The title of today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride refers to the adhesive texture of the syrup overflowing down the buttocks of the header! The texture is what is “sticky.”
Here on ReNude Pride, our habit is to avoid the customary New Year’s resolutions and to implement our resolutions on the first day of Spring, annually. Aaron, my spouse, and I both feel that behaviour change is more effective in the springtime instead of the dreary days of winter. Spring encourages optimism, a renewal of self and a brighter and livelier attitude. A mindset more conducive to adapting more efficient and new practices as part of our routine.
A “post-it” note is a pad of small “sticky notes” that people use to make notations on documents, items that need attention and/or other brief messages. I’ve sometimes arrived at my university office and discovered my door covered from top-to-bottom in “sticky notes” left to me by fellow faculty colleagues and students! Thankfully – thus far – no confidential messages have been left in this manner!
A selfie image!
In an effort to aid everyone in the development of their goals and objectives for the upcoming “season of resolutions” (whether as part of the traditional new year or as a promise for Spring, 2025), our “sticky-notation” for today is to encourage readers to take a selfie image of themselves to use in creating a resolution. In making a photo, it is helpful in being the point of reference when considering if any specific need is necessary for personal physical improvement. Often, when trying to decide what is worthwhile, especially in the season of the winter holidays, too many of us are unable to conceive of possibilities.
Serious selfie!
If people are uncomfortable in selfies, asking the assistance of a trusted friend or partner to recommend suggestions may alleviate the task. They also can be resourceful in creating a photographic sticky-note! At times, a spontaneous picture, taken by another and not posed, helps in relaxing the anxious reality of a selfie image!
Our own spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington, clowns for his photographer!
Another sticky (adhesive) notation to offer today is that as it is now early in the Autumn season, outdoor nakedness remains an option for the majority of our Northern Hemisphere residents. When available, the middle-of-the-day timeframe offers the best sunlight and comfortable temperatures. The soon to arrive foliage, especially in the tree leaves, provide some very colourful backgrounds.
Indoor naked companionship!
A probably needless reminder is that as summer fades away, our opportunities for bare practitioner antics and camaraderie conveniently move inside where weather conditions and extremities have a profoundly reduced impact on us all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, September 27, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Autumn Road Trip!”
A visual offering of ideas and suggestions for spontaneous measures in photography and bare practitioner enrichment while natural in nature! Before the seasonal transition occurs, visually document your comfort with our environment as we celebrate the final days of our summer!
My friend and fellow blogger, Adimu Mawzi, joined together several years ago to commemorate the verylastday of the summer of 2014. Aaron, my spouse, was at work on this day so we traveled to Richmond, Virginia, to spend some time riverside at a park near my childhood home.
I’m not adept at photography, so there were some difficulty as we attempted to adjust the automatic lens on my inexpensive camera!
*************************
Attempting to compensate for my extremely weak skills in operating a camera, the below images, I hope, will provide some additional resources to consider in creating memories of enjoying life naturally (without clothing) in our comfortable and warm natural world!
My spouse, Aaron, is my usual source for picture selections. However, upon our return from visiting Mama in Greece, he learned of the sudden death of a long-time co-worker and friend. I am respecting his grief and his need for solitude and am asking the same from all of you.
Pose and print! Be creative and make a memory that will last for you all through the upcoming winter season!
Of course, let’s not overlook our bare practitioner social media model, Dallas “Flashman” Wade, and his penchant for grooming himself! Details and patience!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, September 13, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Friday Footnote: 13!”
PhoenixFellington, performance name of ReNude Pride’s celebrity openly gay spokes-model and acclaimed gay porn actor, gives us all a “visual treat” of his buttocks being served for admiration in a park setting on a picnic table! His birth name is TreLeronFenderson and he’s publicly proud to be not only same gender loving (SGL) but actively demonstrating and encouraging nakedness whenever and wherever possible! We’re all grateful and thrilled to have him as a part of our bare practitioner community and culture and a dynamic endorser of Team ReNude Pride!
“Some simple advice and thoughts on posing proudly as gay and naked in today’s chaotic and hectic world. Have fun and remember to smile!” ~ Phoenix Fellington ~ openly gay pornography actor and ReNudePride’s spokes-model
Surf’s up! Phoenix!
Before the departure of the Summer, 2024, season, Phoenix advocates everyone to take advantage of what remains of the comfortable weather for body and clothes freedom. Get comfortable: rid yourself of those burdensome clothes and get natural in nature! If you have friends who’ll join you, lead the way! Fun in the sun is good for everyone!
