Category: health

N*B*H*A*A*D*!

February 7, annually!

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!

Background:

As we entered into the 21st century, alarming, distressing, and potentially fatal statistics continued to confront us all as the HIV/AIDS epidemic grew in both intensity and number globally. Here in the USA, African-Americans constituted slightly over 14% of the total population, yet they represented almost 50% of all categories in HIV/AIDS-related statistics reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disproportionate impact indicated an approaching catastrophic outcome.

The first two decades of the HIV/AIDS crisis, in addition to the ignorance and neglect of then-president, Ronald Reagan, was likewise ignored and condemned by African-Americans as well. The blame and cause of the disease was the “white homosexuals and their sinful ways!” At long last, Black Americans were able to point their fingers at the White community and condemn them for “inventing” a disease that was fatal.

By this time, it was evident to all – health professionals, legislators and in particular, the American public – that more decisive, effective and resourceful actions and measures were needed to combat the alarming rates of infection with HIV/AIDS.

In 1999, concerns and fear over the effects of the disease on the Black American population led the CDC, the US Public Health Service, executive representatives of nationwide organizations serving African-Americans and communities of faith met to address issues with the rising infection conditions. One of the results of these meetings was the decision to observe February 7, annually, as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD).

With excitement, athletic and celebrity endorsements, fanfare and media attention, the very first NBHAAD was held from coast-to-coast on February 7, 2000.

Subtle manner!

HIV Infection:

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, is transmitted (spread) from one person to another through contact with one or more of four (4) human body fluids. These four fluids are: blood, semen, vaginal fluid breast milk. Other body fluids such as tears, saliva, mucus (congestion), urine do not spread HIV. Remember the four: blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk. Avoid all contact with those four body fluids.

Any contact with one or more of these body fluids contact your local health department immediately for treatment! The earlier treatment begins, the greater chances are for success.

Latex, a synthetic material, has been proven repeatedly to significantly reduce (lower) the risk of HIV infection. Latex is used to make condoms and gloves because it prevents the exchange of bodily fluids. The latex product must be intact – no puncture or tear. Dispose (throw away) latex products in a marked biohazard container.

The important message!

Testing:

A simple blood test can determine if a person is infected with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). Persons are encouraged to get tested for HIV regularly. In the USA, test results are supposed to be confidential (private) even though the data is reported to the health department for statistical purposes.

When test results are given, information is also provided on services available and possible treatment options. Counseling is also offered.

Major challenge:

Despite all of the advances in HIV testing, counseling treatment options and massive HIV/AIDS public education/treatment efforts, it remains estimated that almost 25% (one quarter) of persons who are infected with HIV (HIV+) are honestly unaware of their personal HIV status. They have not been tested. This factor represents not only a failure of education and outreach efforts nationwide, but also the serious potential for a major health crisis. Get tested! Know your status!

Knowledge is power!

Key components:

NBHAAD guidelines mandate four (4) key components that must be present in order for an awareness campaign to be considered a success. Each component is designed to build individual and community strengths in combatting HIV/AIDS. The four essential elements are:

Get educated: Know and learn the facts about transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Get involved: Explore opportunities available in individual and community prevention efforts.

Get tested: Know your HIV status and encourage/empower others to do the same.

Get treated: Receive proper healthcare and support needed to successfully live as HIV+.

Analysis proves that people learn and retain knowledge most effectively from people they perceive as most like themselves. NBHAAD is an African-American based to provide direction, guidance and implementation to the Black population specifically. It represents a resource that is both accessible, authentic and dependable.

Elimination of the unknown!

Knowledge is power:

The more that we know, the better we become in enjoying not only good health but also successful living. NBHAAD and sponsored programs increase the amount of knowledge within a community and the opportunities for discussions concerning issues surrounding HIV/AIDS that individuals may face. It helps to create an environment where the virus that causes AIDS is a comfortable topic without fear of judgment.

