Voyeurism and Sexual Harassment Concerns

Any woman knows that many men do harbor certain unwholesome sexual interest in nude female bodies. The growth of the pornography industry and the titillating displays of busty, naked women in magazines, movies and videos designed to meet a variety of male sexual fantasies and fetishes is testament enough to that. So how a woman might reasonably ask can she be certain that if she decides to participate in non-sexual social nudity can she know her nudity won’t be exploited by voyeuristic males or be confident that she won’t be subjected to unwelcome sexual comments, advances and other forms of sexual harassment?

One of the more persistent concerns and criticisms voiced by non-nudists about the practice of social nudity is that it must represent the ultimate dream come true for the male voyeur. Though this is usually expressed by women, many men may hold this opinion also. Probably nothing short of actual experience can adequately rebut this concern. Indeed, it may well be that many voyeurs do frequent clothing optional beaches and even pose as nudists to gain access to resorts and the like simply to satiate their voyeuristic appetites.

Mature, psychologically healthy people who like to be naked are neutral about seeing others naked. Even for those who might find it pleasurable, they still derive most of their satisfaction from being naked themselves. But what about individuals who are immature, inconsiderate, or otherwise are not in the best psychological health? The answer depends on the setting. Except for situations where access can’t be effectively controlled (such as clothing optional beaches or other public lands), a community of people enjoying nudity naturally tends to exclude individuals whose behavior for whatever reason is disruptive to their enjoyment. Even in the cases of public beaches, there is often a community spirit present among the regular users of such places that actively works to discourage voyeurism and other disruptive behavior. As far as nudist resorts, where access can and will be effectively controlled, voyeurs are less of a problem since any male who by his behavior demonstrates that he is there for the purpose of satisfying his sexual urges for voyeurism or exhibitionism will quickly upon detection be excluded and notified not to return.

It would be disingenuous to say a woman never need fear being exploited by a voyeur but it is truly less of a potential problem at resorts than at more public venues. It is also true that individuals who actually try the experience of nudity in a social setting usually find that being naked is so pleasurable and satisfying in itself, that the issue of voyeurism diminishes greatly in importance.

Unlike simple voyeurism, harassment on the other hand can be a real problem in gatherings of people enjoying nudity just as it can be a problem at places where people aren’t naked, such as a beach, a nightclub, a private party and even the workplace. Where sexual harassment is concerned, it would be less than honest to proclaim that it doesn’t occur at places where people are naked. It can and it does. In theory, if anything, the possibilities of harassment occurring are even greater in the form of staring, voyeurism, exhibitionism, explicit remarks about specific, “private” body parts and even inappropriate and unwelcome touching. In addition to all the usual openings some men will take advantage of to make unwelcome sexual remarks or advances, a state of nudity obviously affords many new ones. A program of education and sensitization directed at men is needed here. It needs to become very well known that places which offer social nudity do not welcome men who have harassing behavior in mind. It needs to be equally well known that women who participate in social nudity are not one bit more tolerant of sexually harassing behavior than women who are clothed.

Some men will probably never learn to curb harassing behavior, but they should learn very clearly where they aren’t welcome. Most men who choose to participate in social nudity for its own sake already understand that sexual harassment is wrong, just as stealing and selfishness are wrong. Men who are attracted to social nudity for the “wrong” reasons, or who sometimes simply forget their good manners, can spoil it for everyone, just as inconsiderate or boorish people can take the fun out of any kind of social event. Most if not all naturist clubs, parks, and resorts have formal policies that forbid harassment and provide for the expeditious ejection of anyone who can’t conform their behavior and conduct to the rules.

In summary, while both the concerns over voyeurism and harassment are legitimate concerns for women contemplating participation in social nudity, the former is often far less of a problem than it is imagined, at most a minor irritation that must be dealt with occasionally. The later, however, while it cannot be promised will never occur, is quite effectively dealt with by the existence and enforcement of rules against it and any other behavior that might serve to cause anyone to be made to feel uncomfortable. Thus, neither concern need be a reason for women to avoid social nudity participation.