Ethical Naturism: The Cornerstone of NBN’s Mission and Naturism’s Future

In 2019, a Black couple visiting a long-established nudist club in Maryland found that “everywhere [they] looked there were acres of lush trees and white bodies” – they were the only Black people present, a fact other members kept awkwardly pointing out​. The couple later said they felt like they’d “been dropped into a scene from the movie Get Out,” tokenized rather than truly welcomed​. Their unsettling experience was not an isolated incident.

After similar run-ins with Black visitors, an advocacy group of Black naturists pressed the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) to investigate the club’s exclusionary practices​. This particular club, Pine Tree Associates, had for decades catered almost exclusively to white, heterosexual couples and only recently began admitting same-sex couples, belatedly confronting issues of inclusion that had long plagued it​.

Such stories throw into sharp relief a fundamental truth: naturism without ethics, diversity, equity, and inclusion is incomplete – and potentially harmful. If naturist spaces fail to live up to their ideals of equality and respect, they risk betraying the very philosophy they claim to celebrate.

The Naked Truth: Naturism’s Ethical Core

Naturism has always promised a kind of social leveling. Strip away clothes, and you strip away the uniforms of status, wealth, and rank that so often divide people. In theory, a naturist gathering puts everyone on equal footing. “Naturist communities are built on the premise of equality. The absence of clothing removes the markers of social status, wealth, and power that often divide society,” notes one overview of naturist ethics.

Freed from visual cues of class or profession, individuals can be judged by their character rather than their attire. This equality-minded ethos inherently “combats discrimination, whether based on body shape, size, age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status, promoting an inclusive environment for all.” In essence, the naturist ideal is that every body is equal and deserving of respect.

But equality in principle doesn’t automatically guarantee inclusion in practice. An ethical naturist community must actively foster respect, safety, and consent. True naturism is non-sexual – a point that ethical naturists hammer home to distinguish their way of life from voyeurism or adult entertainment. For example, the Naturist Business Network (NBN)’s guidelines explicitly state that “nudity is always non-sexual in NBN spaces (online and in-person)” and that any sexual behavior, suggestion, or innuendo is strictly prohibited​.

Body positivity is another cornerstone: no body shaming or unwanted commentary on appearance is tolerated​. Every participant’s personal boundaries must be respected, and consent is mandatory before any touch or intimate interaction​.

These ethical guardrails are not about being prudish; they are about ensuring naturist spaces remain safe and affirming for all. Without them, a nudist venue could quickly devolve into an unsafe or exploitative environment, reinforcing exactly the kind of objectification naturism seeks to overcome.

In short, ethical naturism means living the values of respect, freedom, and harmlessness that naturism espouses. It’s a holistic commitment: not only enjoying the liberating feeling of nudity, but also doing so in a way that honors others’ dignity (no gawking, no unwanted advances) and even honors nature itself (many naturists are passionate environmentalists committed to “leaving no trace”). It’s a beautiful philosophy – but it only realizes its full potential when diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are front and center. A naturist society that is ethically consistent will naturally be one that welcomes everyone, not just a privileged or homogenous subset.

When Inclusion Is Missing, Naturism Falters

Pine Tree's struggles illustrate how naturism falls short without proactive inclusion. Here was a nearly 90-year-old institution, founded in an era when segregation by race was the norm and LGBTQ people were outright unwelcome​.

Decades later, it remained stuck in those old patterns – to the point that visitors of color felt like curiosities on display, rather than equal members of the community. The club’s 400-plus membership in 2020 was “almost entirely white, heterosexual couples.” It only that year “agreed to start letting in same-sex couples – a big step for the club – yet it still struggles with race: an even older issue of inclusion.”

In other words, only under external pressure did this naturist business begin catching up with basic 21st-century standards of diversity. The cost of delay was not just bad PR; it was a betrayal of naturism’s promise of acceptance. “As a culture developed in secret, nudism has long struggled with letting the outside world in,” the Capital Gazette reported on Pine Tree’s dilemma​. Clinging to a narrow comfort zone ultimately left that club isolated, “stuck in the past,” and at risk of decline​.

Sadly, Pine Tree is not an outlier. For years, many naturist clubs and resorts have faced criticism for lacking diversity – whether in terms of race, age, body type, or gender identity. Naturism in North America and Europe has often skewed older, white, and male. 

A young Black naturist named Naomi Prioleau remarked that at most nudist events she’s attended, “it’s always older white folks… Diversity isn’t really something I’ve experienced much in the nudism community.” Seeing a Latino or Asian person is a notable rarity – “that’s like, a good diverse group day,” she observed wryly.

