My apology! This is not the announced post entry for today! I humbly am sorry to disappoint but the projected topic simply didn’t quite meet my expectations and I was very disappointed in the final composition. The late JFK Jr. deserved better than what I composed.
Fitness Routine!
As the winter holiday season is now upon us, a very gentle and subtle reminder of keeping our fitness a priority. It doesn’t have to be an intensive or strenuous routine. It can be a simple series of exercises to encourage circulation and mobility.
The examples depicted here today are not the only ones recommended, They show us a few options that we can utilize in order to preserve ourselves throughout the inclement season!
Use the examples featured here or create your own! The important thing to remember is to stay healthy and enjoy yourself!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 25, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Thanksgiving, 2024!”
It has been quite some time – at least three years – since I have referenced my bare and gay modeling job and/or the two years that I was involved with it. I have no embarrassment, guilt or shame over that fact/reality. After all, it was an enormous milestone in my life that contributed to the publication of ReNude Pride (this site). Credit should go where it is due!
While earning and learning my baccalaureate degree at my university, I was an active member of the Lavender Club. This was the student club for bisexuals, gays and lesbians. At that time, those three were the sole identities professed by our community and our membership. The overwhelming majority of us considered ourselves gay.
The second largest component group identified as bisexual and was predominantly male followed by the third grouping: lesbian. To our knowledge, there was no census, survey or research done to uncover the discrepancy in numerical memberships. The unofficial reasoning that circulated among us students was that none of the women wanted to be known as a “lavenderlesbian!” This observation was often repeated in jest!
As a student member of the Lavender Club (please make a note of: lavender), our faculty advisor was Dr. Rose (please note: rose). He also was the coordinator of the university’s programme of using graduate students, if interested, as nude models for the art and/or photography classes. Lavender? Rose? Were the university administrators attempting to organize a “rainbow” of surnames for the bisexual, gay and lesbian students?
Bare Professional:
Autumn posing!
As referenced above, Dr. Rose was the sole coordinator for the university’s naked models for the School of Art and he was the one who interviewed all prospective candidates. My situation was different from the others as he was aware of my comfort and familiarity with nudity as well as membership in several Washington, D.C. area clothes free social clubs. He approached me into joining his group of bare models. Of course I agreed! My first assignment as a naked model was to pose for a photography class interacting with fallen leaves the autumn after my graduation. Interacting with a pile of Autumn leaves while the students photographed me? Really?
A simple task that was a nightmare of a challenge. How “creative” could I be with a pile of leaves? Dr. Rose repeatedly emphasized to my modeling partner and myself that the project entailed both our nudity and nature (the leaves). Using the leaves to cover our anatomy was absolutely not an option. Little did he know that was never considered as a possibility by me! My goal: naked, front and center!
As for my modeling partner, he was obsessed with the wearing of a facial Halloween mask for the project. When I asked: why? He answered that he didn’t want his family or friends to know that he was posing nude. I convinced him that this was a project for the photography students, not creating pictures for an art gallery.
Once the project began and working with the leaves developed a pattern, the job became somewhat easier. It was no longer a tedious task. The camera (photography) students started to interact with us and we performed, danced, showered and countless other methods of socialization with the leaves ensued! The class became enthusiastic about the assignment and the focus evolved into having fun!
I realized how fortunate I was. An openly (out-of-the-closet) gay man who was being paid for having fun being naked! The center of attention of this group of photography students as we manually communicated (using ASL) suggestions and ideas as to what to attempt next! A very cool situation considering the fact that we were outside and it was already late October!
Leaves everywhere!
While posing, I began to fancy myself as a performer (actor) in the gay porn industry! Naked with all cameras and everyone’s attention focused on my every move and every whim with no one judging or shocked by my body and clothes freedom or the obvious fact that my man-to-man attraction was not a “taboo” (forbidden) subject! An ideal career aspiration for a 21-year-old man!
Author’s note: imagine me, nude and gay, entertaining the world with my talents! Unlimited financial success due to my superlative relationship with leaves!
While posing, I began to notice that the sunlight seemed to fade and then return. Dizziness one minute and then disappearing the next. Suddenly, after gasping for air, I lost my sense of connection with reality. I felt as though I were floating on waves. The next cognizant thought I had I was on a gurney in the back of a trauma vehicle on the way to a local hospital. I had fainted!
