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.
The last day of November is another reason to celebrate our buttocks and to admire the anatomical delight of the buttocks of all of those surrounding us! Nature has endowed all of us with this spectacular body part: share it and be proud!
The Shoneye Twins in London, UK!
Practically all of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere have to hibernate indoors during this month, it doesn’t mean we have to conceal our booties (affectionate term for buttocks)!
Bottoms-up! in the sunshine!
Those of our bare practitioner culture residing in the Southern Hemisphere are admirably and proudly displaying their glory in the openness of the natural world all around them!
A full Bottoms-up! circle!
No matter where we live, the last day of the month is always a time to bare ourselves and let our bodies dance in jubilation and our buttocks encircle one another!
Our pride in our buttocks isn’t restricted to being on land only!
Remember: a guy without boxers isn’t clothes free for no apparent reason! Bottoms-Up!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Thursday, December 1, 2022, and the topic is: “World AIDS Day, 2022!”
On the behalf of ReNude Pride, it is a distinct honour that I introduce to all of you, Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai! He informs me that the Nubian-Ikigai is colourful nickname of sorts that references his spirit. Any more detailed explanation will have to come directly from him! Rohan is his given name.
He is from the priceless jewel of the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica! He openly identified himself to me as a proud bare practitioner – a man after my own heart! That is precisely how he introduced himself!
I first noticed Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai in September of this year when he posted a comment on my announcement of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. He wrote that she was also the Queen of Jamaica as part of the Commonwealth. We have since become blood brothers! As a fellow subject of the Commonwealth, my Canadian spouse, Aaron, has a fondness for him!
Rohan currently lives in France with his partner. He is employed as an English language coach/tutor. His ambition is to compose his autobiography!
Rohan from Jamaica!
Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai on being gay:
Growing up, what were you taught about being gay?
This is a tough and tricky question to answer. I don’t know what angle to take on this, so I’ll take a human approach…What was I taught about being gay? Nothing…It’s funny, some boys can say that they learned about being a man, shooting a rifle or hunting and some girls learned about being a good wife. I picked up stuff along the way. I observed human behaviour and I listened attentively to what was said.
I understood early on that being gay was a disgrace, punishable by death, hell and damnation. I learned you’d be better off having Stage 4 cancer than being gay. I was taught that I’d better hide and stay hidden otherwise there’s gonna be gunshots and a lynching for my “batty-boy” (Jamaican derogatory term for gay man) head! Besides, who would want to be guilty of teaching anyone about being gay? I took the burden upon myself.
To your knowledge, were any members of your family gay?
My first gay experience was with a close cousin who happened to be a year younger than me. This happened during my formative years, I was about 8 or 9 years old. It went on for 2 years during the summer holidays when he’d come to visit from the USA. Let’s call him Kevin. Irony of this is I don’t know if he’s gay as we’ve lost contact. Who knows, it may have been his fault why I am gay today. I think there’s another distant cousin who could be gay.
Did you have any friends who were bisexual or gay?
Yes and not only. As an adult, my friends were gay and bisexual and also female. As a matter of fact, I’ve been in love with quite a few females. I do fantasize and have wet dreams about women (laughs).
At what age did you begin to realize that you are gay?
Another tricky question (laughs)! If I refer go back to question #2. I’d say, I was born this way (laughs). My relationship with my cousin was a natural progression. We were cousins, by blood; we met then became friends and ended up being lovers. It was beautiful. I wasn’t raped, traumatized nor shocked at what happened or at what was happening to me. I didn’t fight him off, I didn’t push him away. I didn’t look at him any differently. Nothing changed between us. I never put a label on it. I was too young.
Growing up, I categorically refused to label myself. Even to this day. The adults around me made me realize that I was gay.
When I was a teenager I had erections whenever I saw men in swimsuits. I remember my reaction the first time I saw a TV commercial and there was a guy wearing a red speedo, but prior to that, I remember always being fascinated by male nudity. I would sneak around to peek at naked men whenever I could. The male anatomy is the most beautiful thing in creation. I still believe so today. I remember being teased in school for being effeminate. So to this question there is no fixed answer as I have always been “gay.”
