Category: gay

Skinny-Dipping Day/Bare Practitioner’s Day!

Skinny-dipping model, Gio Dell!

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.

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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!”

Nude Recreation Week!

Just bare without a care!

National Nude Recreation Week: July 8 – July 14, 2024!

The week in action with Phoenix Fellington!

ReNude Pride’s very own model-spokesperson, Phoenix Fellington, aptly takes the leadership role in our observation of this week-long observance of bare beautification and celebration! Let no one remain doubtful as to the happiness, joy and laughter that this occasion can offer to all of us, whether we’re fully committed bare practitioners or newcomers trying social nudity for the very first time. This is a week to remember as “something fun for everyone!”

This festival of body and clothes freedom activities is jointly co-sponsored by the American Association of Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS). As every summer is the “season of fun in the sun” it is only logical that major national naturist/nudist advocacy organizations produce an event in honour of clean, healthy bare living. The recent tendency over the last several years is to observe this festivity during the week after the July 4 holiday.

Let the fun begin!

Nude Recreation Week involves an emphasis on the numerous activities, leisure services and past-times, both active and passive, that people may engage in or undertake while enjoying nakedness. In essence, identical to what can be done when wearing garments. This isn’t to imply this special week is the only time we bare our bodies for fun and games. We do that quite frequently! Not only during this week only, but all throughout the entire year!

The original agenda for what is now evolving into Nude Recreation Week was to encourage guests and persons with very limited experience with social nudity to visit facilities and properties that allowed clothing optional and/or nakedness in an effort to increase their audiences. The history of Nude Recreation Week is relatively recent with the earliest documented date of August 7, 1976, as being Nude Beach Day. It was first observed at Truro Beach in southern California and at Meadow Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Both sites were pleased with the public response at their facilities.

Boating bare together!

The success of the first Nude Beach Day guaranteed a repeat the following year. The repeated observance earned attention in the naked newsletters and periodicals and also gained increased participation from other clothes free destinations and resorts. The popularity of the event soon led to the expansion from a single day activity into National Nude Weekend.

As many naturist/nudist destinations and resorts weren’t located with convenient access to a clothing optional aquatic facility, beach availability, it was soon recognized that an additional expansion of the theme was necessary. It was at this time that the scheduling of the occasion was moved from the month of August to the month of July and the Nude Recreation Week timeline was adapted.

The emergence and evolution of Nude Recreation Week did not reflect the growth of same gender loving community adherents to the body and clothes freedom movement. In the aftermath of the Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR), the entrenchment of homophobia within the movement often increased. It remains even today although less blatant than before.

Happy Nude Recreation Week to all!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, July 12, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Skinny-Dipping Day/Bare Practitioner’s Day!”

Bottoms-Up! Pride Month, 2024!

A rainbow pride colours bench!

The uniform skin-tone on the entire furry body of the bottoms-up! exhibitionist (above) makes it obvious to all that he’s a bona-fide bare practitioner of the highest order! He has earned his place on the bench of all our pride! This is the last day of Pride Month, 2024, however, we all know that our pride happens everyday of every year!

A proud bottoms-up! tease!

Our man above uses his doorway to share his bottoms-up! salute for us all!

Bottoms-Up! June GLBTQ+ Pride Month, 2024!

Please remember to bare your buttocks and join us in our bottoms-up! status today!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 8, 2024, and the proposed topic is “Nude Recreation Week!”

SIR: Legacy!

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!”

HIV Testing Day!

As the above statistical data chart demonstrates, clearly the observance of HIV Testing Day is providing some worthwhile results. The African-American population had repeatedly reported the highest incident rates of any racial/ethnic group within USA borders. Now that same community is offering rising rates of HIV testing throughout its population. The higher the testing, the lower the rates of infection. Progress is being made – at last!

Testing Day!

First observed in the USA as National HIV Testing Day on 27 June, 1995, the main purpose of the date was to encourage persons to take the test, get the results and know their HIV status. Since that time, it has gained importance and is now promoted as an international effort for all peoples, no matter where they live. The goal has now expanded to empower individuals to seek treatment if they are HIV+ and to expand research into seeking a cure.

