My apology! This is not the announced post entry for today! I humbly am sorry to disappoint but the projected topic simply didn’t quite meet my expectations and I was very disappointed in the final composition. The late JFK Jr. deserved better than what I composed.
Fitness Routine!
As the winter holiday season is now upon us, a very gentle and subtle reminder of keeping our fitness a priority. It doesn’t have to be an intensive or strenuous routine. It can be a simple series of exercises to encourage circulation and mobility.
The examples depicted here today are not the only ones recommended, They show us a few options that we can utilize in order to preserve ourselves throughout the inclement season!
Use the examples featured here or create your own! The important thing to remember is to stay healthy and enjoy yourself!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 25, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Thanksgiving, 2024!”
It’s the month of November. We’re almost through yet another year and then, we get to repeat the process all over again. One of the November features is the review of pictures acquired throughout the year and filing them accordingly. A November Monday, following a depraved election outcome, we can sit and reflect on others who prefer being fashionably bare!
At home in Chicago!
A couple at home (above). On the right is gay porn actor, J.C. Carter, in the late 1980s. This was prior to his habit of shaving his head as well as his chest and pubic hairs. J.C. was a popular co-star with Bobby Blake especially early in the1990s. He retired from films in the late 1990s!
Autumn hanging!
November is the last full month of the Autumn season. Next month, the season of winter begins and the temperatures tend to discourage outdoor nudity for the majority of us. One of the advantages of this month is the occurrence of unseasonably moderate days when nakedness remains possible in a natural setting!
Carry and kiss!
When the weather isn’t quite as cooperative, we always enjoy the option of staying at home and letting the outside world deal with itself while we stay comfortable and cuddle with the one we love! Body and clothes freedom is often a just reward!
Bare friends!
With the arrival of the cooler temperatures outside, the shifting of activities inside provides opportunities to invite friends to explore the wonders of social nakedness. This not only expands their life experiences but also acquaints them with a growing group of new friends and social opportunities!
My quotation!
Hardly words of wisdom but when asked for a statement, sometimes we just have to “go with what we know!” Sometimes, we all use the clothing issue to obscure ourselves from the accusations against us as being deceitful and promiscuous.
Laundry day!
For those of us who are serious bare practitioners, laundry day (for the cleaning of clothes) is not the major task that others regularly encounter. Our engagement in clothes freedom reduces the amount of clothes that need washing! A job that others do weekly we generally only have once a month! Another advantage for the body and clothes freedom advocates!
Hygiene!
Of course, our personal bathing/showering habits and routines take a higher priority than the needs of dirty clothes! We are, after all, primarily a very social species! As bare practitioners, we all want to look our best!
Our photographer!
Our photographer for today’s photo-essay is very serious for us to not only look our best but to also be confident and proud bare practitioners! Our nakedness is an essential part of who we are and what makes us unique!
All together!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, November 22, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “JFK, Jr.!”
On 11 November, 1918, an Armistice (cease-fire) went into effect at 11:00 a.m. that ended the fighting in The Great War (World War I). The fighting raged throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
The 11th day, 11th month, 11:00 a.m.
The Occasion:
Armistice Day is commemorated throughout the world saluting the cessation (ending) of hostilities (fighting) between the armed forces, thus bringing an end to the suffering of The Great War. The war officially was finalized by the Treaty of Versailles a year later. This date is Armistice Day in most of the world. In the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, it is observed as Remembrance Day, an occasion to pay tribute to all the casualties of The Great War and subsequent conflicts and wars. In the USA. it is known as Veteran’s Day, in gratitude for military service.
The Great War: Eruption
On 28 June, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Empire of Austria-Hungary (The Dual Monarchy) was assassinated, along with his wife, the Countess Sophie, while touring the city of Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, a province of the empire. The assassins were Serbians who wanted the province united with the Kingdom of Serbia.
Tensions between the two countries escalated rapidly and exactly one month later, Emperor Franz Josef II of Austria-Hungary declared war against Serbia. Germany, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) sided with Austria against Serbia, France, Russia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Italy, the British Empire and eventually the USA. Because of extensive colonial possessions, the fighting became global with battles raging in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the South Pacific.