Recently, the coronavirus COVID-19 and variants have received attention in health circles that have surpassed the attention focused on HIV/AIDS. Both infections need our attention and because HIV/AIDS has been with us longer, it still is prevalent and warrants action and continued education. Our health deserves all the attention we can offer to it!

Endorsements:

Kory Mitchell, cross on his lower left abdomen!

Now retired from his career in the gay porn industry, proud bare practitioner, Kory Mitchell, himself a certified American Red Cross prevention education instructor trainer (as myself) has visual tattoos to accentuate his status as HIV+ and in support of NBHAAD. We both collaborated on several HIV/AIDS prevention education projects for the Red Cross nationally. Early in his film career, Kory had “blessed” tattooed on his shoulder and a cross inked on his abdomen to remind his fans of his Christian faith.

“Blessed on his shoulder, “hope” on his neck!

Shortly after his diagnosis as HIV+ and just before his retirement, he had the word “hope” tattooed on his neck. Instead of the letter “o” in hope, he had a red HIV/AIDS awareness ribbon substituted instead. Very creative and imaginative, Kory!

Phoenix Fellington, bare, smiling and on the right!

Phoenix Fellington, as documented in the previous post entry here on Monday, 3 February, 2025, “Bare Is Real!” We are truly fortunate to offer his reasoning for being employed in the gay porn industry not once but twice in the same week! His message compliments NBHAAD!

“Why do I do gay porn? To teach men how to have sex. Responsibly and safely!” ~ Phoenix Fellington ~ openly gay pornography actor, ReNude Pride spokes-model

Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA athlete, Brooklyn Nets!

Now retired NBA professional player, Jason Collins, formerly of the Brooklyn Nets. Jason was the very first NBA professional to “come out” as gay while still playing in the NBA. His sentiments here reflect prejudice, whether over a person’s sexuality or over their HIV status.

“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” ~ Jason Collins ~ openly gay NBA professional, Brooklyn Nets

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 10, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Posing Bare: Part 3!”

Posing Bare: Part 2!

Arm-in-Arm biracial couple posing!

Alternate Title:

Be Bold! Be Brave! Be You!

Introduction:

One of the complaints/excuses/reasons that many offer for not having pictures of their nudity is they lack experience in posing as a bare practitioner! My normal response to that statement is usually a simple question back to them: “What does a bare practitioner do?” A very basic inquiry that is more often than not answered with either a blank stare, a shrug of the shoulders and/or a combination of both!

Sadly, even if I rephrased my initial question into “What do naked people do?” the reaction would probably be identical. Beyond comprehension! Even if I asked this of seasoned bare practitioners, their reply, more often than not, would be consistent: no idea. Clueless! Apparently, the concept and/or the question is just too difficult for people to understand.

A unipod selfie poser!

Unsure of what to do? Take it easy and slow. Make a selfie! If you’re baffled. just strip off (remove) all your clothes – if you’re even wearing any – and pose for a photograph of yourself an no one else. Suggestion: A full frontal pose (like the above picture) is highly recommended. Regardless of one’s naked experience, most men are awkward posing with their penis visible. It’s best to deal with the most difficult task and then move on! So, go ahead and take your selfie now!

There, in one basic action you have met and satisfied the complete alternate title for this post! You were bold in taking off all your clothes, You were brave by posing front-facing and completely nude and you were your natural person by being solo (alone)!

Congratulations! You have now completed your first assignment! Remember this process! Now, if you’re ever asked: “What do naked people do?” you already have an answer. “We take selfies of our nakedness!” You now have proof: a picture of yourself posing bare!

Regrettably, we all know that the creation of one self-image does not qualify us for identity as an experienced model, but it does – at the very least – present us the notion that posing bare isn’t as foreign as it may seem. Maybe this project is a possibility after all!

A seated pose!

Assignment:

Set aside a specific day and time to shoot additional solo selfies of yourself. Try a variety of poses and some need to be full frontal so your penis doesn’t become “camera-shy!” This gives you the idea of how to appear (look) nude while helping to build camera-comfort and camera-confidence.