This lack of representation can create a self-perpetuating cycle: if people of color or other minorities seldom see themselves reflected in naturist spaces, they are less likely to participate. One Black female naturist pointed out that “if you can see someone that looks like you doing something, then it makes you feel as though you can do it… representation is so important.”​ When such representation is missing, those potential naturists may stay away – and the community remains homogeneous by default.

It’s not enough for a club owner to say, “Everyone’s equal here, we don’t care what color or orientation you are.” Without active inclusion, equality is an empty slogan. As Earl D. (editor of the naturist site Clothes Free Life) aptly put it, “It’s not enough to just talk about naturist spaces being equal. They also have to be inclusive. We have to cultivate spaces where people who are not the typical majority-white culture… feel safe.”  

That means deliberate outreach and culture change, not just passive non-exclusion. In practice, this could involve diversifying club leadership, partnering with groups like the Black Naturists Association (which has emerged to organize events for Black nudists when traditional clubs fell short), and educating long standing members about unconscious biases.

Inclusion also means rethinking policies that were once taken for granted. For instance, many naturist venues historically enforced strict “gender balance” rules – effectively capping the number of single male visitors – under the rationale of making women feel at ease. But such policies, while well-intentioned, can be clumsy and discriminatory if applied inflexibly. They treat all single men as potential predators and sometimes end up gatekeeping who can access naturism.

A more enlightened approach is to address the root cause (ensuring women do feel safe and respected) without resorting to blanket bans on solo males. In fact, some progressive clubs have dropped “no single men” rules entirely, focusing instead on behavioral standards to weed out bad actors regardless of gender. It’s a nuanced challenge: how to welcome more women and marginalized folks into naturism without unfairly excluding others. But the answer lies in enforcing conduct, not crude quotas, and in creating a culture where anyone who abides by naturist ethics is welcomed warmly.

The consequences of failing to be inclusive are serious. People get hurt – whether through the sting of feeling unwelcome or through outright harassment. The Black couple at Pine Tree left feeling deeply uncomfortable, “othered” by the constant reminders of their difference.

Others have surely walked away from naturism after similar bad experiences. Moreover, naturism’s public image suffers when stories circulate of clubs discriminating or lagging behind on diversity. It reinforces the stereotype that nudist resorts are bastions of an older, privileged set – hardly the free, open-to-all Eden that naturism aspires to be.

And perhaps most gravely, a naturist business that neglects ethics and inclusion risks eroding the trust of its own community. Without clear standards, the door opens to behaviors that can turn a “family-friendly” nude beach into an unsafe space, or a naturist retreat into a haven for only a select few. That is how a movement built on ideals of freedom and acceptance can tragically end up replicating the very social ills – prejudice, exclusion, objectification – it seeks to transcend.

Diversity as Destiny: A Changing Naturist Landscape

If there is any doubt that inclusion is the future of naturism, just look at the changing demographics and attitudes. Far from being a dying relic of the 20th century, social nudism is attracting new interest from younger and more diverse generations. In the UK, for example, the largest survey ever on the topic (conducted by Ipsos in 2022) found that 14% of people now describe themselves as naturists or nudists – roughly 6.75 million Britons, or 1 in 7 adults.

Importantly, this boom is being driven by youth. The survey discovered that those aged 16–24 were far more likely to embrace naturism than their elders: nearly half of Gen Z respondents identified as naturists, compared with only 6% of people aged 45–75.

This upends the old perception of naturism as a hobby for “old retirees” and shows that a new, broader audience is eager to partake. And that audience is inherently diverse – in ethnicity, in body type, in orientation and identity. Millennials and Gen Z grew up with more multicultural, LGBTQ-accepting norms, and they expect their social spaces to reflect that diversity.

They also bring different sensibilities: many are drawn to naturism for its mental health and body-positive benefits, not just sunbathing. “Modern society is weighed down by a body confidence crisis and more and more people are discovering the benefits that nudity brings to mental, emotional and physical health,” observes Dr. Mark Bass of British Naturism.

For these newcomers, naturism’s appeal lies in its wholesome ethos – the idea “where you can be naked and it’s not about your sexual behavior and it’s not porn,” as one sociologist explains, is highly appealing to younger generations seeking authenticity. In other words, what draws them is ethical naturism at its core: nudity tied to freedom, body acceptance, and community – not nudity as an end in itself.

This generational shift presents an enormous opportunity for naturist businesses – if they rise to the occasion. Clubs, resorts, and organizations that actively embrace diversity and uphold strict ethical standards are poised to thrive. They will attract the emerging wave of naturists who demand safe, inclusive spaces.