Since 1995, treatment options have expanded and now include prevention choices that allow persons to continue living productive lives. HIV, when treated, no longer carries the fatal outcome it once generated.

If you haven’t already done so, please get tested and know your HIV status!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 28, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “SIR: Legacy!”

Strip2Dip: Summer, 2024!

Sometimes, the simpler is better! The month of June, annually, already has the distinction of being the official month of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) Pride Month. Our community and culture’s recognized and respected annual occasion to commemorate and to remember the birth of the modern struggle for equality, fairness and justice that began in the early morning hours of 28 June, 1969.

Prior to the celebration of our collective movement against bias and oppression, in the Northern Hemisphere, the month of June already possessed a designation that no one could ignore: the arrival of the Summer Season! As if the seasonal reality wasn’t enough, along with it came the ageless classic: swimming naked (vernacular: skinny-dipping)! The freedom to bare ourselves and to be ourselves – in nature or indoors!

A cautious approach!

Our man above has waited almost an entire year for another summertime to arrive so that he can renew his outdoor favourite: a skinny-dipping adventure in his backyard pool! Bare as nature with the freedom to be the man that he truly is!

Baring himself to skinny-dip!

Dropping his long-legged athletic shorts, our man kicks them aside, making it obvious for all of us that his style preference is “commando” – no underwear! Totally harmonious to the pleasure he derives from skinny-dipping (a proud bare body) in his very own pool! A simple task: SWS (sun, water, skin)! What could be easier to understand?

All that is needed is a source of water and a familiarity with the location. A bare body (clothes freedom) and the confidence and knowledge to overcome the challenge (swimming). Sunscreen for protection is the only “equipment” involved. Sun, water, and comfort with our complete nakedness! Who could possibly ask for anything more?

Skinny-dipping (swimming naked) is perhaps the most ancient of recreational events. Probably first undertaken prior to the necessity of clothing for comfort and/or warmth, humanity, nakedness and water have been compatible since the beginning of time. There is no need for us to ignore the harmony of ourselves – in our “natural” state of being – with our nature environment any longer! Especially now that the season to skinny-dip is now upon us (at least, in the Northern Hemisphere)!

The “first” step into the pool!

The “first” step is generally the most important. It allows us to familiarize ourselves with the temperature of the water in addition to acclimating us as to the depth of the pool. The more that we know, the better equipped we are for adventure, excitement and fun! The time of our summer season is limited, so it is always best to adapt ourselves as quickly as possible. We have an entire winter season to recollect on every moment we enjoy!

One important factor to remember when skinny-dipping is that it is best not undertaken alone. As a safety concern, this is essential when in a body of water, man-made or natural, that is unfamiliar and/or unknown. The man-made pool is here is obviously transparent yet having another person along is advisable, as physical complications can occur anytime and without warning. Our skinny-dipper today is being filmed by his accomplice with his camera. Two is better than one, solo!

A launch with a splash! Happy skinny-dipping!

Splashdown has occurred; another successful launching has happened! Bare practitioner is now underway! Mission control has now been advised that the first full day of summer is now set for fun, pleasure and safety! Everyone is encouraged to join in skinny-dipping as often as possible! Better to do so now than procrastinate and then wonder what happened once the frozen outdoor temperatures return!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: A little variety in my signature image here! Aaron, my spouse suggested this image as compatible with the subject of today’s posting! The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 24, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “HIV Testing Day!”

Summer Related!

Phoenix Fellington, our bare beach soul!

The glorious season of Summer deserves exceptional recognition for being the primary time of the year where an overwhelming majority of us bare practitioners relish in the almost unlimited freedom of our nakedness and our same gender loving status. ReNude Pride’s celebrity spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington, once again takes the featured role in demonstrating his acknowledged fondness for and preference for his unofficial official designation as our bare practitioner’s bare practitioner! Confused? Don’t be! He’s hereto honoured as our bare beach soul – and not based exclusively because of his race. He’s my “soul” because he boldly and proudly poses all around without a thread of concealment over his body!

