Who Are Nudists and Naturists

Nudists and naturists can be just about anybody who has come to accept that
there is nothing shameful about the human body, and it need not be hidden
behind unnecessary clothing. Social nudism de-emphasizes the sexuality that
is normally associated with mixed gender nudity, and most newcomers are
pleasantly surprised at how unselfconscious they are in a nude group of
women, men, and children.
Nudist is the traditional name associated with people who live in, or visit
nudist parks or camps. These organizations are known as landed clubs.
Naturist is the name usually applied to nudists who want access to clothing
optional beaches and recreational areas on public land, and the groups are
known as free-beach or non-landed clubs.
Social nudism attracts people of all ages and from all walks of life, with
many different interests, religions and philosophies. People involved in
nude recreation often gravitate to other special interest groups (SIGs). The
range of nudist interests can be seen in some SIG names: Humanism/Naturism,
Christian Naturists, Tantric Saivite Hinduism, Native American, Family,
Military, Realtors, Buff Divers, Backpacking, Sailing, Massage, Singles,
Travel, Gay Naturists, Naturist Photographers, Artists and Models, and more.
Topfree Equality
A parallel civil rights concern supported by naturists is the right of women
to be shirtless in public, the same as men. This is seen by some feminists
as strictly a women's rights issue, but the law against baring women's
breasts in public is usually a part of most state laws against public nudity.
For this reason, it is part of the nudist struggle for body-acceptance.
Many feminists, both nudist and non-nudist, can see the advantage of a united
effort to fight these unfounded gender discrimination laws.