Category: a penny for my thoughts

Anxious in August!

Anxiety?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had fond memories of not only the summer season of every year but especially of the month of August. The summers have appealed not only to me personally to me but also to my identical twin brother, Alex. As identical siblings, one reason for this pleasure from the season is the fact that we are both practicing and proponents of our nakedness and of the preference we both have with the camaraderie and fellowship among those who enjoy social nudity (body acceptance and clothes freedom in the company of others).

We’ve both engaged in being nude together and with others for as long as we can recall. According to our older siblings (all brothers), Alex and I have been this way our entire lives – even before we were aware that some judged nudity as “not nice!” One of the realities of our double (twin) special lifestyle is the fact that as our parents were trying to teach us how to put on our clothes, we were both busy and focused on how to remove them!

We both enjoyed being comfortable! Our particular comfort level was best determined by our freedom, our liberation, from the confines of clothing! This enabled the both of us to truly be ourselves and – at least, conceptually, in control of our independence from the restrictions of having to conceal – our bodies!

Literary twins!

Our nakedness was, primarily, respected within our family and household. At home, Alex and I, as the twins, shared a bedroom. When within our shared space, we were allowed to be completely bare. Our parents and our six brothers (no sisters) understood this and there was no condemnation or judgment when they entered our bedroom and found us nude. When at home and outside of our four walls, Alex and I knew the policy was that we had to wear clothes. A family compromise that granted all of us some minimal degree of content and happiness.

This situation at home was fine but for one aspect. The both of us were born Deaf. Once our education level reached beyond the primary grade levels, we attended residential schools offered for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing. This entailed us living on a campus setting without the privacy of a room where our nudity would be permitted. The privacy factor was not an issue for either one of us. The clothing issue was the problem. Another negative aspect was that our school was at least a three-hour commute from our family home. Not very conducive for frequent visitations!

Naked shame!

Neither Alex nor myself experienced any feelings of guilt or shame concerning our nakedness and our preference for nudity. We were comfortable being ourselves no matter if those around us were clothed or not. As our oldest brother had commented numerous times: we had no modesty anywhere around us! More than likely, this was due to the fact that in our household, Alex and I were the only bare practitioners among all the “textiles” (clothes enthusiasts)! Our immediate family had accepted our nudity without comment or judgment.

Our residential school environment changed our living situation. As August was now the final full month of our summer break from school, we began to experience “August anxiety.” The time just prior to the start of a new academic year meant that we would have to adjust to the very likely probability of new classmates within our dormitory existence.

New classmates is the equivalent of new persons who had to accept the reality of our naked preference. It opened the door to the possibility of judgment and rejection, not only from our peers but also from older students. As we were now in the later years of our primary-level education, any undue and unnecessary attention from others was not a welcome experience. Hence, the anxious or discomfort feeling concerning our return to the campus of our school for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing.

Thoughtful but anxious twins!

For Alex and I, this wasn’t a very carefree month. A life experience? Most definitely but not one of the most rewarding!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 14, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Aaron & Roger!”

Bare Practitioner Model?

Unobstructed view!

During today’s frantic and hectic lifestyle, I’m sometimes asked how do we bare practitioners promote (spread the word about) ourselves? A valid question that does require some form of acknowledgment if not a complete answer. Most of our “promotion” comes by way of face-to-face communication between one who is already a bare practitioner and one who is curious to learn more about what it is to become one. The prerequisite here being the inquiry, how did the person inquiring even know about them?

Familiarity induces curiosity which often leads to questions. Some examples being: How does one become one? What is the difference between gay social nudity and bare practitioner? How much does it cost to become a bare practitioner? The list can and often does become endless.

To my knowledge, there is no book published that offers a step-by-step approach to becoming a bare practitioner. Anyone reading here has an understanding of the concept and those who personally are acquainted with my spouse, our family and friends and few others have some knowledge on the subject and then it all returns to the face-to-face communication stage.

Buttocks and penis!

Which leads to todays post entry here. The guy modelling here probably has no earthly idea of what or who a bare practitioner indeed is. Given the label on the bottom corner of the images that picture him, he’s employed either directly or indirectly for an adult studio that produces same gender loving pornography. Aside from that reality, we really don’t know that much about him.

The exception being the plainly obvious fact that he does seem very content on modelling (demonstrating or showing off) his physical attributes. He has no hesitation nor inhibition in featuring himself and, of course, his body. He’s very comfortable and relaxed in sharing his nakedness to others and allowing them to admire his anatomy. He’s also confident of their approval of himself.

