Talking about nudism still raises curiosity, questions and sometimes discomfort. Why do we find it so difficult to see a naked body naturally? Why do we so easily associate nudity with sex?
These are some of the questions explored on LOVIN’ YOU, the programme on Onda Cero presented by Nacho Arias, where I had the opportunity to take part in a conversation about nudism, sexuality and social prejudice.
This episode features Udara Zubillaga and Clara Lanzani, performers in the musical SIX; sexologists Sofía Santillán and Belén Konic from the Sexprésate project; and contributors Silvia Sanz, Óscar Ferrani and Rubén Santos. Topics include relationships, sexual preferences and the freedom to choose how we experience our own intimacy.
My contribution focuses on nudism, alongside Cristina from the Madrid Association of Nudism Friends (AANUMA). We discuss swimming pools, excursions and social activities, as well as a question that still sparks debate: why do we continue to associate a naked body with sex?
Nudism is about much more than taking your clothes off
From my experience as Cris Blas, Sex Coach, I believe that one of the obstacles to feeling natural in our bodies comes from the beliefs we learn as children. We often associate nudity with sexual intimacy, provocation or the need to hide, even though the human body is also part of our nature.
Practising nudism does not mean looking for sex, trying to seduce others or provoking anyone. For those of us who experience it this way, it means being able to be naked in certain settings without our bodies automatically being treated as sexual objects.
Swimming pools, excursions and social gatherings organised by associations such as AANUMA show that nudism can also be a way of connecting with others. Sharing these activities allows people to meet and enjoy common spaces respectfully, without assuming that nudity necessarily implies erotic intentions.
Why do we still associate nudity with sexuality?
This is one of the questions I find most important to raise. Sexuality is part of our lives, but not everything related to the body is sexual. A naked body does not necessarily imply desire, arousal or a sexual invitation.
When we learn to see nudity without always interpreting it through an erotic lens, we can also question many of our prejudices. We stop judging bodies by their shape, age or appearance and begin to understand that everyone has the right to experience their own body according to their preferences, with respect and consent.
This does not mean that everyone should practise nudism or feel comfortable being naked. Freedom also means being able to choose, respecting our own boundaries and accepting that other people may live differently.
Embracing our bodies and living more freely
For me, talking about nudism is also about education, self-awareness and personal freedom. Challenging prejudice is not about imposing a particular way of life, but about asking where our beliefs come from and whether they truly reflect who we are.
Naturism can offer us an opportunity to develop a more natural relationship with our bodies, without demanding a particular appearance or treating nudity as something inherently sexual.
That is why I believe it is important to create spaces for conversations like this. The more we talk about the body, sexuality and the different ways people experience them, the more opportunities we have to understand one another and live together with fewer judgements.
Being naked does not mean looking for sex. Sometimes, it simply means feeling comfortable in our own bodies and no longer hiding out of shame or fear of what other people might think.
I invite you to listen to my contribution to LOVIN’ YOU and reflect with me: what really makes us uncomfortable about a naked body — the body itself, or everything we have learned to associate with it?
Listen to the full programme: Cris Blas and nudism on LOVIN’ YOU, Onda Cero.
If you would like to explore these ideas further, I also invite you to read my article Naturism is about much more than being naked, where I share my perspective on body freedom, education and the prejudices that still affect us.
Discover more reflections on my Cris Blas
