Last week’s member post was a look back at Natural Pursuits events in cities across the country. It brought up a familiar question: When are you coming to my city?
Here’s the honest answer is I don’t have the budget for travel right now. But I was inspired to create this call to action for our Natural Pursuits community: Host your own event!
So, this month, in honor of Pride, I want to challenge you to throw your own non-sexual nudist gathering.
To help you out, I put together this list of tips.
Keep It Simple
If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that simple is better. Most people are just looking for an excuse to be themselves in a room where that’s allowed.
That said, people who are new to nudism (newdists?) often appreciate having an activity. It gives them something to focus on other than being naked and vulnerable.
So keep it casual:
– Make it a potluck.
– Put on a movie.
– Host a board game night.
The goal is to create an atmosphere that feels low-pressure and welcoming.
How To Invite Guests
The easiest place to start is seeing who in your circle might be open to the idea. You’re lYou don’t need a big following or a massive friend group to host a gathering. You just need a few curious, respectful people who are open to trying something new. Here are a few ways to get the word out:
- Start with your circle. Post a message to your Instagram Close Friends list, drop it in a group chat, or text it to someone you trust. A sample message you can use or tweak: “I want to have people over for a non-sexual nudist gathering this Pride. If you’re curious, message me.”
- Keep it small. You don’t need a big crowd. In fact, smaller is usually better. Three to five folks are more than enough to create a relaxed, memorable experience.
- Ask someone to co-host. If someone expresses interest, invite them to co-host so they can bring a few friends too. It’s an easy way to broaden the guest list without putting all the pressure on yourself.
- Use Scruff (or similar apps) with intention. Search for #nudist or similar tags, see who’s nearby, and send a respectful message letting them know about your event. When I travel for events, I do this for weeks or months in advance—it’s a great way to find others who are already interested in body-positive spaces.
What to Tell People Ahead of Time
If someone’s never been to a nudist gathering, they’re probably asking themselves a lot of questions. What do I wear there? When do I take it off? What do I bring? Where do I put my stuff?
That kind of uncertainty makes people hesitate and sometimes opt out. So it helps to anticipate those nerves and offer some guidance ahead of time.
Send a short message or email with a few basic notes ahead of the event. Here’s what’s usually helpful to include:
The Basics
- This is a non-sexual gathering.
We’ve found that when sex is removed from the equation, people are more friendly and open to getting to know people they aren’t attracted to. It’s essential for creating an affirming vibe. - Let them know what to do with their stuff.
For example: “Bring a bag for your clothes and anything else you need. We’ll have a designated spot where everyone stashes their stuff.” - Mention house rules.
Most people want to be good guests. Let them know if it’s a shoes-off household, if smoking or vaping is allowed inside, or if you have pets they might be allergic to. Clarity around small things like shoes and pets removes guesswork and lets people focus on enjoying themselves.
Things for You To Decide
- Phones are [not allowed / only for emergencies / fine, just be respectful].
Whatever your boundary is, say it upfront. Some hosts create a phone drop zone or just ask guests not to take photos. Clear expectations help everyone relax. - If it’s BYO food or drink.
Potlucks work great. You can ask people to bring a snack, a bottle, or whatever they’d normally contribute to a hangout. It reinforces the idea that everyone’s helping shape the vibe. - If guests should bring a towel to sit on.
At Natural Pursuits, we don’t require towels because we trust our guests’ hygiene. But if you prefer guests use them, it’s fair to say so.
Offering this kind of information helps guests navigate uncertainty and say yes to something new. Nudity can feel vulnerable, so the more specific you are, the easier it is for people to imagine themselves showing up.
Tips for Hosting
We’ve hosted dozens of events and put together this list of hosting tips for first-timers.
- Have a co-host. It helps break the ice. If there’s someone you can chat with effortlessly, it sets the tone and makes everyone feel more at ease.
- Create a private space to undress. Avoid the awkwardness of stripping in front of an audience. This helps maintain a relaxed and respectful atmosphere.
- Set a “disrobe threshold.” Especially for new folks, sitting around naked when it’s just one or two other people can feel a bit strange. I usually say we disrobe once three people are at the event, but you can pick whatever number feels right to you.
Build Your Community
You don’t need to have a perfect plan. Just take the first step. Ask some friends. Set a date. See what happens. Natural Pursuits’ strategy has always been to show up and make the best of it.
If you host a gathering, we’d love to hear how it goes. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at admin@naturalpursuits.com or send a direct message.
Individuals willing to do the work build communities. That’s how Natural Pursuits started and what keeps it going. I didn’t ask permission to start this project. You don’t need permission to host your own event. You just need to try.
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