A kneeling pose!

Repetition! Repetition! Repetition! The more we repeat an action, the easier it becomes. Changing the location of the camera and/or the position you’re using (seated, kneeling, standing) offers a variety of pictures as a resource and it prevents boredom. This enables your harshest critic (yourself) to decide which pose looks/works best and which to discard or erase.

A standing pose showing modesty!

Perform these solo selfie undertakings on a daily or weekly basis, whichever is convenient for you. Keep in mind that you are the judge of what’s acceptable and what is not. No one else needs to know what you’re doing or why you’re doing it! You decide who views the results and/or makes recommendations! Be you! You pose! You make the image! You decide!

Michael Ealy: reading interest!

Share you:

During your convenient “camera-comfort” and “camera-confident” times, rather than let your mind wander aimlessly, carefully consider any subtle messages to include in your pictures (selfies). Some examples are hobbies, special interests, sports, etc. Anything that conveys to a viewer an aspect that you appreciate about or in your life.

In the photo (above), Hollywood actor Michael Ealy nonchalantly poses bare with a pile of books. He’s suggesting his pleasure in reading during his leisure (free) time time as well as his comfort with his nakedness. A replication of this image by you relays the same. If books and/or reading holds no value for you, consider something that does.

Athletics and sports significant? Grab a basketball or a tennis racquet! Swimming? Put on a pair of goggles and pose in imitation of taking a dive into a pool. Creativity has no limits – after all, we are posing bare! It’s common knowledge that all observations are focused on the nudity of the subject and not the objects featured!

Basketball fan!

Subtle messages:

In concluding this second segment of the “Posing Bare” series here on ReNude Pride, please return your attention to the header (first photograph) offered of the two men pictured with full frontal nudity. Both my spouse, Aaron and I are a proud biracial couple. He’s African-Canadian and I’m Greek. This fact is implied in the selection of this particular photo. We’re both bare practitioners, our skin is simply a different colour.

Also, we’re depicted “arm-in-arm;” not holding hands or embracing. As a profoundly Deaf man since birth, I communicate manually (sign language). Therefore, holding hands is just not convenient or practical for me. Aaron accepts, supports and understands this reality. If we’re walking holding hands, how would we communicate with one another?

Remember the adage: “Every picture tells many stories?” More truth than you can ever imagine!

Notation: The next segment of this series, “Posing Bare: Part 3!” will be published on Monday, 10 February, 2025!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, January 27, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Towel Dilemma!”

Comfortable Routine!

A cup of hot cocoa!

Introduction:

Probably all of us have some semblance of a routine that we follow daily, whether in the morning when we wake up or at the end of the day before we crawl back into bed. This routine can be varied and replaced when necessary, but it does provide us with a sense of familiarity, relaxation, and security. Basically, our very own “comfort zone” that helps us to survive the extraordinary circumstances of our everyday lives.

In the heading (image) above, Sean Xavier, our bare practitioner subject for this portion of today’s post, incorporates time into his awakening routine, regardless of the location or the season, for his cup of cocoa as he prepares to begin his daily business. He contemplates his schedule while enjoying the opportunity to reflect on necessities and priorities. A calm and peaceful launch of another day in his life!

Sean is also very thoughtful during his morning quality time. He uses this opportunity to respond to fans of his films, both online and through the postal service. Sometimes criticized for being too strict in insisting on retaining his body hair, he confesses to shaving himself when he was younger and first entered the SGL porn industry as a male model (bare) and then later as a film actor. He admits to lacking the experience, was intimidated by others and in awe of the film executives who ordered him to shave his chest hair.

Now, he is confident, experienced, mature, wiser and “proud of myself and all of my body hair – armpits, chest and pubic!” Once Sean was recognized as a gay porn icon, his contract with Lucas Entertainment was re-negotiated to allow him determination in retaining his chest hair.

Sean Xavier: hairy and smiling!

