The title “Bare-dom” and posting were originally planned for today’s entry here. However, the feeling on my part, as the author of ReNude Pride is that this particular posting is more prominent and more relevant. “Bare-dom” is now planned for publication in February, 2023. I apologize for any confusion!
Background:
The term political correctness is a concept that began with the advent of the first inauguration of then-incoming President Bill Clinton in the 1990’s. The phrase was synonymous with the words “thoughtfulness,” “sensitivity” and basically “polite.” It essentially implied “respect and treat others as you expect them to treat and respect you.”
Unfortunately, the idea was never accepted or followed by the religious-right extremists nor the U.S. republican political party. Once George Bush #2 came into power, the principle rapidly fell into disfavor then totally abandoned.
The election of President Barack Obama brought the theory but not the original phrase back into practice. Regrettably, when he retired, the practice did also. Now even the thought of such a notion as decency has disappeared from the ideals and minds of the American public. The thinking these days is now: nogooddeedgoesunpunished!
The context and point here is simple: we need to return to the basic “ground rule” of decency for everyone. This country, especially, is now too multicultural and varied for us to automatically assume that all the people who live here have identical beliefs and values. That path of thinking is now misinformed, obsolete and no longer relevant. Probably, it is something that is no longer true even within the same family, much less the neighborhood, community, city and state.
Even within the same religion, there exist varying traditions. For example, within Christianity, there are differences in when certain holidays are celebrated and/or observed. One assumption doesn’t apply to everyone anymore.
Observation: not included on the above listing is December 26: Boxing Day in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and other realms throughout the Commonwealth!
My spouse, Aaron, and I have discussed this quite a number of times among ourselves and with friends. There is no doubt in our minds whatsoever that all of us need to be considerate of one another and work together to restore an element of humanity back into our daily lives!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, December 12, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Resolutions Solution!”
This past summer, Mystic, our Siberian husky, had to be placed to rest. She was originally Aaron’s dog but when we moved in together in 2010, she welcomed me into the family. As a matter of fact, she’s probably slept with me more hours than she did with Aaron. And we have absolutely walked/ran more miles together she ever did with Aaron.
In all fairness and objectivity, Aaron is much better in the kitchen than I will ever hope to be. Although I do a terrific kettle of boiling water – my cup of tea has men lining up outside our condominium’s door! Aaron does the meal preparation and I take Mystic for the boring time of meal preparation!
We both miss Mystic: seriously and tremendously! It has now been more than four full months. While we were in Toronto a couple of weeks ago, we both agreed that enough time had lapsed from her leaving us.
It is now time to adopt!
We are both ready for another furry headmistress! Mystic was born blind. Our next one will also have a differing ability – we both recognize that distinct possibility. We both have the patience and the time to offer a special home.
Our search is underway with no timeline or deadline involved!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 9, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bare-dom!”
The Red Ribbon symbolizes World AIDS Day and HIV/AIDS awareness!
Proudly show that you are aware and that you care. Wear your red ribbon!
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Basic Facts About HIV/AIDS:
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
AIDS is a result of being infected with HIV.
HIV is not spread through everyday, casual contact.
A physician is needed to diagnose AIDS.
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Red ribbon = HIV/AIDS awareness and concern!
“It’s not who we are, but rather what we do that determines the risk factor of HIV infection.” ~ Red Cross HIV/AIDS prevention education ~
Follow protocols for reducing HIV infections:
Do not share needles, syringes or drug use tools.
Avoid contact with body fluids.
Treat everyone with care and respect.
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Since the first World AIDS Day observance on December 1, 1988. The date was first conceived in August, 1987, by James Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland.
Each year, Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis have released messages for both patients and health care providers on World AIDS Day. They have also publicly offered prayers for a world living with HIV.
In the USA, the White House (presidential home) began observing World AIDS Day under the administration of President Clinton and the iconic display of a 28-foot massive Red AIDS Awareness Ribbon on the North Portico of the building. It was the first banner to prominently hang from the White House since the presidency of Abraham Lincoln.
Get tested! Know your HIV status!
Remember: a latex condom every time!
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A Red Ribbon on World AIDS Day!
