An online journal celebrating the joys of living bare with pride! This site usually publishes every Monday and Friday. I may be irreverent but I am no way irrelevant! My preferred personal pronouns are he, him, his.
The red ribbon adorning our bare practitioner in the photograph above represents or symbolizes HIV/AIDS awareness (knowledge). It is featured here as a serious reminder that HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Despite advances in medication, there exists no cure for HIV infection; however, with proper care HIV is now manageable disease with medical supervision.
Undiagnosed, HIV remains a serious health threat. That is the reason this day is important for all of us. In order to receive life-saving treatment, we must know our HIV status. Testing provides us the power to seek treatment and take the process that allows us to manage our lives.
Gain control over your life!
HIV/AIDS Basic Facts
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
AIDS is a result of HIV infection.
HIV is not spread through everyday casual contact.
Only a doctor can diagnose AIDS.
The coronavirus COVID-19 and variants have overtaken health news reports recently but HIV/AIDS remains a major and, if undiagnosed, often fatal infection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises more than 630,000 AIDS-related deaths for 2020. Testing gives us the opportunity to reestablish and to regain direction in our lives through counseling, education, medication and treatment.
Take the test.
Know your HIV status.
Control your life.
Testing is knowledge and knowledge is power!
Even now, a significant number of persons living with HIV have no idea that they are even infected. This not only deteriorates their own health but also the health of others they hold dear. Knowledge of one’s HIV status and regular testing keeps all of us healthy and safe!
Become involved in the efforts to remain healthy. Get tested and know your status. Encourage your family and friends to get tested so they can protect themselves and others. Encourage them to get involved in HIV/AIDS prevention education efforts within their own communities. It has been a long, slow process, but we are finally seeing progress in prevention efforts!
During the many years that I was a volunteer HIV/AIDS prevention education instructor to the American Red Cross, I was always amazed at the number of certification candidates who revealed they had never been tested for HIV. I truly believed then – as well a now – that a test should have been a prerequisite for enrolling to seek certification.
Don’t be a transmitter! Protect yourself and others! Take the test!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note:The next post entry for here is planned for tomorrow, June 28, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “SIR: 1969!”
It is the month of May and for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, our Summer is rapidly approaching. In order to help remind everyone of the realities of living as a bare practitioner, the message is: we all need to act for protection of our skin! There is enough potential for disaster in our lives already. Failure to act to protect ourselves from over-exposure to the sun is a risky procedure that none of us need to make. Our health is fragile as it is!
Annually, usually during the month of May, I post a summation of the steps we should follow in protecting our skin from the sun. We enjoy our body and clothes freedom, a simple notation of the process to ensure continued fun and pleasure during the summer months is an effort towards the health and safety of us all. To all of our bare practitioners residing in the Southern Hemisphere, earmark this post in preparation when “fun-in-the-sun” season returns to you!
In our eagerness to get outside and frolic in the fresh air and warm sun, many of us forget one of the basic rules of outdoor health: we all need to cover up (protect) our skin before we uncover any part of or all of our body. This cover up entails the use of an appropriate sunscreen applied correctly, adequately (sufficient quantity) and, when necessary, reapplied diligently. Using sunscreen allows most of us to make the most of whatever our sunlight plans may offer. The purpose of sunscreen is to protect ourselves from sunburn (or worse).
Sunscreen instruction review!
It is strongly recommended that bare practitioners and naturists/nudists earmark this post for the duration of the season. In doing so, it is easily available for reference should the need arise. Our health is a vital concern for each one. Please protect yourself and others around you!
Question and Answer Format:
The “Question and Answer” (Q&A) style has been the format for this post entry here since I began publishing in 2017. Those seeking information appreciate the brevity and the focused subject of each inquiry. This type pf presentation encourages additional research if more information is needed.
New this year is an Addendum: Update section featured as a summary for this post entry.
Sunburn on his back!
What is sunburn?
Sunburn is caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and not heat. It is important to remember that skin can burn even on overcast or cloudy days, cold winter days and while under shade (shelter from direct sunlight). Sunburn damages or destroys the skin, which controls the amount of heat our body retains or releases, holds in fluids (hydration) and protects us from infections.
Reactions to sunburn range from mild irritation to serious pain. Sunburn may cause fevers and nausea (depending on the severity of the burn) and makes the dead skin peel away. Sunburn may lead to serious health complications later in life.