I had lost consciousness and stopped breathing while labouring among the leaves! I had never experienced such an episode in my life! I was kept in hospital for two days and informed that I was allergic to pollen from my co-stars – the leaves! My identical twin brother, Alex, nor I had ever experienced any allergy reactions before! This was actually a first for the both of us as well as all of our brothers!
This incident brought an immediate termination of my exceptional career in pornography with leaves! I continued to work as a bare model for the university’s School of Art and Photography for the remainder of that scholastic year and the next. Henceforth, I restricted my assignments to avoid contact with fallen leaf pollen!
Carpet of leaves!
My diagnosis with an allergy served notice to my parents and siblings to undergo testing. Growing up, there were no serious or urgent health issues for any of us. Fortunately, only Twin (the familiar name Alex and I use in referring to one another) and I were the only ones determined to be susceptible to pollen. Another amazing distinction to being identical twins: Deaf, gay, nudists and now allergy sufferers. Our unique notoriety qualifications listing continued to grow!
Upon being informed of his pollen allergy, Twin immediately asked the doctor if he was certain his allergy was to pollen and not to our shared preference for nakedness! Our physician assured him that it was solely a pollen allergy. Even today, we continue to laugh over his concern as to the cause of our allergy! In his defence, he reminds us that we were “only” 21 years old at the time!
As a footnote to the allergy theme here, in our paternal family we do indeed have a cousin, Michael, who is also a Deaf and an active bare practitioner. Within our family, his own “claim-to-fame” is that he does not suffer a pollen allergy!
Landscaping!
Another footnote to my career as a bare model, I was relieved of any consideration for any future leaf responsibilities! However, in response to my incident, no engagements involving leaves was ever taken again by the School of Art! No one affiliated with the now School of Media wanted a repetition of my reaction and hospitalization. Evidently, once was quite enough!
A humourous closing note, shortly after my return to graduate studies at my university, a notice was anonymously posted on campus: “Warning! Roger does not play well with leaves!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 11, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Armistice Day/Remembrance Day!”
How is history made? Through the eyes, hearts and minds of the people who live their lives as completely and as fully as they indeed are able!
Offering!
Who share what they have with all others to expand the goodness of life and the wonders of our world!
Lip-to-lip!
ReNude Pride: Our Offertory, Our Story!
Today, Aaron (my spouse) and I offer a gallery of our exploration of visual images that hopefully render to everyone a glimpse into the culture and the community of bare practitioners throughout the world. Here on ReNude Pride, we extol ourselves as accepting advocates and proponents of not only our same gender loving capacity but also of our nakedness! Now, during the 2024 celebration of our GLBTQ+ History Month, we seek to share with everyone here a festive and inspirational reality of what we indeed are: ourselves!
Clarification!
Bare practitioners are sometimes misinterpreted as militants about their nakedness. While this may be true for some, our belief and support of body and clothes freedom is in no way a fair and just assumption of all of us. Here on ReNude Pride, Aaron and I encourage us all to enjoy our ability to freely engage in our nudity to our individual levels of comfort. Some are satisfied with limited and/or occasional forays while without any covering, such as our gentleman (above) resting while visibly exposing his tan-line buttocks. Obviously, he’s bare when he wants to be!
Phoenix Fellington, ReNude Prides’s spokes-model!
Whereas others, such as this site’s unofficial representative, Phoenix Fellington, (above) is gloriously naked and completely unashamed whenever the opportunity is available! Publicly, he has no qualms in acknowledging his “I love being naked in nature!” status to all those within any audience available and interested. At this time, it is appropriate to remind everyone here of his professional qualification as a same gender loving (SGL) actor in the gay porn industry.
A comfortable pose!
Posing for others provides many of us with a chance to attain greater comfort and confidence in ourselves and our nakedness. It affords us the opportunity to examine ourselves as we appear through the eyes of others. Many take advantage of these opportunities to determine exactly how they feel about sharing their genitalia with those they may not know.
Discrete posing!
Discrete posing!
Discrete posing!
Others, realizing their comfort-level isn’t as bold, may opt to pose discretely and with modesty. It is an individual choice based on personal comfort, confidence and preference!
