ReNude-A-Thon!

A photographer doing his job!

The header (opening photograph, above) is being used here in order to capture the attention of followers, readers and visitors. If I had placed my initial image here as the header, the majority would have “rolled their eyes” or “shrugged their shoulders” while thinking: “What, again?”

Now, the camera gets the attention as everyone prepares to pose. But the attention is what is desired as this posting is a notice of changes here on this site. Innovations that both Aaron, my spouse, and I hope you’ll appreciate! The intended purpose/goal/function of this post entry was originally to announce and introduce a completed, new Home page here for ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! The intention was confronted by reality, time restraints and the facts that ability and creativity are not always compatible according to dreams and plans.

Some of the changes covered here have already happened. Others may be modified and implemented gradually over the next two weeks. Hopefully, the entire ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! renovation will be complete by the end of April, 2025!

Almost all the text below was written before my “surprise” birthday event this past weekend. Rather than update and recompose the entire post entry, I am improvising, inserting and asking for your patience and tolerance.

ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

No, I am absolutely not losing my mind and becoming overly redundant! There is a very specific reason for intentionally publishing the above picture of Daniel Shoneye (left) and his friend/partner with their arms interlocked around the trunk of a palm tree. This particular photo is now incorporated here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers as representing my spouse, Aaron and myself.

Why? First, because Aaron and I are a biracial couple – he’s African-Canadian and I’m Greek. Second, I previously explained the reality of a Deaf person “linking arms” as opposed the communication restriction of “holding hands.” Most Deaf people “talk” manually instead of vocally. In this image, their arms are linked so their communication isn’t impaired.

Third, we’re both bare practitioners – same gender loving and our preference is our nakedness. The same is evidently true for the couple under the palm tree above! Fourth, we are a “tropical” couple: better a palm tree rather than a fir tree or a barren one! Sunshine and no snow!

Addendum: 9 April, 2025: Another discussion between the both of us has brought us to the decision that the below photograph will now be our “official” representative image for this site. Aaron had “second” and “third” thoughts about the proposed replacement (above). He convinced me to his ideas. We both admit to being aquatic-oriented as opposed to tree focused!

Dress code compliance: bare nakedness!

The title here is another change that has already occurred. We are now (officially): ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! My first blog was named A Guy Without Boxers. Now that we are legally married, in deference to our legacy, we have reclaimed not only commando status (no boxers) but some ownership of our history. Also note that we are now a plural identity, “guys” as opposed to singular “guy.”

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The Gravatar

ReNude Pride gravatar!

Above is the current gravatar (signature image) for ReNude Pride. It was designed by Aaron (my spouse) and has been in use continuously since January, 2017. The triangular rainbow (GLBTQ+) outline which was based on the concentration camp badges the Nazis forced the homosexual inmates to wear. The buttocks aptly represent nakedness. The theme for this site has always been same gender loving nakedness.

A Guy Without Boxers gravatar!

The emblem above was the gravatar used for my first blog here on wordpress.com, A Guy Without Boxers. It is visually explanatory as no boxers, thus no underwear, was allowed. Underwear, the first item of clothing adorn, hence without it, one was bare, nude, naked!

As to the emblem that will best reflect the new title for this site: ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! , Aaron and I are still debating. Initially, we were both inclined to abandon the concentration camp symbolism due to the Palestinian Genocide and Holocaust committed by the zionists in Gaza, Jerusalem and the West Bank. However, friends of ours, both Jewish, have argued that the brutalities are the acts by the civil government and not approved by all Jews.

Aaron and I continue to discuss changing the gravatar. We both agree that if we do revise, we’ll revert to the original A Guy Without Boxers design rather than create a new one.

One idea is to post both the gravatars together from now until the end of summer, 2025. On that date, delete the triangle and utilize the “no boxers” exclusively. At the very least, we’re publicly sharing that likelihood to all now.

Addendum: 10 April, 2025: As of this moment, we have agreed to now retain the gravatar for the ReNude Pride site. We’ll continue to utilize both images whenever necessary.

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Deletions

We’re deleting the secondary listings page and the recent posts listings sections. The secondary pages section and the recent posts are rarely used throughout the year. The Home page layout automatically shows the five (5) most recent entries and this elimination deletes duplications and opens “extra” space.

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Photo album similarity!