The war grew in epic strides as the aggression spread out of control. Up until this point in history, the effects became catastrophic unlike any previous war. Civilian populations suffered enormous fatalities and the very first genocide, of the Armenian peoples was raged by the Ottomans. The military casualties were exceptional and often fought over the same battlefield, time and time again. At times, entire armies and regiments were annihilated within one day’s time.
The Great War, a name earned due to the massive fatalities inflicted, was global in the horrors it produced. The devastation was without precedent.
The Armistice:
The proclamation of the Armistice of 1918 was celebrated globally by all belligerents. It included the announcement of the of the peace conference to be held the following year and the official signing of the surrender of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire. The bloodbath was over, and the living reverted to living their lives.
On the first anniversary of the Armistice, in 1919, a solemnity Remembrance Day service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury in London, UK, in the presence of King George V and Queen Mary. The prime ministers of the self-governing dominions of the British Empire were also in attendance. On this occasion, the red poppy was worn as a royal salute to the multitudes killed. At this observance, the entombment of an unidentified British casualty was by Royal Decree made for the Main Aisle in Westminster Abbey along with a state internment with full military honours.
Thereafter, the United States announced plans for the same once a burial site was determined. France soon followed in salutation to the fallen.
In tribute to all the military and naval deceased, a royal proclamation was enacted. Businesses and factories, parliament and courts, everyone in London was out on the streets, in parks and in public. At 11:00 a.m., on 11 November, 1919, a two-minute period of silence was implemented. Traffic halted, whether by motorcoach or driven by horses. The King and Queen bowed their heads. Complete silence prevailed. The city and the Empire remembered the dead.
At 11:03 a.m., the bands of the regiments guarding Buckingham Palace started playing God Save the King. The official tribute had been awarded to those no longer living.
Poppies and what they represent!
The Poppy
The red poppy flower represents consolation, condolences, death and remembrance. The poppy is a common symbol that has been utilized to also represent death and even, on occasion, to symbolize sleep. Since ancient times, the flower has been adorning coffins, graves and tombstones as symbolic of eternal sleep (rest).
During The Great War (World War I: 1914 – 1918), much of the actual conflict (fighting) on the Western Front happened along the trenches of northwestern Europe, especially in the Flanders region of the Kingdom of Belgium. The rural countryside was blasted, bombed and fought over repeatedly. The scenic landscape was riddled and shredded by trenches to accommodate the invading armies. The once productive and prosperous fields blackened barren where little or nothing could grow. A notable exception to this bleak horizon was the Flanders poppy, which survived and thrived in profusion. The resilient flowering flourished amid all the chaos and destruction.
Soon the red poppy naturally proliferated and adorned the hundreds of thousands of graves rapidly appearing all over the battlefields. The poppy became symbolic of divine sanctity upon the wartime casualties. Simultaneously, the flower was worn over the heart by those troops burying their fallen friends.
In 1919, the United Kingdom and the British Empire (now the Commonwealth) adopted the red poppy as the remembrance tribute to all the war dead. The British Legion (now the Royal British Legion) adopted the symbol and in 1922 created a factory to produce poppies that still operates today. In 2022, the original poppy factory was made a museum and a new poppy factory opened. King Charles III renewed the Royal warrant for the new factory to continue to create official poppies for the Royal Family.
Poppy Guidelines:
Wear on the left shoulder of the body, just above the heart.
Acceptable colours are red for remembrance and white for peace.
Not to be worn after 11 November, annually.
A field of red poppies in Flanders!
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
the larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset 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 whodie
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
John McCrae, the Poet:
John McCrae was the son of Scottish immigrants and born in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, in and 1872. In May, 1915, he was serving as a physician in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps and posted in Flanders, Belgium. While there, his lifelong friend, Alexis Helmer, a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Field Artillery was killed in the Second Battle of Ypres. Shortly afterwards, McCrae composed the poem, In Flanders Fields in memory of his friend and in honour of all the war dead of the British Empire.
