In the United States, nudity is a subject that most citizens don't really like to talk about except in the most informal of conversations. The reasons for this has been a matter of considerable debate for years, but many believe that it is because Americans tend to associate nudity with sex.

The same holds true within the amateur radio (ham) community where it has never been considered proper "amateur etiquette" to discuss nudity - or any of several other "questionable" subject - on the air. Why is this? Isn't this the country that enjoys the concept of free speech and free expression?

Technical ability notwithstanding, one activity hams are good at is the ability to communicate freely and effectively amongst themselves, what with several decades radio communications experience under their belts. Non-hams often ask "What do you guys talk about, anyway?" I tend to answer this question with something like: 'What do you talk about when you're with your friends?' In my own ham experience, I have overheard - or participated in - onair conversations which touched upon virtually every subject imaginable: abortion, nuclear disarmament, where the best skinny- dipping spots are and who makes the best tacos in Austin, TX.

Whoa, there! Skinny-dipping? Was that someone talking about getting NEKKID???

The fact is, as you might have guessed by now, there are more than a few nudists that like to "tune in the world" as radio amateurs, a pastime that is perhaps as old as amateur radio itself. Many enjoy operating their stations au naturel, either in their shack or from within their favorite nudist resort. Still others prefer operating their stations from within more "natural" surroundings such as a mountain top or from the shore of a beautiful lake or a sandy beach.

Some time ago, I became a member of a local nonlanded nudist club that has a membership of around 50 people. Although I knew that one of the other members was a ham, I was surprised to learn later that fully seven club members are licensed, active radio amateurs! Is this some kind of statistical aberration?... or do nudists and hams have more in common than we realize?

Casual observation would indicate that the two areas of interest share little in the way of common interest. Generally speaking, nudists tend to be interested in things like family, health, sunbathing, body acceptance, and social camaraderie; while hams are interested in things more technical like radios, antennas, contests and field day. But further observation reveals that many of the things that nudists enjoy are also things that many hams enjoy: outdoor activities, conditions conducive to relaxation, and a desire to talk to others whether or not of like mind.

So, how many hams are also nudists, or conversely, how many nudists are also hams? The actual statistics, due to their elusive nature will be discussed in a later article pending further research. However, if my nudist club is any example, there is likely a considerable overlap. The fact that there exists an "International NudeNet" serves as an additional testimonial to this. It is even possible that we are witnessing the formation of a kind of synergy here.

Ham's provide the ability to bring "Together" those who are geographically isolated; those who would otherwise be unable to communicate easily. This is a valuable asset for nudists who, for example, might wish to exchange information about upcoming gatherings or make contact with family members.

Nudists, in turn, bring to the table a few more "philosophical" contributions: a non-judgmental appreciation for the person inside, and a strong desire to live life to the fullest - a joie de vivre.

This philosophy is very similar to one that hams have lived by for many years. Hams routinely make acquaintances with other hams whom they have never met in person and thus have never seen what they look like (or how they are dressed). Despite this - or perhaps because of this contacts with perfect strangers are almost always cordial and friendly. Many of those contacts ultimately result in a long-lasting - perhaps even a lifelong - friendship.

It would seem, therefore, that nudists and hams share a philosophical common ground. This philosophy emphasizes the bringing together of people and the building of friendships based on personality and character while avoiding the biases of social status based on dress or physical appearance.

Nudists and hams also share a common frontier: the desire to bring people together and promote harmony in the world.