Is he a stereotypical bare practitioner? Are we, as a community, overly-assured of ourselves as examples or models of the lifestyle of living with body acceptance and clothes freedom? Do we represent the naturist/nudist philosophy in such a provocative manner? Is this “what” we’re all about?

Inhibited?

In reality and truth, the best response to the questions offered above is “no!” There exists not a single answer to all of the proposed inquiries. Like every other community or group within our human species, there are some of us who are more bold and brave in our lives just as there are some who are more humble and shy. There are then the rest of us who are compliant with the idea or notion letting each of us determine our own level of comfort in being ourselves, no matter the categories or classifications we individually decide we fall or fit into. We are our “own” judge and jury.

According to our respective background, belief, role-model and upbringing, we are a collection of what we’ve experienced and been taught. Few, if any, of us are absolutely identical. Similar, perhaps but there is no predetermined standard that applies to all of us. There are as many varieties among us as there are number of us.

Boldness and modesty!

And this diversity is a benefit for us all! It is one of the major factors that makes our lives as varied and as different as possible. It keeps us curious and as interested in precisely what and who we all are. It gives us the value of being ourselves in a very chaotic and complex world! It affords us the chance to be unique in our own special way!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 11, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Anxious in August!”

Nude Recreation Week: Week-End!

Week-End is here!

2023 NUDE RECREATION WEEK

July 10 – 17, 2023

Week’s end naked antics and nude frolics!

Bare abduction!
Truth!
Sunshine freedom!
Backyard contest!

A shoreline stroll!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 17, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Nude Recreation Week: Recuperation!”

Bare Practitioner’s Day, 2023!

Reign: Unashamed on Bare Practitioner’s Day, 2023!

TODAY IS BARE PRACTITIONER’S DAY, 2023!

July 14, annually

A day for us to celebrate, honour and salute us for being ourselves!

We’ve just completed the entire month of June as GLBTQ+ Pride Month. We’re now observing Nude Recreation Week. Do we really need a Bare Practitioner’s Day to supplement the festivities? Is our ultimate goal an entire year of commemorations and/or occasions? A thoughtless retort to such a ridiculous suggestion is: Yes!

Is it necessary to question our every reason to enjoy being us? Are we all in danger of having such unfulfillment in our lives that we need to exploit opportunities to extol our characteristics that have created us in the uniqueness that we all enjoy? Unfortunately, in today’s world, the possibilities of our being denied give us little alternative.

A bare practitioner is a person who openly (without reservation or shame) accepts and acknowledges being same gender loving (bisexual or gay) and a naturist/nudist. Confident and proud, a bare practitioner endorses the community and culture shared by all, free from judgment and prejudice. Bare Practitioner’s Day is our day to celebrate, commemorate and dedicate to all of us being ourselves! We respect this for everyone and expect the same in return!

Gio Dell, oceanside bare practitioner!

The majority of us bare practitioners (same gender loving naturists/nudists) openly acknowledge that our way of life – freedom from embarrassment, guilt, humiliation or shame for being same gender loving and body and clothes free advocates – is nothing that any of us need to conceal. It is what and who we basically are. It is our right to be ourselves. Throughout history, society has deemed us as being perverse. We have been ridiculed, punished, denied equality and even attacked and beaten because of who we are. Therefore, culturally we have all earned the right to be and celebrate ourselves!

Equality for all!

For all of those persons who find discomfort in being bare around others, we all accept their level of comfort and their need for clothing. We may not understand – yet we concede their right to be different. For all of those persons who are unable to comprehend our affection and attraction for our same gender, it is our reality. We don’t share the same feelings but that’s fine. All of us have the right to be different!

Varying levels of physical exposure!

What is of primary importance is that we tolerate and understand these variations in our levels of comfort and respect everyone’s right to be who they truly are. If an aspect of someone else’s life makes us uncomfortable, we can choose to avoid that person or that situation.

Felipe Ferreira and his Pride tattoo!

There are various ways of expressing ourselves and conveying our beliefs and ideals to others. The degrees that we select to expose ourselves vary from person to person. Each person has the right to determine their own level of comfort in sharing their nakedness and sexuality with others.

How can love be a basis for hate?

We may not approve the message but we must recognize the variety that others employ to demonstrate themselves. The public displays of affection have many followers all at odds with one another.

