An online journal celebrating the joys of living bare with pride! This site usually publishes every Monday and Friday. I may be irreverent but I am no way irrelevant! My preferred personal pronouns are he, him, his.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the month of July is always the first full month of the summer season. Almost synonymous with the month of July is the season in which it occurs: summer! Beach and buttocks offer an ideal combination for the theme of Bottom’s Up!
Bottoms-Up! embrace
Alone, together or as a part of a larger group, a bare practitioner and the beach offer a scene and a solution that erases both anxiety and boredom!
A stroll with a buddy!
Not all of our companions on the beach need to be human. Dogs are considered our best friend by many!
A sandy coating for bottoms-up!
Sand and sunshine give us a winning combination for a very joyful July! Bottoms up! to all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for tomorrow, Monday, August 1, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “August Skinny-Dipping!”
Tan-Lines:The difference in skin tone (dark/light) from the exposed skin to the covered (protected) skin.
A tan-line is a visually obvious division on the human skin between an area of pronounced paleness relative to other areas that have been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation – sunlight.
Some individuals who have tattoos on their body are committed to keeping tan-lines as they believe it enhances their sexual attraction.
Tan-line “on the rocks!”
Tan-lines are most noticeable when the person is completely clothes free (naked or nude). The reaction to tan-lines within the naturist/nudist community is often very adamant and controversial. Those who are partial (in favor of) to tan-lines, aside from enhancing their sexual appeal, also believe that the demarcation exemplifies their muscular development. Once again, helping to promote their physical appearance toward those they wish to impress.
Swimsuit tan-line!
Those opposed to the tan-lines existence feel that it detracts from their preference for nudity. It serves as a reminder of the popularity of swim apparel and the discomfort of clothing. They also agree that it “cheapens” a personal appearance.
Waist tan-line!
A prevalent misconception about tan-lines is that they don’t appear on Black people. They are just as prominent on all races of humanity. The discrepancy perhaps is caused by the lack of familiarity with the racial group and the tanning habits of the participants. Always remember: “Where the sun doesn’t shine, there’s always a tan-line!”
Tan-line buttocks!
There are some tan-line enthusiasts who wholeheartedly welcome all the attention received when exposing their tan-lines – especially while engaging in their naturist or nudist preference and confidently and flamboyantly exhibiting their evocative and provocative swimsuit favorite. They relish the notice that doing so generates. It helps to satisfy their not-so-subtle exhibitionist trends!
Thong-style tan-line!
They feel it bestows a “celebrity” status upon themselves and enhances their bare image. However, they should understand that perhaps half the attention they’re creating isn’t from persons who approve of the “picture” represented.
Frontal tan-line!
The more appropriate philosophy under such circumstances is perhaps “live and let others live.” Tolerance is a better skill practiced!
Rear tan-line!
We don’t all have to agree with the choices others may make. It is both courteous and essential that we respect everyone’s freedom to choose.
Reminder: please remember sunscreen!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Sunday, July 31, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! July, 2022”
The late same gender loving author, E. Lynn Harris
My BRAT-buddy and current best friend, Jay, and I first met one another at a bare practitioner social gathering on Saturday, January 3, 2009. Within minutes after introducing ourselves, we discovered a shared addiction: we’re both E. Lynn Harris dedicated! Perhaps obsessed would be a better description. In just a couple of hours, our introduction became an acquaintanceship that immediately evolved into a friendship that has remained “fast and solid” ever since.
BRAT represents “barely recognized as textile.” An affectionate yet sarcastic invention of Jay’s partner, Raheem, to summarize our unique relationship in today’s extraordinary world. Click the link: BRAT! to read more.
E. Lynn Harris (pictured above) was a noteworthy and popular male same gender loving author who first published in the 1990’s and tragically died in July, 2009. He was the respected talent who opened the door to the Black gay experience for millions no matter their racial heritage, gender or sexual orientation.
Avatar: Jay and Roger meeting!
Jay and I read and discuss books throughout the year – along with our our interests. For the past several years, I have featured some of those titles here. I try to do a post entry in honour of E. Lynn Harris every year during the early summer so to commemorate his birthdate (June 20, 1955) and the date of his death (July 23, 2009). I think he would appreciate this style of recognition as a justified tribute to his devotion to writing and to the reading of books..
The situation is different for this year’s reading. An acquaintance of mine, Rodney Lofton, died earlier this year. We had co-presented sessions on HIV/AIDS prevention education for the Red Cross and he was a novel author in his work. To learn more, click the link:Our Paths Crossed. Please read for more information.
I had not read Rodney’s novel since it was published in 2009. Aaron, my spouse, Jay and Raheem had never read the book at all. So our “reading group” expanded this year to include not only Jay and myself but our “significant others” as well.
Jointly reading naturally!
Jay had read Rodney’s autobiographical work, The Day I Stopped Being Pretty, A Memoir when I sent to him a copy after sharing with him my acquaintance with the recently deceased man. It was after he finished that we agreed to read Lofton’s next novel in honour of E. Lynn Harris. We both believed that Harris would be comfortable in being remembered by the work of a fellow same gender loving African-American male.