Whether he’s playing in the sand (view above) or being honoured in the foliage of the forest, his oft quoted remark, I love being naked, outside, in nature! is the summary of us nakedness enthusiasts no matter where we live or our skin colour! A man’s man and entertainer combined into one for us all to emulate!

Phoenix Fellington, the bare tree!

Phoenix, a former U.S. Marine, has the strength and, most importantly, the physique, to support a tree unaided by it’s natural trunk! And believe me, this is one active same gender loving (gay) porn-star who has the body to prove that fact!

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Juneteenth Celebration vigil!

Juneteenth Holiday!

The official name for this occasion is the Juneteenth National Independence Day and it is a national holiday in the USA. It is celebrated annually here on June 19, commemorating the official and formal emancipation from slavery in the USA. The name for this most recent holiday is a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth” because it was on the date of June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in all of Texas at the end of the American Civil War.

The initial celebrations of this event began in 1866, originating in church sponsored community gatherings in Texas and throughout the south among liberated slaves often featuring a community food festival. With the Great Migration of African-Americans (descendants of slaves), these observances quickly spread throughout the country.

The day was recognized as a federal (national) holiday in 2021, when President Joseph Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. It was first observed as a federal holiday that same year. The protocol is in place when this holiday falls on a Saturday, the Friday before is the date of the observance. If the date is a Sunday, then the following Monday is the official holiday.

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Phoenix Fellington, picnic table invitational!

Summer Commences!

For this year, Summer, 2024, officially comes into existence on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 4:51 p.m., (local time). The fun begins and lasts until September 22! For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, if you haven’t already done so, make the seasonal adjustments necessary to ensure a happy, safe and successful summertime of family, friends and fun!

This year is one of the times when the equinox doesn’t occur on the traditional date of June 21. However, June 21, 2024, does mark the first official full day of 2024’s summertime. Extra time for fun and play!

Summer splash!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 21, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Strip2Dip: Summer, 2024!”

USA: Father’s Day!

Preparing breakfast for his children!

In the USA, Father’s Day is held the third Sunday in June, annually!

The responsibilities of guardianship and parenthood don’t disappear due to the celebration. Fathers are the reason for the observance, but the duties are far from finished!

Athletic parenting!

Fathers enjoy games, sports and love to have fun, especially with the young whom they call their own! Happy Father’s Day regardless of where they live!

Blowing a kiss to communicate his love!

There are numerous ways to experience fatherhood/guardianship outside the biological means. Bisexual and gay men are all too well aware of this. So everyone, Happy Father’s Day!

Enjoy the day!

Our Day!

Aaron, my spouse, and I will spend the Father’s Day with his family at their Virginia home in the city of Roanoke, located in the western part of the state. The plans are to give his father a “surprise” luncheon with all his family in attendance. It won’t be a complete surprise as it is the family’s tradition! He’s a good man and deserves to have everyone celebrating with him!

This year is my sixth without Papa being alive. It has been a difficult one as many days I wake and am amazed at how much I still miss him. However, I do have my memories and those serve me well!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 17, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Summer Related!”

A Seasonal Disguise!

His pride is unfurled!

The original Rainbow Pride flag, held high, boldly proclaims not only his sexuality pride but helps to demonstrate to all his bare pride, also!

Enveloped with pride!

Welcoming the incoming surf with his same gender loving confidence and his exceptional pride in his nakedness!

Accompanied with pride!

Pride visually accentuated by the early flag in the colours of the rainbow and our emblem of our freedom to be proud of ourselves and who we are!

Submerged with pride!

No shame in being same gender loving nor guilt in being bare!

Awashed with pride!

Our lives, our pride!

Encouraging colours and words!

The window to the world publicly announced for all to admire and see!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 14, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “USA: Father’s Day!”

Pride, 2024: Why?