The information below is very general and is offered as a guide to use in selecting the type of sunscreen that is best for personal protection. Keep in mind that every individual is just that: an individual – a unique person. What is applicable for one may or may not be the same for another. When in doubt, consult a health practitioner. It is better to ask now than to be sorry later!
Applying sunscreen!
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a chemical that, to a certain degree, prevents UV radiation from reaching the skin. While there is no product that totally eliminates UV radiation damage, many variations, when used properly, can and do protect the skin adequately.
What should I look for in a sunscreen?
Regardless of where the sun activity is taking place: backyard, ball playing field, park or beach, the product should contain two elements for effective protection. Always look for a “broad spectrum” sunscreen that contains chemicals that block both UV-A and UV-B radiation from penetrating the skin surface.
While no product is completely waterproof, select a “water-resistant” type that is designed for long-lasting wear, especially if swimming or sweating. Choose a variation that is both easy to apply and feels good on the skin. There are numerous commercial brands available: creams, lotions, moisturizers, gels, sprays and solid stick types.
Sunbathing!
What is SPF?
The initials SPF refer to “sun protection factor.” This is the measure of the effectiveness of the sunscreen in absorbing UV-B radiation. If someone sunburns after about 10 minutes of sun exposure, using a product of SPF15 extends the amount of time before sunburn occurs to 150 minutes or two-and-a-half hours. After this time, it should be reapplied to continue protection.
In terms of percentages, a product of SPF15 blocks 93% of the UV-B sun rays. One of SPF30 blocks 97% of radiation and one of SPF50 blocks 99%. The difference in protection may not justify the added expense of higher SPF sunscreens.
What is the best sunscreen for me?
This depends on many factors, including age, skin type, activity, time of day, location (proximity to the Equator) and the UV index. For most skin types, a sunscreen with a minimum SPF15 is recommended. Persons with fair or lighter skin tones – of all races and ethnicities – and low sun tolerance (burn easily) should use a SPF30. For minimal sun exposure, 90 minutes or less, a moisturizer cream may suffice (with correct SPF level). For extended periods of sun exposure and higher activity engagement, use a longer-lasting product such as a cream, gel or lotion. Spray (aerosol or pump) are beneficial for hairy parts of the body, including the arms and armpits, back, chest, legs and the pubic region. If a person is acne-prone, choose sunscreens that are oil-free or non-carnodegenic.
For individuals with sensitive skin, the chemicals in some sunscreens may cause irritation. Use a product that contains only physical blockers (zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide). A physical blocker does not penetrate the skin layers as do chemicals. Physical blockers stay on the skin surface to provide protection.
Reading application instructions!
What is the best way to use sunscreen?
If you’ve used sunscreen before and burned, it was either applied incorrectly or the wrong SPF. For sunscreen to be effective, it must be in sufficient quantity, applied correctly and thoroughly, used prior to sun exposure and reapplied often. Remember the lips: use a lip balm with a minimum SPF15!
How much?
One ounce (a full shot glass) per adult body per application (minimally). Apply liberally all over the body, including behind the ears and on the edges of the ear and ear lobes.
When to apply?
At least 30 minutes before going out into the sun. Reapply 15 minutes later to ensure that you didn’t miss any part of your body. Once in sunlight, reapply every couple of hours, especially if swimming, perspiring or towel drying.
Who should use sunscreen?
Everyone needs skin protection from the rays of the sun. All races and ethnicities are susceptible to sunburn. Men with darker skin complexions may have a higher tolerance for sun exposure but at some point, they too will experience sunburn. Bear (and bare) in mind that skin damage and serious complications later are a result of the failure to protect the skin.
Rubbing sunscreen lotion into his skin!
What does the expiration date mean?
Sunscreen usually remains stable and effective for a period of three (3) years. After the expiration date, the contents will begin to decompose and will not offer the intended protection. Always check the expiration date before application. Discard any product that is past the expiration date.
For the bare practitioner/naturist/nudist:
Apply sunscreen to the entire body. This includes the anal area, armpits, penis, testicles (both front and back). Follow the reapplication guidelines every couple of hours. Body areas that may not receive direct sunlight absorb UV-A and UV-B radiation indirectly.
