OK, given that the following article appears on an ezine called “Eros Guide New York Erotica”, there’s no denying the erotic framing. Clearly, the site is for people who like sex. On top of that, the article is by a woman who writes “erotica and steamy horror”. [This is certainly not a standard naturist activity, but the event in question didn’t feature sexual activity (according to the report). It does illustrate a non-sexual social event where nudity is very appropriate.]
The writer was invited to attend a clothing-optional dinner in the city and read from her own work — while naked (sort of). It’s been organized by a naturist club that exists specifically to enjoy dinner in the nude at various fine restaurants in town. What a surprise that she was nervous about going naked, but finds the experience isn’t erotic at all — and she clearly rather enjoyed it.
CODinners, a dinner club for naturists in NYC
My reading went well and as I let my tongue slip over the words of one of my favorite stories, I forgot I was naked at all.
When I was finished, I remembered I was naked again, and felt a bit odd as people came up and talked to me about my reading. But it was no different than any other reading. People seemed interested in me and my work, especially since I was from Toronto and made the effort to come to this event — and it was my first time naked in public.
Once I got over the initial shyness, and had a couple of drinks, I was totally fine with walking around naked and talking to everyone.
She has high praise for other attendees:
This is a fantastic group of people with all ages present, though it did seem to slant more towards the over-30 crowd. Everyone was polite and respectful. Not everyone was naked. Many women wore shawls around their waists, as I did. Some people wore togas. I never felt like I was being picked up or hit on in any way. Like the fetish clubs I frequent, manners were at a premium, as was the air of desire to welcome new people into the fold.
It all sounds downright civilized, no? We should all be so lucky to get invited to something like this. Apparently, if you live conveniently close to New York all you have to do is join the club.
To make things even easier, the club has an online discussion list at Yahoo!. And in case you’re into yoga, they even have a subgroup for that.
Originally posted January 29, 2006