Photo-Essay: Man-2-Man!

Background:

Given the body language, physical contact and hair-styles of the naked/nude men presented in the vintage photos below, there remains little doubt over the authenticity of these pictures. The bigotry and disgust directed towards any hint of same gender love supports their validity. Remember, “back in the day” the idea of “gay-for-pay” had practically no audience whatsoever! Segregation was the law of the land in every state except Illinois and homosexuality (gay) was viewed as severe perversion!

Introduction and Justification:

As a part of ReNude Pride’s annual observance of USA Black History Month, this photo-essay offers proof that decades before the 1969 Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) heralded the modern gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) civil and equal rights movement, the USA African-American culture ventured into limited existence. General society accepted, condoned, endorsed and practiced homophobic policies and prejudices during this era. Government, law enforcement, and religious institutions extolled and sanctioned this discriminatory behaviour, but bravery and courageous African-American GLBTQ+ pioneers cautiously followed hearts and souls down the trail to happiness.

These photographs confirm not only their sexuality during repression; they also provide evidence of their comfort and practice of their nakedness! Indeed: the pilgrims of bare practitioners!

These historic and vintage photographs discredit and dispel the popular and widespread myth that the African-American GLBTQ+ community and culture didn’t exist before SIR in 1969. Bare practitioners (same gender loving naturist/nudist) are inherently and naturally African-American as they are with other ethnicities and races everywhere!

The above couple, from the early 1960’s exemplify the growing acceptance of their same gender loving status among themselves and their community of peers. It didn’t happen overnight but slowly, it began to gain momentum as the “age of love” started to emerge onto the popular culture.

ReNude Pride appreciates, salutes and supports the bold and proud initiative of the men featured here today! Their efforts and energy made it possible for advances in GLBTQ+ community and culture everywhere!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Tuesday, February 7, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!”