The poem was first published on 8 December, 1915, in London, UK, for Punch magazine. It was immediately adopted by the Imperial War Council in honour of the deceased and incorporated into memorial services by the Church of England, the Church of Scotland and the United Church of Canada.
Veteran’s Day Poppies:
In 1918, U.S. humanitarian Moina Michael wrote: “And now the torch and poppy red, we wear in honour of our dead.” She composed this sentiment after she read the poem, “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae.
Following the British paradigm, the American Legion was organized and adopted the red poppy and its sale on Veteran’s Day. In the USA, the symbolism of the poppy declined after World War II. With the centennial observance of the Great War in 2018, the poppy use experienced a revival. In 2017, the American Legion officially took the poppy as the image of honouring all war dead.
A very happy whatever occasion you are observing!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, November 15, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Autumn Twist!”
It has been quite some time – at least three years – since I have referenced my bare and gay modeling job and/or the two years that I was involved with it. I have no embarrassment, guilt or shame over that fact/reality. After all, it was an enormous milestone in my life that contributed to the publication of ReNude Pride (this site). Credit should go where it is due!
While earning and learning my baccalaureate degree at my university, I was an active member of the Lavender Club. This was the student club for bisexuals, gays and lesbians. At that time, those three were the sole identities professed by our community and our membership. The overwhelming majority of us considered ourselves gay.
The second largest component group identified as bisexual and was predominantly male followed by the third grouping: lesbian. To our knowledge, there was no census, survey or research done to uncover the discrepancy in numerical memberships. The unofficial reasoning that circulated among us students was that none of the women wanted to be known as a “lavenderlesbian!” This observation was often repeated in jest!
As a student member of the Lavender Club (please make a note of: lavender), our faculty advisor was Dr. Rose (please note: rose). He also was the coordinator of the university’s programme of using graduate students, if interested, as nude models for the art and/or photography classes. Lavender? Rose? Were the university administrators attempting to organize a “rainbow” of surnames for the bisexual, gay and lesbian students?
Bare Professional:
Autumn posing!
As referenced above, Dr. Rose was the sole coordinator for the university’s naked models for the School of Art and he was the one who interviewed all prospective candidates. My situation was different from the others as he was aware of my comfort and familiarity with nudity as well as membership in several Washington, D.C. area clothes free social clubs. He approached me into joining his group of bare models. Of course I agreed! My first assignment as a naked model was to pose for a photography class interacting with fallen leaves the autumn after my graduation. Interacting with a pile of Autumn leaves while the students photographed me? Really?
A simple task that was a nightmare of a challenge. How “creative” could I be with a pile of leaves? Dr. Rose repeatedly emphasized to my modeling partner and myself that the project entailed both our nudity and nature (the leaves). Using the leaves to cover our anatomy was absolutely not an option. Little did he know that was never considered as a possibility by me! My goal: naked, front and center!
As for my modeling partner, he was obsessed with the wearing of a facial Halloween mask for the project. When I asked: why? He answered that he didn’t want his family or friends to know that he was posing nude. I convinced him that this was a project for the photography students, not creating pictures for an art gallery.
Once the project began and working with the leaves developed a pattern, the job became somewhat easier. It was no longer a tedious task. The camera (photography) students started to interact with us and we performed, danced, showered and countless other methods of socialization with the leaves ensued! The class became enthusiastic about the assignment and the focus evolved into having fun!
I realized how fortunate I was. An openly (out-of-the-closet) gay man who was being paid for having fun being naked! The center of attention of this group of photography students as we manually communicated (using ASL) suggestions and ideas as to what to attempt next! A very cool situation considering the fact that we were outside and it was already late October!
Leaves everywhere!
While posing, I began to fancy myself as a performer (actor) in the gay porn industry! Naked with all cameras and everyone’s attention focused on my every move and every whim with no one judging or shocked by my body and clothes freedom or the obvious fact that my man-to-man attraction was not a “taboo” (forbidden) subject! An ideal career aspiration for a 21-year-old man!
