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Published March 9, 2000
Nudists with nothing to hide
Naturist chief sees more acceptance for casual undress
While much of the nation patiently awaits warmer weather, the high priest of nudism, Lee
Baxandall, president of the 25,000-member Naturist Society and author of
Lee
Baxandall's World Guide to Nude Beaches & Resorts (Elysium
Growth Press, $28 ), takes a moment to discuss nakedness in America with USA TODAY's Gregg
Zoroya.
 Q: As
a new millennium dawns, what's the state of nudism?
A: We are now able to look ahead with a confidence that grows due to a number of legal and
administrative victories across the country. Nude recreation in America is becoming more
understood and accepted by nudists and non-nudists. Perhaps even more gratifying are the
attitudes of many state and federal legislators. The politicians and bureaucrats are now
beginning to understand the view that we are assets . . . which provide financial benefits
(to communities).
The successes of Haulover County Beach, Miami (where clothing-optional visitors have
helped boost the local economy) and the Desert Shadows Inn of Palm Springs, Calif., (where
the city encouraged expansion and development of this nude resort) offer excellent
examples. In each case the city became aware of the benefit to the community and worked
together with naturists to create a very positive outcome for both.
Q: In what direction do you see public attitudes toward nudity shifting?
Naked ambition: Lee Baxandall of the Naturist Society. |
A: The attitudes of the American people are much more receptive toward many diverse
things, including nude recreation . Most Americans understand if naturists are denied
their freedoms that they (themselves) could also be at risk.
Q: Are
there enough young people interested in the lifestyle to freshen the ranks of devotees?
A: The ranks of naturists, whether as a lifestyle or as an occasional recreational
activity, is growing at all age levels. You do not see as many nudists between the teenage
years and their late 20s as you do other age groups. . . . It often takes young people a
while to grow comfortable with themselves and to shed their misconceptions about their
bodies.
Q: Have
American attitudes toward nudity fallen more in line with those of European countries?
Bare necessities: Yurts provide privacy at clothing-optional
Lupin Naturist Club, in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Los Gatos, Calif.; |
A: Europe has been much more accommodating of naturism than the States. This continues
to be true. One of the hardest things to understand when dealing with individuals and
groups that oppose nude recreation is how they can look at our European cousins, with
their lower rates of teen pregnancies and sex crimes and their embracing of nude beaches
and parks, and not see the obvious correlation. In Germany, as an example, office workers
who can take their lunch in a nearby park may strip off their clothes and enjoy an hour in
the sun and relax. Unfortunately, we in America still seem to be unable to accommodate
this gentle source of freedom.
Q: Have
you found, in your research, that the number of nude beaches and resorts is growing or
declining?
A: Private nudist resorts have grown to well over 100 strong and are in almost every state
in the Union.
Even in the Northern states like Minnesota, Michigan and here in Wisconsin, we have nudist
facilities that are used year-round. Nudists in Washington state rent indoor swimming
pools in the cooler months so that families may enjoy clothing-free recreation. In Texas
and Florida, roller-skating rinks and bowling alleys are made available for nudist groups.
Membership in the Naturist Society and the American Association for Nude Recreation
continues to grow, and combined approaches 75,000 members. The membership numbers are just
the tip of the iceberg. By far the vast majority of American naturists belong to no
organization.
Q: What,
if anything, remains the biggest threat to the practice of nudism?
A: (It) is no different than the threat to any of our freedoms. It lies in giving up to
the small, vocal minorities that would impose their values and beliefs on us. We cannot
allow these groups to dictate a single correct way to live. It is our apathy that allows
the intolerance to win over positive or harmless personal freedoms.
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