First off, an emphatic denial that the images shared in this delayed post entry here on ReNude Pride is most definitely not me! The photographs are to illustrate the message being shared and not myself. Better to get that announcement out early rather than obscured later. Honesty helps to avoid confusion!
It was the last week of February this year and I stopped by our gymnasium on my way home (after work) to continue my practice of exercise for fitness. I was at one of my routine stations with hand weights and I seriously strained muscles in my right shoulder and arm doing my usual regimen. I was initially inconvenienced by this discomforting incident.
Inconvenienced!
This incident progressively worsened and before I could plan ahead I had severe pain and was unable to fully dress myself in order to walk back to my vehicle. I had to be transported by a trauma unit to a local medical center for examination. The determination was strained muscles from the routine and for several weeks I encountered problems using my right upper arm and shoulder.
This resulted in my lack of posting here for several weeks. I had difficulty in trying to maneuver the keyboard and in even concentrating on posting here.
Final relief!
At last, yesterday I had a relieving report from my regular physician and with subdued elation, I offer an apology for my absence from blogging and sharing with all of you a reason for the long overdue lack of regularity!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, March 24, 2025 and the proposed topic is: “Spring Resolutions!”
An ideal way to commemorate the start of the first full week of Black History Month, 2025, is with a post entry featuring the unofficial (unpaid) official (celebrity) spokes-model of ReNude Pride, Phoenix Fellington! The end of this first full week of Black History Month is on the actual date of the observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), February 7. A week in tribute to our fellow bare practitioners of African descent! Who knows when an opportunity such as this aligns itself with perfection again? That’s the reason we’ll take full advantage of the situation!
A brief note on the header photograph of our site’s spokes-model (above). Our themes here on ReNude Pride are a) same gender love (SGL) and b) nakedness. Beyond any doubt, Phoenix meets and surpasses both themes without any explanation necessary! The reason his tongue is protruding? Aaron, my spouse, deemed it the “exact” image of Phoenix’s reaction upon learning, back in 2023, that he was now – unofficially – ReNude Pride’s official spokes-model! Indeed, there are some distinguishing honours that are just too fun and playful to ignore!
Phoenix poses bare and proud with fellow co-stars from Lucas films!
Background:
Aaron and I selected the widely popular gay porn star, Phoenix Fellington, as our site’s unofficial (not paid) official (chosen by us) spokes-model because of his successful celebrity status, his huge following within the same gender loving (SGL) population, and his fighting for rights against bias and prejudice against Black and gay porn-stars by Lucas Films and other studios in the gay porn industry. He’s also friendly, likeable and most importantly, he’d rather be without clothes as opposed to actually wearing them!
“I love being nude outside – all in the open!”
Phoenix Fellington, openly gay porn-star, ReNude Pride spokes-model
The announcing of Phoenix as celebrity spokes-model here raised some issues that were expected. He is an openly gay pornography performer who engages in sex in front of a camera – and he’s paid to do so! However, the policy here on ReNude Pride is that our nakedness is not about sex and none of the photos/images depicting him will reflect him doing so. Social nudity is shared nakedness. It is not an orgy!
We endorse and promote the bare practitioner experience and lifestyle. Our sexuality is supported but not us engaging in the sexual acts. Our openly featuring Phoenix as our spokes-model is based on his appreciation and attitude on being publicly SGL himself and his open preference for nakedness, either social or solo (alone). While we are not promoting his career choice, we are also not denying it. That’s Phoenix’s prerogative, not ours.
Phoenix providing directions to his fellow actors!
A former member of the US Marine Corps, Phoenix acknowledges the varying levels of acceptance, comfort and tolerance others have for him due to his nakedness, his race and his sexuality. As to his race and his same gender love, he knows that he’s unable to change who he truly is. As regarding his clothes freedom, if he absolutely must wear clothing, he complies.
Phoenix emphatic about being himself!
He is a firm advocate of his freedom and his right to be a public Black, gay nudist without any embarrassment, guilt or shame. He encourages all of us to be mindful of the diversity of levels of acceptance, comfort and tolerance; especially concerning or race, our sexuality and our nakedness.
Phoenix is very active in lobbying within the gay porn industry on the behalf of equality for all, regardless of their race, sexual orientation and their nakedness. For too often, the studios and their management executives looked upon the actors – the “gold mine” of the industry – as unworthy of their attention. They chose to ignore that these were the men who earned for them their money!
Recent photo of Phoenix!