Rodney Lofton posing beside his portrait!
A likeness and painting of author and AIDS prevention educator Rodney Lofton is displayed in the lobby of a charity he served. Below is the cover of the book that is the subject of today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride.
Today’s feature cover!
No More Tomorrows is a moving and poignant love story of two men – one, Mark Jones, is HIV positive; the other, Kevin Williams, is HIV negative. It is also the story of same gender loving men living and loving in the era of HIV/AIDS. Author Rodney Lofton, himself diagnosed as HIV+ in the early 1990’s, composed this – his first fiction novel – with both insight and wisdom. This book was published on June 30, 2009.
No More Tomorrows begins at the end. Mark Jones awakes from, another restless and sleepless night that he has endured for weeks. It is when he if fully awake that he realizes that this day is his very last day of life. Twenty years after being diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Mark spends his morning reflecting on his life and love of Kevin Williams.
Facing a life of living with HIV, Mark opts to get busy living instead of the direction to get busy dying. Whereas tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us, de decides to host his own “celebration of life” party where he meets Kevin, who becomes the love of his life. Kevin, learning that Mark is living with HIV faces his own dilemma – pursuing his attraction to Mark and “going the distance” with him or avoiding the situation altogether and safely keeping himself uninvolved.
Mark and Kevin: in love!
The subtitle of No More Tomorrows is aptly “Two Lives, Two Stories, One Love.” Kevin and Mark not only commit to a relationship together; they also develop a deep and sincere love for one another. This novel shares their bromance from beginning to end – and beyond.
Throughout the book, Kevin and Mark give their individual perspectives on their relationship and the strong bond and devotion that engulfs them. Lofton’s story is both positive and promising, even as Mark confronts his final day and dedicates a legacy for his love.
No More Tomorrows concludes with Kevin on the first anniversary of Mark’s death. This brief epilogue brings a moment of profound sadness into a celebration of love and smiles – and a tear of joy!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 25, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Tan-Lines: Tell-Tale Signs!”
I apologize for this last-minute post entry for today. My first-cousin’s (Michael) soon-to-be spouse, Ropati’s, father died and they had to fly to Tonga (South Pacific – Polynesia) in order to attend his funeral. His death was totally unexpected and the family was frantic trying to organize the service. There was a boating accident that caused his demise.
Michael and Ropati live in Virginia, approximately three hours by automobile from Arlington. They needed care for there dog and her two puppies. I am providing the service for them and Aaron, , my spouse, is continuing with his job in the trauma center.
I had a hasty departure and the posting proposed for today, In Memory of: E. Lynn Harris, will publish this upcoming Friday, July 22, 2022. With all the packing and last-minute tasks, I didn’t have the necessary time to sort through my notes for today’s post entry. I apologize for being caught totally unprepared.
Loading my car!
Since Michael and Ropati departed, I’ve had three trips on the expressway between Arlington and Norfolk, Virginia. As of my last inventory, I think I have all the material that I need in order to complete my post entry for Friday. Again, I regret any inconvenience this situation has created.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, July 22, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “In Memory of: E. Lynn Harris!”
As are most observances within the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + communities (GLBTQ+), Bare Practitioner’s Day (today) is a recent celebration that is slowly gaining acceptance and recognition within both the naturist/nudist culture and the GLBTQ+ world. Prior to 2008, there were few, if any, references to “homosexual” – GLBTQ+ – naturist/nudist events outside the limited number of social organizations promoting same gender loving nudity.
Before I progress any further on this topic, I should explain or remind everyone that “Bare practitioner” is the term that I prefer to use for self-identification as well as describe who and what we are. I believe the overwhelming majority utilize the term “gay naturist/nudist.” In most social settings, sexual actions are not permitted. That’s the reason I’d much rather be a bare practitioner as opposed to gay naturist/nudist. “Gay” (unfortunately) has simply too much sexual baggage or innuendo.
Gay trio naked together!
There is a paucity of information available on the existence of a social nudity movement within the homosexual/same gender loving community before the June, 1969, Stonewall Inn Riots. There is no doubt individual interest in the practice, but societal norms and restrictions prevented any acknowledgment and the development of any support within our culture. Religion and society created, empowered and enabled a legal system that fanatically and zealously prohibited and severely punished any semblance of sexual deviancy.
The 1969 Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) opened the door and introduced the concept and ideal of equality to our same gender loving clothes freedom community and culture. Soon, “homosexual rights” and “gay liberation” were prevalent and relevant themes to our growing list of actions and concerns that needed to be addressed. Our “time” in history had arrived!
Bare practitioner pride: a substantial force!
July 14, annually, is observed as Bare Practitioner’s Day here on ReNude Pride. This date is also known as Gay Naturist Day, Gay Nudist Day and as Gay Naturist/Nudist Day. Just as there is no need for us to feel any disgrace or shame as being body and clothes freedom enthusiasts, there is likewise no reason to remain closeted or secretive as bisexual or same gender loving. We should all be proud of ourselves every day!
