Category: a penny for my thoughts

A Penny For My Thoughts!

“Social nudity is the exotic exuberance of an excellent natural fashion extravaganza: our nakedness!” ~ Roger Poladopoulos ~ 11 April 2022 ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Myself!
Aaron, my spouse, photographed by me!

At times, I’m approached by others and asked about my publicly displaying my clothes freedom for all to see. Most of the time, it is from colleagues at work, students at the university where I lecture or from interns that I mentor. Sometimes, it is from a complete stranger I’ve never seen before. People are much bolder now that we’re settling into the 21st century!

Of course, posting images of my nakedness here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! possibly encourages the interrogation. Honestly, the question doesn’t bother/disturb me. After all, I do publish the material here (unless it is done by my spouse, Aaron)!

Yes, I am “out-of-the-closet” at work. I don’t publicly promote this blog there but I absolutely don’t conceal or deny my authorship. I have several co-workers who regularly visit here and students who do the same. It is no problem professionally and I did get permission from the university administration prior to my initial publication.

I’m just amazed as to why people are so very surprised when they encounter me. True, my pictures posted here do not depict me wearing clothes. So that shouldn’t be the reasoning for their inquiry. After all, this site is identified as one for the bare practitioner community and culture. The photographs featured in the postings leave no doubt as to the intended/projected audience.

The most recent occurrence of this happening was in Richmond, Virginia, USA, two weekends ago. Aaron had to work at hospital and I drove there to spend a couple of hours with my friend, Paul Turner and his partner. We were at Cary Court Shopping Center when this person approached us and Paul served as my interpreter. The exchange was brief and cordial although afterward we did laugh as we recalled the incident.

I compose a blog that encourages nakedness for same gender loving (SGL) people. It confuses me as to how those who are familiar with the content here are curious over my sharing photos of Aaron and I and our indulging in our nakedness!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Original!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, October 31, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! October, 2026!”

A Penny For My Thoughts!

“Body hair and nakedness are compatible and natural. They compliment one another; like a rose blooming on a bush.” ~ Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos ~ 28 March 2022

Me, asleep! June, 2013

As the often awful subject of body hair was a part of the recent posting of Bare Celebrity Series #11: Brazilian Foreplay here, I wanted to include my feelings on our all natural growth. As for me (above), my body hair is very limited: basically my armpits, my genital region and of course, my head. Aside from that, I’m naturally smooth skin.

So, when I am skinny-dipping (swimming naked), it really is mostly all skin that gets dipped!

As a mature, professional man (hospital nursing supervisor), I know that whatever amount of natural body hair that I have doesn’t automatically make me into a responsible man. Yet it does help to send the message that I am aware of impressions and that I’m not some foolish wannabe (want-to-be) who is afraid to “man-up” (be a man)! Besides, when I am working, I wear clothes (uniform) and my armpits and genitals aren’t visible!

“Bare is a true gauge of equality. The significant discrepancy being some have more body hair than others.” ~ Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos ~ 1 June 2020

My accepting my natural state-of-being (body hair) I use as a statement of my being a decent man who tries his best to do what is expected, needed and right.

“Body hair adds dignity and integrity to our nudity.” ~ Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos ~ 1 June 2020

I don’t try to avoid, hide or to be invisible. I know what is required and I do what I can best do to succeed.

I try to set an example. I am happiest in my nakedness and I want others to see and understand that. I am a natural man with my hairy armpits and my hairy penis. I just try to keep it simple and real!

If I grow it, then I am confident and proud to show it! My nakedness makes that happen!

“Body hair – a little or a lot – is part of being manly. Like our armpits, nipples, penis and testicles, it is what combined makes us the what and who we are. Bisexual or gay, we know what is good for us!” ~ Sean Xavier ~ bare practitioner and gay celebrity Spring, 2009

Sean Xavier (birth name: Kyle Overton)!

Naked hugs!

Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Original!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! September, 2026!”

A Penny For My Thoughts…!

Jason Collins, New Jersey Nets

“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it is a good place to start.” ~ Jason Collins ~ first active NBA professional to publicly announce he’s same gender loving

DEDICATION:

This post entry is published in posthumous appreciation, gratitude and as a tribute to Jason Paul Collins (2 December 1978 – 12 May 2026). May he rest in peace for all eternity.

“The door Jason Collins widely opened can never be shut again!” ~ Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos ~ ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

My thoughts:

Proverbial words of wisdom offered in a simple statement of fact by a man who had ability, skills and talent in his professional career. Essentially, a very basic truth: honesty is the best policy. The truth, especially about what and who we really are, may be criticized by others, but it can never be disproved. Honesty empowers and enables us.

I own who I am. I am same gender loving. I am gay. I am queer. I am a homosexual. I acknowledge and admit to being all of those labels. I know who I am. I know the truth.

My knowledge of the truth about myself empowers me to try to be the very best man that I can possibly hope to be. This knowledge also enables me to determine freedom and truth rather than restriction and dishonesty.

Jason Collins

The Late Jason Collins:

Jason Collins became the very first male professional basketball player to “come out” (announce) his sexual orientation while active in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His acknowledgement inspired a same gender loving (SGL) version of the NBA logo, shown below:

A colourful emblem that represents us being us! Not appreciated by everyone who’s a fan of the NBA but it definitely offers some “food for thought!”