Phoenix, the leader of the hike along the Nature Trail – bottoms-up! first!
“I love being nude outside – all in the open!” ~ PhoenixFellington ~ openly gay pornography actor and ReNude Pride’s spokes-model
The former U.S. Marine is successful in his professional life because he has no “hang-ups” or reluctance to appear in his nakedness. He wants to waste as little time as possible wearing clothes or trying to cover his body. He is a firm believer that his nudity is nothing to deny or to hide. An attitude that we all, as bare practitioners, need to adopt and to follow!
Nakedness solo among his peers!
Others with him pose in gay porn industry studio attire to promote their studio. Phoenix poses naked solo in order to endorse both being gay and being naked with no concern over guilt, judgment and/or shame!
Phoenixat a clothing optional beach!
He champions posing naked as an ideal way to strengthen body self-image and to impress others with confidence and poise!
When a studio has our man under contract and is hosting a social event to encourage investors, he has no hesitation, misgivings or qualms about attending, stripping off his clothing and socializing completely and proudly nude, even if he’s the only one doing so! All of this without any of the studio executives asking him to do so! Phoenix is nothing short of being bare, bold, confident, decisive, determined and proud of being exactly what and who he is: gay and naked!
Embarrassment, guilt, modesty and shame hold nothing over our man and his nakedness and/or his sexuality!
His philosophy is that he’s already played that “game” earlier in his life and while he was a Marine. Now, leave him alone and he’ll proceed with integrity and pride while being same gender loving (SGL) and sensational in his nakedness!
PhoenixFellington, our porn-star and our friend!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 26, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “A Calamity of Souls!”
On the flight to Mama’s this past Friday, my spouse, Aaron, and I collaborated on composing this posting for today. The intent was to share for everyone a tiny aspect of our life together within the setting of my immediate family. Enjoy! Your comments and thoughts are always welcome!
The flight home to Skyros in Greece ended without Aaron and I getting arrested and/or escorted off our flight for what some refer to as “indecent exposure!” Upon the arrival, one of my brothers met us at the terminal and delivered us both, fully clothed, to my mother’s home. We both waited until after my siblings and their families left for their homes before we retired to our bedroom (while there) and restored the comfort of our nakedness!
While we were growing up, all of my brothers learned of my identical twin, Alex, and our preference for body and clothes freedom. Whenever we were in our shared bedroom, we were always nude or else in the process of becoming naked! Our mother was the only woman in our household; all brothers and my father so our being nude was never an issue as long as we wore clothing whenever we were outside our bedroom!
Comfort restored!
Concerning my immediate family (Mama and all my brothers and their families) Twin (Alex) and I and our preference for nakedness isn’t the “hot” topic of conversations and jokes anymore. Since first meeting Aaron (before our marriage), the subject of our naked life hasn’t been the centre of discussion that it once held. Life moves on and the focus is now more progressive and involved than it was “back-in-the-day.” They are all aware of our efforts here with ReNude Pride and what, if any, interest remains with our participation in body and clothes freedom concerns generally is nothing more than a casual thought.
Aaron and I have an assigned set of rooms at my parent’s home. The house was originally built for my paternal grandfather and consists of a bedroom and bathroom with a shared sitting room across the hallway from used by Alex and his partner, Dante. There is privacy in this part of the family home that Mama respects. If Alex and Dante are there when we are, our comfort for nudity isn’t an automatic “family” matter. This arrangement provides us twins with the comfortable and familiar environment of “home” even if we have two continents and the Atlantic Ocean between our actual dwellings and Mama’s house. Not a bad setting for the identical twin “middle children” (three older brothers, ourselves, and then three younger brothers!
Towering together!
Addendum:
Like most of the Northern Hemisphere, Skyros, Greece, is usually ideal for skinny-dipping (swimming naked) during the month of August. This year, thus far, is not a disappointment! This is a short notation to remind everyone here that August, 2024, is more than half over! Strip and go skinny-dip now before the summer is gone!
A Mediterranean skinny-dip!
Aaron and I are both avid fans of skinny-dipping! No surprise there! The fact that Skyros is one of the Greek islands and the Mediterranean Sea borders along a part of Mama’s property adds a special bonus to visiting my ancestral home. We’re both grateful for the opportunity to bare practice (experience nakedness) in these historic waters where countless others have done the same for centuries before our time!