Public Testimonial
by Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai
It was in the late autumn of 1978 that I came into this world. My mom would always tell me that I was an overdue birth; as it I didn’t want to leave the womb. I see it like being cuddled up in bed. Who’d want to leave such a comfy spot? To this very day, that has still remained my all-time favourite activity.
So being born in 1978 meant that I grew up in the 80’s. Wow! What a decade! Madonna, Punk fashions, Hurricane Gilbert and skyrocketing food prices – if you’re Jamaican – and…AIDS!
Being an island didn’t mean that we were isolated from world issues, especially when your island is renowned for its culture, its beaches, its sunshine and sex. I saw all the AIDS prevention ads on TV: “AIDS kills,” “stick to one steady partner,” “use a condom,” and “you can’t tell by looking.” I grew up scared! I grew up being scared of actually growing up!
Throughout high school, we teens would laugh about stuff pertaining to sex and sexuality, there was little or no sex education in school and what we learned came from porn, the dancehall music or the local pastor. The radio broadcast the death of Freddie Mercury. I remember that so well because I was wearing a Queen t-shirt at that very moment! I heard of Arthur Ashe; in school we talked and laughed about the death of Rock Hudson – I didn’t know who he was at that time. But the dearest tragedy for me was when I learned that Olympic diver Greg Louganis was diagnosed HIV+. I was personally touched because I knew who he was. He was my hero, a gay Olympic champion! And, of course, during the 80’s and 90’s, they constantly reminded us of the growing numbers of new cases.
Greg Louganis, Olympic gold medal winner!
So as I fast forward a bit to young adult, HIV/AIDS was less and less stranger. It was now a reality. It had faces! And faces that I knew!
I made friends with people working in the local AIDS support association and the church I attended did volunteering and outreach. Being scared didn’t shield me from the harsh realities of my life. I wasn’t going to be spared. AIDS was not going to have pity. Not on this little island boy. No sir!… Familiar faces kept vanishing, boys I fell in love with kept getting sick: Julian, Everton, Fred, Frank. A church member was dying. I saw their faces. I saw their bodies lying on the hospital beds. I saw them agonizing. I saw them dying…I loved them. I loved them as hard as I could. I held them in my heart; it’s all I could have done.
There was only love, that’s what they needed, not pity or shame, but Love. I understood that. I had that gift.
Allisson was my elder. She and I were friends, we weren’t that close. She was the first child my dad got from his first relationship, so, we were as close as two half-siblings who were ten years apart could be. She had her life and her family: boyfriend, son and daughter. I checked in with her as often as I could. I still thank God for that last moment I spent with her. It was in the local store where she worked. Allisson was standing there behind the counter. She looked so thin, so pale, so not all together there. Nothing could have prepared me for that grim phone call I’d received a few years later…AIDS took my beloved sister.
Princess Diana: first person of prominence to casually greet a person living with AIDS.
To be honest I did my best to play it safe, but I also took my fair share of risks. I even slept with the enemy. Why I didn’t remember all those faces, all those bodies I saw, covered in sores, laying on those hospital beds? Why didn’t I remember the agony? I should have ran! But I didn’t…I wanted cuddles instead. It only takes one encounter. I slept with this guy twice in the Summer of 2005 I was diagnosed in the Fall of that very same year. Painful urine and a creamy white substance leaking from my penis made me go to the doctor real quick.
I was alone when I went to the doctor’s, I was alone when the doctor broke the news, I was alone when I went to the hospital to have his diagnosis confirmed. I was alone to face the stark reality that I was not going to be living a normal life. Oddly though, the news that I was HIV positive wasn’t as earth shattering. It didn’t have that devastating effect as I had imagined. I didn’t scream, or cry, or ask God why? Maybe it’s my way of dealing with trauma: in silence.
My explanation is that, growing up gay prepared me for days like these. If I could handle growing up gay in a homophobic society such as mine, anything else would be a piece of cake. I kind of figured that, somehow it’s kind of logical, sad way to think. I agree it’s a bit fatalistic: being gay isn’t a death sentence! But for me it was. So I imagine I was accepting my fate. My mom was right. A gay life is one of damnation and hellfire. And this was exactly what I deserved.