Jason and his identical twin brother, Jarron, were born and grew up in Los Angeles, California. Jarron also played in the NBA.

His first professional team was Houston, Texas Rockets. He played throughout the USA including the New Jersey Nets, The Washington Wizards and his final season with the Brooklyn, New York Nets.

Prior to Jason’s coming out, he played in twelve (12) consecutive seasons in the NBA and impressed not only his fans but also his fellow professional athletes. Throughout his life he was dedicated to helping others in any way possible.

Jason came out as same gender loving on 29 April 2013 in Sports Illustrated magazine cover story. In May 2025, he married film producer Brunson Green.

On 11 September 2025, the NBA announced that Jason Collins was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. On 11 December 2025, Jason revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma. He died at home on 12 May 2026.

On 22 June 2026, it was announced that Jason would be posthumously awarded with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for his impact on GLBTQ+ visibility in professional sports at the 2026 ESPYS in July. The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage is given to a professional sportsperson who has made a difference beyond the field of play by fighting for what they value.

In announcing this honour, the NBA included that the award would be received by his twin brother, Jarron. Jarron’s confirmation added: “It is profoundly bittersweet but deeply meaningful to accept the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage on my brother’s behalf, celebrating a legacy of visibility, strength and love that will endure forever.”

Naked hugs!

Aaron and Roger/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, June 30, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! June, 2026!”

A Penny For My Thoughts…

A penny for my thoughts, now that the coin “penny” is a) no longer made in the USA and b) is only used on credit card purchases. Why bother?

“While being bare we dare to share!”

Basically, summer is the time to skinny-dip (swim naked). What better way to celebrate the fast-approaching season of “fun-in-the-sun” than to skinny-dip with someone important in your life?

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Sunday, May 31, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! May, 2026!”

A Penny For My Thoughts!

A penny for my thoughts…
The book is ideal, the wine I can do without!

“A very public 2026 Spring Resolution: to renew (renude) and restore spending time each day in order to return contemplation, peace and tranquility into my heart, mind and soul.” ~ Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos ~

I need to increase my diligence in adhering to my daily routine of making certain that before I retire for the evening, I have some time to pause, reflect and think. To make myself take the time to do what needs to be done. In my own way and what works best for my needs.

Naked hugs!

Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Old Man:

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Monday, March 31, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! March, 2026!”

Our Bad:

I’ll meet up with you tomorrow, here, and I’ll be bare, as usual, so we can all share the “bottoms-up!”

A Penny For My Thoughts!

“Body hair and nakedness are compatible and natural. They compliment one another; like a rose blooming on a bush of roses.” ~ Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos ~ 28 March 2022

We are both gay men. You may see body hair as a thorn on your rose bush. I see body hair as accentuating my masculinity. We’re both gay men, we just happen to be different. You be you and I’ll be me! We can still live together in harmony.

Naked hugs!

Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The nest post entry here is planned for tomorrow, February 28, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bottom’s Up! February, 2026!”

Author’s Note #2: Thankfully, February is the last full month of winter! Soon, we can all run along the beach in the glory of our nakedness!

Ms. Unknown Discovered!

Elizabeth Jennings Graham (1895)

Elizabeth Jennings Graham was born Elizabeth Jennings in New York City in March 1827 (date unknown). She was destined to become a teacher, an early civil rights activist and organist at her church. By 1854, she was a teacher at the private African Free School.

By the 1850s, the horse-drawn streetcar on rails was a common transportation option in New York City. They were operated by private companies and their access was often barred by race.

On Sunday, 16 July 1854, Elizabeth Jennings was going to work as organist for the First Coloured Congregational Church. She boarded a streetcar of the Third Avenue Railroad Company. The conductor ordered her off. She refused and the conductor and a police officer ejected her off the streetcar. She was injured and her clothes were soiled and torn.

The incident was reported by Frederick Douglass in his newspaper and resulted in an organized movement by Black New York City residents to end racial discrimination on streetcars.

Her father filed a lawsuit against the Third Avenue Railroad Company and the conductor in Brooklyn, where the company office was located. She was represented by the law firm of Culver, Parker and Arthur. Her case was argued by the firm’s 24 year-old junior partner, Chester A. Arthur, a future president of the USA. He filed the suit in 1854 and in 1855, the court ruled in her favour.

The judge, William Rockwell, determined “Coloured persons if sober, well-behaved and free from disease, had the same rights as others and could neither be excluded by any rules of the company, nor by force nor violence.” The jury awarded Jennings damages in the amount of $250 (roughly equivalent to approximately $8,400 currently). The very next day, the Third Avenue Railroad Company ordered all of their streetcars desegregated.

A century before Rosa Parks gained fame in refusing to move to the back of the bus, Elizabeth Jennings Graham attained justice in fighting for her rights on transportation. What happened in Brooklyn, New York City, occurred before the US Civil War ended the practice of slavery in the USA!

Nice job, Elizabeth Jennings Graham!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bonus Post: Bare Celebrity Review!”

