Naturism is a wonderful lifestyle that started in Europe but is now expanding towards the whole world. Most of the time we share our own views on the different aspects of nudism but once in a while we like to pass the mic to hear about how someone else’s experiences.

Our guest for today is Leo from India, a naturist in a country where his lifestyle is not very common.

Hello Leo, tell us something about yourself

Foodie, fitness enthusiast (though haven’t been working out lately because of time constraints), traveller, freelance writer, dreamer, that’s all I can say about myself.

How and at what age did you become a naturist?

I guess I was always a naturist cause I don’t remember wearing much clothing growing up just a pair of shorts if I really had to. I sweat a lot so the summer season for me is a nightmare and the best way to keep my body cool is going sans clothing. So there was no particular first day for me as I was always into it.

Is naturism allowed in your country and what’s the public opinion?

No unfortunately it’s not as the Indian society equates nudity with sex. Though nudity was very common in ancient India and communal bathing was the norm before the Britishers came in with their Puritan Victorian modules. This is one reason which puts India on the backfoot when it comes to nudity. So if anyone is found out to be a nudist he would immediately be labelled as a pervert or a deviant which is why many keep it a secret from their friends and even close family members.

There are naturists in India as well but since there are no proper naturist destinations or campsites for meetups it’s hard to know the exact figures.

What do you think is the best and worst thing about naturism?

The best thing about naturism is that it increases your self esteem tremendously. People know that they are in a safe environment where they are not going to be judged. I have seen amputees, people with obesity problems , people with scars burns , anorexia all coming in without feeling the slightest shame or hesitation.

The worst thing about naturism would be my aversion to wearing clothes especially swimming trunks which makes me hate swimming as the pool I used to go to is a textile one.

Do you find it easy to make naturist friends?

In a naturist gathering I find making friends as easy as a textile setting. I am an extrovert so I enjoy talking and interacting with people in general so it has never been a problem.

What’s the best tip you have for beginning naturists?

If you are considering trying out naturism even for one bit I would suggest do try it. because if you don’t try you wouldn’t know how it feels. Most importantly don’t ever think what others will think about your body because nobody will judge you here.

Anything else you’d like to share with our audience?

Well there is one particular incident that I would like to share of a mother breastfeeding her child on a nude beach while I was walking across and she had her two arms missing. She smiled at me and I smiled back thinking how similar are we in our own skin and how easily it makes us shed our inhibitions and embracing our true selves knowing we are in a secure environment away from the stern glares of rigid society.

She waved at me and I waved back.

We chatted for nearly an hour. She told me “You know, this is why I love to come here ” I said “For the conversation right ?”. She replied “Yeah definitely people here are so friendly but most importantly cause no one here brings up my disability ? Nobody treats me with sympathy or looks at me with pity as people here are so used to seeing different body shapes and sizes. That really is a feeling I get nowhere else.”

That for me defines naturism.

Thank you so much for your participation Leo!

Do you also want to tell your story and experiences in naturism? Please get in touch via the CONTACT page! As long as we have people who like to contribute, we can keep The Naturist Talks running!

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