When exploring your sexuality, did you have anyone (family or friend) that you could ask or use as a resource?
No…I’m a self-taught, self-made individual (laughs). I was a resource for my friends. They came to me for advice especially when it came to sex and sexuality.
Does the gay social life in Jamaica help or hinder your involvement in the gay community?
No. I was determined to live. I especially loved cruising, despite the many risks and dangers. I couldn’t help it. At the time, I was a predator, I loved to hunt, I like to collect trophies (laughs). I took guys out on dates, I hung out with my friends and I went to parties. We learned that we had to be discrete about it. Keep it on the DL (down low) or under cover. It’s strange but I like being “out there.” I felt alive, I felt excited. In a way it was my form of passive resistance and rebellion.
When socializing with gay friends, what activities are especially enjoyable?
For me, nothing beats having great sex. Second, it’s the being together, sharing stories and laughing. The good times don’t last very long. I really enjoyed having my friends over to my house despite my mom’s strong disapproval. If not, I’d go to my friend’s houses. I miss having my friends.
Any special advice or thoughts to share with anyone who is thinking about “coming out” as gay?
This may sound harsh or blunt, but your sexuality is your own business. You don’t owe it to anyone to come out. Come out only if it frees you from pain and suffering. I’ve only officially come out to my mom: it became necessary. I didn’t come out to my brothers and sisters, they already knew or they simply figured it out. I haven’t come out to my dad, I don’t see the need. He left when I was ten years old, now I’m almost 45 and I don’t see how it matters.
Gay men deserve as much respect as anyone else on this planet. We shouldn’t be apologizing or giving thanks or getting down on our knees to any other human being. We all have the right to live our lives the way we choose. Coming out should never be forced or felt like a rite of passage. That’s nonsense! Being gay is neither a mistake nor a punishment that can be erased or prayed away.
Rohan’s gravatar here at ReNude Pride!
Rohan the Nubian-Ikigai on nudity:
Growing up, what were you taught about nudity and being seen naked around other people?
Well, to answer this question in all honesty it might be necessary for me to point outthat in my country “social nudity” does not exist. People don’t just get naked and go walking around outside in nature or hang out together for the fun of it. This concept is reserved for the North Americans and the Europeans; as such those foreign notions are usually seen with an evil eye.
On the other hand, nudity wasn’t a subject. Nudity is or let me say baring skin was not a taboo. We live on a hot tropical island, my city was built on a beach, Dance Hall and Carnival are a mainstay of our culture. Being poor meant you bathed outdoors or in a river and if you like the rain, it’s a great time to take a rain shower.
But ironically though, we are also very religious, so modesty and clothing meant you were closer to God. So a constant clash between Christian and non-Christian, all in good fun of course.
Once youth reach adolescence, they become very body-conscious and modest. Was this ever the case for you?
Absolutely! Even to this day, I am still very body conscious. But I am taking it in stride. I work out regularly to gain a bit more confidence and overcome that shyness.
Have you ever skinny-dipped (swim naked) with others?
No, which is sad because I lived near a river and a beach…and I’ve seen so many men skinny-dipping in the nearby river as a child growing up (laughter). I think I may be hydrophobic. I don’t really take to water that much. I never really liked swimming, and to make things worse, with my extreme shyness and body-consciousness, skinny-dipping was a definite no – no!
Any awkward or interesting experience being socially nude (naked in the company of others) that you’re comfortable to share with us?
I have a few experiences with being nude in public; the most hilarious was when my best friend – who is also straight (opposite gender loving) took me to a topless bar. It was so shocking for me to see a woman topless in public. I remember being so nervous that my hands kept trembling like a leaf. My friend ordered us some sodas. I couldn’t take my eyes off her breasts though (laughs). She served us our sodas, but I was too mesmerized to see that she had put the bottle right in front of me. As I reached for my drink, I ended up spilling it all over the bar counter. She was very sweet; she simply smiled while my friend laughed his head off!
Any advice for anyone considering social nudity for the first time?
Go ahead. There is a lot to gain. Remove the shackles that enslave and the chains that bind. If it feels weird or awkward at first, it’s normal. Living in a society where covering up is the mainstream; we rarely ever get to see ourselves and others for who we really are. Before joining a crowd, though, make sure you’re comfortable being naked with yourself first. Social nudity may be like jumping off the deep end of the pool.