Happy GLBTQ+ History Month!
Naked hugs!
Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos
and
Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 25, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Colourful Club-Man!”
The purple stripe at the bottom of the GLBTQ+ Flag symbolizes “Spirit!”
Spirit Day is an annual GLBTQ+ awareness day of recent development for a noble cause. It is currently observed on the third Thursday in October, annually, as a part of GLBTQ+ History Month. The occasion was initiated in 2010 by Canadian teenager, Brittany McMillan in response to a significant number of bullying-related suicides of same gender loving students, the most notorious being that of Tyler Clementi.
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Notation: Tyler Clementi
Tyler Clementi was an American student at Rutgers University in Mew Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. He jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge over the Hudson River at the age of 18 on September 22, 2010. On September 19, Tyler’s dormitory roommate, Dharen Ravi, posted on Twitter a clip showing Tyler kissing another man. The Twitter posting was published without Tyler’s nor his partner’s consent or permission.
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Purple Spirit Day awareness ribbon and message!
Promoted by Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), participants wear the colour purple as a visible sign of awareness and support for GLBTQ+ young people and against bullying in general during National Bullying Prevention Month (October). It also pays tribute to GLBTQ+ victims of suicide.
The very first Spirit Day was observed on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Later occasions were on Thursday, October 20, 2011, and on Friday, October 19, 2012. In 2012, it was decided by GLAAD to observe Spirit Day on the third Thursday of the month of October, annually. GLAAD continues to sponsor the event.
Bare Practitioner’s Note:
A gentle and subtle reminder that using purple body paint to create a purple awareness ribbon is even better than wearing a purple ribbon. It shows creativity and sensitivity! Plus, there are no sharp pointed pins to deal with!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, October 18, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Our Story! Bare Skin!”
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ Awareness Day!
October 11, annually!
Introduction:
Coming Out Day was first observed in 1988 during the critical and tragic years of the onset of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. For far too many men, their diagnosis with the disease often was their “official coming out” of the proverbial closet to family, friends and co-workers. Unfortunately, the beginning of their coming out process was also the fatal and sad beginning of their farewell process.
National Coming Out Day was scheduled on the very first anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights. It was also the occasion of the first complete public display of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt.
Origins of the Phrase:
For centuries, persons who today constitute the GLBTQ+ community and culture were intentionally and legally marginalized (set aside) and segregated (separated) from the remainder of society. They were condemned and judged by church, clerics, government, law, legal enforcement, etc. as “homosexuals,” “perverts,” “queers,” and “sexual deviants.” These were among the more acceptable social labels.
Closets are for clothes only!
Many of “our kind” lived their entire lives without ever sharing exactly what and who they really and truly were with anyone. Some even led a life that was totally false, they married and raised families without revealing their honest identity. This anonymous, concealed, obscure and secretive way of living was colloquially referenced as “being closeted” or as “living in the closet.” The closet being behind closed doors, thus hidden and unavailable for others to see or witness.
Purpose:
Coming out day was the signal for the post Stonewall Inn Riot (SIR) folks to openly and proudly accept, acknowledge and own their identity, their sexual orientation, the what and the who they indeed are. To step “out of the closet and into their life!” As previously mentioned, regrettably, the HIV/AIDS crisis was happening simultaneously.
“Closets are for clothes” was an expression used by body and clothes freedom enthusiasts who were also same gender loving (SGL) – bare practitioners today – to encourage and empower our community and culture in recognizing ourselves for being ourselves; there’s nothing wrong with us!
Artist Keith Haring created this art for the first Coming Out Day, October 11, 1988!
The late world renown artist, Keith Haring, himself an openly gay man living with AIDS, designed the above artwork in honour of the occasion. It remains prominent today as the globally recognized symbol for bravely, confidently, openly and proudly coming out about individual sexuality and for us bare practitioners, our position on body and clothes freedom.
The original concept for Coming Out Day was to combine the personal notification of sexuality with the political message that individual sexual preference was no longer a secret admission of disgrace and shame. There was nothing degrading about sexuality and consequently, there is nothing abnormal or guilty concerning nakedness. In reality, it’s okay for me to be me!