Author’s note: imagine me, nude and gay, entertaining the world with my talents! Unlimited financial success due to my superlative relationship with leaves!
While posing, I began to notice that the sunlight seemed to fade and then return. Dizziness one minute and then disappearing the next. Suddenly, after gasping for air, I lost my sense of connection with reality. I felt as though I were floating on waves. The next cognizant thought I had I was on a gurney in the back of a trauma vehicle on the way to a local hospital. I had fainted!
I had lost consciousness and stopped breathing while labouring among the leaves! I had never experienced such an episode in my life! I was kept in hospital for two days and informed that I was allergic to pollen from my co-stars – the leaves! My identical twin brother, Alex, nor I had ever experienced any allergy reactions before! This was actually a first for the both of us as well as all of our brothers!
This incident brought an immediate termination of my exceptional career in pornography with leaves! I continued to work as a bare model for the university’s School of Art and Photography for the remainder of that scholastic year and the next. Henceforth, I restricted my assignments to avoid contact with fallen leaf pollen!
Carpet of leaves!
My diagnosis with an allergy served notice to my parents and siblings to undergo testing. Growing up, there were no serious or urgent health issues for any of us. Fortunately, only Twin (the familiar name Alex and I use in referring to one another) and I were the only ones determined to be susceptible to pollen. Another amazing distinction to being identical twins: Deaf, gay, nudists and now allergy sufferers. Our unique notoriety qualifications listing continued to grow!
Upon being informed of his pollen allergy, Twin immediately asked the doctor if he was certain his allergy was to pollen and not to our shared preference for nakedness! Our physician assured him that it was solely a pollen allergy. Even today, we continue to laugh over his concern as to the cause of our allergy! In his defence, he reminds us that we were “only” 21 years old at the time!
As a footnote to the allergy theme here, in our paternal family we do indeed have a cousin, Michael, who is also a Deaf and an active bare practitioner. Within our family, his own “claim-to-fame” is that he does not suffer a pollen allergy!
Landscaping!
Another footnote to my career as a bare model, I was relieved of any consideration for any future leaf responsibilities! However, in response to my incident, no engagements involving leaves was ever taken again by the School of Art! No one affiliated with the now School of Media wanted a repetition of my reaction and hospitalization. Evidently, once was quite enough!
A humourous closing note, shortly after my return to graduate studies at my university, a notice was anonymously posted on campus: “Warning! Roger does not play well with leaves!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 11, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Armistice Day/Remembrance Day!”
As the month of October, 2024, fast approaches closing, a tribute to our celebration of GLBTQ+ History Month is worthy of a final notation. Why? First and foremost, it helps all of us as we continue to build (construct, develop) an even greater sense and understanding of our very own story: our herstory/history/ourstory! There are extremely few, if any, references to nakedness in any commemoration – official or unofficial – throughout our collective community and culture.
Secondly, as a distinct minority within the GLBTQ+ population, bare practitioner ourstory (bare practitioner herstory/history) has a very justifiable and viable consideration to be explored and shared. Not only for us bare practitioners, but for all body and clothes freedom enthusiasts no matter their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Thirdly and primarily is the fact that I owe to everyone here – at least – an apology and brief explanation for the announced and scheduled posting of: “Our History: No Briefs!” for Friday, 18 October, 2024. My seasonal pollen allergies caused a serious disruption of my health and myself for that day. I sincerely apologize to all for any confusion and inconvenience!
Ourstory: Definition:
Ourstory is simply an all gender inclusive description – not herstory nor history – that defines our experiences and lives as same gender loving (SGL) and body and clothes freedom humans. Being gender neutral, the intention is to be recognized and understood as being accepting us all in a respectful manner, regardless of our gender identity.
Ourstory, as a word, was initially introduced to me by my spouse, Aaron. He’s unable to identify or recall any source for the term except himself!
The Danish Trio:
Today’s heading (opening image above) depicts a photograph of the confident and proud gay artist, Ainor Bagner, (himself nude), painting a naked man reading a book on the coast of Denmark. The artist himself is obviously comfortable with his nudity. The same is true of the subject posing for him (the reader). Bagner’s photographer is visually mysterious, however, Bagner later confirmed that he was also a gay naked man. In the lower right-hand corner of the picture image is etched “1910.”
