Planet Nude

The city of Rostock, Germany, has just implemented a compulsory nudity rule at designated nude beaches in the seaside districts of Warnemünde and Markgrafenheide. This local ordinance mandates that visitors to these naturist-only zones, encompassing 37 beach sections along a 19 km stretch of coastline, must be entirely unclothed. Swimsuits, bikinis, and any form of clothing are prohibited in these areas. If you’re caught clothed on one of these beaches, you may be asked by authorities to strip down or vacate. To be perfectly clear, this regulation applies only to Rostock’s official FKK beaches and does not apply nationally. The city’s beaches are now categorized into three distinct zones: naturist-only, mixed-use, and textile-only, ensuring that visitors can choose areas that align with their comfort levels. ​ Enforcement measures The decision to enforce this ban arose from numerous complaints by naturists who felt uncomfortable due to the presence of clothed individuals in designated nude areas. Incidents involving clothed visitors allegedly gawking, taking photos, or otherwise disrupting the nude-friendly environment were reported. Rostock officials noted that many naturists felt their privacy was being compromised, prompting the city to adopt stricter guidelines. ​ Rostock has a longstanding tradition of FKK culture, particularly in former East Germany, where social nudism was widely practiced. City officials believe that this rule protects the integrity of dedicated naturist spaces and ensures that naturists can feel at ease. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of smartphones has raised concerns about potential privacy violations, further justifying the need for clearer regulations. Beach wardens and local authorities will oversee compliance with the new rule. These officials have the authority to request that clothed individuals either disrobe or leave the FKK zones. If someone refuses to comply, they may be issued a Platzverweis (order to vacate the area). Notably, no fines are planned; enforcement will focus on resolving conflicts rather than imposing penalties. According to reports, wardens will patrol the nude beaches on foot or by beach buggy, but they themselves will remain clothed. The rule does not apply to passersby who are not staying on the beach—for example, someone briefly walking along the shoreline. Rostock has also designated textile-only zones to accommodate all preferences, ensuring that those who prefer to wear swimwear have separate spaces. Public reaction and controversy Locally, the rule has been welcomed by naturists and city officials, who view it as a reinforcement of proper etiquette and a deterrent against clothed onlookers. The Rostock city council broadly supported the measure, emphasizing it as a practical response to user complaints. However, international reactions have been mixed. Media coverage highlighted the unusual nature of the rule, as most laws regulate nudity by requiring clothing—this one does the opposite. Some headlines humorously framed it as a crackdown on “half-hearted naturism.” ​ Critics argue that the rule might deter newcomers who are curious about naturism but hesitant to go fully nude. However, no major protests or legal challenges have emerged, and officials stress that common sense will guide enforcement. Germany’s approach is unique. While the country has a strong FKK tradition, most of its nude beaches have historically been clothing-optional, much like those in other nudist-friendly nations. Even in places with long-established naturist cultures, mandatory nudity remains rare. France, home to its famous plages naturistes, generally allows swimwear even in designated nudist areas. Some beaches, like Port Leucate, post signs explicitly stating “le port du maillot de bain est interdit” (swimsuits forbidden), but enforcement is largely social rather than legal, relying on peer expectations rather than official action. Elsewhere, no such mandates exist,...

The Substance is a mad, mad film. At times it’s more like a particularly unhinged episode of Black Mirror or the Twilight Zone than it is a movie, and it revels in violent and grotesque body horror. It's not subtle, and often feels like it’s bludgeoning you with what it wants to say. It is absolutely the wildest movie that I saw in 2024, nothing else even comes close. It is certainly not for the faint of heart, especially those who hate needles. But why am I reviewing it here? Because, while it’s a pretty simple, gruesome movie, all things considered, its messages should be strikingly familiar to the naturist community. Read the full article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

Planet Nude was suspended from Facebook Saturday, after months of escalated warnings and content removals. Each time, I appealed the takedowns, and each time, my appeals were repeatedly denied with little explanation. The content in question? Mostly links to our articles and webcomics—material that follows the general guidelines of Substack and other publishing platforms but, apparently, does not sit well with Facebook’s algorithmic enforcers.Read the full article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co/p/they-dont-want-us-here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

Social media’s censorship of naturist content continues to stifle body-positive messaging and community building. In this article by Evan Nicks, the case is made for returning to newsletters as the foundation of the naturist movement. Direct, sustainable, and free from algorithmic barriers, newsletters can help organizations reclaim their voice and grow authentic connections. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