Since then, I’ve celebrated seventeen birthdays, visited six countries and changed two jobs. I have met my beautiful niece who is also living with the disease as she was contaminated at birth and I am currently in a stable long-term relationship. I am disciplined regarding my meds and my combat still rages more than ever. I can’t say that I have had to face discrimination regarding AIDS as not that many people know. I do my best to stay healthy, “Sound Mind, Sound Body.” I workout regularly and I combat negativity. I have grown to love myself, understand and own who I am and cultivate self-worth. I was young but now I am mature, I have seen my friends fallen by the wayside but I am still here. I had to learn gratitude.
Living with HIV is a daily reminder that I need to turn fear and trauma into triumph. I have had a new beginning, renewed hope. A fighting chance. I have to believe, not only in myself but in whatever higher power there may be. I need to believe that somewhere out there and also within, there is a greater power…love! Doesn’t love conquer all?
Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai, our guest author!
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I am very appreciative of Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai for sharing his personal testimonial with all of us here on ReNude Pride on the occasion of World AIDS Day,2022. His courage and honesty is a remarkable and significant accomplishment that indeed reflects his dedication to dispelling myths and misinformation about being same gender loving (gay) as well as about living with HIV. He is a commendable guest author and I sincerely invite him to contribute whenever possible!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, December 2, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Seasonal Signs!”
Aaron and I depart early tomorrow morning with a serious family crisis. His six year old nephew is scheduled for tests and a biopsy this week. He is the first offspring born in Aaron’s family after our wedding in 2015 – he was actually born on our first wedding anniversary. As Aaron’s family is Roman Catholic and I am Greek Orthodox, therefore, I am his “unofficial” and honorary godfather.
” Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open.” ~ Thomas Dewar ~
There’s absolutely nothing that either one of us can honestly do except to be present with the family and to offer our love and support. We will be at Aaron’s parents home in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for at least the week. Hopefully, the emergency will be resolved before we return. If not, we’re able to stay as long as needed.
Prior to learning of Aaron’s nephew’s condition, I had already composed a post for tomorrow, November 22, 2022. After that, the next post is scheduled for November 25th and is an interview with a new friend! Please check him out!
Happy Thanksgiving to all enjoying the holiday!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, November 22, 2022, and the proposed topic: “My Papa and JFK!”
The significance of this date and designation is based on the design of the original Rainbow Flag for the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + (GLBTQ+) communities and our shared culture! It is also a feature of our history!
Original GLBTQ+ Rainbow flag and colour representations!
Spirit may be described as a very strong loyalty and/or dedication. Basically it is a vital principle or animating force traditionally believed to be within living beings (humans). It also is considered the aspect of a human being associated with the mind and feelings as distinguished from the physical body – a particular mood or emotional state characterized by animation and vigor.
Rainbow/peace design framed in purple!
Observation and Background:
Spirit Day is an annual GLBTQ+ awareness day of recent development. It is currently held on the third Thursday in October in conjunction with GLBTQ+ History Month and in synchronization with Unity Day for younger children. The occasion began 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 Tyler Clementi: a student at Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA, who jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge – at the age of 18 – on September 22, 2010. On September 19, of that year, Tyler’s collegiate roommate, Dharun Ravi, had posted on Twitter a clip showing Clementi kissing another man in their dormitory room. Neither Tyler nor his partner had knowledge or given permission for the Twitter posting. Ravi and another student were both convicted in court.
Purple Spirit Day Awareness Ribbon!
Promoted by the Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) from the inaugural Spirit Day, participants wear the colour purple as a visible sign of awareness and support for the campaign. This program is now pursued by many as a move against all bullying in general during what is now determined to be National Bullying Prevention Month (October).
The very first Spirit Day was held on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. It was followed by a Thursday observance on Thursday, October 20, 2011, and then on Friday, October 19, 2012. In 2013, GLAAD made the decision to move the occasion from the actual date to the third Thursday of the month. Since then, it has adhered to the Thursday designation.
Purple “outsider!”
The above graphic demonstrates the popularity of the Spirit Day awareness among those of the population (especially teenagers) who strive for conformity. Hopefully, the ideals of freedom from bullying will progress forward from now and into the future.
Wrapped in purple for Spirit Day!
Personal experience:
I remember my very first Spirit Day. Aaron, my spouse, and I had just moved in together – marriage equality in 2010 was just a hope at that time – and when we learned of the event, we together made almost 500 purple awareness ribbons in honour of the occasion. The plan was to evenly divide the ribbons for distribution at his worksite (hospital) and my workplace (university).