Unfortunately, our Home page has acquired a very striking similarity to a featured photograph album since January, 2017. The majority of the images are random and unrelated except for depicting clothes freedom and same gender love. A few pictures and/or graphics convey the identical messages and/or themes without appearing too gaudy!

Hopefully, implementing these changes will significantly reduce confusion and congestion here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! Our goal is to present an orderly and organised appearance that is both attractive and colourful.

Seasonal Adjustment Addition:

The final (last) widget featured on the left side of the Home Page here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers will be a seasonal graphic/photograph reflective of a life of nakedness and pride in the Northern Hemisphere. The first one represents: Spring!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, April 14, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Posing Bare #4!”

Last Minute!

My surprise!

There was a last-minute “surprise” for both Aaron and me this weekend! Last minute as it was planned almost a full month ago, but everyone didn’t tell me – after all, yesterday was my birthday – and no one informed Aaron of the date and time of the gathering! So, we were both unprepared!

Aaron received a text: “Where are you?” Then, the organizer stepped forward and acknowledged he forgot to send to Aaron the finalized details. So, a “surprise birthday party” that would have been a total surprise for all the guests but not the actual birthday celebrant!

Needless to say, we arrived late but we all enjoyed the festivities!

For this reason, my intended post entry for today, ReNude-A-Thon! – will be posted here on Friday, April 11.

Sorry! But I did have a nice birthday!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, April 11, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “ReNude-A-Thon!’

April = ReNew + ReNude!

Diesel Washington lifting Francois Sagat!

The month of April – for us Northern Hemisphere inhabitants – annually is the first full month of the Spring season! This short month (30 days) does not officially share a single day with any other season, ever! Thirty complete days of springtime. Now, weather may differ as we possibly may endure a few days of outdoor winter-like temperatures. Our consolation being that summer and warmer days are soon upon us all!

Retired gay actor, Francois Sagat, of Algerian-French heritage serves as our “host” here on ReNude Pride for this post-entry feature. In addition to being publicly same gender loving, he also prefers nakedness instead of clothing – even though after his retirement he designs, models and promotes his labelled men’s sensual intimate garments. We are overjoyed to include him in our bare practitioner community and culture! We welcome here with us on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Francois Sagat returns home after working out!
He strips off his commando-style gear!
Below his waistline!
Totally clothes free!

Now that he’s back home, Francois focuses on getting comfortable which means that all his cumbersome burden of clothes are off his body. He is a solid and toned example for all of us of healthy living and physical fitness! He provides living proof that body and clothes freedom is indeed “fashionable” for each and every one of us, no matter our age! In the header series of images (above), he reminds us that fashion is always best: r-e-m-o-v-e-d!

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Francois Sagat: jogging along the shoreline!

In addition to affording us a “live” demonstration of the etiquette of stripping (removing) our bulky and uncomfortable clothes, Francois now aptly presents us with another “live” scenario of a deserted beach activity early is the month of April. Instead of allowing the natural space to waste away, he gives us glimpse of keeping current in exercise, fitness as well as promoting nakedness!

Refreshing his breath after his jog!

An early jog along the sandy shoreline allows him to maintain circulation, to strengthen muscles, and bolster his mental health outlook – and to burn any excess calories! It also helps to encourage others in awareness of our bare practitioner culture through visual inspiration!

Attracting the attention and the curiosity of others!

In taking a “breathing” pause, if he encounters a spectator along his route, Francois enables interaction should there be any questions about clothes freedom and or same gender love. Even today, conversations shared at countless social nudity gatherings involve such basic topics as “How did you learn of our group/network?” Casual acquaintances rarely tire of conversations involving there early encounters with nudity!

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Francois Sagat was born in France on 5 June, 1979. He began filming pornography in France with Citebeur Studios before moving to USA and working with Raging Stallion Studios. In 2008, he signed exclusively with Titan Media studios who he retired from.

One aspect of Francois is totally unique. He shaves his head! The “full” head of hair is actually one complete tattoo!

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Francois Sagat stretching!

Not only is our man, Francois, satisfied with the results of his fitness routine, he’s anxious to share the total project: his nakedness! He rotates allowing us an examination and inspection of what he has to offer, clothes free and unobstructed. As bare practitioners, we admire the man and appreciate his efforts! Thank you, Francois Sagat! A true inspiration for bare practitioners everywhere!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, April 7, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “ReNude-A-Thon!”

April Arrives!

Hands in a heart-shape!

