By Gil Kaan

Now that warmer weather is the norm (for most), layers of clothing are peeling off. But there are those of us who prefer to discard all clothing in all seasons of the year.

Remember the first time you were naked in the company of someone other than yourself? Was it the showers after gym class in junior high? Your first testicle exam by your family pediatrician? Trying on your first jock strap in front of the bug-eyed salesclerk? Streaking during a fraternity initiation?

Did you feel a tingling sensation? A sense of pride? A freedom? How about a rebellious disposition? With those initial reflections, some of us grew up to become nudists – those of us who like to be naked as much as possible.

With the various and sundry anti-nudity laws all over the U.S. our nudity is usually restricted to the privacy of our own abodes. Except, of course, in San Francisco where a number of events that let it all hang out such as Bay–to-Breakers Race, Folsom Street Fair and Dore Alley. Unlike most U.S. cities where an unclothed person would be run in and handcuffed for publicly displaying their privates, at these events you get to see every freckle and pubic hair on a wide assortment of people.

Luckily for us, a number of nudist clubs (with fun acronyms) exist in almost every part of the country for the naked gay male to socialize and/or fraternize with others of like minds. As for the concept that nudists groups have high “hunkiness” standards, most nudist clubs actually have an all-encompassing acceptance policy of any gay male regardless of age, race, size or shape. All that is required of the person is a shared enthusiasm for nudity and a willingness to abide by the club’s rules on responsible social behavior.

What happens when a bunch of naked, gay men get together? The first thought may be sex and then more sex but the prevalence of sex (or lack of) at nudist events is dictated by the host club. Some clubs state in their descriptions that they are a “social” club and not a “sexual” club. Others provide a private section for guys to partake in their sexual escapades. As Midwest Male Naturist Gathering’s website says: “While many people equate nudity and sex, naturists know that these are two very different issues. We are not prudes, but we know there is much more to enjoy when we are naked than sex! During MMNG, we allow attendees to make up their own minds about their personal behavior.”

First-timers to a nude event with concerns about popping a boner should simply relax knowing that their erection won’t get a third or fourth look (unless they possess an uncommon length or girth or curvature). Most clubs’ policies deem erections natural. Of course, giving yourself one is considered bad taste by these same clubs.

Nudist clubs are all about being in a natural state of undress and enjoying oneself. As some wise man once said, “If we all were naked, there’d be less fighting and no war.”