We were both uncertain as to the response from our coworkers. Using our home computers, we created an information invitation announcing the free purple ribbon availability for Spirit Day (to combat bullying against GLBTQ+ people – real or suspected). That morning, October, 20, 2010, while we were getting ready to leave for work, before we dressed we both body-painted a purple awareness ribbon on one another’s chests. (This suggestion can be used by bare practitioners everywhere to comply and participate!)
We were both impressed with the reactions at our jobs! Every single ribbon that we had created was taken! This despite the fact that a large number of students at my university and staff at Aaron’s hospital were already wearing the colour purple!
An awesome revolution against sexual orientation bullying!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, October 24, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Purpose?”
National Coming Out Day is a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) awareness day that is observed annually on October 11. Since the inception in 1988, it encourages all GLBTQ+ to take steps on this occasion to “come out” of the closet and not to be ashamed of who and what you are. The original concept was to make the personal acknowledgement into a political statement in support of GLBTQ+ civil rights.
The emphasis of this day is on the basic form of activism which is being openly and proudly who you are and sharing this reality with family, friends and colleagues. The goal is to live your life as a confident bisexual, gay or lesbian person without any guilt or retribution. Those of us who are bare practitioners have supplemented this qualification with being an “out” naturist/nudist.
The term “in the closet” refers to the custom or habit of life before the Stonewall Inn riots of 1969, when practically all GLBTQ+ people lived “in the closet” (secretive) lives in order to keep their jobs, the love of their family and their social place in general society.
Brock Bradley: openly “out” – gay and naked!
What inspired the first observation of Coming Out Day is the fact that homophobia thrives in an atmosphere of bigotry, ignorance and silence. Once people realize that they have a loved one or an acquaintance who is bisexual, gay or lesbian, they are less willing to remain with homophobic or repressive inclinations. That’s reason for encouraging people to “come out of the closet” and let the world know your true identity. There is simply “no shame” in being who we are!
The October 11, date was selected because it was the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. This was the first national gathering in support of GLBTQ+ equality observed in the USA.
National Coming Out Day!
The early events of Coming Out Day often coincided with celebrities and/or other persons of note openly and publicly acknowledging their GLBTQ+ identity. Later, the practice of the tabloid media disclosing a person as being bisexual, gay or lesbian – often without their permission. This publicly “outing” someone was very controversial and usually accompanied by negative attacks on the disclosing media.
The involuntary coming out process was short-lived as the rapidly expanding HIV/AIDS crisis soon replaced the newsworthiness of sexual orientation exposure. For many, an AIDS diagnosis was synonymous with the the coming out announcement.
Today, the observance is another day of proudly reminding others of both what and who we essentially are. There is no longer the absolute necessity to remain “closeted” throughout much of the world.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 14, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Breaking Bare-iers #3!”
The term “Friday Footnote” confuses some people. Please don’t be misled. I am not endorsing a “foot fetish” obsession – nor am I condemning one! A “footnote” is a brief notice or explanation for clarification. To enhance comprehension and understanding of the subject material. Our man above is ReNude Pride’s visual indication of a footnote.
The latest updates…!
In my posting earlier this month, September: New Beginnings, (click title to view) I presumed that everyone understood the correlation between January 1, and September 1. A “new beginning” isn’t really happening just because it is the start of another month and another calendar season. However, as early as we are into the current month, “new” has already enveloped us. The most obvious being the ascension of Charles III as the Head of Commonwealth on the death of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Another event happened to me, personally, just this past week! A most welcome occurrence!
Friends reunited!
Role-model reunion:
Returning to my classroom after the Labor Day holiday (Monday, September 5), I was totally surprised and thrilled to receive a response from one of my oldest (acquaintance wise) blogging buddies with the accurate and current address of his blog! This lifted my spirits after the day off and made me excited about this long overdue reunion!
His new site is: Gaytekeeper’s Blog. Click on the title and visit the blog. He is very impressive and will keep you entertained, informed and current!
Addendum:
I appreciate everyone who corrected my connectivity link above. It was a typographical error on my part. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience!
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Farewell, Summer, 2022!
Get-Away goodbye!
