Two Paths, One Vision: How Naturism Thrives Through Complementary Leadership
Naturism is a philosophy as old as humanity itself — rooted in respect for nature, body freedom, and equality. Yet like all living movements, naturism evolves through the work of leaders who shape its direction. Today, two figures stand out, each working from different angles but toward the same goal: ensuring naturism not only survives, but flourishes.
Stéphane Deschênes – The Steward of Tradition
As the long-time owner of Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park in Ontario, Canada, and President of the International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI), Stéphane Deschênes represents the heart of organized naturism. His leadership has emphasized:
Authenticity: Bare Oaks is known for its principled stance — not clothing-optional, but genuinely naturist, built on body acceptance and equality.
Community: By fostering a safe, family-friendly environment, Stéphane ensures that naturism remains rooted in respect and trust.
Education: Through media appearances, conferences, and his long-running Naturist Living Show podcast, he has helped demystify naturism for the wider public.
Stéphane’s contribution has been to preserve the core values of naturism while representing them with professionalism, credibility, and warmth.
Vincent Marty – The Innovator of Renewal
From Sydney, Australia, Vincent Marty has founded Naturism Resurgence (NaturismRE), a movement designed to reimagine naturism for the challenges of the 21st century. His initiatives include:
Innovation: Projects such as Aletheos, an AI-driven naturist ethics advocate, and NaturismRE’s Web3 platforms, tackling censorship and expanding reach.
Legal Advocacy: Proposals like the Public Decency & Nudity Clarification Bill and the Naturist Integrity & Cultural Protection Act aim to secure fair, legal recognition of naturism worldwide.
Global Engagement: NaturismRE has achieved record-breaking international visibility, with petitions, open letters, and educational campaigns sparking dialogue in over 40 countries.
Vincent’s contribution is to expand naturism’s boundaries, introducing technology, policy frameworks, and global advocacy to ensure naturism adapts and thrives in modern contexts.
Complementary Strengths, Shared Future
It would be easy to view these two paths as separate or even competing. In truth, they are complementary. Naturism needs both stewardship and innovation:
Stéphane safeguards authenticity and credibility through lived practice and established institutions.
Vincent pushes boundaries, opening new doors and ensuring naturism speaks to a digital, global generation.
Together, these approaches reinforce one another. Tradition provides stability; innovation provides momentum. Both are essential if naturism is to meet the challenges — and seize the opportunities — of the future.
A Call for Unity
Naturism flourishes when its leaders, communities, and institutions find common ground. By recognizing the value in diverse approaches, we build a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient movement.
As we look ahead, let us celebrate the fact that naturism has champions working in complementary ways — Stéphane Deschênes, the steward of tradition, and Vincent Marty, the innovator of renewal. Each represents a vital thread in the tapestry of naturism’s resurgence.