Before anyone types a nasty note for me, his hands are arced into a shape of the human heart. Clearly a representation of affection and love! Why focus on affection and love in April and not February which is when we have Valentine’s Day? The reason is simple: I love April! I love Spring! I love Aaron, my spouse! And he loves me! As a footnote, both Aaron and I were born during the month of April – different dates and different years!

As a reminder, we’re both advocates and enthusiasts of nakedness! Bare practitioners from head to toe – bare, commando or clothed! If you haven’t already, we cordially invite you to join us in our body and clothes freedom endeavour!

A “new” pictoral representation of Aaron and myself: an interracial couple!

When Aaron saw this photo, he immediately approached me with the idea of using this to represent the both of us here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! I felt the same except I would prefer more of the palm fronds (leaves) visible!

Me bare in a public park in early April!

April is also the first full month of the Spring season here in the Northern Hemisphere. We’re also heat and sunshine addicts – another reason to appreciate the commencement of this month! At last, the bleak, boring, drab winter landscape is now dissipating and our natural surroundings are now slowly reappearing with the brightness and colours of the fresh season!

Yours truly at the LBJ Memorial, GW Parkway!

The beginning of Spring often provides chill, cool mornings that are not the best time for posing bare. This monument is covered by shade for most of the morning hours and I remember how cold it is until the early afternoon! As our outdoor weather temperatures begin to rise, we bare practitioners increase our “natural-in-nature” outings! More fun for everyone!

Flexing together!

The month of April is compatible with our bare practitioner identity – especially our cherishing of our nakedness, both privately and socially. Optimum skin, minimum covering! Bold and proud!

Not warm enough – yet!

We observe the arrival of April simultaneously with the beginning of Spring. It is early in both the new month and the new season. The external water temperature may not invite our indulgence now, but we’re prepared to enjoy it in the foreseeable future!

Happy days are here, once again! Welcome April! Welcome Spring!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, April 4, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “April = ReNew + ReNude!”

Bottoms-Up! March, 2025: Jockstraps!

Jockstraps (profiled) two sharing kisses in the changing/dressing room!

Jockstraps – also known as “athletic supporters” are the male exercise/fitness intimate garment worn to offer protection and support to a man’s genitalia (penis and especially testicles) while physically active. The popular apparel is traditionally a pouch for the anatomy and a waistband. That’s it!

Openly gay porn actor, XL, in his multi-strapped jock-strap!

Straps, usually one holding each buttock cheek, help keep the garment “in place.” However, our model here, XL, is wearing a version that features multiple straps to secure his jockstrap to his bountiful buttocks!

Unlimited and easy accessibility!

Here, our anonymous model shows his “regular” athletic supporter with the traditional two straps!

Mounted on the shoulders of his partner, his straps remain visible!

Our mounted rider (above) has only his straps apparent as his partner walks him along the sandy beach!

Felipe Ferreira gives a full rotation wearing his jockstrap!

Brazilian-born Felipe Ferreira is proudly comfortable twirling around and giving us all a glimpse of his buttocks inside his fashionable jockstrap!

Furry buttocks covering his jockstrap!

If his hairy buttocks continue to grow the follicles may eventually conceal his secure straps completely!

Gay actor Marc Williams stretches and offers a complete picture!

Muscular Marc Williams had a favourite colour for his undergarment: orange! That colour and his shapely bottom combined to make his Halloween costume very life-like!

Francois Sagat: jockstrap!

Retired gay porn star, Francois Sagat, offers his jockstrap in patriotic colours for all to wear! There is more Francois Sagat planned for April, 2025!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author Notes: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, April 1, 2015, and the proposed topic is: “April Arrives!”

Commando? None For Me!

Commando! = No underwear!

A Guy Without Boxers!

Background:

Today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride serves two important purposes. First and foremost, as a parody (nonjudgmental ridicule) of the commando (no underwear) lifestyle. It is intended for fun rather than factual information.

The second purpose is of a personal experience. Shared with my identical twin brother, Alex, when we began our first year at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind (VSDB), a residential school operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia for students who are Deaf from level 4 (primary) through secondary school.

The .gif image introducing the Personal Experience segment here depicts a man ripping (tearing) off his boxer style underwear rather than trimming (cutting) off the waistband. The use of “artistic literary license” here! Naked hugs!

The Chain of Command Demands No Underwear!