Jason Collins, Brooklyn Nets (retired)
“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” ~ Jason Collins ~
Jason Collins, professional basketball player (retired). Jason is the very first openly same gender loving man to play not only in the National Basketball Association (NBA) but also for any of the four professional American sports leagues. He retired from the Brooklyn Nets team in the NBA.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 18, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “In Memory of: E. Lynn Harris!”
Since I began publishing ReNude Pride, I have featured a rum-based alcoholic beverage posting here during the summer season (Northern Hemisphere) entitled “Sex On The Beach.” This name is one used for countless cocktail drinks during this time of the year. Each summer the name reappears with an array of different ingredients that appeal to a variety of beverage consumers.
2022 Sex On The Beach Cocktail:
1.5 ounces rum
1 ounce lime juice
1 ounce orange juice
1 ounce pineapple juice
.5 ounce passionfruit syrup
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into glass and garnish with a lime wheel and fresh fruit.
Tropical cocktail!
Please be aware that consuming alcohol may impair both judgment and mobility.
No one that Aaron, my spouse, and I question knows the origin of the name for this drink. The most frequently offered explanation is usually alluding to the fact that’s where the consumers hope that it leads. Given the beverage’s popularity, that could be a definite possibility!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Thursday, July 14, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Practitioner’s Day!”
This week-long festival of body and clothes freedom recreational activities is jointly co-sponsored by the American Association of Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS). As every summer is the “season of fun in the sun,” it is only logical and natural that major national naturist/nudist advocacy organizations host an event in honour of clean, healthy bare living. The recent tendency over the last several years is to observe this occasion after the July 4 holiday.
Gathering on the beach!
Nude Recreation Week was originally conceived as a marketing concept for naturist/nudist destinations and facilities to attract new members to their clientele. The thought being “increase your membership and increase your business.” The first observances were successful and evolved into a plan to encourage textile (clothed) people to try clothes freedom. It worked and soon expanded from destination focus to a general enticement for the public to try whether at home or at a clothing optional facility.
Bare congregation!
The observance of Nude Recreation Week has provided additional unintentional benefits for the bare practitioner community. Aaron, my spouse, has contributed that given the involvement of a larger population of those without previous naturist/nudist experiences and/or familiarity, many destinations or resorts were forced to re-examine their policies regarding racial and sexual exclusion. This has opened the path of inclusion to many of our community who would otherwise face exclusion.
Bare practitioner competitors!
Nude Recreation Week involves an emphasis on the numerous activities, leisure services and past-times, both active and passive, that people may engage in or undertake while clothes free. In essence, identical to what can be enjoyed when wearing garments. This isn’t to imply this special week is the only time we bare our bodies for fun and games – we do that quite frequently!
Coastal endeavour!
“I like me better naked. I don’t mean that in a vain way… When you put clothes on, you immediately put a character on. Clothes are adjectives, they are indicators. When you don’t have any clothes on, it’s just you – raw – you can’t hide.” ~ Padma Lakshmi ~
Sound advice to follow!
The history of Nude Recreation Week is recent with the earliest documented date of August 7, 1976. as being Nude Beach Day. It was first observed in two locations, Truro Beach in southern California and at the Head of the Meadow Beach at Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The Nude Beach Day was continued at the same locations soon became National Nude Weekend in order to expand the time for the clothes free event.
As many naturist/nudist campsites and resorts weren’t located with access to clothing optional beaches, it soon became apparent that another name change and another expansion of the theme was necessary. The “weekend” evolved into a full-fledged “week” as the name changed into Nude Recreation Week.
Happy Nude Recreation Week!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, July 8, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Nude Recreation Week: Vintage Gallery!”
This year, 2022, marks the 70th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of Queen Elizabeth II – her majesty’s Platinum anniversary! She became queen immediately upon the death of her father, King George VI, in February, 1952.
Due to the Queen’s advanced age (96 years), she currently experiences discomfort being mobile and, unfortunately, she was forced to curtail many of her appearances for her official Platinum Anniversary celebrations. Here’s to wishing Her Majesty the very best on her reign!
My spouse, Aaron, adores Her Majesty! He is a subject of Canada and hangs a Canadian flag on his nightstand beside our bed at home.
Postal depiction of H.M. the Queen
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Map of Canada!
This date marks the creation of the Dominion of Canada under the British North America Act of 1867,which united four colonial provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec) into the actual union with the capital in Ottawa. The remaining provinces and territories have been added over the years.
Bare practitioner draped in the Canadian flag!
This is the official holiday of Canada, focusing on all things and events that makes everything and everyone Canadian special, unique and well – Canadian! The July 1 date? That makes it comfortable, easier and simpler for all of us to strip off our garments and skinny-dip for Canada!
Shirt off!
Pants off!
Underwear off!
Drop to skinny-dip for Canada!
Happy Canada Day to all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is Monday, July 4, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “USA: Independence Day!”
ReNude Pride 