One common trait apparent in the above vintage photo is the comfort and confidence of both the known same gender loving artist, Ainor Bagner, and his artistic subject (the reader) have being photographed in their nakedness. Keep in mind the notation of “1910” in the lower right-hand corner of the picture. More than a century ago – long before the Stonewall Inn riots of 1969! Another bonus: their photographer joined them in their clothes freedom, too!
Personal:
I encountered this picture in the early days of my online exploration. It’s very nature and vintage captured my immediate appreciation and attention due to the nude subjects and their interaction. I remember thinking this is an important visual artifact of gay and nude history! Upon remembering the date the picture was inscribed, my theory on the historical was confirmed! Throughout all these years, it has remained one of my all-time favourites due to it being a classic example of nakedness and same gender love not being a contemporary novelty but instead being a lasting artistic tradition!
The emergence of the bare practitioner community and culture within the mainstream GLBTQ+ movement is a product of the 21st century. This picture is an integral part of ourstory!
Camaraderie:
Bare camaraderie early 1960s!
During a time when there was limited and rare acceptance, tolerance and understanding of what we now refer to as same gender love (SGL), the two young men featured in this series of photographs here interact in harmony with one another. Totally out of character and in direct conflict with social norms for both their time (early 1960s) and their type: one being Black and the other being White. Physically, besides their obvious nakedness, they are both in fitness and good health.
Racial equality was practically non-existent during this time period. Segregation (separation by race) was legally mandated throughout most of the country and was considered the “normal” routine. Photographs depicting or suggesting camaraderie and/or friendship between the two races were not permitted and attracted unwanted attention.
Friendly and bare, early 1960s!
Their body and clothes-free appearance – together – would be viewed by the overwhelming majority of people as despicable, illegal, immoral and offensive. Any hint of any type of intimacy (touching) between the two young men was disgraceful and repulsive and condemned by church, society and state. During this time period, few would promote their camaraderie as admirable and progressive. Then-president Harry Truman was strongly criticized by many for having integrated the U. S. armed forces by executive order in 1948.
The fact that these two young men were actually touching one another in the initial image (under the subtitle above) and the one below would have caused an uproar!
Leaning and supporting together!
This series of pictures represents an effort by the photographer in a subtle delivery of a message of artistic expression of equality. The photographer is unknown to us as is his clothing status (bare or clothed). No information is available on the two young men in the photos.
As bare practitioners, the ourstorical (historical) expression of the majesty of our nakedness is our artistic contribution!
Personal:
This photograph series on no way implies or suggests that the concept or ideal of racial equality is exclusive to us as bare practitioners. I’m certain of the existence of segregationists of both races. However, Aaron and I both believe our nakedness does make us inclined to greater acceptance of equality for all!
Heritage:
Early warrior!
The inclusion of this visual series serves as a reminder of the human heritage that we all share: nakedness. None of us were born with garments to wear. All of us were born bare, natural, or nude. Body and clothes freedom is the original “state of being” of us all!
Taking aim!
Taking advantage of our natural (from nature) resources, our ancestors created colors and designs to adorn, decorate, and distinguish our bare bodies. The purpose of this was not to conceal or hide but rather to embellish and enrich ourselves. Please note the natural “club” (stick) here is representative of “protection” (preservation) of our nakedness!
Pride!
Our shared ouristorical heritage is both majestic and noble. Be confident and be proud!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, October 31, 2014, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! October, 2024!”
The purple stripe at the bottom of the GLBTQ+ Flag symbolizes “Spirit!”
Spirit Day is an annual GLBTQ+ awareness day of recent development for a noble cause. It is currently observed on the third Thursday in October, annually, as a part of GLBTQ+ History Month. The occasion was initiated in 2010 by Canadian teenager, Brittany McMillan in response to a significant number of bullying-related suicides of same gender loving students, the most notorious being that of Tyler Clementi.