Aaron sunbathing after a skinny-dip!
Our eight days here with Mama are passing too fast for us to remember where we’ve put everything! Best wishes for a happy week!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 23, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Notoriously Naked!”
The reality isn’t as it appears in the above image. Despite dreams and fantasies, it isn’t always possible for bare practitioners to actually transport themselves in the body and clothes freedom style. In a private airplane, perhaps but there are exceptions for every possibility. The pilot may not require garments but the airport probably does. So erase the myth that Aaron and I are travelling with our nakedness unimpeded!
In order to reach our destination, we have to comply with the law. Unfortunately, what we decide is best for the both of us but it doesn’t always please the remainder of the passengers. The ultimate goal of today’s post entry here is to travel from “Point A” (the Washington, D.C., USA, National Airport) to “Point B” (the landing facility near my mother’s house). Her home is located on the island of Skyros, Greece. This has been the paternal heritage of my family for centuries. The purpose of this trip? A long overdue visit to spend quality time with Mama and the remainder of my family – immediate and extended – in residence there.
My spouse, Aaron, and I depart later today and hopefully will safely arrive on Skyros and accomplish our mission. The visit is only for eight days of refreshing renewal Mama, my brothers and family. The “header” image (above) shows a fellow traveler seated on his luggage in a departure terminal. As both Aaron and I are ardent and loyal bare practitioners, allow me to assure everyone that we are not so totally foolish as to even attempt today’s journey in our nakedness. Admittedly, our dream may be to one day undergo the adventure in complete body and clothes freedom, we both understand that undertaking isn’t happening today!
Underway to terminal!
Also, the title of this posting is Flying High! Patience, please, and permit me to clarify the fact that neither one of us is under the influence of any mind-altering substance of any kind. If we’re unable to travel in our natural state then why bother to even think of trying to do so mentally altered?
More than likely, no one else made the assumption of us contemplating to take the trip nude. We confirm our fantasy of preferring to do so but reality doeto composes occasionally grasp our attention and influence our behaviour!
The absurdity and brevity of this topic reflects the anxious attitudes in preparation of departure. It is much easier and simpler to compose and publish humour than to even attempting present a serious idea and then fail miserably! Plus, the accompanying pictures were available and convenient!
Interracial bare practitioner couple representing us!
Additionally, this is the day after our actual ninth wedding anniversary! Another reason to celebrate with Mama and the rest of the family.
I’ll also go to the cemetery and spend time at Papa’s grave. Whenever I return to Skyros, I always include quiet time there – alone. We’ve had some convenient conversations together since he was interred there. While I’m there, this gives Aaron and Mama their “time” together, without me being around!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 19, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Familiar Comfort!”
Typically, most “work-week” schedules begin on Monday. Over time, Mondays have earned the unfair and unpopular designation as the “back to work” day when people sluggishly return to their job site, usually ready for another weekend immediately! Return to work is dreaded but leaving the workspace is joyful and with energy! Unfortunately, this is the regular attitude and routine for the multitude.
It doesn’t always have to be that way. Monday follows a weekend which in many cases presents a respite from the usual workday regimen. The weekends, while brief, offer an opportunity for recreational and relaxing activities that restore some mental balance and allow rejuvenation. Socialization circumstances afford many the chances of idea exchanges additional renewal experiences.
Varying stages of bare comfort!
Thus, Mondays afford a significant majority of us to return to our professional environment with new experiences, ideas and possible resources for not only enhancing our personal lives but also with suggestions for our coworkers. Instead of a mundane day to return to the work routine, Mondays can also be viewed as a day to refresh our individual and social adventures and situations.
My spouse, Aaron, and I both believe that enriching and expanding the “Monday role” in our lives adds a new dimension of both expectation and pleasure for all of us. Most of us are discreet with our personal lives in the professional setting, yet this doesn’t prevent us from sharing aspects of a novel or new-found ideal or theme that others may explore or indulge.
Picnic idea!
Encouraging information exchange helps to eradicate some issues with “mediocre Mondays” and affords us a tool to utilize to improve communication. In addition, it enables us to broaden our workplace social circle that increases the resources all of us may implement. The expanded networks this creates offers all of us unimaginable benefits and rewards.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 9, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Visually Verified!”