The picture (above) is the most recent one we have featuring “our man!” Listed below are Phoenix’s outlined information:
Stage name: Phoenix Fellington
Birth name: Tre Leron Fenderson
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Birthday: 18 October, 1994
Height: 5′ 8″ (173 cm)
Weight: 165 lbs. (75 kg)
Tattoos: Yes
Body hair: armpit, pubic
Sexuality: Gay (versatile beta)
Outspoken Spokes-Model:
Phoenix Fellington is known throughout the gay porn industry as an outspoken advocate and militant for the interests and the rights of both the performers (actors) and populations the industry thrives upon: same gender loving (SGL) men who prefer to engage in their nakedness. Basically, all of us who are bare practitioners.
Studio executives regularly entertain investors to socials where their actors are required to mingle and socialize naked with the moneyed guests. Phoenix has a reputation of attending these functions, proudly nude and stressing the importance of treating all the guests with integrity and respect, whether they are wearing clothes or not!
In conclusion of this featured tribute to our unofficial official celebrity spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington, he shares with us all his sensitive and unique purpose as for being a porn-star:
“Why do I do gay porn? To teach men how to have sex. Responsibly and safely!” Phoenix Fellington, openly gay pornographic actor, ReNude Pride spokes-model
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, February 7, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “N*B*H*A*A*D*!”
The use of the Liberation Tricolour (above) is appropriate for this post entry here on ReNude Pride. Today, 1 February, marks the first day of Black History Month in the USA. I am legally married to a Black man, Aaron, who is African-Canadian. His heritage is with the Yoruba Tribe of west Africa. As my spouse, we are both co-administrators of this site.
We both reside here in the USA and have dual citizenships and passports: Aaron/Canada and myself/Greece. We both celebrate Black History Month not just during February but throughout the entire year. We cordially invite you to join with us!
Introduction: Black History Month, 2025
The USA’ s Black History Month represents the bold and brave official determination and recognition of a concept and ideal that historically evolved from the racial community and culture which it honours: African-American.
Carter G. Woodson, “Father of Black History Month, USA”
The founder of this occasion, Carter G. Woodson, was himself an inspired, insightful, and proud Black man. When first initiated, it was a new, provocative and radical concept. At that time, all of the entire continent of Africa, with the exception of Ethiopia and Liberia, was under colonial rule. The United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Italy controlled the land, the people and their destinies.
In the USA, Black people lived and worked under segregation (separateness), second-class citizenship and worse. There were no Black pride, Black lives matter nor Black civil rights movements. Discrimination and marginalization were in effect without recourse, nationwide, of the then 48 states by law. It was also practiced nationally (by social custom) until the very late 1950s.
African heritage!
Despite the practically universal global policy of being marginalized (set aside as inferior) and oppressed (dominated), the history of the Black people’s accomplishments and achievements in the USA exceeded and surpassed imaginations. From enslavement to triumphant, African-Americans have not only survived, they have thrived to become a remarkable example of glory, integrity and success.
Black History Month is a time of reflection and rejoicing due to the dreams, efforts and ideals of Carter G. Woodson, affectionately and respectfully known as the “Father of Black History.” Through his dedication and tireless promotion, the foundations (seeds) of history and knowledge were planted and nourished within the minds of old and young, poor and rich throughout the USA. Because of him, Black history is now synonymous with American history and the two are now united.
Carter Godwin Woodson, later in life!
Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson was an African-American author, historian, journalist and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH). He was among the first scholars to to study the African diaspora, especially African-American experiences and history.
Carter Godwin Woodson
Born: December 19, 1875
Birthplace: New Canton, Virginia, USA
Died: April 3, 1950
Deathplace: Shaw neighbourhood, Washington, D.C., USA
Education: Harvard University, Berea College, University of Chicago
Organizations founded: Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH)
Aware of pre-existing commemorations of Black history, organized locally by primarily Black churches and schools, Woodson created Negro History Week around traditional days of honouring the Black American past, the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). He encouraged people to extend their focused study of African-American history, not to create a new tradition. Woodson believed that history was made by the people, not simply or primarily by great men.
“Sankofa” Adinkra symbol!
The Sankofa Adinkra symbol is an appropriate conclusion for this posting, “Black History Month, 2025!” We are indeed wise to learn from our past, as often as necessary, in order to face our future!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 3, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Phoenix: Our Man!”
