Month: June 2021

June is recognized as a very significant day within the same gender loving community – unfortunately, it is also only a 30-day month. So all too soon, it seems as though we just began celebrating pride when it is now the end of our month. Please remember that we, as bare practitioners, are entitled to pride not just during the month of June but for every day of the year!

We, as loyal bare practitioners, share this month – at least, in the Northern Hemisphere, with the arrival of our summer season and quite naturally, skinny-dipping (ocean, lake, river or a welcoming pool)!

No matter where we live, there’s always an opportunity to enjoy ourselves – bottoms-up! – for everyone!

Take care and stay bare!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is tomorrow, Thursday, July 1, 2021 and the proposed topic is “Happy Canada Day!”

52 years ago today, on June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Inn uprising occurred in New York City, USA, and that has changed not only our lives but history – forever!

The majority of us bare practitioners are aware of the significance of the event at the Stonewall Inn and the consequences. Many remain struggling for acceptance and tolerance even now, more than half a century after that fateful and historic night. Our accomplishments since then have served to deliver courage, determination and hope to those among us who daily fight against bigotry, discrimination and hate.

To those brave souls continuing the struggle, ReNude Pride congratulates on your commitment and salutes you in your efforts! Hopefully, you’ll achieve a positive resolution in the very near future!

The above two images are from the site and the ensuing riot. The passage of time since the uprising have been captured in people’s minds and in publications shared the world over. As bare practitioners, we’re aware that the 1960’s era produced countless riots and demonstrations throughout the world and the civil rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer (GLBTQ) community followed in the footsteps of the path of equality for race, feminism, the end to the Vietnam War and for civil and social justice for all people.

Of course, we all – bare practitioner or not – understand that the turbulance of the 1960’s did not encompass immediate acceptance of clothes freedom. Therefore, there is a severe shortage of images of our GLBTQ protesters in their natural (bare) environment!

Prior to the Stonewall Inn riot is 1969, the then homosexual (before GLBTQ+) community was angry, frustrated and very tired of the second and third class of citizenship status they were forced to suffer. In the spirit of the times, they spontaneously decided they’d had enough. The protest of June 28, 1969, became the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back!” There was no “turning back the clock” and history – worldwide – began in a totally alien and new direction!

For a more detailed posting here on ReNude Pride published about the Stonewall Riot, click on: The Stonewall Riots: March to Freedom. Additional posting on then-President Barack Obama’s dedication of the original Stonewall Inn as an historical site, please click on: Stonewall Riot Anniversary.

Finally, before concluding this 52nd anniversary of the Stonewall Inn uprising post, on behalf of my spouse, Aaron, myself and everyone reading here, I offer a very humble and sincere “thank you” to all of those bold, brave and courageous people who led the insurrection! We appreciate you and your efforts!

Take care and stay bare!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, and the proposed topic is “Bottoms-Up! June, 2021!”

Originally known here as National HIV/AIDS Testing Day, the name is now simply referred to as “HIV Testing Day.” First observed on June 27, 1995, National HIV Testing Day is a day to encourage people (all genders and races) to get tested for HIV, know their status and to seek care and treatment.

Basic facts about HIV/AIDS:

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

AIDS is a result of HIV infection.

HIV is not transmitted (spread) by everyday casual contact.

Only a physician (doctor) can diagnose AIDS.

2021 Testing Day Theme:

My Test, My Way

Take pride by taking the test!

Even in this day, testing for HIV remains paramount. There are alarming numbers of people who remain unaware of their HIV status and the recent coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has somewhat lessened the importance of knowledge in this respect.

“With proper care and treatment, HIV has now become a manageable infection without the negative impact it once held over people’s lives. This is attributable to knowledge of one’s status!”

Love yourself and others! Take the test!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next planned post entry here is tomorrow, Monday, June 28, 2021 and the proposed topic is “Inspiration For Pride!”

Our Rainbow Flag, an internationally recognized emblem of pride for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer (GLBTQ) people throughout the world debuted today, June 25, 1978! Happy Pride Day to us all!

The rainbow flag was designed by Gilbert Baker as a symbol of our community’s pride and social movement. In 1974, following his discharge from military service, Baker moved to San Francisco, California, USA. He became a friend of city councilperson Harvey Milk who challenged him to create an emblem of joy and pride for the GLBTQ community. His creation made its world debut at that year’s Gay Freedom Day Parade in San Francisco on this exact same date.

The above image explains the significance of the selected colors chosen by Gilbert Baker. The flag was immensely popular with the Pride Parade participants and spectators and was incorporated by municipal communities immediately after the event. The feeling at that time was that finally a positive image now represents our people and our struggle! In order to provide universal appeal to all persons, the banner intentionally avoided any illusion to ethnicity or to race.