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Notation: Tyler Clementi
Tyler Clementi was an American student at Rutgers University in Mew Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. He jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge over the Hudson River at the age of 18 on September 22, 2010. On September 19, Tyler’s dormitory roommate, Dharen Ravi, posted on Twitter a clip showing Tyler kissing another man. The Twitter posting was published without Tyler’s nor his partner’s consent or permission.
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Purple Spirit Day awareness ribbon and message!
Promoted by Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), participants wear the colour purple as a visible sign of awareness and support for GLBTQ+ young people and against bullying in general during National Bullying Prevention Month (October). It also pays tribute to GLBTQ+ victims of suicide.
The very first Spirit Day was observed on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Later occasions were on Thursday, October 20, 2011, and on Friday, October 19, 2012. In 2012, it was decided by GLAAD to observe Spirit Day on the third Thursday of the month of October, annually. GLAAD continues to sponsor the event.
Bare Practitioner’s Note:
A gentle and subtle reminder that using purple body paint to create a purple awareness ribbon is even better than wearing a purple ribbon. It shows creativity and sensitivity! Plus, there are no sharp pointed pins to deal with!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, October 18, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Our Story! Bare Skin!”
For numerous decades, the term “homosexual” was used to describe same gender loving people as both a definition and as a term synonymous with despicable and/or perverted. The late 1950s and early 1960s marked the transition of the meaning of the word “gay” from that of being “carefree and happy” to that meaning “homosexual” in British usage. The British interpretation slowly began to make its way into American language. By the time of the Stonewall Inn riots (SIR) of 1969, the British term was embraced by the same gender loving rioters and other protesters. For far too long and for too many, “homosexual” was too degrading and too prejudicial.
Vintage buttons proclaiming “gay!”
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Lambda!
Lambda:
The Greek alphabet letter “lambda” was designated in December, 1969, by the graphic artist of the Gay Activist Alliance (GAA), founding member Tom Doerr. Doerr chose it because in chemistry it was the sign for “catalyst.” In this context, Doerr offered that the lambda involved the complete exchange of energy. Tom Doerr also felt that the Greek lambda was symbolic of self-identification, unity and pride. Others argue that lambda denotes synergy of the growing gay movement: the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
In 1970, the lambda was adopted by New York City’s GAA as the emblem of their growing movement for gay liberation. In 1974, it was subsequently proclaimed by the International Gay Rights Congress at their meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, as their symbol for gay and lesbian civil rights. Following their designation, lambda became internationally popular and recognized globally with the same gender loving community.
Unfortunately, many women viewed the lambda symbol as relevant for males only.
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The Pink Triangle!
The Pink Triangle:
Just as the Nazi’s forced Jewish people to wear a yellow star of David, they forced men they identified as homosexual to wear an inverted pink triangle (die Rosa-Winkel) to identify their male gender preference. Those forced to do so were treated as the “lowest of the low in the concentration camp hierarchy.” It is estimated that 65% of those incarcerated as homosexuals died in captivity. Adolph Hitler perceived gay men as an impediment to purify Germany and as a serious threat to Aryan superiority.
After the concentration camps were liberated at the end of World War II, men imprisoned for homosexuality remained locked up. East Germany (communist) didn’t rescind the criminality of homosexuals until 1968. West Germany (democracy) didn’t repeal Nazi laws against homosexuality until 1969. Reunited Germany removed the illegality of homosexuality in 1994.
In 2002, the German government issued an official apology to all gay men who were imprisoned during the war. Rudolph Brazda, the last known concentration camp survivor who wore a pink triangle, died on August 3, 2011, at the age of 98.
Notation: The inverted Pink Triangle, located inside a green circle, is frequently used today to designate “safe” (protected) environments, facilities and spaces for GLBTQ+ persons.
A designated comfort zone for GLBTQ+ persons!
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The Rainbow Pride Flag!
