Interview: Andre, LivingClothesFree

Late last year, maybe November, I discovered livingclothesfree, (click to view) a pictorial blog. What initially caught my attention about this site is that almost every post is of the site’s author, Andre Fuller Davenport, doing the most ordinary things while clothes-free. He’s not engaged in some amazing adventure, he’s doing routine activities that any of us do only that he’s proudly and unapologetically nude. There aren’t too many men able to make that boast. Another interesting fact that captured my attention is that he’s a gay nudist, too!

Andre is a 32-year-old bare practitioner (naturist/nudist) from Mobile, Alabama, USA. He’s married and enjoys singing, songwriting, learning/playing the bass guitar, shooting pool, designing clothing for both men and women, nude swimming, nude camping, nude lounging and nude cardio (fitness).

It didn’t take me long to contact Andre and to ask if he’d consent to an interview here. To my delight and excitement, he readily agreed. So please meet Andre Fuller Davenport, the proud author and creator of livingclothesfree and our first interview subject for 2018! Please remember to visit his site and follow him if you want to regularly track his bare routines.

So now, let’s get acquainted with Andre!

On being gay:

1.   Growing up, what were you taught about homosexuality? Were there any positive gay people in your life (family. neighbors)?

Being brought up in the church, needless to say, homosexuality was conveyed as a sin. I was molested at the age of 8. However, I knew I was attracted to the same-sex at age 6.

2.   At what age did you finally accept the fact that you’re gay? How did you reconcile this reality with what you were taught about gay people? 

I came out at 22 but I wasn’t comfortable with myself until I was 29. I had to develop self-love of myself and I was not gonna take no type of comments or any negativity in any form. I learned not to care about people’s opinions, beliefs, etc., because at he end of the day, you have to look at yourself in the mirror and decide how you are to live yourself or other people.

3.   Once you acknowledged to yourself that you’re gay, how did you go about meeting other gay persons (socialization)?

At first, I was very naive in a sense. I would go to social clubs and parties. I would basically try to hook up with each one I thought was cute. Then not knowing that they only want one thing from you with no intent on anything long-term. So years later as I got older, I went out with the mindset of either I’m gonna befriend you or be your one night stand. I didn’t really get my hopes up about a serious relationship because I knew the signs to look out for in a gay male.

As for the lesbians, I’m very cautious with them as well. Some are different from a biased straight guy. Then some are good for using for making babies. A few of them, whether stud or fem, are really nice cool people.

4.  What was the most awkward aspect for you as you began to explore the gay community? How did it resolve itself? 

The club scene during gay pride. It was awkward because I saw some ex-sex partners at the event. I left before they could see me. I went to a pool party with some friends I had just met at the club two days earlier.

5.   How old were you when you “came-out” to your family? Is there any part of this process that you would do differently now (retrospective)? 

I was 22 years old when I came out to my family. Part of my immediate family (mom, dad, middle brother) were devastated. My grandmother and baby brother accepted me with open arms. What I’d do differently now is I’d come out at age 17 when I was confronted about the gay porn my dad found on the computer.

6.   Any words of encouragement for gay youth today? 

Yes. I would like to encourage gay youth by saying to love yourself first. Be true to yourself. Accept all of your flaws and imperfections because it’s all part of the evolution process. Get involved in progressive organizations that support and help you reach the goals you want to achieve. Evaluate the environment and the people who you hang around and associate with. Do research on the things you are unsure about. The more that you know the better off you are by being stronger: mentally, emotionally, spiritually.

7.   The gay culture is often described as being shallow and superficial. What is your reaction to this criticism? 

From my observation, I would say that it is so. I’ve witnessed much shallow activity and superficiality while hanging out with people I once called friend. It also justifies why I hang out by myself or with my spouse. So I’ve had my share of how the gay culture can be.

 

On nudity:

8.   Who was the first person that you remember seeing nude? What were the circumstances and how did you feel/react?

My parents. When I was six or seven years old, I saw or caught them bathing together in the bathtub a couple of times. I was shocked when I saw them naked because we were taught to be modest when it cam to being naked at any time.

9.   Growing up, what were you taught about being nude and seen naked by others?

I was taught that I shouldn’t show my private parts (genitalia) to others in public. I was in kindergarten during nap time, I pulled out my dick (penis) and showed it to a couple of my classmates. I was chastised for that and even more so I was told not to go around showing my private areas on my body.

