Category: a penny for my thoughts

The purpose of today’s post entry originally was to endorse Daymin Voss (pictured above) as the personification of this site. About a year ago, I published a tribute to him extolling his bare practitioner attributes as well as his dedication to social nudity and his proud representation of his maschalagnia (hairy armpit obsession). My fascination with Daymin Voss has by no means subsided, but in composing this post entry, I have altered the focus from one individual to a collection of aspects of commendable admiration that I feel are equally important to our community and our culture. Hence, an expansion of the personification theme!

Regardless of the multitude of characteristics of our personality, there are certain “truths” that very few – if any – of us are able to conceal. The above “header” (image) is a prime example. One of the purposes of ReNude Pride is to offer some semblance of guidance and inspiration to fellow bare practitioners everywhere. Since one of the identifying qualities of being a bare practitioner is same gender loving (gay, lesbian or bisexual), the above opening becomes self-explained. I’m a same gender loving man (gay). Honestly, I doubt that anyone here ever needed that detail published.

I’ll readily own the fact that now I’m fast approaching redundancy here. The above picture confirms my same gender attraction (gay rainbow flag) and my body and clothes freedom nature (naturist/nudist). It’s also a photo that my spouse, Aaron, (photo below) took of me several years ago before the Progress rainbow flag was adopted. Also, Aaron and I were legally married in 2015. And yes, we are both committed bare practitioners.

Another aspect to share is that I am a very amateur photographer. Although I enjoy using a camera and personally captured the above of Aaron, my skills in this art are, at best, non-existent. Usually, I decapitate my subject – photo-wise only!

I freely acknowledge my maschalagnia! The more than 700+ post entries here are evidence of this fact as is the picture of my spouse shared previously. While we’re on the subject of body hair and nakedness, here is a quote from my beloved:

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

I was born profoundly Deaf. My identical twin brother and I attended Deaf schools our entire lives. Aaron learned American Sign Language (ASL) because of a Deaf cousin (before we met). His proficiency in that skill has expanded since we’ve been together and he is now fluent (manually) in Greek Sign Language (my first language). This situation has introduced us both into increased advocacy and awareness for equality for all persons with differing abilities (disabilities). Physical, emotional and mental challenges are no reason to deny anyone equality or human rights.

As an interracial couple – in particular, a bare practitioner interracial couple – we have experienced first-hand and personally the discrepancies in behaviour and reactions that others have endured. Likewise, we have also had very courteous treatment where it was least expected. Not just here, but also abroad (overseas).

The USA most definitely needs to seriously adjust and improve the treatment it offers the communities of people with differing abilities. If one espouses equality then one should practice equality. Simple “lip-service” to a concept or ideal in no way combats bigotry and prejudice.

As advocates and proponents of bare practitioners and equality, we both, Aaron and myself, accept and acknowledge that there are persons who, for whatever the reason, are genuinely unclear and uncomfortable with a unique situation – especially one that puts them in the minority status, be it race, same gender love, nudity, differing ability, communication, equality, heritage, etc. Whatever the insecurity, it causes an anxious response. In this environment, patience, tolerance and understanding help to reduce anxiety and calm the involvement. Discomfort is a natural reaction that produces anger, distrust and resentment.

Sharing happiness is one of my personal Spring resolutions, 2023! One of the available tools is through ReNude Pride. Thank you all for providing me this opportunity!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, April 7, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Environment!”