The Thin Fleshy Line

As a home-based naturist, I share the belief of most others who are passionate about naturism: that there is a line that stands between naturism and sexually motivated exhibitionism or other related activities. Naturism to me is about being comfortable in my skin and unafraid, unashamed to show that in a community that respects my interest to be myself and display that by my actions. It is only in recent months that I have found the courage to show my interest in naturism on a social media level, and thankfully there are a number of people who have accepted me as friends on a social networking scale. These are people I am proud to say I have at least one interest in common with — however it took a lot of curiosity to get to the level of body confidence I now embrace. On the path that led to my outward openness I have met some colourful people on both sides of the line that separates naturism from the sex industries, and have realised that some people are not in that industry because they want to be there. These are people I prefer to call reluctant "stars" of an industry they despise as much as I do. A few of these I have come to class as friends — real friends, because I have walked through their pain with them. There are some people who class themselves as naturists that have condemned me for having befriended these people, and that is their right — we all have the right to an opinion. However, just like those who frown upon females campaigning for the equality to roam the streets topless, condemning everyone who exposes themselves for the pleasure of others is not necessarily the right thing to do. Please do not get me wrong — I do not support the sex industry. If anything I am one of the people most strongly opposed to it. But that doesn't mean we as naturists should paint everyone who is part of it with the same brush. Just like naturists, each one of them has a reason for having entered the world they are part of, and sometimes that reason is compassionate, not seedy or twisted. I have one friend — a real friend — who fell into the industry because she wants to be able to help her mother who is long-term in hospital, and no other job in her country will cover the costs. Anyone who cannot see the compassion in that is, in my opinion, looking through blinkers. I realise such a controversial post will probably win or lose me friends, but just like every naturist I want my voice and my opinion heard. For those who remain my friends after reading this — I thank you. For those who have added me as a result of reading this — I thank you as well. For those friends I have lost — that is your decision, but please remember that, just like many other things, there is a thin line that falls between what is right, what is necessary and what is wrong. Naturism rules in my eyes.