Now, in the interests of reality, the “chain of command” demanding a no underwear policy is a very bold new move that offers one essential truth: there will now be quite a number of young men – who modelled underwear – now wandering about completely naked! Their nakedness, being involuntary and sudden, has created a bare, confused and clueless crowd of men parading and running around with their hands covering their genitalia and totally unsure of exactly where they are supposed to go!

Our man (above) give us a clear image of excessive modesty when caught unaware of the chain of command demand! No underwear = exposed penis = mindless alternative = modesty = human suffering. No! Wait! Look at the picture (below) of the twins, the Shoneye pair! Look at the muscle tone of their carefully maintained bodies. The only human suffering depicted here are the overworked hands allowing us a full view of their male anatomy!

The Shoneye Twins!

The relaxed Shoneye twins in truth are proud public bare practitioners! They’re Nigerians living in London (King Charles III and the Commonwealth) they’re both same gender loving and they’re both committed naturists/nudists! They could care less who looks at their identical genitalia! The result? The chain of command demand has minimal impact on either one of them! Eliminate the Poladopoulos twins from that consideration, too! Alex and I are also bare practitioners so identical twins are immune to the chain of command demand on the broad encompassing underwear issue.

Obviously, those persons who normally do wear undergarments are affected by the CoCD (chain of command demand) but a problem remains to be solved. If everyone is wearing pants or shorts, how can we determine if they’re following orders? If all of us are compelled to wear no underwear, then obeying the demand makes all of us body and clothes free! How can the disobedient be identified and punished?

If the failure to adhere to the law (no underwear) is the actual wearing of underwear, then how do we enforce the law? Force people to wear underwear? Isn’t that how they got into trouble initially? Ignoring the no underwear restriction? So what becomes the appropriate justifiable punishment? This can easily become and endless and repetitive cycle of events!

Commando profile: Buttocks-to-Buttocks!

Every culture has at least one “origin of underwear” legend/myth//story/tale that offers the reason for the need for underwear. Most cultures have multiple explanations as to the absolute necessity for what we now know as undergarments. Legends and myths merge with historic reality that provide us with the cause of this fashion tradition.

In all fairness, not everyone recognized the actual need for underwear. For example, in ancient Rome, no one wore boxers or briefs under their togas! That alone would have made the wearing of a toga ridiculous! In Scotland, even to this day, undergarments (no matter what style) is not permitted to be worn under a kilt! Otherwise, men would abandon the kilt altogether and cover themselves with long pants!

Kilted duo!

Therefore, in gratitude to togas and kilts and all other forms of men’s fashion that are not underwear compatible, the commando custom/habit/tradition evolved into being. The preference for the wearing of a male garment (pants, shorts, shirt, etc.) without underwear appeared – or, the the case of underwear itself – disappeared!

The wearing of underwear became optional. It was no longer considered an essential item of clothing for the “best dressed!” Now, the choice was individual by nature and could be arbitrary – underwear during the day, none during the night or vice versa.

Becoming commando!

A Personal Experience:

Alex, my identical twin brother, is 74 minutes older than me. When we reached Level 4 in primary school, we were sent to the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind (VSDB) in Staunton, Virginia, as residential students (dormitory living). It was during our second semester there (Spring) that we both learned on commando (underwear free) living. Twin (shrewd Alex) devised a way to observe the lifestyle and avoid discovery. He took scissors and cut of all of his boxer shorts below the waistband!

Every morning, while donning our required uniform, he dutifully wore the waistband only. Instant boxer freedom!

Miraculously commando! Now, when our teacher required us to line-up for “underwear inspection,” all he had to do was show his waistband! Excellent opportunity for several weeks until one of our classmates confessed to our teacher. From that moment on, we all had to unleash our belts and pull our pants down to our knees!

A foiled fowl play!

Dominic Santos (left) demonstrates a commando benefit!

Educational Demonstration: Adorning Jeans: Commando Style:

Align jeans top with legs!
Step into jeans, one at a time!
Mount jeans up to waist!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, March 31, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! March, 2025!”

“` `Opa, Greece!

Greeks, natural and proud!

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary, Mother of God)! This is the date selected for the uprising against the Ottoman Empire that culminated with freedom for the Kingdom of Greece!

Bishop Germanos raised the flag of revolt over the Monasery of Agia (Saint) Lavra on Pelopannesa on this date, March 25, 1821.

Come and join us! Bare, of course!
Royal Guard (Ivzoni) raising the national flag!
Greece!
The flag’s symbolism!