10.  How old were you when you discovered a personal interest in nudity? Did you ever “skinny-dip” (swim naked) when you were younger? What inspired your initial interest in nudity?

Well, I have to say I was ten years old because I was fascinated by seeing some hot male celebrities half-naked on TV in certain movie scenes. I remember my dad used to set up this tent in the backyard for me and my brothers. I would sneak into the tent when I was by myself and I would either take off my clothes and leave my socks on or I would just take my shirt off.

I also started swimming at age ten. I would sneak and pull my trunks (swimsuit) down under water. Then if I knew my mom was there I would put my hands in my trunks so I could feel my nakedness.

11.  When did you first experience social nudity? What were the circumstances? How did you feel?

I went nude on a local nature trail that’s in my backyard basically. I was anxious and nervous all at the same time. I was wearing a zip-up jacket and some sweat-shorts. As soon as I got on the trail, I took off my jacket and then my sweat-shorts. I started walking the first few sections of the trail and I didn’t see anyone. So I kept on going and then I noticed an older white man who was bird-watching. He really didn’t act surprised when he saw me nude.

He shook my hand and introduced himself and I did the same. He then started explaining about the different types of birds he was watching. I nodded my head trying to show some interest in the subject even though I wanted to continue my nude adventures on the trail. I told him after he was finished that it was nice meeting him and returned to my nude hiking.

12.  Are you involved in any naturist/nudist clubs or associations? How active are you?

Yes, I’m with a few of them. One of them is NOC (Nudes of Color), a page where we exchange photos and information on gatherings as well as future activities. The Naked Truth and Naked After Dark are some others. I also have an account on TrueNudists.com. That’s Nude By Nature 

13.  When you share with your friends that you practice nudity, what is their typical reaction? Have you encouraged anyone to try social nudity? 

Well, a majority of the time it comes as a shock because they feel like I’m not the person who would do something like that (being a nudist). I explain to them how liberating and freeing it is to operate in your natural element regardless of what you’re doing.

14.  Have you ever lived with someone who’s not a nudist? What, if any, issues did this create? How did you deal with the situation? 

Yes but that was before I started practicing nudism. I don’t associate with them anymore because when I do, it’s always something negative.

On blogging:

15.  What do you consider your greatest challenge in maintaining your blog? What has been your greatest reward in blogging? 

The challenge is getting people to gravitate to me once I blog and with being consistent. My greatest reward is overcoming my fear of what other people think.

16.  What, or who, inspired you to begin your blog?

I’ve always aspired to begin a blog as a diary of my experiences and encounters (if you know what I mean). I remember when I first started my tumblr account in 2015 and there was this guy’s blog from (Washington) D.C. He’d go into public places and out on the street butt naked. So when I saw this with my own eyes, I was immediately “turned-on,” shocked, curious as to how he pulled it off and inspired all at the same time. From then on, I began embracing that part of me more and more.

17.  You’ve recently changed the format of your site, livingclothesfree : you now post photos/gif images of your personal nudity. What made you decide to change? Any concerns about publishing your nudity online?

My journey has been elevating through stages so I have evolved since my first nude experience and I am becoming more and more comfortable with being nude anywhere. I’m still cautious but I don’t really apologize for being who I am anymore. So I wanted to have something that embodies me.

My only concern about publishing my nudity online is my spouse finding out about me publicly posting my nudes or being nude in public at all for that matter. Eventually, I know that I’m going to have that conversation with him about my journey with nudism. I just haven’t felt the right time yet.

18.  On your blog, livingclothesfree you openly admit to being a Black gay nudist. Did you feel nervous about being publicly open and honest? 

At times I do because I haven’t been fully honest with my husband. But other than that, nothing really bothers me.

19.  Any advice or encouragement to someone considering blogging? 

Yes! Be cautious, be bold, find some of your favorite spots and go for it! Discretely, of course! LOL!

*****

It has been very rewarding to work with Andre throughout this interview process. He’s a very approachable man who enjoys life, his blogging and, of course, his nakedness. He’s another fine example of a man who is proud of himself and who he truly is. Please remember to check out his blog-site: livingclothesfree.

Thank you, Andre, for all of your efforts in making this interview a success! I hope that I’ll be able to repeat this process with you in the future. I’m grateful for your time and your gracious cooperation!

Just as a gentle reminder, Andre is now featured on ReNude Pride’s very own Page of Fame. Click the link to view.

Naked hugs!

Roger/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: All pictures in this post are the personal property of Mr. Andre Fuller Davenport and may not be used without his written permission.