American Association for Nude Recreation - Eastern Region

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Internaturally—Introduction (June 2008)

NEWFOUNDLAND, NJ—Bern Loibl—president of Internaturally, and publisher/editor of Naturally magazine—began his career in nudism and naturism in the early 1980s at the advent of the free-beaches movement. His most notable naturist contribution may be heading the demonstration of naturists at Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook, New Jersey, in the summer of 1982—considered one of naturism’s great successes. Thousands of nude users now enjoy the Sandy Hook Beach on any given weekend in the summer.

Professionally, Bern worked in advertising as an art director and creative director. He put his skills to work for naturism as president of the Tri-State Metro Naturists (TSMN) and also as editor of TSMN’s newsletter, The Event. Although TSMN eventually disbanded, Bern continued to publish The Event as an independent journal of “Clothes-Optional Living on the Eastern Seaboard.” The magazine tackled various issues of concern to naturists, much of it confrontational in nature. After several years of such challenges, Bern felt it was time to create a magazine with a more positive format—a magazine that would be fun, highlighting our successes and the benefits we derive from this lifestyle. He called the new magazine Naturally.

Today, Naturally enjoys an international distribution, including bookstores and newsstands across America, and recent issues can even be seen as flash publications on the Internet in their entirety for a small fee.

Naturally magazine, though, represents only one division in the parent company—Internaturally, Inc. With over 1,500 products, Internaturally’s mail order division is one of the largest distributors of nudist/naturist titles in videos, books, and magazines from around the world.

There’s also a travel agency division—Internaturally Travel—which was created by Bern’s wife, Sherry Stafford-Loibl. A former English teacher, Sherry took to the nudist ideology with great enthusiasm after they met in 1999. Soon after, Sherry joined Internaturally to pursue her love of travel and to serve naturist/nudist clients with research and booking for them unique clothes-free vacations. It was a great fit; Bern and Sherry were married in August 2004.

Where does Internaturally, Inc. fit in with other nudist and naturist organizations? Bern & Sherry think they belong exactly in the middle—bridging the gap between the several ideologies. The naturists support the idea that we should be integrated into society in our natural state—sans Gucy and Klein—clothes-free anywhere it’s comfortable. The nudists support a more clandestine venue, and peaceful coexistence among the textile population. Philosophically, naturism is the premise we should all support, thinks Bern. But, in practicality, the real world is full of differing opinions, and fitting in means you have to compromise. The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), of course, leads the way in organized nudist parks and resorts that are accepted, or at least tolerated, by the rest of the population. Internaturally looks at both of these worlds—nudist and naturist—and finds ways to link them through Naturally magazine, its many educational titles, and clothes-free travel opportunities. As Bern is a leader in the naturist movement, Sherry now shares that distinction as a director in the AANR-East. Naturally magazine was also the first nudist publication to position itself as a travel magazine focusing on upscale resorts. It has since resumed its more people-oriented content as many resorts have moved away from accommodating the nudist family philosophy.

Bern's view on the future of nudism is positive; it willjust take a little time to get there. “Human beings will eventually be comfortable in their natural state in all practical circumstances,” says Bern. “How can we not accept ourselves as a species? That’s not a healthy perspective. We just need to ‘grow up’ and mature beyond our social taboos and preconceptions.” he adds. “After all, we are more than the image we put on!”

 

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