If you speak to most nudists, they’ll tell you that nudism isn’t sexual — and that’s true. But what many won’t openly say is that it’s perfectly normal to feel aroused from time to time. Think about it: you’re looking at a naked human body. Whether you’re gay, straight, bisexual, or anywhere in between, if you’re around someone you find attractive and they’re undressed, it’s natural for your body to react.
Arousal is a hardwired human response — it doesn’t mean
you’re being inappropriate, and it certainly doesn’t mean you’re doing nudism
“wrong”. The key is how you handle it. For women and people without visible
anatomy, it’s often easier to keep discreet. For men and those with penises,
well... we’ve got a rather obvious flagpole that says, “Hey, I think you’re
hot!” which can feel awkward or frustrating in a social nudist setting.
The most important thing to remember is that getting an
erection is a normal, involuntary response. If it happens, there’s no need to
panic. Just take a seat, grab a towel, or reposition yourself so as not to make
others uncomfortable. It’s not about shame — it’s about mutual respect.
For many people, especially those new to nudism, it can be a
real mental shift to separate nudity from sexuality. Society has conditioned us
to see naked bodies as inherently sexual, often through media, porn, and
outdated cultural norms. But nudism invites you to unlearn that automatic link
— to understand that a body can be just a body. It doesn’t exist for
anyone else’s gaze or gratification. This process of deconditioning takes time.
You might catch yourself reacting in ways you didn’t expect — and that’s okay.
The more time you spend around social nudity in a respectful, non-sexual
context, the more your brain learns that nudity isn’t an invitation — it’s
simply another way to be in the world, as you are.
The uncomfortable stare
As humans, our eyes naturally gravitate towards things that
catch our attention — and if you're around naked people, chances are, that
might be their penises or vaginas. This is completely normal, especially if
you're new to nudism and not yet used to seeing people naked in a non-sexual
context.
While it's natural for your gaze to be drawn to these areas,
it's important to be mindful and respectful. Avoid staring. No one wants to
visit a nudist space and feel like their bits are being ogled the entire time.
The more time you spend in social nudist settings, the more this initial
reaction fades. It starts to feel more normal — and eventually, you won’t even
really notice that everyone around you is in their birthday suit.
Remember the classic line: “My eyes are up here”? Keep that
in mind. Approach and interact with people just as you would if they were fully
clothed — with respect, presence, and eye contact.
Nudism Vs. Exhibitionism
This is something I could write a whole article about — but
I won’t. Not yet, anyway.
So far, we’ve covered general etiquette and how it’s normal
to feel a bit flustered or even aroused when you're around naked people,
especially if you're new to it. But there's something equally important to talk
about when it comes to being naked around others.
The key thing to remember is this: nudism (or naturism) is
not sexual. If you're heading to a nudist space because you enjoy being seen
naked, or you're hoping to get turned on by others being nude outdoors — please
don't. Unless you’re in a space where that kind of dynamic is explicitly
welcomed, it’s not appropriate.
Exhibitionism is not the same as nudism, and it’s harmful to
blur those lines. Sure, some nudists might also enjoy exhibitionism in the
right context — but the two are not interchangeable.
When someone goes to a nudist beach or resort, we like to
think they’re there to shed their clothes and enjoy the freedom, the sun, and
the body-positive atmosphere. The last thing they want is someone lurking
about, sizing them up and hoping for a hookup.
Consent is always key
Consent doesn’t disappear just because everyone’s naked — in fact, it becomes even more important. Nudist spaces are built on mutual trust, and that means being mindful of how you interact with others. Don’t assume someone wants to chat, be touched, or even acknowledged just because they’re nude. Never touch anyone without permission, avoid commenting on people’s bodies, and never take photos unless given clear, informed consent. Boundaries look different for everyone, so the safest route is to treat every person as you would in a clothed setting: with respect, attentiveness, and a healthy dose of personal space. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Nudism works because we honour the line between comfort and intrusion.
So, is getting turned on a nudist crime?
No, getting turned on around naked people isn’t a crime —
and trust me, everyone knows it can happen. It does, especially when you’re
just starting out. Ultimately, it’s how you handle the situation that really
matters.
Hide the hard-on, and don’t go staring at people like they’re a Big Mac on the McDonald’s menu.
Unfortunately, not everyone comes into nudist spaces with
the right intentions — and when someone crosses a line, it’s essential to take
action. Whether it’s inappropriate staring, unsolicited comments, sexual
behaviour, or boundary-pushing, you have every right to speak up. If you feel
safe doing so, calmly let the person know their behaviour is unwelcome. If not,
report it to the organisers, staff, or moderators — most nudist communities
have clear codes of conduct and take these issues seriously. You are not
overreacting. Calling out harmful behaviour protects not only yourself, but the
integrity of the space as a whole. Safe nudist environments are only possible
when people feel empowered to uphold the standard.
Image Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Groups_of_naturist_people#/media/File:Beach_nudism.jpg
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NUDISH Writer, Editor
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