From a newcomer, a BIG Thank You!
Hi everyone,
Today was my first time going to Howell Beach park, and the first time I’ve ever gotten naked in front of a big group of people. It was phenomenal.
I’ve always heard about Denny Blaine and Howell and although it piqued my already established interest of lounging around naked in the comfort of my own home, I was honestly intimidated to be surrounded by more older and more experienced people. I’m only 22yo so relatively speaking, my body security isn’t as confident as the people around me.
But boy am I glad to have pulled the trigger and gone.
From the beginning I was surrounded by the most kind, easygoing, and compassionate people. And this started even before I went down the trail to the actual park. I was struggling to parallel park and the kindest (and admittedly very good looking) group of guys helped me park without hesitation. As I walked down the trail, two people who were leaving said hi. And the second I found a spot the people around me were introducing themselves, asking me about my day, and giving me so many compliments not only on my body, but for showing up. I felt extremely validated hearing those “good for you”s and “I could never have done that at your age.” Thank you to those who acknowledged that this is not an easy feat, and it’s something I should be proud of.
Writing all of the above seems like the bare minimum for human decency but that’s really hard to come by these days. As a gay man, I had this preconception that people, especially men, being naked around each other was only for sexual reasons. But I was constantly asking myself, “then why do I enjoy being naked alone with absolutely no sexual pleasure?”
Today really shifted my perspective. I never fell for the stigma and negative propaganda on nudism but it was one of those things I would say “not for me, but happy for them.” But on my drive home I couldn’t help but feel so content and happy with the people I met and the environment in general.
What an amazing privilege I have to be in a city that can make safe spaces like Howell and Denny Blaine for people of all sexual identities to remove the taboo of nudism and to appreciate the depth and diversity of our bodies. And what a freeing feeling it is to be naked and be around other naked people without worrying about how I am physically perceived. Thank you to everyone who has maintained the staunch protection of these areas historically and continue to today.
And on another note, as a gay man it’s hard to make other queer-identifying friends without the pursuit of sex these days so thank you for also making a safe space that us LGBTQIA+ individuals can socialize and lift the sexual stereotypes we have long been given.
Before I parked today I was wondering if I would ever come back. Now I’m wondering when can I come back?
So much love to you all and all your beautiful bodies.
I hope to become a young regular in hopes of passing down Howell for generations!
THANK YOU!