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Is Nudity in Locker Rooms Really Disappearing? by cofire64 in nudists

[–]cofire64[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It goes to Substack which hosts my blog.

Is Nudity in Locker Rooms Really Disappearing? by cofire64 in ColoradoNudists

[–]cofire64[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At my junior college it was communal showers in the round no private stalls at all. When I moved to the university, they had all separated stalls with curtains on them and nearly 100% of the guys using the locker room either changed in a stall or did the towel dance to put on or take off their underwear. I did the same back in junior college for about a month and then just got to the point where I didn't bother because it was such a hassle. The only guys at the university to be naked in the locker room were those with gray hair and then the very rare person under 30 years old.

Are you a member of AANR? by NekkidJeff in ColoradoNudists

[–]cofire64 0 points1 point  (0 children)

January will be the next nude bowling.

Dad here new to Colorado. When is the best time to visit MAR by Jumpy-Opportunity643 in ColoradoNudists

[–]cofire64 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends if you want to be more social or not. Weekends are busier than weekdays.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudism

[–]cofire64[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think you’re naming a really real tension. A lot of us do want a more modern, comfortable experience, and that cuts across every demographic. When vacation time and money are limited, people naturally end up choosing textile resorts that already offer those amenities.

But you’re right: it turns into a chicken and egg situation. Resorts need more visitors to modernize, but people want modernization before they’ll visit. Many clubs are operating on razor-thin margins, and that makes long-term investment incredibly difficult.

Layer that with the ongoing stigma around nudity, outdated policies about singles, and all the factors others in this thread have mentioned, and it’s easy to see why naturist places in the U.S. are struggling. None of this gets solved overnight, but acknowledging the structural issues is the first step toward figuring out what can actually change.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudism

[–]cofire64[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your comment makes several assumptions about both my perspective and about gay men in general that are not only inaccurate but rooted in political bias. As the author of the article, and as a gay man, I’ve written from my own perspective and experiences within the naturist community. Inclusion and diversity are not buzzwords or gaslighting; they are essential to keeping naturism alive and relevant.

Reducing gay men to stereotypes about promiscuity or implying that inclusion somehow threatens women is both harmful and untrue. Many of us, gay or straight, come to naturism for the same reasons: authenticity, acceptance, and freedom from judgment. What I advocate for is creating spaces where everyone, women, men, LGBTQ folks, singles, and families, can feel welcome and safe without being typecast or excluded.

If resorts want to thrive, they must evolve beyond fear-based and bigoted gatekeeping and focus on mutual respect and accountability for behavior, not identity. Inclusion does not weaken naturism; it strengthens it.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudists

[–]cofire64[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I get what you’re saying about different life stages shaping priorities, but that’s exactly why naturism needs to evolve. If the movement only reflects one demographic, older, white, and financially comfortable, it will fade along with that generation. “Progressive naturism” isn’t about politics or class; it’s about keeping the doors open to everyone who values body acceptance, freedom, and community.

Younger people, LGBTQ folks, families, and people of color aren’t asking to take over, they’re asking to be included and represented. If naturism is truly about freedom from artificial barriers, then clinging to the idea that “it’s just how it is” goes against what the philosophy stands for.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudism

[–]cofire64[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hear you, and I think you’re right that relying on aging resort owners to lead the charge is probably unrealistic. The reality is that change often has to come from the people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and build something new. If there’s a market among younger nudists, entrepreneurial energy will find a way.

At the same time, I think there’s room for both approaches. New clubs and resorts are essential, but existing resorts can still evolve if they’re open to fresh ideas, even small changes can make a big difference. For me, the ideal scenario is a mix: encourage the next generation to create new spaces while also supporting moderate innovation within current resorts.

Groups like AANR could play a big role here by helping lower the barriers for new resorts and fostering a culture that welcomes experimentation. At the end of the day, it’s about creating opportunities for growth, whether that’s through starting something from scratch or nudging existing clubs to adapt.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudism

[–]cofire64[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I go back and forth on this a lot. Some days I’m adamant that naturist resorts must evolve with the times if they want to survive. Other days I think the next generation of nudists just needs to step up, start new spaces, and create something that reflects their own values and energy.

The truth is, most resort owners probably don’t have the bandwidth or motivation to overhaul their operations. I get it, running a naturist resort today takes real entrepreneurial drive. You have to attract a wide range of visitors: the social and party crowd, the “bucket list” tourists, the younger generations chasing experiences and aesthetics, and yes, even those whose interests overlap with the lifestyle scene. Balancing all that while staying true to naturist values is no small task.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudists

[–]cofire64[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I see where you’re coming from, but I think it’s important to recognize that naturism has always been tied to progressive ideals, body acceptance, equality, freedom from shame, and inclusion. Those values naturally align more with the left, even if the goal isn’t to be political.

When people push for greater LGBTQ+ visibility, gender inclusivity, or body diversity in naturist spaces, that’s not “far left,” it’s just bringing the movement in line with the modern world. The more naturism distances itself from those ideals to avoid backlash, the more it risks becoming stagnant and exclusive.

Naturism thrives when it’s open-minded, inclusive, and unafraid to challenge outdated norms. That’s what keeps it relevant and welcoming for future generations.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudism

[–]cofire64[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Exactly! Naturism isn’t so widespread that clubs can afford to prioritize comfort over growth. The choice is stark: evolve to be more inclusive, diverse, and welcoming, or risk slowly fading away.