Notation: The Rainbow Pride flag consists of six rainbow stripes. The colours are red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. The red stripe is always the top, the purple the bottom. When first flown, it held eight stripes but was soon revised to six stripes only. The colours represent the ideals below:
The Rainbow Pride Flag:
This flag was first publicly raised on June 25, 1978, in San Francisco, California, USA. It was unfurled over the city’s United Nations Plaza in honour of gay pride at the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. The original flag contained eight coloured stripes and was designed for the event and the occasion by Gilbert Baker. The initial banner was hand-stitched and dyed by Baker with the help of volunteers and friends Lynn Segerblum, James McNamara, Glenne McElhinney, Joe Duran and Paul Langlotz.
The original flag was reconfigured after the unveiling as the banner soared in popularity and the demand became widespread. The new design featured six stripes matching the natural rainbow. The flag discontinued the stripes pink (symbolizing “sex”) and turquoise (“art and magic”) as those two colours were unavailable in flag fabric.
Gilbert Baker conceived the flag would “empower his tribe” (the growing GLBTQ+ community) into a “rainbow of humanity.” The motif represented the movement’s diversity.
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The new Progress Flag among Rainbow Pride Flags!
Evolution: Pride to Progress:
Forty years after the appearance of the Rainbow Pride flag, the Progress Flag debuted as the new banner of the worldwide GLBTQ+ community and culture. The Progress flag incorporated the six stripes of the Rainbow Pride flag along with colours and designs that depict our movement as we march together into the future.
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The Progress Flag!
The Progress Flag of the GLBTQ+ Community and Culture
The Progress Pride flag was developed by non-binary (not conforming gender identity) artist and designer Daniel Quasar in 2018, forty years after the initiation of the Rainbow Pride flag. Based on the six stripes of Gilbert Baker’s 1978 Rainbow Pride flag, Quasar’s redesign celebrates the expanded diversity of today’s GLBTQ+ community and culture and encourages a more inclusive general society. The banner has increased the representation of discriminated minority identities covered by the GLBTQ+ umbrella.
Quasar’s creation placing black and brown stripes (emblems representing peoples of colour) and light blue, pink and white stripes (representing transgender and non-binary persons) in the shape of an arrow on the left of the Progress Pride flag. In Daniel Quasar’s own words “…the arrow points to the right to show forward movement and illustrates that progress towards inclusivity still needs to be made.”
In the Progress Pride flag, the black stripe has a double meaning as it, in Quasar’s intent, to represent not only the African race and their descendants but also “those living with HIV/AIDS and the stigma and prejudice surrounding them as well as all those who have succumbed to the disease.”
On the evening of June 6, 2018, Quasar posted the design for the Progress Pride flag on social media. When he woke up the following day, he discovered that the posting had gone viral. It was an immediate success!
Progress Pride flying over the University of Nottingham!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, October 17, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Spirit: Stop Bullying Day!”
One of the purposes for us as students in a state-maintained residential school for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing to learn and memorize poetry was to help us gain an appreciation, knowledge and understanding of the English language. American Sign Language (ASL) and English are two distinctly different languages that may share a vocabulary (words) and little else. Twin and I can remember this poem as it was one of the first we had to commit to memory but it was also a major challenge.
The references to all of the varieties of flowering growth was not something easy for us to deal with. None of the plants were familiar to us, either in Virginia or in Greece. In order to finger-spell the names of all the different types, we had to first learn how to properly spell the actual name. We both recall the relief and satisfaction we both felt once this task was finished and we performed our assigned recital, in front of our class. Over and done!
Neither one of us have any particular attachment, appreciation, attraction or desire for anything related to the month of October! It’s another month, one out of twelve annually!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 11, 2014, and the proposed topic is: “Coming Out/Awareness Day!”
For this post entry here today on ReNude Pride, that question is indeed historical as it refers to the “size” of a man’s penis. As this site – and probably the majority of readers – are same gender loving (SGL) men who are either bisexual or gay who are also body and clothes freedom oriented (bare practitioners) it is intended that the penis is the size in question. Thus, the heading shows Landon (Black man) and his friend obviously referring to one another’s manly anatomy!