Why?

For many years now, there has been and endless amount of questioning, from both outside and from within the GLBTQ+ movement as for the necessity of Pride events. This argument, minimally, supports the existence of a marginalization and of a prejudice against us all from a broad spectrum of the general population. It may not be as blatant and as prevalent as it once was, however, it remains present. even into the 21st century! As long as these biases are evident and felt, then, yes; pride observances are most definitely needed!

Until our communities and cultures as GLBTQ+ peoples receive the same amount of consideration and respect as shown to others, no matter their race, ethnicity, ability, gender, age or heritage, yes; pride activities are needed. Distrust is a serious detriment to equality acceptance and respect.

The determination that a certain action and/or behaviour is illegal by legislative or parliamentary procedure or even a royal proclamation doesn’t immediately eliminate or erase the offence out of existence. .A behaviour or a belief isn’t innate, it is learned – from parents, teachers, clergy, adult authority figures, et al. A learned behaviour is among the most difficult to eradicate from memory and practice.

A learned behaviour is a prejudice, plain and simple. It is not based on concrete knowledge or scientific fact. It is solely and usually based on the unsupported opinions of others, more often than not substantiated by fear, hate, myth, rumour or a combination of all. As such, it is almost impossible to refute with reasoning and any alternate proposition generally only increases its intensity.

The persistence of marginalization (setting aside of the perceived “normal”) and prejudice based on a person’s sexual attraction is often illegal in a growing number of countries globally but frequently remains inside people’s minds (and their hearts). The learned behaviour that has never been completely discarded or removed. Thus, their actions nominally are based on other aspects beyond sexual orientation in order to circumvent the judging of their negativity as being prejudicial. This type of “cover-up” has repeatedly happened throughout the various societies in the world, especially in the USA.

This situation justifies the existence and observation of pride events and their continuation. Among humanity, everyone deserves a chance to develop and grow in happiness, security and tolerance.

On a communal/social level, some societies are developed, liberal and progressive. Then there are others that are conservative, traditional and unyielding. There remain other social orders that are isolated from development and are stagnant. They keep closed to those of different beliefs, creeds and values. They are intolerant to all concepts and persons outside of their nature. These circumstances justify pride experiences. As in individual cases, inherited values are learned values and these, likewise, are the most difficult to alter or to change.

Contemplation!

In composing this post entry, my spouse, Aaron, and I have had numerous discussions about the various reasons for the continued hosting of pride-related activities for our communities and cultures. We even held talks with friends on a person-to-person basis. Ideas and thoughts were shared and the above represents a summary of what appears to be the most popular argument in favour of the ongoing necessity of our pride heritage.

There are remaining GLBTQ+ persons who have very limited knowledge of our culture and the diversity of our community and the many facets offered. They seek information and many times just the contact with another person who is seeking the same or has actually experienced the same. A pride occasion is an opportunity for them to socialize, become acquainted and to observe as well as seek answers. Some travel distances for such contact. No matter where we live, there are always those for whatever reason benefit from the casual opportunity to mingle with others who may help provide them “the way.” Sometimes, merely being in an accepting environment is rewarding in and of itself.

As to persons who are active within our culture, an informative pride event allows us to assimilate with others of our lifestyle that we would otherwise never encounter. It is also an invaluable tool that permits us to stay abreast of current news, trends and emerging information. This hopefully keeps us “in the know” so we’re better qualified to determine what is beneficial not only in our own lives but also to those we hold dear.

Pride functions as an enabler that keeps us current as to the latest legal, political and social challenges and issues that we may confront, in our personal lives as well as a community. We not only remain informed on topics but we are also able to learn of different opportunities of involvement in order to share our cares and concerns with others.

As a summary for the benefits of pride for us all, Aaron and I see it as an important tool that we, as a culture need, so as to prevent any of us from being alienated/isolated from those around us. We are a minority within a broader culture and society. In keeping ourselves connected to others, we can make a difference not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 10, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “A Seasonal Disguise!”