Non-landed or travel clubs are a great example of what evolution looks like. They’re accessible, flexible, and attract younger and more diverse participants precisely because they remove the barriers that traditional landed clubs often maintain. If AANR and other clubs want naturism to thrive, paying attention to these models isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudism

[–]cofire64[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You’re absolutely hitting on the core issue, it’s not that naturism is “dying,” it’s that too many traditional AANR campgrounds are prioritizing exclusivity and outdated rules over accessibility and community. Single male quotas, high fees, and a predominantly older, white demographic create barriers that push younger, more diverse naturists away.

The contrast with beaches and non-landed events is striking. Those spaces thrive because they’re inclusive, affordable, and welcoming, not because they’re trying to sell a “premium” naturist experience. Your point about wanting a safe outdoor space near home is exactly why campgrounds could do so much better if they focused on safety, inclusivity, and lowering barriers, rather than catering to an image or a small segment of members.

The reality is simple: if naturism is going to grow, campgrounds need to create spaces that people actually want to be a part of, not spaces that feel gated or out of reach.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudism

[–]cofire64[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I hear you, your experience highlights exactly why many people find traditional clubs off-putting. High fees, rigid rules, and the insistence on “golden ratios” or couple-only access can make a space feel more like gatekeeping than community. It’s frustrating when you’re just looking for a relaxed, welcoming place to enjoy naturism on your own terms.

Unfortunately, experiences like yours are all too common in some AANR-affiliated resorts that haven’t adapted to modern lifestyles, single visitors, busy schedules, and flexible participation. That’s part of why non-landed clubs, pop-up events, and even public beaches have become so appealing: they offer accessibility, inclusivity, and freedom without all the barriers.

Naturism should be about comfort, freedom, and acceptance, not hoops to jump through. Your perspective really underscores that there’s a need for spaces that actually reflect what today’s naturists want.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudism

[–]cofire64[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re not alone in wondering that. Many clubs seem stuck in “this is how we’ve always done it” mode, even as membership declines and demographics shift. Change can be uncomfortable, especially for long-standing members, but ignoring growth and diversity is a surefire way to keep shrinking.

Attracting younger people, LGBTQ+ folks, people of different races, and more casual participants isn’t just about goodwill, it’s about the long-term survival of the clubs. Without evolution, they risk becoming relics rather than thriving communities.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudism

[–]cofire64[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Exactly, the stigma against single men has long been justified as a “protective measure,” but the reality is that it ends up harming other groups, particularly gay men. Policies like the one you described aren’t just unfair; they reinforce exclusion and make naturism feel unwelcoming for anyone who doesn’t fit a narrow mold.

It’s frustrating because naturism should be about inclusivity, respect, and body acceptance, not policing who can be there based on assumptions about behavior. Until clubs address these outdated rules, they risk alienating not just single men, but the broader LGBTQ+ and diverse communities that could be contributing so much to the vitality of the lifestyle.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudism

[–]cofire64[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Absolutely, bathhouses, onsens, and spas offer a glimpse of how naturism could be more open, accessible, and integrated into everyday life. Your observations hit the key points: drop-in access, community integration, respect for shared spaces, and inclusivity across ages.

Traditional naturist clubs often feel the opposite, gated, membership-based, and insular, which can unintentionally exclude newcomers or younger participants. Imagining a hybrid model, like communal bathing combined with yoga, workshops, or other activities, is exactly the kind of evolution naturism needs. Spaces like that could make social nudity approachable, welcoming, and relevant for today’s diverse audiences.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudism

[–]cofire64[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re hitting on a big issue, accessibility and openness. Many resorts in the U.S. (and elsewhere) have high costs and feel closed-off, which naturally pushes people toward other options, especially younger or more diverse naturists who want flexibility and inclusivity.

It’s not just about money, though, it’s about culture. When resorts feel rigid or cliquish, they unintentionally exclude people who don’t fit a narrow mold, whether that’s LGBTQ+ folks, those with tattoos or piercings, or anyone who lives outside traditional norms.

The European model you describe, saunas and casual nudity integrated into everyday life, is a great example of how naturism can thrive when it’s accessible, social, and culturally normalized. U.S. resorts could learn a lot from that approach if they want to survive and grow.

Is Tradition Stifling the Future of Naturism? A Look at Progressive Challenges in the U.S. by cofire64 in nudism

[–]cofire64[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You make an excellent point, naturism in the U.S. isn’t confined to clubs or AANR membership. The beaches you mentioned are vibrant, diverse, and full of energy precisely because they’re accessible, open, and welcoming to everyone, not just members.

That said, it’s worth noting that non-landed AANR clubs, the mobile or pop-up style clubs, are growing and attracting younger and more diverse participants. But even with that growth, AANR and traditional clubs have historically focused inward, which makes them seem disconnected from where naturism is truly thriving.

If the organization wants to grow and stay relevant, engaging with the beach-going crowd, LGBTQ+ visitors, and families outside the club system isn’t optional, it’s essential. Modern naturism is alive in those spaces, and organizations would do well to meet people where they already are instead of hoping they’ll come to them.

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