Personally, it feels as though this summertime has only just begun. Yesterday was the official “first day of summer,” and now here we are, the month of August is already upon us! Where did the month of July disappear? It was in the future, and now it is a memory. I readily admit to being somewhat sluggish at the end of June, but I honestly didn’t foresee taking a nap that would include the entire month of July!
A dreamland pillow!
This season has been enjoyable, exciting and productive – as most summers usually are – without the usual drama that happens when the heat affects the temper levels. Perhaps one of the reasons this season has been relatively “drama-free” is due to having restful and sufficient amounts of sleep. This may be attributed to the fact that living natural pillows, on which to lay our head, are remarkably available and many bare practitioners are taking advantage! A good night’s sleep gives amazing rewards for those who indulge!
Our couples featured above illustrate the modern marvel known as living natural pillows. They’re accommodating, flexible and are accompanied by a sincere desire to please. Of course, reciprocity is expected and that merely involves taking turns providing the headrest! Everything more than that depends on the compatibility of the couple engaged in dreamland!
Beach bedding!
Not everyone has the same sense of privacy that others hold, especially during the freedom that summer provides us. Many take to napping and slumber while in the rays from the sun. Stroll along any beach, waterfront or pool deck and countless persons will be lounging and sleeping while doing so. There’s no law against it so why not enjoy it?
It is also vitally important to ascertain that all of us understand that living natural pillows entail the use of the buttocks of one person as the living natural pillow of another person. I’ll qualify one of the requirements from my personal experience. I’ve never rested my weary head on the buttocks of anyone recently deceased. I’m not sure if I could ever bring myself to relax during an exchange such as involving a close encounter with a dead person. For that reason, “living” is an essential aspect of the human pillow!
Compliance?
An equally essential component of the living natural pillow experience is the agreement, compliance and/or understanding between the involved persons as to what specifically the participation actually includes. For some, the possibility of being a pillow for another person is repugnant. They only want to be the person with their head on someone else’s buttocks! Role-playing isn’t one of their stronger features.
My spouse, Aaron, offers that for some couples, the usual aspects of alternating roles of accommodation are determined to not be applicable. This decision is based on their personal preference and mutual consent. If this is agreeable to them, then they are free to follow whatever is satisfactory.
Comfort and tranquility!
Naked hugs and enjoy your pillow: whatever style you have!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 5, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Marvelous Monday!”
Summertime usually brings forth in our various cultures and societies an interesting and refreshing concoction of beverages, usually with an alcoholic content, to not only quench our thirst but to enable us to relax and appreciate the festive atmosphere the season brings. In the past, I have published several recipes for summer cocktails during the month of August; this year, my spouse, Aaron, suggested publishing this feature earlier in order that as many as possible have the chance to mix and enjoy! Quite naturally (we were both bare), he made this recommendation as he was sipping on this cocktail!
The name of the beverage is: Sex On The Beach. The recipe – I’m uncertain if that’s what the “recipe” is actually labelled – was located in an internet search for “summer rum cocktails.” A possible alternative title for this post entry: A Tropical Happy Hour!
SexOnTheBeach!
11/2 ounces rum (light or dark)
1 ounce lime juice
1 ounce orange juice
1 ounce pineapple juice
1/2 ounce passionfruit syrup
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a glass and add a lime wheel or a chunk of fresh fruit. Enjoy!
The above recipe was originally offered here on ReNude Pride under the title. That eye-catching name caught my attention. Of course, no explanation of the name was given. Also, there was no caution regarding safe sex nor urging of the responsible consumption of alcohol, especially hen operating a vehicle. I’m not able to recall the distillery that created this rum.
I do remember that the first time I tried the mixed drink, I realized the ice wasn’t necessary. I preferred my beverage at room temperature, even during the summer! Ice is cold and that fact gives me no consolation!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, July 19, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “An Unashamed Tale!”
International Skinny-Dipping Day: Saturday, July 13, 2024!
Bare Practitioner’s Day, Sunday, July 14, 2024!
Bare practitioners about to skinny-dip in the ocean!
If the weather cooperates here in the Northern Hemisphere, this weekend has the potential for a very bare extravaganza of aquatic excitement and fun! Of course, we all know that the entire hemisphere will not have the ideal conditions, but hoping for the best sometimes affords positive results! Besides, a little rain during the summer season isn’t all that disastrous! Especially when we’re all body and clothes free anyway!
A rush to skinny-dip!