Manscaping (body hair removal), no matter the method used, creates sensitive areas on the skin surface. First, apply a gentle body lotion, wait fifteen (15) minutes and then cover with sunscreen – completely.
Summer is a natural season for outdoor freedom and a variety of nudecentric outside activities: aquatics, athletics, barbecues and cookouts, events, festivals and countless socials. It is also the time for quiet solitude such as gardening, hiking, reading a book or a casual stroll down a nature trail. No matter how we choose to spend our leisure time, proper prevention against sunburn ensures all of us freedom from concerns over sun exposure. One less worry as we go about our business of having fun in the sun.
Sunglass protection!
Sunglasses!
A cautious word on sunglasses! It is important to remember sunglasses to prevent harmful UV radiation from damaging the eyes! Even on overcast days, radiation is still available. When purchasing sunglasses, a pair with UV filtering lenses is highly recommended.
Sunscreen application assistance!
Bare Notations: 2022:
If you are a “newbie” (recent arrival) to the bare practitioner world – welcome! If you are a veteran of the body and clothes freedom comity (community and/or culture) – you’re welcome here, too! A new sectional feature here on ReNude Pride’s annual guide to sunscreen protection for us all are these “Bare Notations.” These notations (reminders and/or suggestions) are offered in a nonjudgmental and nonthreatening way to help us all guard and protect the “skin we’re in!” Please feel free to offer your own ideas in the comments area below and remember to have fun and be safe in the sun!
Tan-line: in order to remove all evidence of swimsuit (or other clothing) wearing, generously apply sunscreen all over your entire body – not just the tan-line area. Too many times people only cover the tan-line evidence and neglect the rest of their body. For the best protection, use sunscreen; faithfully and religiously!
Sunglasses: (once again, another subtle reminder) the use of sunglasses is essential in protecting visual health. The shaded lenses guard our eyes from the UV radiation emitted from the sun’s rays. Carefully select a pair that’s comfortable, treated with UV filtration and sturdy. Fresh slices of cucumber may be calming and fine for soothing the eyelids after sun exposure, but they don’t protect against UV damages!
Genitalia: (buttocks and crevice, penis, testicles) are sensitive parts of the body that are usually the least exposed to any sunlight. Carefully and completely cover with sunscreen – and a second thorough application is strongly recommended before sun exposure happens. This ensures full coverage has occurred. Remember the underside of the penis and the backside of testicles. UV radiation is not merely contained to sunlight! Don’t forget the crevice area between the left and right buttock!
Armpits: (underarms) are sensitive parts of the body that are usually a secondary site of minimal sunlight exposure. Armpit hair (underarm fur) – no matter how profuse or sparse – does not eliminate UV penetration. Apply sunscreen the same as you would other areas of the skin. Due to heavy perspiration in the underarms and the human tendency to wipe away heavy amounts of moisture, armpits/underarms may require additional monitoring.
Have a fun and safe summer!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is Friday, May 20, 2022, and the proposed topic is “Summer Plans!”
Although Springtime, 2022, is now officially here with us in the Northern Hemisphere, we know from experience that outside temperatures don’t automatically change to match the season. These inside .gif images take that reality into account for this a month of transition!
Halfway bottoms-up!
Our man is just coming home from class or from work and is climbing the stairs in order to remove his pants and provide clothes freedom to his buttocks! A few more steps and then you can be bare with pride!
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Peeling off his underwear!
Our next guy drops his underwear onto the floor the minute he crosses the threshold to his apartment. No waiting until he gets into his bedroom. It’s bottoms-up! now!
Bottoms-up! enthusiast!
He follows his stripping with flexing his bottoms-up! anatomy and letting his body enjoy being without any covering!
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Bottoms-up! in the weight room!
Our fitness man knows that his buddies prefer to visit the free weights room in total freedom from clothing. He gladly bares his buttocks and joins in the effort – to everyone’s delight!
Bottoms-up! confidence!
His shorts are off, let the weight-lifting begin!
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Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, April 1, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “April Arrives!”
From the lack of any blooms or foliage on the trees, it is obvious this is a day early in the Spring – perhaps even the first day of the season! From our subject’s nudity, it is apparent that the daytime outdoor temperature is moderate and probably quite comfortable.
For this particular posting, I invite each one of you to take a moment and read the following questions. Contemplate your thoughts. If you feel inspired, please use the comments section below to share your ideas with others. Remember the adage: “A picture gives us one thousand words.”
