Naturists are not against clothing. Rather, we believe that you should dress only when appropriate.

Being nude feels good. It makes people feel free. It takes away artificial inhibitions that were forced upon us after we were born. Naturists believe in body acceptance. Most report feeling less self-conscious on a nude beach than on a traditional clothed beach.

The body parts which we cover are arbitrary. It has been suggested that we cover the genital area because of its sexual nature. However, a quick survey of your day would show that that area is used for non-sexual purposes the most of the time. In fact, an equally sexual body part is your lips. Yet we do not have any problems walking around with our lips exposed!

One intent of naturism nonetheless is not to offend. Most naturist organizations are working to identify areas where naturists may enjoy being nude without bothering anyone.

Here's the scoop on laws within our parks and forests. On federal land, nudity is generally not an offense unless there is a specific ordinance written for that particular location (as in Cape Cod National Seashore). The problem is when state and local law enforcement shares jurisdiction within the park. Local laws may then also apply and may restrict nude use. This is the case at Padre Island National Seashore. Depending on where you are along the shoreline, you may be in a county that patrols the beach and may cite nude beach users. Generally this requires a complaint from a third party, but these complaints are sometimes "arranged". When in the national forests, there is generally no problem with nudity at all, as county deputies just don't patrol these areas.

If the county or local government has no law regarding nudity, it reverts back to the state law, which reads; "A person commits an offense (of indecent exposure) if he exposes his anus or any part of his genitals with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person, and he is reckless about whether another is present who will be offended or alarmed by his act." or "A person commits an offense (of disorderly conduct) if he intentionally or knowingly: Exposes his anus or genitals in a public place and is reckless about whether another may be present who will be offended or alarmed by his act." This is actually a very narrow definition and difficult to prosecute in that recklessness must be proven. In fact, a couple charged with disorderly conduct on the beach recently ended up with only the man being charged, as the anus and genitals of the woman could not be seen even when nude!

The state parks have a much more stringent ordinance that reads; "It is an offense to: appear nude. Females are considered to be disrobed when their breasts below the top of the areola is exposed except when nursing a baby." In this situation, no recklessness needs to be shown and no complaint is needed. This has permitted abuse by some park personnel that gawk at nude park users and then cite them for nudity in remote areas with no one else present.

Here in Austin, top free is tolerated well at Barton Springs, and nudity is tolerated around the swimming holes along upper Barton Creek. It is not legal to be nude there, but generally folks coexist well and there are no complaints that lead to citations. There is no ordinance against appearing top free anywhere in the city, and it is becoming more comonplace at events such as Eeyores Birthday party, Carnival, Halloween and some concerts.

The male reaction to sensual stimulation is natural, but a very rare occurance at a naturist event. Once you're accustomed to all the nudity, you are no more likely to get turned on than if everyone were clothed. But men do get turned on when clothed, it just goes un-noticed
by the public. When you find yourself in a sensuous situation that is causing a rise, you can:

1. Diplomatically excuse yourself and go cool off. A quick dip in the pool is a good way to relax the little bugger.
2. You can always sit down and be honest about your sensitivity. You will get sympathy and respect from those with whom you are honest.
   

Among nudist friends you have a wonderful opportunity to be more open and casual about natural body functions. When we shed our clothes we accept each other regardless of "handicapping" condition. You will soon find you can control the urge for erection and after a while you'll be able to deal with hugs and massage without things getting in the way.