Tomorrow, August 15, we celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary!
The year was 2015. Marriage equality had finally arrived in the USA one year earlier. Both of our sets of parents had been advocating and conniving for an official and legal marriage ever since the previous summer. Neither one of us could withstand the pressure any longer.
We became as one!
Strategic kiss!
And we still remain that way today!
Anniversary cake!
We’ve sent anniversary treat to each one of you! Enjoy!
Anniversary embrace!
We have reservations to enjoy our anniversary week at a lakeside clothing optional resort within our home Commonwealth of Virginia!
Naked hugs!
Aaron and Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 18, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Lose the Fig-Leaf!”
My spouse, Aaron, and I are unable to find a compromise as to precisely when “mid-summer” occurs. Trust me, we aren’t the only two who are clueless as to the date. None of our acquaintances or friends offer any solutions. Somehow, it seems that this the existence of a “mid-summer” date is actually is a myth created to confuse us all or to make chaos for everyone.
But no matter if it is imagined or real, it does serve as an inspiration for this post entry and as a name for this photographic series, “Mid-Summer Dream” – so christened by my spouse. The reasoning for his naming? It’s a bromantic skinny-dipping fantasy! Also, the pictures themselves have a somewhat vague, dream-like quality. Besides, the very concept of something as being so very mid-summer is itself appealing and mysterious!
Artistic posing!
A vague time and date but quite a very soothing and tranquil setting: a body of water with both of the subjects confidently and conveniently bare and relaxed. The aqua serves as a reflective tool for what we observe shared between the interracial couple: intimacy and trust.
Intensity together!
The duo transpire the message of “equal partners.” Neither one offers any suggestion of the notion of dominance or superiority. They seem very comfortable and on equal footing in every posing.
Their nakedness is unashamed!
An integral aspect of their relationship is their acceptance of one another and the absence of any concern in their being clothes free and open for all to see.
Calm and collected as one!
There’s no denying their affection and devotion to one another as they together experience a skinny-dip to refresh themselves from the summer heat. The message conveyed through their body language is one of contented relaxation!
Eye-to-eye contact!
Once they’re free from the stress of wearing clothing, it’s indeed amazing at how free the body responds in really tranquil situations. We can finally focus on simply being together with one another!
Together as one!
Side-by-side and hip-to-hip are ideal ways to pose to convey the message of togetherness. Of unity and complete commitment: a couple!
Hand-in-hand!
Holding onto one another is another example of body language that represents “joined” to the rest of the world. It suggests a union that is unable to be destroyed!
Together!
Their devotion and intimacy not only resounds through their poses together but also in the figures they convey through the positioning of their bodies. It is obvious to everyone viewing these images that something comforting, relaxing, peaceful and passionate exists between these two men. This, essentially, is the ultimate dream of the majority of us. Our foundation – together!
Aaron and I appreciate the subtle messages shared in these images here. Our upcoming anniversary next month is on display through this posting.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 24, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “July Captivity!”
That does not mean that we need to get dressed now!
Our clothes freedom is not limited or restricted to just this one week of the entire year! Our nakedness is welcome throughout all the year! Often, Aaron (my spouse) and I have used the final day of Nude Recreation Week as a day to rejuvenate ourselves from the week-long event! A week of fun can sometimes be very tiring!
Floatation recuperation #1!
Which definitely doesn’t eliminate floatation as a legitimate method of recuperation! It is obviously designed as a viable tool for Nude Recreation Week!
Floatation recuperation #2!
It is both refreshing and relaxing and is a very comfortable method of spending our leisure time – especially while skinny-dipping!
Floatation recuperation #3!
All bare practitioners instantly qualify for this method of hanging out the summer afternoons without the stress of finding something appropriate and creative to wear!
I hope everyone had a terrific Nude Recreation Week! Remember: no clothing required!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, July 21, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Mid-Summer Dream!”
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!”
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.
One of the aspects of our gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) achievements is the inclusive (total) nature of our acceptance and embracing of all the multitudes of persons identifying with our movement. Despite the recent political trends towards separation and exclusion – such as the protective wall needed by our former so-called leader between the borders of Mexico and the USA – we, the communities and cultures observing this traditional GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month strive to meet our goal of diversity and union for all.