At that time, Baker’s decision to exclude any reference as to heritage was understood but not without criticism. There were some within our community who felt that the diversity of our descent should be included!

However, as our struggle for acceptance as a legitimate civil rights movement was still relatively new, the majority of us welcomed the new concept and the unique symbol created by Gilbert Baker. Importantly, the “rainbow” image was attractive and colorful and a most pleasing as it replaced the pink triangle – a design implemented through the Nazi oppression of homosexuality within the concentration camps of Europe.

The dissatisfaction of the community remained and in 2017, the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, used the above 8 stripe version of Baker’s design for its municipal GLBTQ celebrations with the two additional colors. The thought for the extra colors were to include both “diversity” and “inclusivity” into the representations of our community. The concept was welcomed by community but was considered by many as not achieving the goal of total inclusion and cohesion.

The Progress design for the traditional GLBTQ community flag was created by David Quasar (shown above). This variation features the original designed by Baker and includes the additional colors added by Philadelphia to represent both diversity and inclusiveness. The chevron (insert) is to show progress. The colors included within the chevron reflect all persons of color, transgender people and those living with HIV/AIDS. Quasar explained: “the chevron’s arrow points to the right to show forward movement while being along the left edge shows that ‘progress’ still needs to be made.”

With the sky as a background, a goal, a fulfillment, here’s wishing to everyone reading ReNude Pride the very best as we now bring this 2021 Pride month to a close!

Take care and stay bare!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next planned post entry is for this upcoming Sunday, June 27, 2021, and the proposed topic is: “USA: HIV Testing Day!”

My very favorite day of every year: the first day of summer, annually! I try to always remember that this isn’t the first full day of summer, instead, the date in which the season changes! In my mind, June 21, should happen weekly rather than just once a year! I know, I’m weird in that respect but I was born to be a “man of summertime!” It is the arrival of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere but our brethren in the Southern Hemisphere may take heart, a return of summer for all of them will happen soon!

One of my favorite activities during this time of the year is skinny-dipping! I know that I am not alone in this pleasure as their are countless other bare practitioners that I am forced to share the beaches and the water sources with every year! This is not a complaint but simply an observation!

Synonymous with “summer” is also beach – a very favorite destination for this time of the year! Beaches, whether coastal along the ocean or lake-front or riverfront always find themselves crowded with guests as everyone enjoys the freedom of being outside and in the rays of sunshine! A gentle reminder to readers to remember your sunscreen and to use it liberally!

Wishing everyone a very enjoyable and happy new season, wherever you live!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next scheduled post entry here is planned for Friday, June 25, 2021 and the proposed topic is “Pride: Rainbow!”

Laughter does, in many ways, brighten our lives and makes us all so happy! However, the sometimes unintentional delights that we encounter in our lives also have a means to turn even a painfully bad day into a tolerable if not happier time! The display sign in the above window is a perfect example for us all to enjoy! Being bare does offer a chance at improved service!

Many of the useless items of clothing available today are often offered as a “one size fits all” category. The above image demonstrates the blatant falsehood of this misleading statement. The man can scarcely get the waist above his thighs!

In colloquial terms, a man’s buttocks are sometimes referred to as his “cakes.” Sprinkles are the colorful adornment sometimes used to decorate freshly baked cakes – the sweet edible kind. Our man above is decorating his “cakes” with his sprinkles! Enjoy!

Laughter is sometimes alluded to as the very best medicine. Anything that will bring a smile or a grin to our face can’t be all bad, now can it?

We’ll conclude today’s attempt at humor with the image below. Who can resist the offer to rest his weary head on a soft cushion?

Our men above have no discomfort in using a totally “natural” cushion! Have a restful sleep!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next planned post entry here is for Monday, June 21, 2021, and the proposed topic is “First Day of Summer!”

During Pride Month, it isn’t a requirement that we feature a daily reminder of our confidence in being both ourselves and of our being bare. However, there are occasions when we encounter images that encourage us to exhibit ourselves as an appreciation of our unique individuality!

Today’s simple posting serves as an example of that ideal. In our world, we often don’t take the time to acknowledge not only the physical beauty of our nudity but the sheer grace and poise that our being bare represents. Too often, we are ridiculed for our preference to be without the covering of clothing and are accused of flaunting our sexuality and labeled as promiscuous.

As bare practitioners, the majority of us have the confidence necessary to be ourselves whenever we are out in the “public eye” and under the scrutiny of others. This may not have been a possibility for our entire lives and for many is only a recent accomplishment. No matter our circumstances, it is essential that we maintain an awareness of what is happening throughout the world and keep the interests of all bare practitioners foremost in our minds!

Aaron and I are off to visit my mother and siblings for ten days. Everyone is doing well but it is time for us to visit them so they will all miss us when we leave! For the remainder of this month, I have a posting drafted for the first day of Summer, 2021, and for the Bottoms-Up! series on June 30.