`Opa= Greek expression for excitement, salutation, joy, surprise, greeting, and impressive!

A contemporary man posing as an ancient Greek warrior!

One popular and eternal, longstanding myth is that the ancient Greek army fought battles while totally naked. Even though the culture was very accepting and embraced public nakedness and same gender affection, especially for men, the army always wore at the very least a loincloth.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, March 28, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Commando? None For Me!”

Spring Resolutions, 2025!

Phoenix Fellington, our “unofficial” official spokes-model, (left) offering advice to a co-star!

Background:

As a casual introduction to today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride, our featured host is our very own man, Phoenix Fellington, (pictured above, left) worldwide celebrated performer/director in the gay porn industry and the “official” unofficial (not financially compensated) spokes-model (representative) of this site! Not only is he proudly and publicly an advocate for our distinguished bare practitioner lifestyle – he personally demonstrates and vocalizes his confidence and support whenever possible!

A few reminder notes on our successful spokes-model. His birthname is TreLeron Fenderson and he was born on 18 October, 1994, in the city of Detroit, Michigan, USA. He is a former U.S. Marine now very active in the gay pornography industry.

He never tires of proclaiming to the media, “I love being naked outside!”

Directions for his co-starring actors!

Ever since he began his professional career as an honest and openly clothes free and same gender loving man, he’s always been demonstrative and inspirational for us all to “truly be ourselves, to be real!” He had no serious regrets serving in the military under the “DADT” (don’t ask, don’t tell) restrictive guidelines in effect. Like the majority of us, he’s full of gratitude to then-President Obama for his executive order terminating that unfortunate exclusion during his first term of office.

Phoenix Fellington, encouraging the bare and gay experience!

The two .gif images displayed here are Phoenix as he was beginning his professional experience after his military service. He wasted no time in extolling others to take pride in themselves as same gender loving and in their nakedness. If that was their destiny in life, then be the best that you can possibly be doing what makes you happy. It’s all part of life!

A confident inspiration for us all!

Thank you, Phoenix Fellington, both for your encouragement and for all your inspiration! You are an example for us all!

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Creative exercise!
Routine maintenance!
Conclusion!

New Year’s Resolutions versus Spring Resolutions:

Self-improvement is one of the primary motivations for introducing changes into our lives. We all want to “feel better” about ourselves and we want to look better. The desire may very well be present, but our timing is probably not an encouraging factor. The arrival of the winter season, coupled with the bleakness of the weather for the next three months, seriously reduces the likelihood of success.

Our commitment and determination may be strong, but the reality of rolling over in bed for an extra hour of comfort, sleep, and warmth is the reality that often overcomes our resolve. Procrastination trumps positive productivity. Human nature is a trait our species battles on a daily basis. Why add another stress factor as a part of our routine?

A return to reality! The arrival of the Spring season and our renude (renewed) environment (nature) accompanied by our positive attitudes are much better and conducive for the success of any changes. Every step forward brings us closer to our final reward!

Affectionate kissing!






One of the major goals (purposes) for the creation of ReNude Pride (this site) in January 2017 was to provide a space that is receptive and welcoming for same-gender-loving (SGL) people (bisexual or gay) who prefer nakedness (clothes freedom). Our community and culture embrace the descriptive label bare practitioner. It avoids the terms/words that usually invoke bias and judgment. My spouse, Aaron, and I both believed bare practitioner was neutral in the minds of most people who were inclined to marginalize both our community and our culture.

Race Cooper!

“As a Black Canadian gay nudist man in the USA porn industry, I know and have witnessed bias, hatred and prejudice because of race and sexual orientation. It is unfair and unjust. It is wrong. As an actor/performer, I’ve never experienced “in my face” criticism for being and public nudist. But I know of fellow nudists who are judged because of their nakedness. Clothes freedom is a part of who we all are. Just like race a sexuality, we don’t have a choice.

In Canada, race, sexuality and nudity is just a difference. You shave your pubic hair, I let mine grow naturally. We’re both gay men, we’re just different in some ways. “

~ Race Cooper ~ Joseph Ross Anderson ~ The Pink News London, UK June 2020

Interracial couple!

Aaron and I are an interracial married SGL couple. He’s African-Canadian and I’m Greek and we both believe that the above quote from Race Cooper may possibly ease any alienation and/or discomfort sensed by other interracial couples within our bare practitioner community and culture. Hopefully, this inclusion sets a welcoming message for everyone.