Sean Xavier: Vitals

Birthdate: January 16, 1988

Birthname: Kyle Overton

Birthplace: Victorville, California, USA

Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)

Weight: 169 lbs. (77kg)

Head Hair: Natural, close cropped

Body Hair: Natural, moderate (armpits, chest, pubic)

Sexuality: Gay

A relaxing glass of wine!

In the image above, we are now joined on this portion of today’s post entry by Gio Dell, our celebrity escort, model and fellow bare practitioner. He hails from Venezuela, South America, and appears in more photographs without clothing than he does wearing garments. A true model from the very “core” of both our community and culture! One unique aspect of his model career is his reluctance to pose when one of the contract guidelines require the removal of his body hair. His head may be bald but his hirsute nakedness is a source of pride!

Gio has also appeared in more than a few SGL film scenes produced by independent and/or private studios. Evidently, the notoriety of an extremely publicly successful gay porn star doesn’t align with his pleasurable male escort service that also features his half-brother, Armani! His home office is in New York City and both he and Armani are willing to travel wherever they’re needed.

Both Gio and Armani openly acknowledge growing up in a household that accepted nudity as a lifestyle not in conflict with their Catholic faith. Gio, the older of the two, is more enthusiastic about being clothes free. Clothing optional beaches are always popular destinations for them both!

As he welcomes an end of a day in his life, Gio sips some wine and reads a book in order to calm himself before retiring for the night. He takes the time necessary to relax and focus away from his daily routine. This enables him to distance himself – emotionally, mentally and physically – from all and any challenges and/or conflicts he may have endured.

Gio Dell: skinny-dipping in the pool!

Gio Dell: Vitals

Origin: near Caracas, Venezuela, South America

Height: 6’1′ (185 cm)

Weight: 198 lbs. (88 kg)

Eyes: Green

Head Hair: Bald (shaved)

Body Hair: Natural, profuse (armpits, buttocks, chest, pubic)

Sexuality: Gay

*************************

The Comfort Message:

Both of the bare practitioners pictured here today, Sean Xavier and Gio Dell, involve their nakedness into their tranquility strategy. They’re both comfortable bare; this inclusion allows them to eliminate distraction and to use this aspect to process the “change of direction” they are preparing to undergo. A “fresh start” to a new day or a “safe return” to home at the end. Sean and Gio recognize and understand the role comfort and familiarity have in building habit and normalcy into their existence.

As this new year of 2025 progresses, hopefully, the majority of us will return to the pattern of comfort and familiarity – routine – in our daily lives. This restoration encourages a sense of balance between both the known and the unknown. It enables our daily resumption of habit and of hope!

After all, if each day begins and ends by way of custom or habit, then what is in between – the spontaneous – approaches tolerable! It affords us the prime opportunity for a different and exciting new adventure every day!

Following our established pathways towards calm and comfort gives us “permission” to bridge our journey from the “spontaneous” into the routine. It offers each of us a loving and supportive “pat-on-the-back” for what we have accomplished and survived: a job well done!

Notation:

The purpose of this post entry is to reinforce the importance of relaxation and rest in our lives. Even though Sean presented the “start” of the day and Gio the “end,” there is no rule against performing them both on the same day, as often as needed. An extra step towards mental health, peace and success!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, January 20, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr Day!”

The Warm Calm!

Francois Sagat: Bare beach jogger!

Introduction:

For many of us, a frequently forgotten and overlooked benefit of the summer season is the actual “start” of our day. With comfortable outdoor temperatures, our awakening routine is fairly simple: get out of bed, stretch, and if we have to wear clothes, just slip into a pair of shorts. Eureka! We’re ready to go!

Unfortunately, winter is an entirely different season! After getting out of bed, the clothing process is much more involved. Not just the shorts, but also a shirt or two, underwear (regular or thermal), shoes and socks, warm pants and layers upon layers of of outerwear garments and accessories before we even take one step outside into frigid air temperatures! A major undertaking!