Compare your body type to that of others; this allows you to see that all body types are natural and there isn’t one unique body type. My personal technique is to watch a lot of porn. I also enjoy watching porn. Porn allows me to see lots of naked people without running the risk of being called a pervert. Plus, porn shows men, of so many varying body types and what’s more they are so comfortable. And that’s the key. Being comfortable and being around other people who are also naked and comfortable. You want to be around as much positive energy as possible.
And finally don’t be too critical. Avoid judging others: you may be surprised at how quickly you stop judging yourself in the process!
Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai!
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One of the many amazing aspects of Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai is his candor and honesty – not to forget his willingness – in sharing his true self with others! Alex, my identical twin brother, and I had one another to rely on when we began to openly acknowledge our same gender love (gay) and our nudity. His solo acceptance of both who and what he really is isn’t just just brace and courageous but is also exemplary and inspiring!
In the words of Aaron, my spouse, “Fantastic job, Rohan! Congratulations on being you and proud of it! Welcome to our natural world!”
Taking into account the laughs that Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai shared with is in his interview, we’re all pleased to have him as an optimistic fellow bare practitioner! You’ve earned our admiration and respect, my friend! I am grateful for your participation in this interview on ReNude Pride!
It is a true honour for ReNude Pride and for myself to feature Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai here today. He’s a remarkable man and an awesome bare practitioner extraordinaire! We have to all make our distinct beginning in our own way and it is refreshing to see Rohan’s initiation into our community and culture in progress! Great job!
Rohan will visit here as a guest co-author on December 1, 2022, for World AIDS Day! Plan to join with us then!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Wednesday, November 30, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! November, 2022!”
November 22, 1963: President John F. Kennedy Shot In Dallas, Texas, USA!
The headline above is not even a vague memory for me. I had not even been conceived when that event happened. The only memory that Twin and I have of that day are the recollections that our parents shared with us many years after the tragedy occurred.
Both our father and our mother were born in Greece and emigrated to the USA after the birth of our oldest brother. They lived here as resident aliens and neither of them were naturalized. They returned to Greece, their homeland, after our father retired from his job. All of our brothers returned with them except for Twin and myself.
John F. Kennedy inspired Papa as a presidential candidate and after he was elected into office. We do remember an enlarged photograph of our father addressing voters in our Greek Orthodox church parish hall urging them to support President Kennedy. Although neither of our parents were eligible to vote, Papa was an active supporter of Kennedy and the Democratic party within our Greek community.
Growing up, every year on November 22, we all recall our father’s lamenting his assassination and remembering the many reasons he admired the man. Many times we made family trips to visit Kennedy’s gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is Friday, November 25, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Interview: The Nubian-Ikigai!”
Aaron and I depart early tomorrow morning with a serious family crisis. His six year old nephew is scheduled for tests and a biopsy this week. He is the first offspring born in Aaron’s family after our wedding in 2015 – he was actually born on our first wedding anniversary. As Aaron’s family is Roman Catholic and I am Greek Orthodox, therefore, I am his “unofficial” and honorary godfather.
” Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open.” ~ Thomas Dewar ~
There’s absolutely nothing that either one of us can honestly do except to be present with the family and to offer our love and support. We will be at Aaron’s parents home in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for at least the week. Hopefully, the emergency will be resolved before we return. If not, we’re able to stay as long as needed.
Prior to learning of Aaron’s nephew’s condition, I had already composed a post for tomorrow, November 22, 2022. After that, the next post is scheduled for November 25th and is an interview with a new friend! Please check him out!
Happy Thanksgiving to all enjoying the holiday!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, November 22, 2022, and the proposed topic: “My Papa and JFK!”
The guy above wearing a swimsuit is the only textile man at this pool party. All of his buddies are eager to skinny dip (swim naked). Was this situation planned in advance? Did someone forget to inform our “minority” that this was a skinny-dipping event?
If that were the case, then all the suited guy needs to do is simply remove his swimsuit and join in the fun! Unless, of course, he is extremely modest or totally discomforted by his nakedness – or the nudity of others.
