The naturism movement has long been associated with ideals of freedom, simplicity, and harmony with nature. However, the dominant narratives and practices within this movement have often been shaped by white, cisgender, able-bodied, and heteronormative perspectives. This has led to the marginalization of voices and experiences from diverse backgrounds, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for decolonizing naturism, which involves centering marginalized voices and perspectives in the movement.

The Problem

The problem is not just that naturism has been dominated by white, able-bodied, cisgender men. It’s also that the very definition of naturism itself has been shaped by these dominant narratives. For example, the idea of “freedom” often means freedom from societal constraints for those who have historically had more freedoms than others. But what about people who have always had fewer freedoms? What about those who are still fighting for basic human rights?

The Erasure of Indigenous Perspectives

One particularly egregious example is the erasure of indigenous perspectives in naturism. Many indigenous cultures have long practiced forms of naturism, such as sacred rituals involving nudity and connection with nature. Yet, these practices are often dismissed or ignored by mainstream naturists. This erasure not only ignores the agency and experiences of indigenous peoples but also perpetuates a colonialist narrative that sees non-Western cultures as inferior.

Decolonizing Naturism

So how can we decolonize naturism? Here are a few practical steps:

Centering Marginalized Voices

One key step is to center marginalized voices in the movement. This means amplifying the stories and experiences of people from diverse backgrounds, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities. It also means creating spaces for these voices to be heard and valued.

Challenging Dominant Narratives

Another key step is to challenge dominant narratives within naturism. This means questioning assumptions about what “naturism” means and who it should serve. It also means recognizing the ways in which power has been used to exclude certain groups from the movement.

Creating Inclusive Spaces

Finally, creating inclusive spaces for naturists of all backgrounds is crucial. This means creating spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and respectful of diverse bodies and identities.

Case Study: Decolonizing Naturism at a Local Level

One example of decolonizing naturism in practice is the work of the “Naturist Collective” in Berlin. The collective is made up of people from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for naturism. They have created a space where people can come together to practice naturism, free from the constraints of dominant narratives.

Decolonizing Language

The collective has also taken steps to decolonize language within naturism. For example, they use terms like “naked” instead of “nude” to describe their practices, recognizing that the latter term is often associated with Western colonialism.

Conclusion

Decolonizing naturism is a complex and ongoing process. It requires centering marginalized voices, challenging dominant narratives, and creating inclusive spaces for all naturists. By doing so, we can create a movement that truly represents the diversity of human experience and promotes harmony with nature.