Happy Bare Practitioner’s day, 2023!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Saturday, July 15, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Nude Recreation Week: Weekend!”

Why Pride?

Question?

Frequently, the question is raised in the media as to why we, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) communities and cultures have the need for a pride celebration. This concern is not only presented in the media networks focused primarily on the general populations but also on those geared towards our own featured community and culture. Many feel we have enjoyed all we can of our different lives. Why even bother to continue?

A pose of pride!

Another question often expressed by my spouse, Aaron, and I between ourselves and when in the company of our friends is: of all the communities and cultures present in this country today, why is the question insistently raised concerning our community and culture specifically? If the issue is of the concern of others, why isn’t the same question asked of others? We’re not the only ones to have a month dedicated to celebrating and saluting our own.

Bare happiness and fun!

Fortunately, not everyone is aware of the fact that we here on ReNude Pride endorse not only GLBTQ+ Pride but we also include the bare practitioners within our observance. Thankfully, this aspect remains beyond the realm of appreciation and comprehension for many of those who are critical of our inclusiveness!

Among us bare practitioners, when the question of Why pride? is imposed, very often the response is delivered as Why not? One question deserves more than the reply with another interrogation. However, the inquiry does warrant some investigation.

Teaser!

The endless questioning of the continuance of the necessity of pride by our community and culture supports the existence of prejudice against us all. It may not be as blatant and prevalent as it once was, however, it remains present. As long as this discrimination is evident and felt, yes, pride is needed. Until we communally and culturally receive the same amount of consideration and respect as shown to others, no matter their race, ethnicity, ability, gender, age or heritage, yes, pride is needed! Distrust is a detriment to acceptance and equality.

The determination that a certain action or behaviour is illegal by legislative or parliamentary approval or even a royal proclamation doesn’t immediately erase the behaviour out of existence. It isn’t innate – it is learned – from parents, teachers, clergy, et al. A learned behaviour is the most difficult to eliminate.

Siblings with pride!

A learned behaviour is a prejudice, plain and simple. It is not based on concrete knowledge or scientific fact. It is solely attributed on the often unsupported opinion of others, usually substantiated by myth or rumour. As such, it is virtually impossible to eradicate and generally increases in intensity.

The persistence of prejudice thus acquired ensures the continuation of prejudice. An act of parliament may outlaw the prejudice but it doesn’t eliminate it.

The reality of someone, questioning their emotional and physical feelings, experiencing confusion, turmoil and confrontation with prejudice. This person, alone or in the company of others, justifies the celebration and observation of pride. Everyone deserves the chance to develop and grow in happiness, security and pride!

Pride!

On a global/international scale, some countries and/or societies are developed and progressive and others are conservative, slower and still a few remain isolated and stagnant. Each nation and society pursues the course according beliefs, needs and traditions – of the power structure (politics) or of the population in general. Hence the diversity of cultures, religions, values, etc. As in individual cases, inherited values are the same as learned behaviours. These are likewise the most difficult to alter or to change. For this reason, deviation from the custom or tradition evolves slowly and tediously. Progress, especially to new ideals and philosophies, is very cautious and relaxed.

In my humble opinion, as long as there is – at the very least – one person who benefits from the observance of a pride event, then yes, it remains necessary and valid. I understand those who feel that pride has become too redundant and too repetitive. I only want to encourage them to get involved in planning the next activity and to offer creativity and variety into the format.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, June 27, 2023, and the proposed topic is “HIV Testing Day!” On Wednesday, the anniversary of Stonewall, “Pride: SIR!” is planned for posting.

Photo-Essay: Clarifications!

Aligned to cooperate!

Typical to the entire naturist/nudist community and culture: the approach of another summer season in the Northern Hemisphere renews the “great debate” over the labels and terms that we use to describe ourselves. My personal feeling? I don’t think the debate will ever resolve and this disagreement will last until the end of time.

Confusion surrounds what some purists (perfectionists) continuously argue as appropriate/inappropriate (good/poor) terminology.

Naked?

Nude?

Naturist?

Bare?

Body freedom?

Clothes freedom?

Natural?

Sunbathing!

I prefer sunbathing bare.

Beach visitors!

In the summer, we’d rather be natural!

Posing!

I am standing naked in the sunlight!

Skinny-dipping!

I enjoy the water nude!

SYNONYMOUS? INTERCHANGEABLE?

Shading his eyes!

I’d rather wear nothing whatsoever!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 12, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Pride: Inclusion!”