A Penny For My Thoughts!

“The penny is now removed as valid currency, but honesty and sincerity remain valid and vital to the foundation of the bare practitioner community and culture!”

If we’re unable to be our true selves, how can we expect others to be truthful with us?

Naked hugs!

Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers

30 January 2026

Author’s Note: The next post entry is planned for tomorrow, Saturday, January 31, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! January, 2026!”

Combination!

Two bare on one stair!

Whenever possible, offering or presenting more than what is expected or required does occasionally please and surprise the recipient. As this is the final week of the first month of a new year, 2026, now seems to be an appropriate time to put this theory into practice! Therefore, ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! is offering two different post entries (unrelated) here in one combined post entry. The more we share, the merrier we can all be!

Return To ReNude!

Over the recent winter holidays, while with my spouse, Aaron, and his family in Toronto, Canada, we deliberated and made the decision to resurrect one of the original monthly series initially published here: A Penny For My Thoughts. We had discontinued it after several years for no other reason than the fact that we were scarce on subjects to offer.

We are keeping the title and revising the format. It will now feature a quote with a brief description/explanation of the intent. We plan to remain simple as to avoid any mistake or misunderstanding.

The original posting was on the day before the other monthly series, Bottom’s-Up!, was published. We plan to continue with that same schedule.

The series will return here this upcoming Friday, 30 January 2026!

Naked hugs!

*************************

What Did We Miss?

Did we forget something?

The winter holiday visit with my spouse’s family in Toronto, Canada, was both busy and hectic. The time of the year (major holiday and holy day) and the mealtime gatherings made for a very social experience that left little “free-time” than normally available. Also, two of Aaron’s nephews (sons of different sisters) had two different puppies…and they needed their time with “Uncle Roger!”

Of course, I needed “my time” with my energetic and furry canine “nephews!”

Upon return, it seemed like only one afternoon of unplanned freedom before back to work at university and the start of Spring semester, 2026! A new schedule, new students and a new routine kept me in long office hours for all of two weeks. Two new colleagues at the job ensured an even longer than usual work day!

Since returning to the classroom, my mother had a medical emergency that forced to deal with the reality of a fateful return to Greece. Fortunately, it was a minor issue that my oldest brother over-reacted!

I’ve seriously neglected the blogs and sites that I follow! I humbly apologize and plan to use my time this weekend to return to my favourites and hopefully become current.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys WithoutBoxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 30, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “A Penny For My Thoughts!”

Signature Question?

Background:

The signature referenced in this post entry title for today is not the cursive handwritten application of one’s name. It instead is the process of concluding one feature that is part of the post entry in the format of ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! This is the gif. graphic depicting the man engaging in his daily exercise/fitness ritual.

Introduction:

My spouse, Aaron, and I apologize for any confusion generated by the erratic postings here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! There was no intention to deliberately create any question in anyone’s mind as to whether we were abandoning or ignoring the usual Monday and Friday publishing routine. That is simply the fault of the calendar format for this month of January 2026! Too many dates happening outside of our regular sequence!

Of course, some of the blame can be placed on the winter holiday schedule. Again, that is also another calendar issue. In desperation, if there’s an alternate excuse for our irregular post entries here, we’ll gladly assign guilt wherever it can be given!

Hopefully, this month is the only one of 2026 that will cause this confusion. Spontaneity is good but only in small increments. Too much and any type of routine is best cast aside!

This type of situation is our reasoning for offering our Author’s Note signature at the conclusion of the post entries here. It enables us the to alert everyone of the next planned publishing. It also serves to remind us to plan in advance of publication. This is a gentle and subtle encouragement to urge all of us to carefully read the signature!

For those who are unfamiliar with this site’s design, the above .gif graphic appears as the introduction to the Author’s Note section of posts. The bare practitioner jogger out for his nakedness run simply “jumps-for-joy” while following his daily exercise. During the winter holidays, Aaron discovered another .gif graphic that we can also utilize for this that presents us the opportunity to add some variety into our postings. The new one is posted here below.

Aaron’s discovery enables us to offer a “two-in-one” commemoration experience of not only our nakedness but also our ability to skinny-dip (bare aquatics)! More fun for everyone!

In drafting (writing) this entry for today, I encountered another .gif graphic found by Aaron back in 2022. He gave it to me for sharing here as it depicted close to our original signature .gif image. I uploaded it on St. Valentine’s Day of that year and then thoughtlessly forgot that I even had it. Upon the rediscovery, Aaron immediately chastised me for erasing it from my memory! I promptly placed some of the blame for this incident back to him as I wasn’t the only one who suffered a memory lapse!

I think I’ll begin publishing all three (3) signatures at least on a monthly basis as part of concluding the bottom’s-up! series here. The jogging/running penises offer a nice contrast to a month’s worth of buttocks!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 16, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Celebrity Role Model #5: Happy Birthday!”

Author’s Note Addendum: On second thought, why bother to wait until the end of the month? I can begin inclusivity by offering all three (3) signatures today!

Author’s Note Addendum #2: Hail! Hail! Nakedness in triplicate racing towards another weekend!