International Skinny-Dipping Day, Saturday, July 13, 2024:
Skinny-dipping is a phrase originating in American English for swimming naked. The popular justification for that designation is that in the rural southern tradition, the term developed from the custom of “getting into one’s skin and taking a dip into a local body of water.” Up until the massive general recruitment into the armed forces caused by World War II, skinny-dipping was limited primarily to the southern part of the USA. The label didn’t gain widespread use in the vernacular until the war response brought young men together in defence of the country. Once the peace was restored and the military returned home did the term earn expanded comprehension.
The advancement and development of Nude Recreation Week in the 1970’s encouraged the use of that phrase in the promotion of naked swimming as part of the week-long observance of outdoor body and clothes freedom activities. Skinny-dipping was considered an event and a name that would get the general public’s attention and interest into the naturist/nudist experience.
The two sponsoring organizations of Nude Recreation Week, the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS), decided in the early years of the 21st century to alter the focus of the skinny-dipping event into an international competition in an attempt to increase the event’s ranking in the Guinness Book of Records. This strategy was intended to attract even more general interest in both the event and in promoting social nudity. One of the major objections to the additional focus on an international skinny-dipping activity has been that it diminishes the overall theme of Nude Recreation Week.
Skinny-dipping duo!
Skinny-dipping, from the earliest days, was usually always observed in natural bodies of water, such as lakes and oceans. As humanity progressed, pools were made by men for different reasons and both genders adapted to the new situation. The bare swimming experience became popular regardless of where it was located. Aquatic refreshment and relaxation remained an often-sought luxury appreciated by the multitudes! It wasn’t until mid-way through the Victorian era that the creation of swimming suits became a demand.
*************************
Join us!
Bare Practitioner’s Day, July 14, annually!
Losing his cumbersome burden!
Bare Practitioner’s Day evolved here from World Naked Day, World Nudist Day and several other national and/or regional labels. Aaron, my spouse, and I adopted the title here in order to promote the largely misunderstood concept of same gender loving body and clothes freedom. Throughout the world, attention and emphasis is on fashion that must be purchased, little thought is offered to the fashion that is common to us all: our skin! We both believe that as our skin is completely “natural” fashion, it deserves a “special” day for celebration – all throughout the world!
The reality of Nude Recreation Week having no denoted date for happening, Aaron and I both feel that Bare Practitioner’s Day needs a date assigned that doesn’t obscure the occasion and the communities represented. Both the same gender loving and the body and clothes freedom persons have earned their own day of celebration and remembrance!
Proud teen bare practitioners!
There are two specific reasons that we both believe justify having a day for bare practitioner recognition. First and foremost is the fact that across much of the globe, same gender loving persons face discrimination and prejudice simply for being themselves. It may not be as prevalent as it once was, but it continues even today. Having a time for being ourselves enables us, as a community and as a culture, to remind all others that we are here and have earned the freedom to be us!
Secondly, even among the naturist/nudist people, bias and marginalization remains against our kind. Therefore, we reserve the right to help prepare for a better and equal acceptance for those who are just now entering into our lifestyle. History doesn’t need to be repeated forever! Our delight and enjoyment of our nakedness isn’t based solely on our sexuality!
As bare practitioners ourselves, Aaron and I both appreciate and comprehend the importance of promoting the benefits, joy and rewards of the ability to enhance and participate in our lifestyle with others who feel the same! Camaraderie offers us the opportunity to meet and learn from others and to both share and socialize!
Stepping into his bare practitioner identity!
Everyone is encouraged to take full advantage of our seasonal weather and have a fun and productive July weekend! Take care and enjoy being bare!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 15, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Beverages!”
10th Anniversary, Stonewall Inn Riots, 1979: “Taking A Break”
Stonewall Inn Riots: Legacy!
The actual date, 28 June, 1969, may not be etched mentally for everyone, but for a majority of GLBTQ+ community and culture, the familiar phrase, Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR), instantly beats the drum and blows the trumpet! The early hours of this morning heralded the commencement of the movement that initiated the struggle to end bias, condemnation, marginalization and oppression. It began the attainment of the goals of equality, fairness, freedom and respect deserving of all peoples, no matter where they live! Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) rights are human rights progress inaugurated!
The rioting that followed the planned raid on the unlicensed Stonewall Inn bar, catering almost exclusively to a “homosexual” (derogatory designation for same gender loving persons) customer base, erupted into a totally unexpected riot against police brutality and harassment. The law enforcers were completely unprepared for this reaction and were overwhelmed by the results. The “homosexual” community was always considered docile and effeminate, not capable of any type of masculine action!