What does he see? What is he thinking? Is he happy that Spring is finally here? Has he lost something? Is he dreaming of the future? Is he recalling a moment from the past? Is he a proud bare practitioner? Does he miss his lover?
Have fun!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, March 31, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! March, 2022!”
In order that I pay the proper homage to the eagerly anticipated arrival of Spring, 2022, yesterday, March 20, I’m welcoming the event both yesterday and today! Yesterday as the official commencement and then today in publication of Spring Resolution! As my beloved spouse, Aaron, has so wonderfully observed, “why not have a two-day celebration?”
Indeed! The survival of yet another winter deserves all the happiness and joy that we can give! Hallelujah!
Excited Phoenix Fellington!
Phoenix Fellington joyful movement!
As the new season is currently officially here and underway, we can all join with same gender loving film actor, Phoenix Fellington, in a few blissful rhythmic moves indoors today! Glad tidings know no bounds or limitations! Let the party begin!
A very happy teenager!
Earlier this year, I published New Year’s Resolutions here on ReNude Pride (click post title to link). I endorsed resolutions on the first day of Spring, annually, as opposed to the tradition of New Year’s Day. Aaron and I both appreciate Spring as a time of rebirth and renewal and better suited for change, development and growth. For the both of us, it makes more sense to celebrate a “new nude year” in the Spring as opposed to the dead of winter!
Spring Resolutions, 2022:
Avoid being judgmental.
Better, bolder and braver bare practitioner.
Increase patience, tolerance and understanding of others.
Above, I’ve listed my resolutions for 2022. In keeping with my habit, I don’t have an endless listing of improvements needed. I did learn from my older brothers that a list too long creates more failures than successes. If I accomplish all, it is never to late to add another resolution!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry planned here is for Friday, March 25, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Greece Reborn!“
For many of us who reside in the Northern Hemisphere, the month of March, annually, often qualifies itself as the “the month of chaos and confusion!” Why? Rarely, if ever, do the days follow any natural pattern or sequence. The entire month is notorious for being breezy or windy or whatever choice word one prefers to use to describe the air velocity. It can be calm one day and then chaotic the next – all accompanied by temperature extremes: cold, hot, moderate, warm and or freezing.
Definite chaos. Confirmed confusion. Variable levels of comfort that collectively satisfy very few – if any at all! Inconsistency and instability dominate each day. Precipitation can range from rain to sleet to snow to ice and sometimes all during the same day – then arrogantly repeating itself the following day – although not necessarily in the identical order! Bottom line (basic thought): March is unpredictable!
The jogger featured here today caught my attention after I had already selected the theme for this post entry here on ReNude Pride as March Mayhem. My reasoning for choosing his images is simple: opposites attract one another.
Jogging bare practitioner!
Obviously, he’s a bare practitioner with both confidence and pride! He is also comfortable posing for a video sharing his daily routine and his full body (wearing only shoes on his feet). Absolutely oblivious as to what else is happening in the rural world around him.
No guilt or shame over any aspect of his nudity. No attempt to conceal any part of his anatomy. No embarrassment on having his nakedness broadcast to social media worldwide. A bold bare practitioner encouraging others, by setting the example, to just do the same! A man being himself: reality with no excuses or qualm!
My original title for today’s title was “March Madness.” My spouse, Aaron, upon reading the draft reminded me that this was the former name of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) university basketball tournament. He suggested the change and I’m grateful for his recommendation! He also liked the jogger’s .gif pictures.
Earlier this year (January), I published here New Year’s Resolutions. (Click the title to link to the post). I endorsed the idea of creating resolutions on the first day of spring every year as opposed to the tradition of New Year’s Day. Spring begins on March 20, 2022. Aaron joins with me in urging all of us to resolve now to become better, bolder and braver bare practitioners for at least the remainder of 2022!
“To profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it.” ~ John Churton Collins ~
All the while, our jogging friend continues on his task of being true to himself: a committed bare practitioner! Dedicated, dynamic and energetic! Loyally enjoying and pursuing his belief in the ideals of both body and clothes freedoms!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, March 11, 2022, and the proposed topic is: The Naked and The Nude!”