The emphasis on making the personal act of coming out into a political statement is a basic form of activism. Openly coming out (self identification) to family, friends and colleagues and then living life as a confident person publicly refuting bias and marginalization was in the eyes and minds of many as an extension of the SIR. The fact that homophobia (fear of same gender lovers) thrives in an atmosphere or environment of silence and/or ignorance was reality. Once people realize they either know or are related to someone who is indeed GLBTQ+ they are less than willing to remain with discriminatory, hateful and repressive individuals. “Familiarity breeds the seeds of tolerance.”
Coming out of the closet!
Coming Out Day was extensively reported in the media of the 1980’s (broadcast and press). Keith Haring’s art created attention and notice; overall, the response was well received and several noted celebrities did indeed “come out” themselves and/or encouraged their fans and followers to do the same. However, it did not reach the projected multitudes as hoped. The HIV/AIDS dilemma continued to devastate and even mainline Christian fundamentalist clergy began to involve themselves and their faithful in disease care, education and protection efforts. Slowly and hesitantly, the GLBTQ+ population began to identify with the necessity of the campaign to step forward and to “come out!”
Opening doors!
Evolution:
Since the very first National Coming Out Day on 11 October, 1988, so much has happened in our world, specifically in the attainment of GLBTQ+ civil rights, equality and freedoms. In the USA, the removal of the military ban/restriction on service, marriage equality and broad non-discrimination policies and protocols (just to name a few). There is now an almost general acceptance and acknowledgment of our existence and our humanity.
The struggle against HIV/AIDS is no longer seen as an absolute fatality. With proper treatment and care, it is now widely interpreted as a now “manageable” condition. It is not necessary for avoidance and/or isolation.
The purpose of National Coming Out Day has, in keeping with the progress, evolved into a GLBTQ+ awareness day, reminding our general society that we’re still here and yes, we’re still queer! Our sexuality no longer forces us to remain anonymous, invisible and obscure. We have the freedom and the right to be exactly what and who we truly are! The days of guilt and shame are in the past, gone but not forgotten!
For us bare practitioners, our next step forward is that our proclivity for our nakedness is no longer a concern nor a judgment to be determined by others. As long as we respect others, we should expect the equal and same respect for ourselves! Equality works both ways for everyone!
Out and proud!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 14, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Cultural Imagery!”
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!”
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!”
It’s already approaching the end of the month of July, 2024. The theoretical “middle-of-summer” when some of us become so familiar with the antics and episodes of the season that we lose focus of the safety factors that we all should employ and enjoy. The jewels presented here today are gentle reminders of protocols we all need in order to remain happy and healthy bare practitioners for the remainder of this summer season and beyond!
!Sunscreen application!
Sunscreen
A lazy, uncaring and “too-busy-to-be-involved” me could simply post the image, caption the picture and then proceed to the next jewel. Yet here I am, thinking of the abbreviated message and so dedicated to ReNude Pride and our family that I add another item to the reminder agenda: a link to my recent sunscreen post: SOS! Click the title to revisit and refresh your memory!
Prepared!
Condoms/Safe Sex
For many, this direct message may seem ancient – a definite “old school” method. However, repeatedly, condoms have proven effective in preventing the sexual spreading of HIV and a host of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Plus, condoms remain an essential element in PrEP protocols. This information is too important to ignore!
Remember!
Skinny-dipping with friend!
This is a matter of life and death! Skinny-dipping alone – especially in unfamiliar natural bodies of water (lakes, oceans, etc.) is potentially hazardous to health and life. The best policy is to always go with at least one friend!
Remember social responsibility!
Bare Doesn’t Give Consent!
Nakedness is most definitely not an invitation nor a willingness for a sexual encounter. Personal consent for intimacy is an absolute necessity! If in doubt, always ask! Confusion and/or uncertainty is never an excuse for rape or sexual assault!
Excessive consumption!
Alcohol and Substances Impair Judgment!
It is important that we all remember that the overuse of both alcohol and/or other addictive substances can and do impair (weaken) our ability to judge (determine). Overindulgence inhibits our responsible behaviours and seriously impacts our affective and effective reactions.
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Remember the July Jewels! Have a happy, healthy and safe remainder of the summer of 2024! The good times are here!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, July 26, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “July Friday Footnote!”
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!”
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!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 