Author and exhibitionist Stu Schwartz (Courtesy photo)
Living Art, Balboa Park
Local Author is Giving Away His Book on Exhibitionism After Amazon Pulls the Plug
By Frank Sabatini Jr.
Retired professor Stu Schwartz of Kensington takes the sexual stigma out of exhibitionism in a book he published more than two years ago through Amazon called Lights On, Clothes Off: Confessions of an Unabashed Exhibitionist.
Schwartz used to pose regularly as a nude model for the Museum of the Living Artist at the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park prior to Covid. He has also modeled for art students at various colleges and has given dozens of readings (with and without his clothing) from the book for private groups at residences throughout San Diego. Most recently, he did a reading for a story-telling group at the Diversionary Theatre in University Heights.
“I have been doing this since the age of 18,” said Schwartz, who is now 76 years old. “My posing and readings are for men and women, gay and straight.”
He went on to emphasize that exhibitionism is a misunderstood subject.
“Some people think that being an exhibitionist is illegal. That is not true if you are doing your exhibitionism for a willing audience. It is not sexual. It simply demonstrates that nudity can be fun and enjoyable and not especially erotic,” he said while emphasizing that “everyone has to be over 18 years old for private group readings.”
Since the 395-page book was released in 2021, it sold hundreds of copies through Amazon in print form and electronically through Kindle. But then in early summer, Schwartz was notified by Amazon that the book’s cover and content do not meet the company’s community standards, even though the cover illustration is an abstract painting with no frontal nudity. As a result, Amazon has ceased selling the book.
“The content does have sexuality in it—but it is stories of me doing my exhibitionist thing for many years. It’s about experiences I’ve had. I don’t consider it pornographic at all,” he stressed.
After writing to Amazon three times expressing his bafflement over the decision—and receiving no concrete explanation other than citing community standards—Schwartz decided to give the book away electronically to interested takers. The book used to sell for $15.95 plus shipping. It can now be obtained for free through a link at the bottom of the book’s website. Donations are welcome but not mandatory.