Today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride serves a total of three (3) purposes. First is a visual reminder for all of us that our bare practitioner buddies in the Southern Hemisphere are now officially into their summer season and the freedom that entails. Second is the gentle hint of what is now headed toward the rest of us who live in the “winterized” Northern Hemisphere. Third is a glimpse of what “happy days” (summer) delivers to bare practitioners globally!

Catching his breath!

Francois: fun and fitness!

Today’s scenario features our very own fellow bare practitioner, Algerian-French Francois Sagat, model and SGL adult film star, who has no compunction about appearing body and clothes free no matter what the occasion happens to be. He takes pride in both himself and his work and offers no apologies for being exactly what and who he truly is: both gay and naked!

Today, he is finishing an early morning jog alone and bare along the shore of a local beach. No clothing? No problem as he pauses from his healthy excursion when he happens upon a fellow beach enthusiast who feels the need to be somewhat modest while admiring Francois stretching his body! Perhaps he is contemplating a similar routine, minus his garments?

Sometimes, in our excessively fashion-conscious world, nudity needs to be inspired before it is explored. What better inspiration than enjoying nature naturally? As Francois demonstrates in these images, there is no shame in just being himself: free and natural! A true and valid representation of what is essential to all of us bare practitioners!

Surf and sunshine!

A subtle message?

In the above scenario, the celebrity bare practitioner, Francois Sagat, is depicted completing a bare jog along a beach, almost alone. There is one clothed individual sharing the sand, sun and surf with him. The textile (clothes-wearing) man observes and sits watching Sagat’s recovery from his physical endeavour as well as his obvious being bare. Incidental or intentional?

Among us bare practitioners, there are many who enthusiastically label the visuals as incidental. Francois was merely out for a jog on a relative isolated beach. He took advantage of the situation by exercising while clothes free. Expressing himself naturally in nature. Simply being who he really is when he encountered his textile (clothed) spectator sitting along the shore. An accidental and unplanned meeting.

Without any available resource to cover himself, he just finished his fitness routine as best he could: in his nakedness! He had no other alternative course of action. Poor planning? Most definitely! But then, the best way to learn a lesson is from our mistakes!

Then there are those who are less tolerant of public and/or social nudity. They may view the entire episode as a blatant ploy by Sagat in an attempt to seduce the unsuspecting spectator into the world of body and clothing freedom and beyond (a casual and consensual sexual encounter). Once Francois approaches the individual on the beach, he makes no effort to conceal or cover his being naked.

Instead, he merely flaunts his bareness directly in front of his “audience.” They substitute the surprise meeting with the label of exhibitionism, inferring that Francois using suggestive body language as an enticement to encourage his observer to join him!

Conclusion:

There are countless differences of opinion that the above scenario creates for those of us who are avid bare practitioners and those of a more conservative fashion sense and/or those with a strong opinion on same gender love (SGL). This post entry is to remind us all that there are always those persons who believe/think outside of our personal comfort level.

Post Script: The clothes wearing individual in the above scenario never takes his eyes off of bare practitioner, Francois Sagat. Evidently, he enjoyed not only the encounter but also the view!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 17, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Comfortable Routine!”

Slumbering Bare!

Dreamland!

The importance of sleep (slumbering) in our daily lives is taught to all of us since we were very little and very young. The holidays are full of family, friends and fun but often without very few moments of sleep. Many of us resort to mentally reviewing our lengthy list of “things-to-do” so that our holiday plans continue to proceed.

This creates an absence of sleep that afflicts many of us, particularly during this crazed, frantic and hectic season of the year. Too many thoughts dealing with too many tasks that still need to be dealt with in a short amount of time!

Lack of sleep causes a loss of direction and absent mindedness. At a time of year when needed most, focus and orientation frequently suffers.

Holiday sleeping!

My spouse, Aaron, has no problem sleeping. His co-workers and professional superiors often refer, in a joking manner, of his unique ability to “sleep-on-the-job!”

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! New Year’s Eve!”

