In modern society, fashion is rarely just about protection from the elements. Clothing is used to hide perceived flaws, signal wealth, and adhere to strict gender norms.

"Recovery programs talk about 'exposure therapy.' But looking at myself in a full-length mirror in a leotard is still about aesthetics. At a nude beach, I wasn't performing. The old women there didn't care that I was bony or that my ribs showed. They gave me potato salad. It was the first time my body felt functional, not visual."

Naturism remains predominantly white. For Black individuals, Indigenous people, and POC, nudity carries different historical weights (e.g., colonial voyeurism, dehumanization). Many POC report feeling hyper-visible in nude spaces. Progressive clubs are actively working to diversify, but this is a real barrier.

Before heading to a public resort, spend time naked in your own home. Walk around, look in the mirror without judgment, and get used to the physical sensation of air on your skin. Normalize your own nudity to yourself first. 2. Choose the Right Environment