the subject, I go with it.

To this day, I think that the only person that doesn't know is my mother. Don't ask me why. I just don't feel right discussing the subject with her.

Sis, her husband and kids know, cousins all know, co-workers know, I work in a youth recreation center so my clients (teens) know, all my ex-coworkers at my old job know, my friends know, strangers know.

I just wish that society would be more open so I can go around my backyard or property with no probs.

cirram

[windowphobe]

I figured the best way to break the news to coworkers would be to leak it to one or two selected individuals who could be counted on to spread it around. Reaction has been largely positive; the detractors had thought I was weird in the first place. (And there is some difficulty, apparently, with imagining someone actually mowing the lawn in the nude.)

Given the size of the place, I'm inclined to believe there is at least one more person on site who does this sort of thing but won't say so just yet.

[Croydon]

I don't fear telling anyone. Many people who know me know that I am honest person and don't BS. I tell it like it is. That being said, I am not shy about letting people know that I go naked. I went to Eastern Naturist Gathering overweekend. Spoke to some friends and they asked how was my weekend and I told them what I did. Only people I don't tell are those that aren't in my life. I would never tell co-worker b.c I believe there should be separating b/w work relationship and relationship outside of work. I believe in keeping private and work life separate. Only person I am against telling is my mother b/c she is a closed minded wacko.

I haven't had any negative reactions at all. In fact, one person said she would consider going to beach with me. Most I get are questions or "i could never do that."

[luvnaturism]

quote:

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Originally posted by cirram:
I think that the only person that doesn't know is my mother. cirram

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Let me see if I have this straight. Your mother's daughter knows about your naturism, as does her son-in-law and her grandchildren. Her nephews and nieces also know.

My guess is that your mother does know. Like you, she just doesn't know how to bring up the subject. What do you think would happen if you "let it slip out" when you were talking with her?

[gamblefish]

Hey Gary...I forgot to congratulate you (call me lamefish) so...congratulations!!!!

I (most likely many on the forums) have read of many of your groundbreaking achievements in coming out of your nude closet and going public.

How long has this journey taken you and what strikes you as some of the most important things to remember when testifying to/advocating naturism?

[Gary Naturist]

quote:

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Originally posted by gamblefish:
Hey Gary...I forgot to congratulate you (call me lamefish) so...congratulations!!!!

I (most likely many on the forums) have read of many of your groundbreaking achievements in coming out of your nude closet and going public.

How long has this journey taken you and what strikes you as some of the most important things to remember when testifying to/advocating naturism?

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Thanks, Gamblefish. Thinking back, I've been a nudist all of my life. But it wasn't until about 10 years ago that I started the process of incorporating nudity into my everyday life. And it's been a gradual progression ever since.

I made a conscious decision to experience nudity in as many different situations as possible -- the effect being to expand my nude universe. I often use the term "pushing the envelope".

I started with friends, then family, then neighbors, plus strangers all along (e.g. when hiking). I found that the universal reaction (with only a handful of exceptions in 10 years) has been neutral or positive.

About five years ago, I started to think in activist terms based on the two premises: (1) that there is nothing shameful or immoral about the naked human body and (2) that simple public nudity should not be illegal.

I decided to claim what I consider to be a basic human right -- the right of appearance. Anybody should be able to dress in whatever clothes they want, which includes none. I'm doing this in a low-key, non-confrontational manner.

Along the way, I have gained some knowledge about the legal aspects of public nudity, which varies greatly by jurisdiction.

I've am convinced that, in the fullness of time, the courts will rule, one by one, that simple public nudity should not be illegal, as has been done in some jurisdictions re topfreedom for women.

I'm fortunate to live in a jurisdiction (Ontario) that has become quite tolerant of public nudity. It's highly unlikely that anyone here will be prosecuted for being nude in public. On occasion (some public outdoor events) the police have announced in advance that they won't hassle people over nudity.

I havn't been trying to recruit people into nudism; rather I've been trying to make people more tolerant of nudity in everyday life.

I do this by involving them in an encounter with nudity that has the effect of overlaying a current actual experience on top of a mindset learned from parents many years ago. People's reactions are invariably surprise then acceptance/tolerance.

With people I know, I think that acceptance comes in part from their evaluation of me as a whole person, eccentricities and all.

I think that strangers tolerate my nudity because I present myself as friendly, non-threatening and don't invade their personal space.

Most recently, I have been extending my nude universe to include some nude cycling on quiet country roads and trails. Gives me an amazing sense of freedom.

Gary

[cirram]

quote:

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Originally posted by luvnaturism
My guess is that your mother does know. Like you, she just doesn't know how to bring up the subject. What do you think would happen if you "let it slip out" when you were talking with her?

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I know for a fact that she doesn't know. As for not telling her, the reason is very simple. I don't have a very good/close relationship with mom and she tries anything to get to spend time with me. I'm just afraid that she would ask to go with me to a resort just to spend time. Something I really don't want!! 1 or 2 hours with her is all I can take.