Naturist club looks to draw new members

From studying to swimming, members of the University's Naturist Association have the same routine as most other students -- but with a twist. They do everything in the nude. The association held its first meeting of the semester Wednesday night to discuss its current obstacles and goals for the future. The group philosophy focuses on nudity as natural, wholesome and positive. Members said that nudity can improve self-image and self-confidence. Although the five people who came to the meeting were fully dressed, they spent two hours planning several events during which they -- and the Naturist Association's 15 other members -- could bare all. In the summer, members feel most comfortable strolling down the beach or sunbathing in the nude. And during the winter, skinny dipping indoors or studying without clothes are among naturists' favorite activities. The group's founder and former President Gons Nachman, a Law School alumnus, said the association has two main goals. "The informational goal is to educate the campus community about the issue of nudity and body acceptance and to dispel myths that link nudity to sexuality," he explained. "The expressive goal is to provide an outlet to students where they can be nude." First-year Wharton graduate student Tim Williams, also a Naturist Association member, said clothes mask the true identity of a person. "Clothes don't make a person," he said. "It's what is inside." The organization faces many stereotypes concerning nudity, Nachman said, adding that most people are not familiar with nudity and often link it to sexuality. According to Nachman, the University's campus is conducive to dismantling these misconceptions. "I think students are more likely to listen to arguments because they are more open-minded," Nachman said. "More colleges should have organizations like this because then people will realize it's not a big deal." Naturist Association President Philip Tromovitch, a third-year Education student, said he has been interested in nudity for 10 years. "Basically since I was born, I thought clothing was silly," said Tromovitch, who is specializing in human sexuality. "It's more relaxing and practical to be in the nude." The Naturist Association recently proposed having clothing optional swim sessions in Hutchinson Gym but were denied. But on Wednesday night, members discussed a proposal they are assembling which would request a one- or two-hour session once or twice a week. Members also hope to find a courtyard on campus where they would be allowed to sunbathe in the nude. They currently have nude study hours in the Bishop White room in Houston Hall every Tuesday.