Was this entire gathering designed to intimidate?
Comfort or discomfort?
As bare practitioners, we all need to make certain that we are not engaged in bullying and/or intimidating others. Many of us have experienced this ourselves because of our same gender loving ability or our preference for nudity when possible.
We understand the feeling it can create.
Two wrongs do not make anything right, fair or proper.
Be honest. Be equal. Do the correct thing! No bullying allowed!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, November 21, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Embrace!”
Actually, very few people are absolutely certain of the official proper name for this particular male garment. Every language has both an “official” (proper) name for the garment with many colloquial (unofficial) names used by the general public.
The undisputed label is “athletic supporter.” Although first used for bicyclists, the popularity of athletics for younger people caused the usage to broaden into all areas of sports.
Essentially, the garment – a form of underwear – is masculine and utilized to protect the extended anatomical offerings for that gender. Comparable to the “bra” worn by women. The purpose of this male garment is to offer support and limited protection for the testicles.
Felipe Ferreira rotating in an athletic supporter!
The name first used to promote the style of underwear was “bicycle supporter.” In the 1890’s it was sold primarily to cyclists to be worn while riding (jockey) a bicycle on bumpy, uneven and unpaved roads. The purpose was to prevent damage and/or discomfort to the man in his genitalia.
Soon, the popular garment came to be known as a “jockey strap” until the early 1960’s when the slang name (street name) was shortened to “jock strap.”
The popularity of men being commando (not wearing any underwear) under their shorts or pants has mistakenly been thought as synonymous with wearing an athletic supporter.
It is also referred to as a “genital girdle” or “genitalia girdle” although that is discouraged by the general public.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, November 18, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Friday Footnote: Bullying!”
Today, November 11, 1918, at 11:00 a.m., the armistice (cessation of fighting) went into effect thus ending the bloodshed of the Great War – World War I. Four years of fighting were finally over. Millions of civilians and military were dead in the largest war the world had seen, up to that time.
The agreement to enactment of the armistice only stopped the ballistics. The treaty guaranteeing peace wasn’t signed until the following June 28, 1919 – five years to the day after Austria’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated which triggered the eruption of the war.
This day became known as Armistice Day throughout the world, so named because of the document that ended the hostilities. In the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth it is designated Remembrance Day in honour of all those who have died in the defence of the Crown. In the USA it is named Veteran’s Day as a tribute to all those who have defended this country.
The poppy bloom!
Because of its profusion in the Flanders region of western Belgium and northern France, where the majority of the battles of the Western Front of the Great War happened, the poppy bloom was convenient to use to lay on the graves of those killed during the conflict. That is the reason for the popular poem commemorating the event and the fallen lives.
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
we lived, felt dawn, saw sunsets glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
in Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe;
to you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
in Flanders fields.
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“No more slaughter, no more maiming, no more mud and blood and no more killing and disemboweling of horses and mules – which was what I found most difficult to bear. No more of those hopeless dawns with the rain chilling the spirits, no more crouching in inadequate dug-outs scooped out of trench walls, no more dodging of sniper bullets, no more of that terrible shell-fire. No more shovelling up bits of men’s bodies and dumping them into sandbags, no more cries of “stretcher – bear – ERS!” No more of those beastly gas-masks and the odious smell of pear-drops which was deadly to the lumps, and no more writing of those dreadfully difficult letters to the next-of-kin of the dead.” ~ Lieutenant R. G. Dixon
“The Wheels of Darkness” by Lt. R. G. Dixon
********************
A day to honour and to pay tribute. A day to remember and to salute. A day to vow never again.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 14, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “What Is It?”
If you have not already voted, please remember to do so tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
All 435 members of the House of Representatives face voting and 35 members of the Senate are in competition. Various state and municipal elected positions are also on ballots. Make your decision!
Before casting your decision, please explore all options on candidates and proposed agendas. Align your electoral choices to ensure they are comparable to our communities and our culture!
Hopefully, this will someday be an election option!
