Morley’s memorial will take place at Sunsport Gardens on August 17, 2024 at 4 p.m.
This issue of the newsletter is dedicated to Morley Schloss
Morley Schloss passed away on July 23, 2024 at the age of 82 after a valiant battle with COVID-19. Morley was a lifelong activist and firm advocate for civil rights, peace, and body freedom. His work in service of human dignity and progress has resulted in substantial change, particularly through his dedication and support of the naturist cause. Morley will be remembered by his family, diverse communities in Rochester, NY and surrounding areas and a vibrant community of naturists both at Sunsport Gardens and beyond.
He is survived by his partner, Theresa Frazier, his children Nina Redmond, Heather Schloss, Hilary Lindsey and Evan Schloss, and his five grandchildren Elena Redmond, Anna Redmond, Finley Redmond, Silas Lindsey, and Willow Lindsey.
A celebration of Morley’s life and legacy will take place at Sunsport Garden on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 4 p.m. EDT. Friend and community are invited to join together in community to honor and celebrate Morley’s life, achievements and legacy.
I lost the most important man in my life . My partner, my mentor, my best friend which I loved so very much . Our family is in great sadness. I held his hand as he gently passed and felt so lucky to have been loved by Morley.
- Theresa
The following beautifully written article is reproduced in whole with the permission of Evan Nicks and Planet Nude
by Evan Nicks
@planetnude Researcher writing about nudity, history, nudism, and culture. Creator of Planet Nude. Director at Western Nudist Research Library. Host of Naked Age and cohost of New Nudist Podcast. Grandson of #RudolphJohnson. Freehiker & father.
Morley Schloss passed away on July 23rd at the age of 82 after a courageous battle with COVID-19. His life’s work deeply influenced naturist culture and legal boundaries, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond the confines of Sunsport Gardens and into the broader realm of civil liberties. Morley will be remembered by his family and a vibrant community of naturists both at Sunsport Gardens and beyond.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Morley later attended Harvard University, where he majored in government and social relations. His early career was dedicated to education in Rochester, New York, where he became a progressive educator and founded a school inspired by the philosophies of Summerhill. His commitment to peace and justice led him to run for Congress in 1966 as the “Voters for Peace” party candidate, where he sought to provide a voice against the Vietnam War, advocating for peace and civil rights.
A trailblazer for body freedom
Morley’s journey into naturism began serendipitously at Woodstock in 1969. The festival, renowned for its celebration of freedom and music, was where Morley experienced the liberating feeling of being nude in nature. This transformative experience sparked his lifelong dedication to the naturist movement. Recognizing the need for community, he founded Naturist Rochester, a non-landed group, and even built an indoor pool in his home’s basement by hand to provide a year-round space for naturists in the area.
His involvement in naturist politics was significant. Morley served as president of the Eastern Sunbathing Association, where he championed a series of progressive reforms. He actively participated in free beach demonstrations and top-free activism during the 1980s.
Morley became best known for his pivotal role in the Rochester Topfree Seven case. In 1986, a group of women, including his wife Mary Lou Schloss, were arrested for being topless in a public park. Morley, although not a lawyer, meticulously researched and wrote legal briefs that were instrumental in their defense. Their eventual acquittal in 1992 marked a significant legal victory, affirming women’s rights to top freedom across New York State. Morley modestly recalled in a recent interview, “They used my briefs. Changed them a little bit, but I was very honored and we won unanimously.”
Beyond his legal battles, Morley was a unifying figure within the naturist community. He was one of the initial trustees of the Naturist Action Committee (NAC) and a member of the first elected NAC board when it was established in 1991. His later stewardship of Sunsport Gardens transformed it into a sanctuary of inclusivity and respect, focusing on families. His efforts ensured that the community thrived as a space where naturists could gather, share experiences, and live freely. He was deeply involved in organizing and promoting events, including the long-running Mid-Winter Naturist Festival, which has become a staple event for naturists nationwide.
Morley’s commitment to naturism and advocacy for body freedom extended into his later years. He was a highly visible figure for his involvement in top-free equality campaigns and free beach activism, always pushing for greater acceptance and understanding of naturist values. His dedication was not limited to local efforts; he maintained a national presence, contributing to various naturist organizations and movements, even appearing on the Phil Donahue show in 1986.
An unbelievable legacy
His story and achievements were recently celebrated in an in-depth interview on the Naked Age podcast in June 2024. During this interview, Morley shared insights into his life’s work, reflecting on the cultural and social impacts of his advocacy. His humble acknowledgment of his contributions to significant legal battles and community building was evident as he spoke about his experiences and the victories that shaped the naturist movement.
Morley’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the principles of body freedom and equality. He leaves behind a community inspired by his vision and fortified by his efforts. His life reminds us that passion coupled with action can indeed transform society. As we honor Morley Schloss, we remember a man who lived boldly, loved fiercely, and left an indelible mark on the world of naturism and beyond.
Reflecting on his life’s work for Naked Age, Morley said, “Everything I’ve done has always been for values that I cared about. I’ve never done anything violent or to hurt anyone else. The civil disobedience has all been in the spirit of Martin Luther King or Gandhi.” His words encapsulate the spirit with which he approached his advocacy and the enduring impact he leaves behind.
Morley’s story is a testament to the power of individual action and the lasting influence one person can have on a movement. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of naturists and advocates for body freedom. In celebrating Morley’s life, we acknowledge the profound cultural changes he helped bring about and the enduring community he nurtured. His contributions to naturism and social justice will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him and those who continue to benefit from his work. 🪐
Vision: Creating a clothing-optional world where your body does not define who you are.Mission: Promoting a culture of body acceptance through clothing-optional recreation, education, and community outreach.Values: Naturism, Understanding, Diversity, Education
The Naturist Action Committee is the political adjunct to The Naturist Society Foundation. NAC exists to advance and protect the rights and interests of naturists throughout North America, and supports the responsible recreational nude use of public lands.
The Naturist Education Foundation is the nonprofit informational and educational adjunct to The Naturist Society Foundation and is dedicated to improving the awareness of naturism and body acceptance among both naturists and non-naturists, including business leaders, legislators, and the college community. NEF seeks to achieve an understanding and acceptance of naturists and their activities throughout North America.
NAC and NEF are 501(c) nonprofit corporations.
Our Mission: Simply put, we exist “To advocate nudity and nude recreation in appropriate settings while educating and informing society of their value and enjoyment.”
The American Association for Nude Recreation is the largest, most long-established organization of its kind in North America. With roots dating to 1931, we have grown from our humble beginnings to an organization that has served 213,000 individuals throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and beyond. These members enjoy their own backyards and pools with family and friends, as well as over 180 nudist resorts and affiliates.
The Federation of Canadian Naturists (FCN) is Canada’s national nudist organization. Along with the Fédération québécoise de naturisme (FQN), the FCN represents and promotes the naturist lifestyle as wholesome, healthy, and enjoyable.
Our Mission Statement
The Federation of Canadian Naturists is a member-supported, not for profit organization dedicated to fostering a greater understanding, acceptance and appreciation of naturism as a way of life throughout Canada.
Incorporated in 1980, SFFB has long worked tirelessly for the advancement of naturism in general, and clothing-optional beaches in particular, across the entire state of Florida.SFFB’s Legal Defense Fund has financially assisted countless naturists over it’s tenure.
B.E.A.C.H.E.S. Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, former Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department Programming Partner for Haulover Beach and an adjunct of South Florida Free Beaches (SFFB), founders of Haulover Beach’s naturist section in 1991.
