Donna Price of British Naturism tells Irish Naturist Association about her role as Coordinator of the Women in Naturism Campaign
I have never considered myself a ‘leader’ in any sense of the word. I have always been a great follower and supporter of causes or projects that interest me and that I feel passionate about. I have always preferred to be involved but in a background capacity, being typically shy by nature.
When I was asked last summer if I would consider becoming more involved in British Naturism as an organisation, rather than just as a member, I thought about one of the main issues that appeared to frequently arise in various conversations with Naturist friends – that of the gender imbalance within Naturism. So I said I would be happy to help with the Women in Naturism Campaign (WiN). Little did I know at the time that I would be leading it! Nine months on and my life (and that of my husband) has taken on a very different twist.
We are relatively new to Naturism ourselves, having only really been socially involved since the summer of 2016, but it is a lifestyle that we both really enjoy and we are fortunate that we have the freedom to live almost fully Naturist – providing we are warm! Since taking on this role, we have been heavily involved in promoting Naturism in general, having featured in some international, national and local publications. My active Naturist Twitter feed (@nakedfreestyler) has taken on a life of it’s own as spreading the Naturist word has become a very important part of my daily routine. One of my other hobbies is baking, particularly bread-making and we now have a small but growing army of ‘Buff Bakers’ on Twitter, as people have been trying new indoor activities during this difficult lockdown period. I have been making videos of my Buff bread-making, which seem to be catching the imagination of the public world-wide.
I have a lot of male friends who are solo Naturists but not all of them are single – it’s just that their wives or partners won’t get involved. This sadly leaves them pretty excluded from some Naturist environments, particularly clubs. I would love to be able to encourage these women to simply ‘have a go’, but in order to address the problem we have to establish the cause.
This is one of the most challenging parts to the campaign. Finding out exactly what it is about Naturism that doesn’t appeal to women. I am almost certain that a high percentage of the response would have something to do with body image and self-confidence. Also, I believe women generally worry more about what others’ think – “What about the neighbours or our friends and colleagues?” “I would feel ashamed if people in my family or social circle found out.” “It might be OK for others but it’s not for us, what about the children?”
It is a sad fact that we still associate ‘nudity’ with ‘shame’. There is nothing more natural than the naked human body, we are born that way. Children are natural Naturists – we see them everywhere on beaches, running, swimming, playing, completely naked and completely oblivious to the fact. They only become conscious of it when they are ‘taught’ by adults that it is wrong – what those adults can’t tell us is why they think it is wrong, except perhaps that their parents told them it was wrong!
Whatever their reasons for not participating, the women who do eventually try it often end up enjoying it more than their male counterparts. Women who have embraced Naturism are usually the more vocal and enthusiastic amongst the supporters. If only we could just get them all to try it once…even at home on their own would be a start! ?
I completely agree it’s perfectly natural..
And nothing to be ashamed of
Hi Donna! Good for you and your new role! I think you’ll do great and I’m sure your husband is proud. As you mentioned in your article, my wife too was a bit reluctant at first but now as she says, “YOU created this monster!” She is now the one that is asking more frequently, “when are we going to enjoy free time”. I’m proud of my wife too! We both enjoy our “free“ time with others but especially on our own. Be well!
Born and raised in the US, I find it very, very disheartening that we’re taught that nudity / sexuality is something to be ashamed of (children cannot run around naked on the public beaches here). It is “normal” here for people to welcome violent / rape / torture / murder movies and TV shows into their homes and discuss them enthusiastically at work and at social gatherings. But, mention that you enjoy erotica, being a naturist, or anything even close at the same gatherings and you will be judged and mocked and called a “pervert”. As you said, what is more natural than the human body? My wife was a reluctant naturist at first, but over the years she has become more and more brave to try more things in the nude, She isn’t to the point of leading the way just yet, but I’m thankful for the changes so far!
God bless and keep up the good work!
Hi Donna My name is Doug and I am a life long nudest I am very glad that you are heading up an effort to get more women involved in Nudism a lot of women think that they need to be drop dead gourious and beautiful – Nothing could be further from the truth
You are wonderful. And keep doing what you doing. Love it.
Hi Donna:
A great article. You are an inspiration to women. Gary and I are so proud of your efforts to engage women into trying naturism. And I, as a long time nudist who was introduced by Gary, can assure women everywhere that once you try it, you’ll say you should have started sooner.
Jan&Gary xxoo
Hi Donna
Thank you for helping out with this very worthy cause. We all appreciate it.
we come in naked and go out naked whats wrong with spending some time naked when we are young and not so young enjoy your nakedness regards gerry
Another issue is hoping women with a male partner not interested in naturism or just too busy to attend will see it as run of the mill for ladies to attend without their partner also.
Thank you all for your encouraging comments and sharing some of your insights too.
Donna
Hi Donna, glad to have the encouragement . I am a black american living in France and would love to share my experiences with others and to meet other such naturists. I hope there are more people of color being encouraged to become involved in your outreach.