Now that I’ve captured your undivided attention and curiosity with my AKA (also known as) alternate title for today’s posting, Modelling Legacy. Growing up, I’d never even considered modelling while bare as a job option. Our parents always emphasized education, specifically university, which, for a Deaf gay adolescent eliminated posing clothes free as a lifetime career. The sole focus was knowledge, then employment.
While studying to earn my baccalaureate degree, I learned the both the fine art program and the photography art program at my university employed post-graduate students to pose as naked models for respective under-graduate (baccalaureate) classes. An ideal job for me to begin after being awarded my inaugural degree! Perfect for my bare practitioner (gay nudist) self! I could now be paid to be clothes free all day long on campus!
The summer after my university graduation seemed to me as endless. I was anxious and eager to begin my “career” as a nude model. I wasn’t an art student at university and had almost no interaction with any of those who had posed clothes free prior to me.
Leafy posing!
As the September of my post-graduate student life arrived, my limited (non-existent) contact with the university’s “model” team was solely with a member of the adjunct art faculty also served as the academic advisor to the school’s Lavender Club (at that time, the bisexual, gay and lesbian student group). As the club’s advisor, he knew that I was same gender loving but only aware of my nudist preference upon receipt of my application for the modelling programme.
He immediately acknowledged my enthusiasm for any and all opportunities to pose naked. He inquired of my knowledge of and/or interest in Washington, D.C.’s gay nudist social group, Lambda Soleil. He later introduced me to the organization and sponsored my membership therein.
Leafy prostration!
The Leaf Incident:
My first working day as a bare model was a “double” engagement. In the late morning, I posed inside one of the art studios for a class of first year art students. It wasn’t a surprise job as all it entailed was sitting on a stool in front of the class – totally naked. The major task was remaining still (lifeless) for ninety minutes.
Later that afternoon, with two other nude models, we posed outdoors in a massive pile of leaves for a photography class. This assignment, as explained by our model coordinator, involved us interacting with one another and, of course, with the leaves. The students were expected to capture on film a series of photos depicting autumn play.
Once the class assembled, I realized that all five of the students were gay. Our model advisor had not shared this to any of us before we agreed to this session. As an openly gay man myself, it was no problem for me. None of the other models seemed bothered by this. While the class was taking pictures, it was revealed by our modelling “boss” that the purpose of this photo-shoot was to show gay men in autumn play!
The two others that were modelling with me on this project were both several years older than me and with previous modelling experience at the university. One – whom I recognized – had been a member of the Lavender Club and identified as a bisexual man. The other one I never knew his sexuality.
Our “boss-man” appeared on site just as we were about to start our modelling exercise. He was introduced to the class by the instructor and as he reviewed the university’s guidelines for working with bare models (no personal or intimate contact allowed) he began stripping off his clothes! He was present to “supervise” our photo-shoot!
Receiving directions for a photo-shoot session!
I immediately began asking myself: did he need to be naked in order to supervise us posing nude? Was he going to be at every photo-shoot clothes free? Given all the attention he had given me during the last couple of weeks, the other models let me know that he obviously had an ulterior motive for stripping off his garments!
Once the photography instructor signaled “commence” we became active with our pile (mountain) of leaves. We took dives into leaves, we rolled in the leaves, we buried ourselves in leaves and gave each other leaf “showers!” There were only a small number of activities that we didn’t attempt to engage in. Cameras captured our images as we caroused ourselves in leaves!
After an hour of “playing” and posing in the leaves, I became light-headed and had trouble breathing. Suddenly, I fainted! Down on the ground! The next thing that I was aware was lying on my back after being revived by a nurse from the university clinic. A few minutes later, a mobile trauma unit arrived to transport me to the GWU (George Washington University) hospital. My face and neck were flushed (red) and heavily swollen, I continued to have shortness of breath and a severe bruise and laceration on the back of my head. I was kept overnight in hospital for monitoring and test results.
I have a severe allergy to leaf mold. It had never affected me previously. However, I never remember being that involved with that amount of moldy leaves before for that amount of time – almost 90 minutes.
Shortly after I returned to campus, a notice was displayed on the message board adjacent to the administration offices of the School of Art, Photography and Media:
“Roger does not play well with leaves!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Sunday, November 6, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Clocks Back!”
ReNude Pride 