Should I be offened?

[wee triangle]

Hi all,

Something interesting happened at the beach today and I thought I'd share it to get the general consensus of the masses.

I was at a nude beach today in a nice spot next to a big piece of driftwood. People were coming and going and then an older man, say late 50's, set himself up on the other side of the driftwood. The beach is quite large and normally you can get plenty of space to yourself. But this was not in any way a problem because the driftwood was so large we couldn't see each other. He came over to my side and we chatted quite pleasantly (side note, my first conversation with another nude man). He then strolled off down the beach.

He came back to his spot again and a few minutes later a younger asian gentleman brought over his things, he'd previously been in another spot on the beach. I could hear them talking but I couldn't make out any words. Eventually they both got up and walked to the waters edge. That's when I noticed that both were quite erect and though I didn't see or hear anything, it was fairly obvious that they'd been getting intimate.

So my question is, should I be offended? My question isn't driven by homophobia but more out of concern for the beach itself. What are the implications of such behaviour becoming common place? I wonder if I should have reported it to someone or is it best to ignore it?

Thoughts?

[Storm29]

Well I'd imagine that intimacy in public (especially at a nude beach) would be unlawful in most places, and if the activity were to become commonplace it could cause the place to be shut down, or at least nudity at the place to become illegal, as has happened with many nude spots here in the USA. I'm sure several others would be offended by it (whether it's straight, gay, or whatever) and you should absolutely speak up next time and politely let them know that their actions could potentially cost everyone.

[kirill]

I think if you asked that question, you were not offended. Otherwise you would know, wouldn't you? From what you describe, I don't see any reason why should have been. Two guys were intimate but in a way that you actually thought they were just talking, and apparently when they got too hot they headed to the water, and you suggest to report them? wow!
when I go to textile beaches (very rarely, but sometimes I have no other choice lol) it is almost impossible to avoid seeing at least a few couples (mostly straight, actually) kissing or hugging, some more, some less intimately. I'd be surprised if most of those guys didn't get erections while being intimate with their girlfriends. No one seems to care. Why should it be different "especially at a nude beach"?

[Brandon]

I've argued elsewhere on this forum that having an erection is a natural state for a male body at times, and should not be stigmatized. In many civilizations around the world through history, especially in pre-Christian times, an erect phallus was an important symbol of fertility.

I am not opposed to art showing an erection (which isn't to say I would choose to hang it on my wall) nor do I feel one should be ashamed if one happens to get an erection in a non-sexual naturist situation (though one shouldn't flaunt it.)

However, in my opinion, a public beach, textile or naturist, is not a place for couples (or individuals or groups) to get intimate or romantic. That statement is irrespective of the sexual orientation of those involved. (i.e. this applies to heterosexual and lesbian couples as well.)

Should you be offended? If it's not right in front of you, and you can look the other way, why let it ruin your day?

[Jayac]

this is a really interesting topic, and its a shame i've not read it before now.

being offended - i think you should look at what has happened. clearly, the two man have semi erect penis's? so, either they are 'new nudists' or they have been getting to close to one another. for either one of these reasons, this naturally caught your attention and you didn't feel offended - you wondered if you should be or not.

i think if you had actually seen them being intimate on the beach, then yes i would have been offended in your position. but since you didn't see them do anything, then i guess there's no real reason to be offended.

just my opinion

[Lochsmith]

Maybe they just both woke up from a nap and had the effect of sleep.   

[txnud]

Pretty much agree with what has been said.  Even if you see them, as long as it's nothing overtly sexual that they're doing, you shouldn't be offended.  Getting an erection, particularly when I was about 19, didn't take much more than seeing an attractive person, so it doesn't necessarily mean anything happened.

[kledermans]

As to whether you should be offended, that's your call, not ours.

However, I wouldn't be so sure as to whether this might not be cause for concern:  if people do start to get offended by seeing sexual displays on nude beaches, that will be the easiest way for them to shut the nude beaches down.  Save the romance for a private place, everyone, regardless of who's involved.

[elnudio]

and you should absolutely speak up next time and politely let them know that their actions could potentially cost everyone.

I don't actually think people like this are interested in the nudist side of things.  They seem more keen on getting something else from the whole experience. 

I would have spoken to them and told them that i found it incorrect.  There is no way that people should be having any sort of sexual behaviour in a public place such as a beach, regardless if it is same sex or not.

[dreamer]

How were you so confident that they had been getting intimate if you neither heard nor saw anything? 

[Jackie24]

Hi All,

 Erections are quite normal. My guy and my gf's husband will get them from time to time. No big deal. Just cover up. We are all  pretty comfortable abut are bodies. My guy will pee with the door open. We all walk around nude so who cares.
I can remember my gf talking to my guy as he was on his way to the bathroom. He just proceeded as normal as she followed him and they kept talking. He finished and while he was washing his hands she relieved herself as well.
We are all walking around naked so no big deal.

Love Jackie

[Lochsmith]

Are you offended watching sex scenes in movies? 

[Uberreicher]

As someone said previously, people shouldn't be having sex at the beach whether they are gay or straight, especially a clothing optional one. That is he quickest way to get it shut down and ruin things for everyone. There are clothing-optional beaches (like Rooster Rock) and other places that have been turned into cruising areas by gay men looking for sex. This may have been what was happening, considering that the younger man had previously been on a different part of the beach. Where is this beach exactly, and what is it called?

[IcerC]

They were tending to there erections with cold water, seems reasonable.