Pride: Tan-Lines?

Tan-line proof!

“Tan-Lines: proof positive that we sneak around wearing swimsuits while out playing in the sunshine!” ~ Aaron Peterson-Poladopoulos ~

Tan-line: absolute proof!

Myth: only Caucasian people have tan–lines. Absolutely false!

A more descriptive and official definition of tan-lines comes across the internet (courtesy Wikipedia) as: “visibly clear division of the human skin between an area of pronounced comparative paleness relative to other areas that have been suntanned by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or by sunless tanning.” No slight to my spouse, Aaron, is intended as his off-the-cuff remark is closer to reality but not as authoritative nor credible as the digital version. However, he does offer an easier to understand rendition!

Aaron further details his offering as a “garment signature on our skin.” The ultimate proof that the person blatantly exposing their tan-line is either new to the bare practitioner life and scene or guilty of being closeted (secretive) about their naked preference. Our culture is very welcoming and receptive to our recent converts to our lifestyle! Less so to our closeted souls!

Tan-lines appear in all races and ethnicities!

One common myth that is popular is that tan-lines only occur in the lighter-skinned persons. The inclusion of images here featuring individuals with darker-skin tones proves that this is a false conception. All persons, regardless of race and ethnicity, experience tan-lines.

Another myth is that the lighter the skin tone, no tan-lines are discernable. This is indeed a false determination again using pictures to refute the misconception.

Flexing his muscles doesn’t conceal his tan-line!
Vintage: tan-lines are not a new phenomena!

Tan-lines have existed as long as humanity. It is not a recent development without any precedent. Since man first used fig-leaves to hide genitalia, tan-lines have been a reality of nature.

Tan-lines are concrete evidence of conflict in the lives of the bearer. It confirms a serious discrepancy in their bare status. Deception or indecision? Only the person with the actual tan-line knows for certain the truth of the matter and most of them are unwilling to acknowledge confusion.

Tan-line pride!

One of the common uses of tanning beds and/or tanning rooms is the option of tanning completely nude in order to reduce the appearance of tan-lines. In contrast, some people prefer to have tan-lines and will wear swimwear or undergarments with the deliberate purpose of creating a sharply defined tan-line.

There are some same gender loving men who envision the existence of tan-lines on the body of another as very sexually appealing. They are appreciative and attracted to others because of this phenomena. I’m Greek (fair skinned) and my spouse, Aaron, is African-Canadian (dark skinned). Neither of us find a tan-line desirable or exciting but we both know men who do! The presence of diversity in our community and culture is a fact of life that we all welcome!

Thong caused tan-line!

PostScript: The tan-line is also a physical confirmation that the wearer is employed as a lifeguard (beach patrol) at a mainstream (non clothing-optional) facility.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 9, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Clarifications!”

Bare Pride!

“Come on, let’s all get naked!”

“If only for once, join with us and see, how it feels to be natural and free!”

Body and clothes freedom!

A ReNude Pride photo-essay to celebrate being a true bare practitioner!

More than a decade ago, while first publishing my original A Guy Without Boxers here, I combined gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer (GLBTQ+) pride celebrations with naked and/or nude (clothes free) pride. After my original site was closed closed (without notice or warning or any type of communication from wordpress.com) I was somewhat hesitant about following this tradition when I began ReNude Pride. After thought and consideration, and the love and support of my spouse, Aaron, ReNude Pride has continued in the footsteps of honouring not only our GLBTQ+ heritage but also our bare practitioner (same gender loving naturist/nudist) culture. We are, after all, proud to be both!

Advocacy!
Pride!

Come join us in GLBTQ+ Bare Pride! Join with me in nudity!

Obedience?

We celebrate ourselves: bare and bold!

Unity in our shared nudity!

We stand together, without any sense of guilt or shame. We’re just being what we basically all are: naturally ourselves. Just as we were created to be, all living together in mutual respect and harmony!

Our time of the year!

For the overwhelming majority of us bare practitioners, with the warmer weather, we hardly need a reminder to be proud of ourselves and our nakedness. The passing of another winter has guaranteed our joy in another month of GLBTQ+ pride and the approaching season of Summer, 2023! Add to that the opportunity to celebrate the ability to throw off our clothes and enjoy ourselves and one another as we engage in the triumph of being our natural selves, without any embarrassment or humiliation!

Our nudity alone is enough for us to welcome this exciting time of the year!