In a welcome win for the naturist community, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has withdrawn a proposed rule change that could have made it easier to alter the well-defined boundaries of the clothing-optional area at Rooster Rock State Park. The decision came during an online public hearing held on January 15, 2025, which saw robust participation from advocates and concerned citizens. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

In 2011, JP Riley’s Act Naturally introduced audiences to Bear Lake, a fictional nudist resort inherited by two estranged stepsisters. The film became a cult favorite among naturists, praised for its humor, heart, and authentic portrayal of nudism. Now, after over a decade, Riley is ready to unveil Act Super Naturally, a sequel that’s been as tumultuous behind the scenes as the fictional resort’s drama. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

Wildfires in Southern California, fueled by Santa Ana winds up to 100 mph, have caused massive destruction. Embers carried miles have ignited new fires, consuming over 35,000 acres and forcing 180,000 evacuations. Hard-hit areas include Altadena and Pacific Palisades, with power outages affecting nearly a million people. Insured losses may surpass $20 billion, making this potentially California's costliest wildfire disaster. Over 8,000 firefighters struggle against relentless winds, as neighborhoods turn to ash. Among those impacted is Southern California’s naturist community, demonstrating resilience and solidarity amid disruption, offering a poignant glimpse into the human toll of this catastrophe. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

In an unprecedented global effort, naturist organizations and leaders from over forty countries have united to demand an end to the censorship of non-sexual nudity on social media. Spearheaded by the International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI), the open letter calls on platforms like Meta to reform their moderation policies. It has been sent directly to Meta and made public for other major tech firms, urging immediate action. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

In a society that claims to value equality and justice, the double standard around bare chests remains a glaring contradiction. That women are policed, fined, and shamed for exposing their chests while men bare theirs with impunity is plainly discriminatory, rooted in outdated notions of morality. The human chest—two nipples and some fatty tissue—is fundamentally the same, yet we continue to treat them differently. If decency is truly the goal, the unchecked male nipple must be addressed. Far from innocent, it has been fetishized in advertising, film, and fitness culture as a symbol of power and virility. The solution is obvious: regulate male toplessness with the same rigor imposed on women. Fairness demands nothing less. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

Rooster Rock State Park, one of Oregon’s premier locations for naturists and home to the country’s first officially designated clothing-optional beach, faces a potential change in how its clothing-optional boundaries are defined. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has proposed a rule change that could pave the way for easier future reductions to the clothing-optional area. The existing rule, part of Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 736-010-0065, specifies fixed geographic boundaries for the clothing-optional section of the park. These boundaries are currently tied to physical landmarks, such as the easternmost beach access stairway and the high-water mark of the Columbia River. The proposed change, however, would replace these fixed designations with boundaries determined by maps published on the OPRD website. This would allow adjustments to be made without requiring public hearings or formal processes​. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

On October 10, 2024, Sunnier Palms Nudist Park and Campground in Fort Pierce, Florida, was devastated by a tornado spawned by Hurricane Milton. The storm left significant destruction in its wake, damaging homes, facilities, and infrastructure throughout the park. Now, just two months later, the community’s spirit and determination are driving a remarkable rebuilding effort. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

River Island Nature Retreat, a cornerstone of Australia’s naturist community, has been sold, marking the end of its clothing-optional tradition. The 222-acre property, located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, was purchased for just under $4.75 million AUD (approximately $3.1 million USD) by Sydney property developer Kurt Braune. The new owners plan to transform the retreat into a clothed, family-friendly holiday destination, officially closing the chapter on its nearly 40-year history as Australia’s “Nude Capital.” The transition begins December 1, with upgrades including modern cabins, improved access roads, Wi-Fi enhancements, and the addition of a children’s playground. While the renovations aim to attract families and mainstream holidaymakers, they bring an end to one of Australia’s most prominent spaces for naturists. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

In recent weeks, social media has seen a significant shift in user behavior. Twitter, now rebranded as X, is hemorrhaging users amid growing dissatisfaction with its direction under Elon Musk. Racism and misinformation proliferate unchecked, and Musk’s leadership has further alienated users who are disillusioned by his openly political affiliations and authoritarian inclinations. For many, the tipping point came with Musk’s appointment to lead a federal agency, cementing his influence over government and technology alike. It’s not just a question of poor moderation—it’s about whether we should continue supporting platforms that empower oligarchs and compromise fundamental values. Naturists, among others, are fleeing X for platforms like Bluesky, Threads, and Substack. Historically, Twitter was a unique digital space for naturists to share their values and build community. Its permissive policies on nudity allowed users to post images and ideas that aligned with their philosophy without fear of censorship. Now, as naturists migrate to alternatives, the question arises: are they missing a bigger opportunity to divest from social media altogether? Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