They’re both pointing to their penis as the subject of their appearance together. Neither one of them are disappointed nor disturbed by their own or the other’s manhood. Their body language – through gestures and facial expressions convey their comfort and confidence with what they each offer to one another and to the camera.
Yes, Landon is an openly (public) gay pornography performer and this particular scene is from one of his films. Yes, it is evident to all that this scenario is sexually-oriented. That is the legitimate recognized purpose of the porn industry. Both men are at ease and relaxed about their nakedness.
Yes, SGL surpasses sexuality. What it is important to note here is that the essential question, Does size matter? extends beyond the theme of sex. Within the male population, the question is asked of all men, regardless of their individual sexual preference. The inquiry is indifferent to SGL or to heterosexual. An overwhelming majority of men, from both backgrounds, acknowledge asking themselves the identical question and wondering where they rank individually.
Curiosity comparison!
Exactly how long have men been curious about the size of their personal genitalia? Historically, we’ll probably never know for certain. However, human nature is an aspect that we all share. It is common to both genders and to all sexualities. Once a man is aware of his anatomy, the question soon follows. Once Adam and Eve were proverbially expelled from the Garden of Eden, the use of covering a person’s genitalia soon followed. When the “covering” practice was introduced, that is probably when the natural curiosity as to the ranking of one’s penis more than likely commenced.
Size Matters: Buttocks?
Dallas “Flash” Wade models his buttocks!
For centuries, if not longer, humans (both genders) have posed the question of size to the male penis. However, now that we are living in the 21st century, the bias and stigma that was forced upon men who preferred the “penetrated” (bottom) role in male-on-male sexual encounters is now rapidly disappearing. It is no longer considered degrading, effeminate, “sissy” or any less masculine to be in the “penetrated” or “receiver” role in strictly gay sexual encounters. The current trend is in versatility or performing in both alpha (top, penetrator) and beta (bottom, receiver) roles sexually.
This trending permits both partners flexibility and avoids the judgments being passed between men. With both men being versatile, they engage in both sexual positions and gain skills necessary to allow them to improve delivery and satisfaction. Multi-skilled and multi-talented!
Because of this sexual phenomenon, more men are now focusing attention on their own buttocks as well as those around them. Now, they’re questioning the size and prominence of their “rear ends.” Is it tight? Does it get the attention and desire of others? For many men, having a bouncy, bubbly pair of buttocks is the goal, and there are now fitness routines geared specifically toward developing and enhancing the masculine derrière! Want more notice? Get better fit! BUYA: “bubble-up-your-ass! There is even commercial padding to enrich one’s size! Just be aware that an intimate moment reveals the truth!
The passive or penetrated partner in male-on-male relationships was often conceived strictly as a pleasure toy subservient to their dominant or active (penetrator) partner. The term passive was derived for the recipient because all required from them was to simply lay on their stomach and to surrender their buttocks to their active (dominant) male partner. For centuries, in what is now known as same gender loving (SGL) male relationships, the person performing the passive role was considered lowly and a very degraded individual. They were consistently looked down upon by all.
Now that the 21st century has arrived, the prejudicial stereotypes that have plagued the SGL population are now dissipating from the routine. It is no longer absolutely necessary for us to encourage everyone to “come out of the closet.” The overwhelming majority of us were never in a situation when “closeting” (discretely being SGL) is even possible. Nor is hiding one’s sexuality from family and friends even practical. At the very least, most people now understand that SGL persons exist and no longer fear being what and who they are.
Reality!
One’s preferred position during sexual intimacy is no longer a criteria for judgment for or against a person. Versatility (being flexible) in sexual roles is now the popular trend, as well it should be. The individuals involved in an encounter should be the only one’s concerned with the outcome. Biased stereotypes have no role to play in our fulfillment and happiness!
Of course, the historical question being: does size matter? There is no perfect probable way to determine the answer to that question. The responses would more than likely equal the number of times the question was offered. It is relatively certain that the honest and simplest reply is that it all is contingent upon the preference of the engaged individuals. After all, as far as others are concerned, it is no one’s business except their own!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 7, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “October’s Bright Blue Weather!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 