In the Northern Hemisphere, this approaching weekend is the final official one of the Summer of 2022. The season of fun, surf and sun will – within a few short days – disappear as autumn brings a chill into our lives.
Aaron and I are on the roadways away beginning today (early in the morning). This is our bidding farewell to the season and to the comfortable temperatures outside. We have no definitive destination for our weekend jaunt although an ocean and waves are always appealing!
This is our tribute to the summer of 2022 – our method of saying “thank you” and good-bye” as the season draws to a close. It was both fun and remarkable, a combination that unfortunately doesn’t happen to often recently.
I wish to everyone reading and/or visiting here the best for the weekend! Be careful and safe!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, September 19, 2022, and the proposed topic is a brief tribute on the funeral and burial of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
When Roger, my spouse, invited me to write another post for here, I knew immediately the topic that I wanted to address: a title page for a bare practitioners photo album. One that will prepare whoever is preparing to turn the page for whatever amount of bare bodies they are about to encounter! These are my ideas on some ideal eye-opening and tasteful images to employ!
The photograph (above) shows a group of nature (naked, natural) men congregating under a sign labeled: The Trails. Obviously, the entrance to a park nature trail. And all the men are identical (completely bare) and ready to explore nature naturally! The sign and the crew set the mood for what the album features: bare practitioners having fun, together!
The use of signage is always a good tool to convey meaning and content. Placing it on the title page of a photo album lets the viewers know what is following.
Same entrance, different view!
Sometimes, it isn’t always necessary to offer the humanity of us bare practitioners along with the signage. The offering below shows exactly what I mean!
Sign of caution at a clothing optional beach!
The simple wordage on the above sign makes sure all viewing the title page know what is pictured in this particular album – continue to peruse if you dare! What lies ahead is fully explained to everyone!
The simpler the message, the clearer the understanding!
With some signs, no detail is subject to confusion or misunderstanding. The above sample for the title page let’s everyone know for a fact that the album’s creator/owner is both without clothing and shame!
Justification!
The facts are displayed in full view and no more explanation is expected or needed. All of us like to feel comfortable – either individually or as a group effort!
Bare is fun for everyone!
A “fun and games” activity can be a fun game for everyone: observers as well as participants. Many of those watching secretly wish they had the courage to take off their clothes and join in the festivities. This subtle suggestion can offer a topic for all of those looking through the photograph album to explore!
Sunbathing!
Enjoying the sunshine on a summer day is a pleasant way to explore the benefit of nudity, especially when shared with a friend who gives support and has no qualms about being publicly naked. Sharing pictures such as this on the title page of a book of images is a reminder to others to try the same!
A bare cookout can be very appealing!
Food is another suggestion that can not only remind others of what lies ahead in the album but also capture the fun of clothes freedom and the experiences it provides. Some folks fail to recognize that clothing isn’t necessary to live life successfully!
Social issues!
A social concern expressed on the title page of a picture album – one that is freely shared with others – is a good method of making acquaintances and friends aware of some of the concerns facing our community and culture. It’s often a good way to educate others of our social issues that we have to face daily!
Nude photographer and nude subject: a perfect pair!
Another great title page example is one featuring a bare practitioner cameraman capturing a bare practitioner model. Our comfort with our nakedness is one of the many reasons most of us maintain a naked photograph album. The old saying: “a picture speaks a thousand words” is proven again to be true and valid!
The underlying purpose for this entry and the images here is to offer ideas and suggestions for everyone’s creative designs. Use the ones here or make your own. The important message is to inform all viewing your album’s title page is that full nakedness lies ahead!
Naked hugs!
Me recovering after posting this article!
Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: First, I want to thank Aaron for his composition of the above post entry here. Love you, man! The next article for here is planned for Friday, September 16, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Footnote Friday: News!”
An observation from Dale Carnegie (above) that is valuable to practice and to remember. The majority of us can benefit from his insight. Patience, tolerance and understanding are assets often forgotten if not completely ignored.
A valid hope for a better future!
An achievement goal from Nelson Mandela!
Hope is justified when we look and move forward in our lives. Fear is nothing more than an alien excuse for compliance and inaction!
Nothing to fear!
Reality and truth!
Have a safe and wonderful weekend!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 12, 2022, and the proposed topic is a promised posting by my spouse, Aaron, entitled: “TIPS!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 