At first glance, the connection seems obvious. Both body positivity and naturism preach acceptance of the physical self. Both reject the tyranny of fashion, Photoshopped perfection, and the shame-based culture surrounding human flesh. Yet, for most of modern history, these two rivers flowed separately, often within sight of each other, but rarely merging.

A naturist named Hans, 72, who has been naked in public since 1968, recently told a body positivity workshop: "I used to think nudity was about freedom from clothes. Now I think it's about freedom to be ordinary. And being ordinary—a saggy belly, a crooked spine, a missing finger—is the hardest freedom of all."

Naturism (or nudism) is more than just being naked; it is a philosophy of self-respect and harmony with nature.