Take care and stay bare!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: Visiting my family in Greece and the next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 18, 2021, and the proposed topic is “Pride Has Humor!”

“We face automobile traffic with our naked bodies as the best way of defending our dignity and exposing the unique dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians as well as the negative consequences we all face due to dependence on oil and other forms of non-renewable energy.”

World Naked Bike Ride website

The World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) survived the restrictions of the coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic and continues to serve humanity in heightening awareness of safety issues and environmental energy issues. It is good to know that the world has thousands of volunteers who still work endlessly towards making our planet habitable and pleasant!

There exists no central council or governing body for the WNBR and each event is considered independent of the whole. The only requirement is the adherence to the guidelines towards cyclist and pedestrian safety and the seeking of renewal-energy resources for transportation power.

The contemporary WNBR event began in 2004 and has taken place annually throughout the world. There is no official date for the cycling and as most rides are promoted locally, it is incumbent upon each site to select the date suitable for their municipality.

The WNBR strives to promote cycling and pedestrian safety and to reduce dependence on oil as an energy source. The rides do not encourage social nudity as much as promoting environmental health and prosperity.

The WNBR isn’t a major proponent of GLBTQ equality or rights however, since it began it has been a major attraction for GLBTQ participants. Environmental concerns often attract a variety of followers!

The quarantine and social spacing practices enacted in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak impacted the WNBR 2020 activities. Many sites were forced to postpone scheduling in the interests of public safety and disease containment.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 14, 2021, and the proposed topic is “Graceful Pride.”

A photo-essay is a document that expresses a concept or idea (theme) using photographs. ReNude Pride endorses this context as it employs the image rather than word to deliver the message. This does not belittle the importance of the printed word. Rather, it recognizes the variety of conveyance and expression!

The pictures and the .gifs here all depict a proud story of men in all their proud glory as bare practitioners!

Again, best wishes for happiness and pride to all! When having your picture taken, please remember to always “pose with pride!”

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry is planned for here on Friday, June 11, 2021, and the proposed topic is “2021 World Naked Bike Ride!”

What better way to show our enthusiasm for June: GLBTQ Bare Pride Month than to publish a post entry that features openly gay Brazilian-born model and aspiring porn star, Felipe Ferreira with his “branded” tattoo that proclaims his pride in being himself?

Felipe first attracted my attention in 2017 as his career as a model for men’s underwear launched. I immediately noticed the pride tattoo he had located prominently at the base of his neck – long before I became aware of his confidence in his own sexuality despite the concerns of the modeling industry. He is very fit and remarkably handsome as publicists for the industry stressed the fact that he was comfortably bisexual.

Two years later, in 2019, Felipe publicly acknowledged himself as an exclusively same gender loving (gay) man and that his bisexual “cover” as a work of a model agency’s publicist intent on keeping his sexuality a secret in order to enhance his appeal to both genders.

The pride tattoo that Ferreira sports serves as a very public reminder to us all, as bare practitioners, that whereas we celebrate June, annually, as our pride month, our confidence and pride, both, our ours to observe 365 days per year – in other words, all year long!

It is amazing to have a celebrity of Felipe Ferreira’s celebrity status as an open model for our very own community. Through his commitment to equality and fairness, as well as his physical attractiveness, he is a very proficient and skilled ambassador to a world that often downplays our community – whether we are wearing clothes or not!

Now, Felipe is comfortable in opening new horizons in his career. He’s now appearing in “soft” pornography scenes with a growing number of major performers in the gay porn industry, such as Rhyheim Shabazz (above) and Raphael Horst (below).

Felipe Ferreira realizes the role-model status that he has with the GLBTQ community in opening doors for younger members of not only our sexuality but also as bare practitioners. It is both heartening and refreshing to see a man of his stature aware of his responsibility for guidance and self-acceptance.

We all thank Felipe Ferreira, Raphael Horst and Rhyheim Shabazz for their devotion, loyalty and commitment to us bare practitioners and our unique community! Have a fantastic pride month everyone!

We all know that a pride tattoo alone is insufficient to instill confidence in being the true person that we are. The achieving of pride in ourselves requires self-acceptance, effort and hard work – and for many, both agony and pain. Felipe realizes this and strives to be a living example for all of us to be ourselves and live our lives fully and openly as possible.

In pursuing his interests in life, modeling and acting, Felipe is ignoring any concerns over his sexuality and continuing to serve as an honest role-model for any of the youth of our community – bare practitioners – to be themselves and to follow their own dreams. That is the path that he is showing by his example and the one we should all take in our own lives!

Remember, sometimes a simple smile is all that it takes to share our confidence with others!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 7, 2021, and the proposed topic is “Photo-Essay: Posed With Pride!”