Contemporary Stonewall Inn Historic Site!
The Stonewall National Monument is a fairly new national park unit located in Christopher Park in New York City’s lower Manhattan neighborhood of Greenwich Village. It is the very first U.S. national monument dedicated to GLBTQ+ rights and history; indeed, to the entire community and culture. Then-President Barack Obama designated it as a national monument on June 24, 2016!
The Stonewall Inn, 1969
“Stonewall will be our first national monument to tell the story of the struggle for LGBT rights. I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country, the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us. That we are stronger together. Out of many, we are one.” ~ President Barack Obama ~ Dedication of Stonewall National Monument ~ 24 June, 2016
“There was no gay pride before Stonewall. Only gay fear and gay isolation and gay distrust and gay self-hatred.” ~ Edmund White ~ Stonewall Inn patron and gay author
“The police weren’t letting us dance. If there’s one place in the world where you can dance and feel yourself fully as a person and that’s threatened with being taken away, those words are fighting words.” ~ Tommy Lanigen-Schmidt ~ Stonewall Inn patron and riot participant
“You could hear screaming outside, a lot of noise from the protestors and it was a good sound. It was a real good sound that, you know, you had a lot of people out there pulling for you.” ~ Raymond Castro ~ Stonewall Inn patron who was detained inside the bar during the riot
The Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR), 1969
In 1966, the Stonewall Inn Restaurant, which had been in business at that location since the 1950s, closed for remodeling following a fire that had devastated the restaurant. The restaurant re-opened as a commercial tavern (bar) on 18 March, 1967, under the ownership of the Genovese Mafia family. The tavern was in business illegally (no license to serve liquor) and one officer of the New York Police Department was accepting monthly bribe payments allowing the business to operate. The targeted consumer base for the tavern were “homosexuals.”
On Friday evening, 27 June, 1969, the police held a raid upon the Stonewall Inn tavern for two specific violations, operating a “homosexual” related business and for selling alcohol without a license. The customers, by now angry over repeated harassment, rioted against the police. The protesters soon numbered in the thousands and marked the first time any law enforcement received any defiance and/or resistance from the “homosexual” population. This represented the same gender loving (SGL) community organizing against oppression and the police were bewildered and clueless.
No one in the New York Police Department had anticipated the “homosexuals,” always believed to be meek and mild, to fight back. The years of abuse, oppression and ridicule had taken its toll, and the frustration now became revolution and the time for retribution was at hand. Unfortunately for the police, the pent-up anger with law enforcement was now being released and returned in kind. The police who initiated the raid were now isolated prisoners inside the Stonewall Inn.
The early morning hours of 28 June, 1969, became history. The discrimination against people who loved their own gender soon faded away to be replaced by the movement for gay power, gay equality and gay rights. This, in turn, became known as the GLBTQ+ movement (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+). The journey was not easy, peaceful nor was it bloodless. However, the journey itself was historic. Unfortunately, the history remains to be completed, even into now, the 21st Century!
Christopher Park GLBTQ+ statues!
In the 1970s, a local volunteer group, the Friends of Christopher Park, was organized in order to oversee the park’s maintenance and upkeep. In 1983, the New York City Parks agency began a three-year project to restore the park to its original condition under the guidance of Phil Winslow.
In 1992, the “Gay Liberation” statue by George Segal was placed in Christopher Park. The statue consists of four figures (two standing men, two seated women) in natural and neutral poses. The park also has two other statues both related to the civil war that were created in 1936. In 2023, a move to remove the statue of General Phil Sheridan because he had led a massacre of Indigenous (Native American) people.
On 29 June, 1999, the Stonewall Inn building, Christopher Park and nearby streets were recognized as official by the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The same area was declared a National Historic Landmark on February 16, 2000.
The statues, decorated in celebration!
On 23 June, 2015, the City of New York determined the Stonewall Inn to be an official City landmark. This inspired the other Greenwich Village residents to pursue both The Stonewall Inn and the Christopher Park to be labeled a national monument. This happened when then-President Barack Obama officially determined the Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park as national monuments on 24 June, 2016.
Welcome to all!
Our history and our story are still ongoing. To those who are planning to visit New York city, a visit to this national monument is highly recommended in order to help define and perpetuate our community and culture!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Sunday, June 30, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! Pride Month, 2024!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 