Double Holiday Notes!

Becoming acquainted!
Pursuit!

Note #1: Nakation Planning!

Nakation: naked + vacation = nakation!

Bare hiking trail!

As the introductory buttocks (above) remind us, we don’t abandon our acquaintances, friendships and good times as we soon depart 2024 and welcome 2025! Now is an excellent time to anticipate our future and commence planning for another upcoming nakation! No matter how we travel, airplane, boat, car or foot, there are affordable arrangements that can be made this far in advance!

Investigate opportunities, share with others, look around you and research what is appealing, available and cost options. Removing the frustration and stress of immediate deadlines and time constraints provide us the chance to prepare ahead and to budget in advance of an overload of frantic tasks to complete within a limited amount of time.

Nakation planning does not require a detailed and elaborate availability. The time factor of a particular length of nakation can vary between a set number of hours each week to an entire month of freedom. It’s important that we all remember the basic: what truly matters is that the arrangements and desires are both accessible, affordable, convenient and satisfactory for us.

Bottom-line: it is our nakation! There is another benefit that I failed to include above. It is a naked vacation! There is very limited concern or worry over any type of “dress code!” Hopefully, as bare as possible!

Seeking!

Of course, a relaxing and successful nakation is not specifically guaranteed the expense, alone. Some of the best, the most relaxing ones and the most productive ones are the least expensive and simplest ones we create with our acquaintances and/or family and friends. As easy to organize as a one-day skinny dipping (swimming naked), the next day a bare picnic or cook-out, to be followed by a trip to a secluded site, sunbathing while natural with a good book.

The ability and freedom to be natural in nature often provides the comfort that we value. Another option is to enjoy the time away from the jobsite while bare and alone!

Confusion!

Many bare practitioners become so overwhelmed by family, social obligations and other demands and expectations during this festive season that the customary habit of enacting the tradition of New Year’s resolutions often is too burdensome, too restrictive or just “too much” to even consider. The chaotic, frantic and hectic nature of life experienced throughout this time of the year surpasses all the fun and joy that we’re supposed to be having! Where is it written that all resolutions must be made only on New Year’s Day?

My spouse, Aaron, and I are both frustrated and tired of this ridiculous and unfair custom. Our solution to this dilemma is basic, simple and thus far, manageable. Instead of New Year’s resolutions, we observe and participate in First Day of Spring resolutions!

New Year’s Day happens annually during the coldest season of the year. This always follows a very busy major holiday period where practically every waking moment is filled to capacity. Do any of us have the time to seriously examine and explore improvements we want to implement into our lives?

Treadmill fitness!

My husband and I prefer a less demanding and more relaxed occasion to introduce variations in our lives and in our routines. The First Day of Spring isn’t magical. It may not automatically begin an overnight change in the temperature and weather conditions but it lacks the urgency of the New Year’s season. The first of spring does offer a sense of rebirth and renewal, and that reality increases the chance of success in the resolution undertaking!

That factor alone aids in the improvement of the attitude towards flexibility and helps create an environment and mindset conducive to progress. It also enables the reduction of feelings of frustration and stress!

Seasonal Adjustment!

Felipe Ferreira: Nipple relaxation!
Felipe Ferreira: Chest massage!

Felipe Ferreira and Rhyheim Shabazz!

As 2024 rapidly begins to fade into closure, perhaps it is appropriate and fitting that we here at ReNude Pride once again visit with a popular couple of our bare practitioner community and culture who are celebrity models, DJ’s, producers and performers on screen and media sensations. Let us start with Brazilian-born Felipe Ferreira. He’s been featured here several times over the past few years as we explored and witnessed his expanded and rising comfort level with not only his public display of his same gender loving (SGL) identity and sexuality but also his acceptance and acknowledgement of his preference and pride of his nakedness!

As offered in the chest and nipple images above, he has no concern over confidently proclaiming his pride in being himself. However, the journey to accomplish this task was slow and conflicted!

Felipe: early naked photo displaying his pride tattoo!