Commando is a colloquial term in USA English used to describe a situation where textile (clothes wearing) men are attired without the benefit of underwear – bikini, boxer, brief, jock-strap or thong. In other words, they are clothed (either casually, semi-formal or formally) but no covering for their buttocks or penis. For those of us who are loyal bare practitioners, this is of little or no concern. Our philosophy is simply: Why bother with any type of covering whatsoever?
Montgomery removes his shirt and is now proudly bare!
For the clothes enthusiasts, this presents a major dilemma! The majority are appalled and shocked by this blatant breach of decency and practice. Not only are they appearing in public half-dressed, they also have no concern regarding their hygiene. This is thought of as their first step in becoming nudists!
Caution! Reading further may induce fainting or heart palpitations!
The commando style is also referred to occasionally as freeballing. Basically this implies that a man is comfortable in allowing his genitalia to hang freely unperturbed or contained/restricted by underwear. The two terminologies are essentially identical and both are popular for similar reasons. The labelling choice is simply a matter of personal preference.
Obviously freeballing while having tea!
I am uncertain to the origin of the term commando. I honestly don’t know if any of the military or naval forces permit their persons freedom of being in active service without wearing undergarments!
Removing his boxers for clothes freedom!
The textilists (those who wear clothing – if such a term even exists) possibly may have one valid idea. Wearing pants or shorts without under garments may be the initial stage in the process of conversion to bare practitioner. This claim isn’t supported by any proven research or studies. Additional investigation is highly recommended!
The clothing proponents should be careful in their accusations against the sanitary practices of naturists/nudists as well as the equally clad commando enthusiasts. None of these two populations are guilty of wearing dirty underclothes. Neither of them are fans of “undies,” anyway. Remember the adage: People who live in glass houses (folks who wear garments) should think twice before they throw stones (criticize others)?
The clothes crew should be grateful they aren’t being profusely inundated by countless pairs of soiled underwear! Either that or they could be forced to hand-wash every item of filthy undergarment available. Those two options, alone or combined, would reinforce the valuable lessons of patience, tolerance and understanding.
Bare practitioner!
Stepping into his jeans!
Jeans on, commando style!
There is nothing distasteful or wrong about dressing in the commando style. Essentially, it is a lifestyle choice that everyone is free to determine for themselves. For some it is comfortable and for others, it isn’t. That’s the reason bare practitioners don’t wear clothing and the textile people do.
For a countless number of active bare practitioners, the ability and freedom to dress commando or freeballing may have enabled and encouraged them in their quest of clothes freedom. Successful “first steps” often empower our life journeys to completion.
Undoubtedly, many persons curious and exploring the aspects and benefits of nudity may find commando living both enlightening and inspirational. The comfort and familiarity of discarding underwear is considered by some an essential and vital element towards nakedness. For those who are textile, under garments are the first layer of clothing adorned and the last layer of clothing removed. Being commando makes perfect sense!
My spouse, Aaron, and I are committed bare practitioner loyalists! Yet, living in today’s world, there are times when the wearing of clothing is no longer an option and is totally necessary. When that is reality, usually when wearing a pair of jeans, we often choose to “go commando” (no underwear)! One less hassle we have to endure!
Go commando or freeballing if unable to be bare!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, November 19, 2021, and the proposed topic is: “Haulover Beach!”
As the quarantines and other guidelines and recommendations surrounding the coronovirus epidemic are being relaxed in various countries, everyone is cautioned not to expect an automatic “return to normalcy” in our daily lives. The viral infection hasn’t disappeared or even been completely eradicated. Transmission remains a very real possibility and there exists no known vaccine or cure.
For all of us bare practitioners (bisexual and gay naturists and nudists), maintaining a respectful distance and other safe practices are highly encouraged! The reality of a secondary wave of infection remains a valid concern.
Bare practitioners, whether they think of themselves as a naturist or a nudist, have no sense of guilt or shame over the human body. It is simply our natural selves that we prefer not to conceal or hide with clothing. We are completely comfortable and relaxed being just who we really are. We reject the concept that nudity is obscene or offensive. We are all the same underneath our garments. Who authorized anyone to determine differently?
One of the most unexplored topics of our community history is the growth and development of bare (naked, nude) culture within the modern GLBTQ movement. For far too long, we bare practitioners (naturists or nudists) have been ignored and overlooked by the overwhelming majority of our society. The purpose of this posting here is to offer a brief and minimal accounting of our heritage.
ReNude Pride 