Hi Travelers,
The American Association for Nude Recreation (aanr.com) is eager to do away with a preconceived notion held by many about the profile of the average North American nudist. Admittedly, a vast majority are white Boomers/empty nesters who first dipped their toes in the skinny dip pool during the “flower power” era. But there are growing demographics that are going to strip you of some long-held misconceptions as to the age, race and backgrounds of naturists today.
As we are on the cusp of Black History Month it’s only fitting, we give thanks to the Black Naturists Association, established in 2016, where there’s a growing number of GenX, GenY and Millennial African Americans who dare to go bare at nudist clubs and resorts. Many BNA members visit AANR clubs and are joining AANR as well, for the many benefits membership brings to the table, including advocacy for nudists’ rights, freedom of expression, access to AANR events, and discounts at member facilities.
As the BNA is currently a travel club, (meaning they do not represent a landed club (facility) their members take group trips to various locales. Their events range from local meetups at spas and beaches to experiential retreats in places like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Their gatherings are designed not only for relaxation and enjoyment but also as a platform for community building and personal growth through shared experiences.
Events planned for 2025 include the Black & Naked Homecoming, an annual reunion being held in Jamaica in May, plus journeys to Ibiza, Spain (in July but already sold out); Cap D’Agde, France (August); Phuket, Thailand (November, also sold out); and Cape Town, South Africa (December).
According to an October 2018 Essence Magazine article, the BNA has nearly 3,000 followers on Facebook alone monitoring naturist getaway opportunities. Black Naturists Association members advocate nudity through naturist environments and activities, in order to help promote healthy body image and self-esteem for those in the Black community – as do their white and Hispanic counterparts among their fellow nudists. In fact, Hispanic members, though not a large ethnic group among nudists, have the strongest retention numbers among AANR membership.
BNA members, as do members of AANR, are keen to endorse nudist vacations, known as Nakations℠, as a journey to see oneself in a new light, facilitating a personal transformation with the reward of renewed self assurance. Besides body acceptance
and personal freedom, non-sexualized nude recreation and Nakationing achieves added relaxation, self-respect, stress-reduction and acceptance of others for who they are. When the clothes are shed, so too are the stresses of every day life. No one at a nudist resort judges others based on their exterior, nor whether they are blue collar or white collar, for there’s no collar shown. As the BNA affirmed in the Essence article, nude recreation is “liberating, empowering and life-changing!”
If you are interested in learning more about BNA and membership, visit https://www.blacknaturistsassociation.com/membership.
