A naturist wants to tell the world that just because he likes to take his clothes off, it doesn’t mean he’s part of a cult of ‘raving sex freaks’.
Tony Graham, 65, is arguing that naturists are normal people who like to get their kit off and the practice helps reduce stress and improve his mental health.
The commercial content writer from Alton, Hampshire, also said that naturism is misunderstood. He chairs a naturist society and sheds light on the real meaning behind ditching clothes to be closer to nature.
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Forget what you’ve heard about nudists being 'sex freaks' or 'lunatic perverts', they simply just want to be closer to the environment.
"It's just the feeling of being alone or with friends amongst the grass, hedges and trees - a state of contentment when you feel like you're doing your body some good,” Tony said.
"It just feels better to me to be naked - but people assume there is a sexual element.
"Some people think we're a cult of raving sex freaks or some kind of secret society but we're nothing like that.
"Or some people think we're perverts or lunatic flashers - but we're just normal people who happen to like sunbathing and swimming naked.
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"We're naturally peaceful and promote body positivity and no matter what you look like, you'll be accepted."
Tony became a naturist after going skinny dipping aged 18.
He now has more than 45 years of experience being in the nude and said unlike what some people think, he isn't naked all the time - only when it's warm and sunny.
"The vast majority of naturists wear clothes inside, and normally outside too if it's cold.
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"It's not just the sun, it's the warmth - a lot of naturists look forward to warm sunny weather to go somewhere and strip off."
As the chairman of Naturist Action Group, which is formed of fellow ‘nudie’ advocates who share the same views, Tony helps break the stigma around stripping off.
And just in case you needed another reminder, this isn’t a sex group.
"It’s a bit like being into tennis, or archery or golf or cooking clubs. You go out and meet new friends like lots of clothed people meet new friends too,” he described.
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"Going out and socialising is what naturists do, mainly naked - we meet at peoples homes or go to naturist clubs. And we have BBQ’s where everyone chips in."
Tony added: "If you speak to any genuine naturist worldwide, they'll all tell you the same thing. It's not about sex.
"We're not a cult of raving sex freaks, we're just normal peaceful people who like to take their clothes off.
"As a group we promote body positivity and however people look, they will be accepted.
"You don't need to have a perfect Instagram type of body to be a naturist.
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"It's a personal choice to be a naturist and it may not be for everybody, but for naturists, being naked is freedom."
Topics: Sex and Relationships
Gregory Robinson