William Welby was a quiet pioneer in the British naturist movement. With his ideas, he played a defining role in reframing nudism as a respectable, commonsense lifestyle. An advertising manager and writer in 1930s Britain, Welby approached naturism with a measured tone and structured arguments, packaging it as a logical, healthful way of living. Unlike some of his contemporaries, Welby’s advocacy was subtle and thoughtful, more akin to a careful suggestion than an impassioned plea. Through his three books—Naked and Unashamed, The Naked Truth about Nudism, and It’s Only Natural—Welby dismantled societal taboos around nudism, presenting it as a choice grounded in the simplicity of nature, health, and mental well-being. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

In a major change for Southern California’s naturist community, Olive Dell Ranch RV Park and Resort announced on November 4, 2024, that it would become a clothing-mandatory resort. Starting December 6, clothing will be required in all common areas, with the policy extending to all individual sites on January 6, 2025. “After careful deliberation, Olive Dell Ranch RV Park and Resort has reached a decision to become a ‘Textile’ park,” read the notice to site holders. Long known as a clothing-optional haven, Olive Dell’s abrupt change leaves nudist residents reeling, marking a fundamental shift from the community’s historical identity. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

In a recent online article, a palliative care nurse was asked, “What is the one regret old people always have?” As this nurse typically cared for patients who were terminal or in hospice, she had enough conversations with those nearing the end of life and wanted to share their thoughts to venture a point of view: The number one regret (well, there are really two) are not spending more time with the people that really mattered to them, and not living their life for themselves (aka doing what others expected of them or what society dictated they should be doing with their lives). Her conclusion: “Live your life the way you want.” I couldn’t agree more. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

The Minnesota Supreme Court is currently deliberating a case that could potentially redefine the boundaries of indecent exposure, at least in the state. At the center of the debate is Eloisa Rubi Plancarte, who was convicted after walking through a gas station parking lot with her breasts uncovered. While the case has sparked discussions on gender equality, the state’s attorney introduced an even more perplexing argument. He suggested that under the current law, even exposing an elbow could theoretically violate Minnesota’s indecent exposure statute. When Associate Justice Karl Procaccini asked if the statute could apply to any body part, Jim Haase, the attorney representing the state, responded, “I would say it’s conceivable.” Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

In a recent online article, a palliative care nurse was asked, “What is the one regret old people always have?” As this nurse typically cared for patients who were terminal or in hospice, she had enough conversations with those nearing the end of life and wanted to share their thoughts to venture a point of view: The number one regret (well, there are really two) are not spending more time with the people that really mattered to them, and not living their life for themselves (aka doing what others expected of them or what society dictated they should be doing with their lives). Her conclusion: “Live your life the way you want.” I couldn’t agree more. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

After nearly 40 years of leadership at the helm of The Naturist Society Foundation (TNSF), Nicky Hoffman, Publisher and Managing Editor of N magazine, has announced her retirement at the end of 2024. The organization’s graphic designer, Jan Grable, retired earlier on September 30, 2024, though she will return as needed for training. The news, first shared by TNSF President Cynthia Holbach in the Southern California Naturist Association (SCNA) newsletter, was subsequently confirmed in an official letter to TNSF members. Hoffman’s retirement marks the end of an era for TNSF, one of the most influential organizations in the American naturist movement, as it prepares for a new chapter under the direction of the board and newly appointed magazine editor Colleen Leary. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe

Since its founding in 2011, the Federación Nudista de México (FNM) has played a key role in expanding Mexico’s naturist movement and gaining global recognition. Shortly after, the FNM joined the International Naturist Federation-Fédération Naturiste Internationale (INF-FNI), hosting events that brought international attention to Mexican naturism. However, as the INF-FNI World Congress in Zipolite approaches, internal tensions have emerged. A leadership dispute involving FNM President Gustavo de la Garza and Secretary Luis Márquez, with allegations of illegal term extensions, has divided the federation, raising concerns about governance and transparency just weeks before the global naturist community arrives. Read the original article at www(dot)planetnude(dot)co This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.planetnude.co/subscribe