Background:
Since the very first modern pride month celebration following one year after the 1969 Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) in 1970, the fledgling gay, lesbian and bisexual community sought a representative device for identification. A logo or symbol to denote itself and the communities affiliated. It wasn’t until 1978 that the “Rainbow Flag” – six colourful stripes – was introduced and became the first unofficial then soon the official for this growing culture.
The original Rainbow Flag colours and symbolism!
Tragically and unfortunately, the HIV/AIDS crisis and pandemic spearheaded this effort towards recognition and identification with the Rainbow Flag. This colourful banner rapidly gained international acceptance to distinguish the and culture of GLBTQ+ people globally. The United Nations (UN) adopted the Rainbow Flag as symbolic of the worldwide movement towards equality and freedom. This action bestowed a legitimacy upon the populations struggling for fairness and justice.
The Progress Rainbow Flag!
The Progress Rainbow Pride Flag was developed by non-binary artist and designer Daniel Quasar in 2018, forty years after the first appearance of the original Rainbow Flag. It was unfurled publicly on June 6, 2018, and incorporated the original Gilbert Baker’s 1978 flag. Quasar’s redesign celebrates the historical message and ideals/values of the GLBTQ+ culture and encourages a more inclusive general society for all people.
The redesigned banner has increased the visual representation of discriminated minorities identities covered by GLBTQ+ umbrella. Quasar’s creation added both black and brown stripes – symbolizing persons of colour – and light blue, pink and white stripes for transgender and non-binary persons, in the shape of an arrow on the left of the original rainbow on the Progress Pride Rainbow Flag. In the words of Daniel Quasar:
“…the arrow points to the right to show forward movement and illustrates that progress towards inclusivity still needs to continue.”
The black stripe has a double meaning as it is also intended for “those living with HIV/AIDS and the stigma and the prejudice surrounding them and those who have been lost to the disease.”
On June 6, 2018, Progress Rainbow Pride Flag was first unfurled for the world in honour of GLBTQ+ are Pride Month.
Body painted Progress Rainbow Pride Flag!
Progress Rainbow Pride Flag is now being used throughout the world as the official emblem and symbol for the GLBTQ+ community and culture. It is the latest design as our movement seeks to solidify and unite our peoples together for equality and justice for everyone!
Happy 2023 GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 16, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Beach Pride!”
“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 havetan-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!”
“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!”
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!
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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!”
Looking closely at the above image, and behind the skinny-dipping (about to swim naked) man, notice the photographer taking his picture. Who can blame him for wishing to capture the image of a bold bare practitioner about to awaken the desire of everyone in the pool by being the first to strip off his swimsuit (under his heel) and enjoy nature naturally and totally? Why wait another moment before being comfortable and naked?
Skinny-dipping is a colloquial American slang term that simply means “swimming naked or nude.” It became a slang name for aquatic activity about the time of the World War II engagements that brought many men from all parts of the USA together into the armed services. For years before that, the designation existed almost exclusively in the deep southern part of the country.
The benefit to all of us during the transitional seasons of the year (Autumn, Spring) is that regardless of where we live, the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere, the majority of us are able to skinny-dip outdoors without suffering temperature extremes. A universal (global) period to enjoy nature as intended – clothes free!
Oceanic skinny-dipping!
The popularity of skinny-dipping throughout the world is the fact that the use of or the wearing of swimsuits is a relatively new practice. For many centuries, there existed no swimming attire and most cultures swam completely naked although separate times and locations were designated for the different genders. Therefore, skinny-dipping was considered relatively convenient and normal despite puritanical heritages and the otherwise labelling of nakedness as indecent and lewd. The sun and the surf are evidently too powerful for the artificial judgments of society!
Natural resource for skinny-dippers!
The time for comfort and relaxation while surrounded by nature and sunshine is upon us all! As we enjoy these idyllic days, there’s no better way to show our appreciation and gratitude than to celebrate being ourselves both aquatically and naturally! Unfortunately, the weather doesn’t always grant us this gracious gift eternally, so it is our responsibility to take advantage of every opportunity and life free and happy!
A gentle reminder!
Skinny-dipping his buttocks!
Graphic depiction of a skinny-dipper!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, May 29, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Precious Memories!” This is a repost from the blog of our blogging brother and friend, Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai!
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 