For several post entries on this topic from the past, click the links below to access:

https://renudepride.com/2024/03/

https://renudepride.com/2022/12/

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, March 28, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Commando Command!”

Not Too Fit!

Exercising for fitness and tone!

First off, an emphatic denial that the images shared in this delayed post entry here on ReNude Pride is most definitely not me! The photographs are to illustrate the message being shared and not myself. Better to get that announcement out early rather than obscured later. Honesty helps to avoid confusion!

It was the last week of February this year and I stopped by our gymnasium on my way home (after work) to continue my practice of exercise for fitness. I was at one of my routine stations with hand weights and I seriously strained muscles in my right shoulder and arm doing my usual regimen. I was initially inconvenienced by this discomforting incident.

Inconvenienced!

This incident progressively worsened and before I could plan ahead I had severe pain and was unable to fully dress myself in order to walk back to my vehicle. I had to be transported by a trauma unit to a local medical center for examination. The determination was strained muscles from the routine and for several weeks I encountered problems using my right upper arm and shoulder.

This resulted in my lack of posting here for several weeks. I had difficulty in trying to maneuver the keyboard and in even concentrating on posting here.

Final relief!

At last, yesterday I had a relieving report from my regular physician and with subdued elation, I offer an apology for my absence from blogging and sharing with all of you a reason for the long overdue lack of regularity!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, March 24, 2025 and the proposed topic is: “Spring Resolutions!”

Stories!

Dancing bare and proud!

When viewing images from the past, especially the ones of family and friends, the sharing of the event or the occasion for the picture is often as entertaining as the photo itself. Laughter and memories are compatible and fun – particularly when recalled among those we love and respect! The good times are always happy and pleasant when shared!

From the early 1950s!

There are a countless number of pictures – forgotten then found, lost then rediscovered and/or misplaced then reclaimed that are available with secrets waiting to be revealed. The images ignite our curiosity and fuel our imagination; unfortunately, the story – the truth – is not a reality that we know. The chances of us ever knowing the identities, the situations and the stories decline every year that passes by. However, that doesn’t reduce the impact the pictures create!

Sharing a kiss, late 1940s!

Yet as unknown as these photographs may be, they all have a story to share. A myth to erase, a fact to prove. In there very own way, every surviving image from the past is a seed for the tree of “what-is-real!” Maybe not as blatant and obvious as the two men above, but still important and valid in their own way!

Together post-World War II!

Subtle comfort with smiles and cautious contact. Learning to have confidence and trust in one another in a world that doesn’t always welcome familiarity and friendliness. For the subjects captured in these photographs contained with this posting their identities and, sadly, their personal stories are no longer available to us. However, these images remain, and these glimpses present to us a tale of courage, of life, of perseverance and of hope.

Smiles, 1950s!

Despite the bias, hatred, ridicule and scorn these persons encountered, they managed to survive for another day. For a majority of them, that was an accomplishment worthy of note. They were judged based solely on their race – not ability, industry, knowledge, skills or talents. The colour of their skin determined their place in society.

A summer afternoon, early 1960s!

At a time when their attraction to others of the same gender was viewed as depraved, evil and unnatural, they managed to continue with life. Their discarding of clothing and other forms of artificial covering was seen as heathen and provocative, they overcame the marginalization and thrived.

The pretense of isolation did not deter them as they discovered that they were not alone in their attractions and desires. There were companions, friends and lovers who accepted them for exactly what and who they really were!

These photographs of actual people and what they represent become an important aspect of Black history in the USA. They are proof that lives and situations existed that too often were deemed inappropriate or irrelevant to the African-American experience. Yet the evidence still survives and somehow, the story gets told.

An historic mid-1960s kiss!

For years, the African-American community denied the very existence of a Black homosexual culture and a Black nudist culture. They were both seen as depraved and disgusting behaviours that had no place within the African-American experience. White people may act that way, and perhaps they had corrupted a few Blacks to behave that way, but that was it.

These pictures may not share with us the message originally intended. More than likely, we’ll never know that historical reality. But these pictures do convey to us the story that both nakedness and same gender love was both alive, real and a part of life for many African-Americans throughout history.

Our appreciation and recognition of the stories that these photographs relay to us remind us all that the roles that we have in telling our own stories. The quick look that we afford the future of our lives provides for them all a memory of what life was like “in our day!”

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, February 28, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! February, 2025!”