On the other hand, those that refuse to adapt may wither on the vine. “As the world outside ... changes, [a] club may need to adapt to survive, especially as nudism grows in popularity among younger, more diverse populations,” warned one report on Pine Tree’s future. The writing on the wall is clear. Embracing DEI is not “political correctness” or an optional add-on for naturist businesses – it is central to survival and relevance. Diversity is naturism’s destiny, and ethical inclusivity is simply good business.

Consider the progress being made: British Naturism (the UK’s national naturist organization) recently implemented a comprehensive Equality and Diversity Policy, explicitly aiming to “eliminate unlawful discrimination… and celebrate diversity; promote inclusion and foster good relations” among all naturists​.

They appointed diversity officers and launched initiatives to welcome more women into naturism, to stand against hate crime, and to make events friendly for LGBTQ participants. These are concrete, institutional steps acknowledging that naturism must reflect the full spectrum of society.

Likewise, many naturist events now highlight body positivity for people of all sizes, countering the myth that you need a “perfect body” to be naked in public. Plus-size naturists and disabled naturists are asserting their place, and groups like NBN explicitly encourage uplifting these underrepresented voices​. The message is that everyone is welcome in the naturist community – not in some vague sense, but through active outreach and zero tolerance for prejudice.

NBN’s Mission: Ethical Naturism in Action

The Naturist Business Network (NBN) is at the forefront of this movement to fuse ethics with entrepreneurship in the naturist world. Far from being just a business directory, NBN is a mission-driven collective of nudist entrepreneurs, creators, and hosts who believe that naturism’s economic ecosystem must be built on integrity and inclusion. NBN’s very existence is predicated on “support[ing] ethical naturism, promoting professional collaboration, and building a safe, inclusive, and affirming community for all participants.”

In practical terms, that means any business or professional listed in NBN’s network is expected to adhere to high ethical standards – and those standards heavily emphasize DEI. NBN explicitly “is committed to uplifting underrepresented voices, especially BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and plus-size naturists,” and it makes clear that discrimination of any kind is not tolerated. Whether it’s racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, or ageism, NBN’s code of conduct forbids it in no uncertain terms​. Members and businesses are expected to not only refrain from bias themselves but to actively challenge exclusionary attitudes and language when they encounter them​.

This stance isn’t just lip service. By establishing a code of conduct and ethics training for naturist businesses, NBN is effectively raising the bar for the entire industry. It sends a clear signal: if you want to profit from naturism, you have an ethical responsibility to protect and enrich the community you serve. 

There’s no room for exploitative practices or half-hearted inclusivity. For instance, NBN requires that all official media and marketing from its members “celebrate diverse bodies and avoid exploitation, objectification, or tokenism."​ 2Gone are the days of a nudist resort brochure showing only young, conventionally attractive models – an unrealistic image that alienates those who don’t fit that mold. Instead, authentic representation is key. NBN-affiliated businesses are encouraged to showcase real naturists of different ages, shapes, colors, and abilities, sending the message that naturism truly is for everybody and everybody.

Most importantly, NBN backs up its values with accountability. It is not enough for a resort to say it’s inclusive – it must prove it through policies and daily practices. A campground that partners with NBN can’t quietly turn away gay couples or single Black men and chalk it up to “member preference” or archaic rules. If they did, they would run afoul of NBN’s non-discrimination requirements and risk removal from the network. In this way, NBN leverages the power of collective accountability: businesses that join commit to doing better, and they gain the support of a community that shares those ethics. It’s a virtuous cycle – ethical naturist businesses attract a wider clientele, which in turn normalizes diversity in naturist spaces, making those spaces safer and more welcoming, which then brings in even more participants from all walks of life.

Gabriella Gebhart (known as “The Crowned Nudi”), NBN’s CEO, has been vocal about fostering a “more open and diverse naturist culture” through business leadership. Her team includes leaders who actively work with groups like AANR and BNA, demonstrating that collaboration and transparency are crucial.

NBN does not pretend naturism is perfectly inclusive today; rather, it insists on honesty about where improvements are needed. A club or retreat that is homogenous or has past incidents of bias isn’t automatically shunned – but to join NBN’s ranks, it must show a commitment to change, with transparency about its journey. This might mean publicly posting an inclusion policy, soliciting feedback from minority members, or engaging in diversity training. What NBN won’t tolerate is complacency or secrecy. Ethical naturism calls for shining a light on problems, not sweeping them under the towel.