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize by His Majesty, King Gustaf VI Adolph of Sweden, in Stockholm, Sweden, on October 14, 1964
Civil Rights Advocate
Nonviolent Protest Activist
Ordained Clergyman
Southern Christian Leadership Conference, founder, 1957
Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously by the late President Jimmy Carter, 1977
Husband/Father
A pensive and prayerful Dr King!
I’ve composed full postings on the life of Reverend Doctor King every year on his birthday holiday. For those interested in additional information, go to ReNude Pride’s archives and click onto January for each year. In an effort to avoid appearing redundant and repetitious, this year’s tribute is a brief summation of his extraordinary achievements and accomplishment. The post entry published for his 2023 observance is more extensive and to access please click onto the link available here:
The USA is eternally indebted to the Reverend Dr. Martin L. King, Jr for his bravery, courage, guidance and leadership in the causes of equality for all and justice for everyone. He was a man who directed us all in pursuit of harmony and peace.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 24, 2025, and the proposed topic is; “Posing Bare, Part 2!”
ReNude Pride was initiated back in January, 2017! Nine years ago this week! At times, it seems like an eternity. At other times, similar to yesterday! However long and whatever the mood, the fact remains the same: 9 full years! Happy anniversary to us! Back “in the day” when I began publishing here, it was no more than a spontaneous decision on a snowy Saturday morning. Classes had not yet resumed at my university, Aaron, my spouse, was at work and I sat in front of my laptop screen: bored.
A toast to ReNude Pride!
Even though I was still angry and frustrated with wordpress (no capital letters deserved) for abruptly erasing my first blog here: A Guy Without Boxers; I returned to this site and began creating. Soon, my spirit returned and I temporarily set my anger aside and ReNude Pride was born. Gay and naked all over again; although on my university salary, why bother to try to afford another pair of boxers?
A Guy Without Boxers logo!
Pictured above is my logo (emblem) that I adopted for my original site here. It caught my attention for two very specific reasons. First, of all the underwear styles available for men, boxers had consistently been my personal favourite. Second, based on the title of my initial blog here. A little sharing of my publishing history here. Relax! There will be no examination offered at the conclusion of this posting!
I distinctly remember on that snowy Saturday morning my efforts at trying to resurrect my original blog title here for this creation. The “powers-that-be” denied my efforts. A determined competition followed and my poor mind’s creative juices began pulsating. “ReNude” was substituted for renewed and a new cycle of accomplishment followed. The pace was set and I began to develop a sense of “pride” in what I was attempting!
Lip-read: “Thank you!”
Nine years ago this month, ReNude Pride began. It has given to both Aaron and myself a number of very interesting experiences and some unique challenges. Hopefully, it has brought, at the very least, a few smiles upon your faces!
Before concluding here, please “lip-read” the English words “thank you” on the face above. Aaron and I are sincerely grateful to all of you for both your loyalty and support here! Best wishes and love along with our appreciation!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 10, 2025, and the proposed topic is yet to be determined.
Kory Mitchell, half his face and half of his hairy armpits!
Background:
Maschalagnia: hairy armpit obsession. In humans, the formation of body odor happens primarily in the armpit. These odorant substances serve as pheromones which play a role in sexual attraction and excitement.
This explains and justifies my attraction to and fascination with men’s hairy armpits, which inspired this holiday posting in the “spirit of the season!”
Gio Dell, oceanfront underarm fur!
Two hairy armpits!
“Deck The Halls”
Deck the halls for maschalagnia, fa-la-la-la-la. la-la-la-la!
Celebrate the fur there growing, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!
Now, strip off their gay apparel, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!
Join us all, our nakedness showing, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!
ReNude Pride’s unofficial official spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington, his hairy armpits and his nakedness!
My spouse, Aaron’s, contribution!
Naked hugs! Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 27, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Slumbering!”
My job would be ideal if I could lecture in front of the class completely clothes free! Unfortunately, education isn’t always as progressive as it should be!
Critical instruction!
However, there are some happy benefits that accompany educational instruction: among those is the semester break (holiday) between the Autumn semester and the Spring semester! My break begins today, Monday, 9 December (unofficially) after I submit my final rankings for Autumn. Classes resume in January. A nice way to spend the holiday time!
My spouse, Aaron, has some time off from his job and we’ll be spontaneous in our December excursions! We’re intentionally trying to remain as uncommitted as possible in order to take advantage of being both clothes and job free! An additional benefit is the freedom to be spontaneous in any social offerings! Few expectations and time together!
Time together!
Relaxing with the freedom to be us!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 13, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Seasonal Adjustment!”
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!”