Strip out of your garments and be you!

Our philosophy of body freedom and clothes freedom compliment one another. Our freedom entails us to enjoy living naturally while respecting those who are uncomfortable with their own personal nudity. We all know that all lives are not identical and that all values vary from person to person. What is good for one may not necessarily be good for another!

Clothe freedom evolution!

Some people are more accepting of clothes freedom, especially when in the bare environment where there is almost no judgment expected. Others, even when surrounded by body and clothes freedom enthusiasts, still retain the discomfort of exposing themselves around others. We respect the rights of all persons to live within their personal “comfort level.”

A joyful destination!
Bare friends!

Some persons express disdain for appearing bare (naked/nude/clothes free) in public. One of their principle reasons for discomfort is the obvious lack of clothing. However, they often are left behind when they understand that in the company of others, the ones who are wearing garments are often the objects of notice by others who surround them without any clothing whatsoever!

Clothing disturbance!
Curious about pants!
Naked truth!

“Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.” ~ Syrus ~

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 5, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Tan-Lines!”

Photo-Essay: Happy Pride Month, 2023!

Pride Month celebrants with traditional Rainbow flag!

June is the widely accepted month for GLBTQ+ Pride!

Background:

The evening of June 28, 1969, is considered by many of us as the actual “beginning” of the modern equality movement for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + (GLBTQ+) persons and their inclusion within society. It is the date of the Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) in New York City, USA. This is the recognized event that launched the ongoing struggle for acceptance, equality and recognition of one of the longest and most oppressed community and cultures of humanity. Despite the more than 50 years since, the fight for acceptance, equality, recognition and survival remains valid for many even today!

Dr. King quote!

The observation of the late Reverend Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., remains a respected and and shared value of the GLBTQ+ communities and cultures.

In honour of the SIR, June is internationally considered as GLBTQ+ Pride Month in dedication to the lives sacrificed for the causes of freedom and justice that multitudes seek.

As ardent bare practitioners (same gender loving naturists/nudists) both my spouse, Aaron, and I observe the month of June, annually, as GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month. Our reasoning for this endorsement is, hopefully, obvious to all!

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

The current Progress rainbow flag of the GBLTQ+ Community and Culture!

A more informative post entry of the SIR event of June 28, 1969, is planned for the actual date of that occasion. I feel that we should all remind ourselves of the situations that initiated the necessity of those riots. One of the many reasons that our community and culture celebrates our pride is to prevent the past from returning ever again!

Our PRIDE is enjoyed by all!

Why should we have a GLBTQ+ Pride Month?

After centuries of condemnation, denial, judgment, oppression and ridicule, the arrival of the 1960’s introduced people – globally – to an ideal of honesty, openness, and the expectation of equality for all. World War II united humanity an a conflict against subjugation and tyranny. Human rights became a concept of universal acceptance rather than a lofty distant dream. Millions had sacrificed and suffered against hate and totalitarianism. Freedom and justice moved from the status of a hopeful goal to the acceptance as a reality of life.

The 1960’s in motion!

Throughout the decade of the 1960’s, African-American, Hispanic-American, Indigenous peoples, women, farm workers and countless others emerged demanding acceptance, freedom and equality. The movement to halt the Vietnam War gained importance and international attention. Same gender loving people became one of the last “degraded” communities to join the exodus for the end of discrimination and restriction.

Creative Pride observance!

It doesn’t matter how we celebrate our pride in our collective membership within our GLBTQ+ community and culture. It is more important that all of us strive and work to enjoy, experience and to feel our confidence and pride in being the person that we truly are!

Vintage image!

Many of us grew in environments that were critical, hateful, and judgmental against our community and culture. We lacked companionship and support – especially during adolescence when it is most needed – and only later realized our full potential. Now is the time for us to collaborate and develop our resources to eliminate this situation from recurrence!

Happy GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month, 2023!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, June 2, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Pride!”

Precious Memories!

What makes me laugh? Laughter is the best medicine. But it’s something we -including myself take for granted. I love to laugh. I love a good joke. I believe I have a dark sense of humor and nothing to me like stand up. Dice Clay, Chris Rock, Margaret Cho, Carol Burnett are some of my […]

Precious Memories — CROSSING THE STYX

Re-bloggers Note: I strongly encourage all of my readers to seriously consider to follow my “blogging brother and buddy” site here! The next scheduled post entry for my site is planned for Wednesday, May 31, 2013, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! May, 2013!”