A Call to Action for the Naturist Business Community

So what does all this mean for naturist businesses – the resorts, tour groups, B&Bs, clubs, and event organizers who make up the “naked economy”? It means the time is now to double-down on ethics and inclusion. Naturism’s growth and legitimacy in the 21st century will depend on how well its stewards uphold the values that set it apart from a mere clothing-optional fad. If you operate a naturist business, consider this an invitation and a challenge to become a standard-bearer for ethical naturism:

• Embrace a DEI Policy: Don’t just assume everyone knows to be welcoming – put it in writing. Follow the lead of British Naturism and craft a clear diversity, equity, and inclusion policy for your organization​. State unequivocally that you do not tolerate discrimination or harassment. Outline steps for handling any such incidents. Make it visible on your website and in your clubhouse. This not only protects your patrons, but also signals to underrepresented groups that you’ve got their backs.

• Reflect the Community’s Diversity: Take a look at your marketing and staffing. Do they reflect only one type of naturist? Make a conscious effort to diversify your imagery and team. Feature testimonials and photos (with consent) of naturists of color, LGBTQ couples, families, older folks, differently-abled folks – the true rainbow of humanity that practices naturism. Hire and consult people from diverse backgrounds for staff, boards, and speaker roles. This isn’t tokenism; it’s ensuring that a visitor or customer can see people like themselves in your space and know they belong.

• Educate and Train: Even well-meaning staff or members might have blind spots. Invest in training about consent, implicit bias, and cultural competency. NBN and other naturist advocacy groups can provide educational resources. Something as simple as a workshop on using inclusive language and respecting pronouns can go a long way. Create a culture where if someone uses a disrespectful term or makes a lewd comment, others speak up and correct it (politely but firmly). Normalize respect.

• Foster Transparency: If your business has historically struggled to attract diversity (for example, if your membership is currently mostly one demographic), acknowledge that openly. Invite input from those you wish to include. Partner with organizations like Black Naturists Association or local LGBTQ naturist meetups to host joint events. Show that you are actively working toward change, not just paying lip service. Transparency builds trust – people appreciate knowing that you recognize shortcomings and are taking action.

• Enforce the Rules – Fairly: Having a code of conduct is useless if it’s not enforced. Be consistent and impartial in handling violations of your ethical guidelines. That creepy single guy who keeps ogling women by the pool – educate or eject him, even if he’s a longtime guest. The member who makes racist or homophobic jokes “just jokingly” – let them know it’s unacceptable, even if they claim no harm intended. Conversely, if you have old rules that are themselves exclusionary (like “no single men under 35” or “couples only” policies), re-evaluate them. Update your approach to welcome anyone who abides by the behavior standards, regardless of marital status or gender. The only people who should feel unwelcome in your naturist space are those who refuse to treat others with respect and kindness.

By taking these steps, naturist businesses do more than just avoid harm – they actively create good. They create spaces where a transgender woman can feel as safe being nude as any other woman, where a plus-sized man can shed his towel without shame, where a Black family can vacation without feeling like curious outsiders, where everyone can reconnect with the joy of naturism as a common human experience. Such spaces live up to naturism’s highest ideals. And they inspire loyalty: a guest who feels genuinely seen and safe is likely to return and recommend your business to others. In contrast, spaces that don’t evolve will increasingly feel like anachronisms, out of touch with both modern values and the changing face of their customer base.

In an op-ed some years ago, Nick and Lins (authors of the Naked Wanderings ) argued that inclusivity isn’t just idealistic – it’s practical: “If we want our community to grow, we have to welcome the newcomers. All of them, not just the ones who look or think like us.” That sentiment captures NBN’s ethos perfectly.

Ethical naturism is not a hurdle to get over on the way to making money; it is the way. It is central to NBN’s business model because it is central to naturism’s long-term success and integrity. When naturist businesses unite around these values, they turn what could be a mere leisure industry into a genuine movement – one that profits not from exploitation or exclusion, but from empowerment and inclusion.

Naturism without ethics and inclusion is a contradiction: a house divided against itself. But naturism with ethics and inclusion can be revolutionary. It can offer a template for how our society might be – a place where human dignity isn’t measured by garments or status, where diversity is celebrated in the most literal uncovered way, and where the simple act of being nude together builds trust and empathy across all kinds of differences. NBN and its partners are building that world, one ethical naturist business at a time. It’s now up to all in the naturist community – business owners, organizers, and everyday nakationers alike – to carry this ethos forward.

The call to action is clear: Stand up, strip down, and welcome everybody. Embrace ethical naturism not just as a slogan but as daily practice. In doing so, we ensure that the freedom and joy of naturism can be safely enjoyed by all, and that the naturist movement will flourish for generations to come – vibrant, diverse, and true to its core values.

In the naturist world, nakedness is the great equalizer. Let’s make sure our ethics and inclusivity keep it that way, so that “naturism for all” is not just an ideal, but a lived reality. The future of naturism depends on it, and frankly, so does its soul.