N, also known as “Nude and Natural”, is the venerable magazine found on countless coffee tables in naturist homes and businesses. It’s published by The Naturist Society (TNS), an association with offices in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, founded 27 years ago by the legendary Lee Baxandall. Paying members of the society, numbering about 22,000, automatically receive the magazine as a benefit of their membership. We asked Nicky Hoffman-Lee, the current editor of N a few questions about the society, the magazine, and naturism in the US.

Photo courtesy of TNS. Copyright TNS
Nudist Day: What’s the difference between the TNS and the AANR?
Hoffman-Lee: TNS is dedicated to promoting public lands nudity. AANR is more
concentrated on landed facilities.

ND: Tell us about its founder, Lee Baxandall. Is the society still guided by his principles?
HL: Lee Baxandall retired in 2002 due do health issues. Lee was a tireless worker where nude recreation is concerned and it was very hard to ‘replace’ him, we’re still trying. The mission of The Naturist Society is to promote a culture of body acceptance through clothing-optional recreation using the tools of education and community outreach. That is still our mission.

ND: Are there currently any legal battles the TNS is involved in?
HL: There are always legal battles going on in almost every state every day. There are currently legislative bills of interest in California, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio and Texas. But as long as legislation is in session “The Naturist Action Committee” is on alert. [Editor’s note: the NAC is the society’s legal and political arm]

ND: Do you think nudism has been making rapid progress in the USA in recent years, or just the opposite? Do you think the sharp turn to the right in US politics since 2001 has been harmful to our liberal-minded lifestyle?
HL: I think that nudism is status quo at this time. However, the sharp turn to the right in US politics has certainly not helped our clothing-optional lifestyle.

ND: What do you think needs to be done to attract younger people to the lifestyle?
HL: Try to include activities at resorts and beaches that attract the younger crowd. It’s very difficult to make them welcome when all they see are older people lounging around a pool. Not that that is a bad thing, but youngsters like to be active. I see young families joining in more now that I’ve seen in the past few years. That’s a really good thing. Families with small children are more involved now than in about 10 years. In fact, we have several young couples writing for N magazine.

ND: What were some of the (recent) positive changes in N?
HL: N magazine is now all color and we’re printing on recycled paper. We’re getting positive feedback from our members so that’s a good thing.

ND: What are the future plans for N and TNS?
HL: Future plans are, of course, for growth. I’d like to see our membership increase exponentially. We will continue to improve on N magazine by listening to our members. We try to print stories they want to read.

Related Links:

• TNS and N website