Felipe initially captured the attention of both Aaron, my spouse, and myself when Aaron discovered the above photo and brought it to me to research his identity. Neither one of us knew who he was or what initiated the notable and obvious tattoo on his upper torso! Slowly, I learned his name, origin and that the tattoo was his idea of sharing his sexual preference as a bisexual man (at the time, that was the “accepted” identification his public relations advisor and modelling agency allowed him to disclose). This caused him some conflict was soon countered when the modelling agency terminated his contract and he retaliated by publicly asserting himself as exclusively gay! So, pride in his sexuality and in his slowly emerging confidence in his modest nakedness!

He cautiously managed to restore a modelling career and began to pose clothes free but without any full frontal bare images. This displeased his already dissatisfied public relations advisors who quickly abandoned him and began to spread rumours concerning his lifestyle. The notoriety surrounding his being turned away from modelling and media advisors gained him the attention of the SGL community as well as a growing number of body and clothes freedom enthusiasts. Instead of harming his job situation, this enhanced his popularity as well as his support base!

Felipe Ferreira embracing and kissing Rhyheim Shabazz!

He tentatively sought out modelling and posing opportunities into the expanding gay porn industry. This led to the mutual friendship with a local neighbour, gay porn magnet Rhyheim Shabazz! They developed into a close relationship, first platonically but soon intimately as they joined together both personally and professionally. Their clip (above) soon became a trademark of the rapidly growing community and culture of bare practitioners globally!

Rhyheim understood the needs of Felipe in establishing a comfort zone for himself regarding his sexuality and his nakedness – especially in appearing with his pubic hair and his penis in full view! Their growing relationship provided them the opportunity to collaborate on developing and producing a video of them together, unashamed and free from guilt. Felipe began to gain confidence in himself and his preference for nudity and he became more honest and open in his bare practitioner status. Their collaboration before the video camera and staff led to the photo scenes posted below.

Rhyheim recognized his partner’s discomfort in revealing his preferred sexual position and helped him surmount this difficulty and accept himself as he is most comfortable: being the man that he naturally is!

Felipe accepted his guidance and continued the journey of awareness and discovery of himself personally and professionally. His self-confidence began to increase and this raised his level of self-acceptance!

These scenes together aided both men to next face the challenge of confronting one of the hardest tasks they needed to defy: the “unlearning” of the learned behaviour that assaults many bare practitioners; the learned ideal that naked intimacy is unclean and totally unnatural and vulgar.

Felipe and Rhyheim!

Fortunately for our bare practitioner community and culture, Felipe was able to follow Rhyheim’s advice and encouragement and is now more receptive and relaxed in being publicly seen both modeling and posing his pubic hairline and images of his penis and in acknowledging his support. They both are also aware of their roles as educators in the process of helping others in abandoning the stifling taboos about being overly sensitive about their respective behaviours regarding masculinity, nakedness, and sexuality.

Thank you, Felipe and Rhyheim, for your dedication in sharing your expertise and knowledge of our bare practitioner community and culture! After all, we’re all natural (clothes free), normal and proud of both what and who we truly are inside our hearts, minds and souls: bare practitioners!

Outstanding Example of Fortitude and Generosity!

There is yet another reason for the composition and publishing of this feature on Felipe and Rhyheim. That cause is outreach and support. At this festive season of the year, a great number of us are constantly bombarded by appeals regard and remember that there are many people among us who are far less fortunate than many of us. There are the differently enabled, the lonely, the infirm and the sick. Also, the elderly, the orphaned, the hungry, the lost, the rejected, the homeless, the oppressed and the dying. An endless listing of circumstances and situations that few of us can even imagine.

Felipe had a need. Rhyheim had the time, the expertise and the patience. They joined together and created a rapport that enabled them both to offer themselves as an example of what two individuals can accomplish and achieve simply by cooperating and being communicating with one another. In relying on one another, they met a challenge and overcame several obstacles. Probably the nakedness issue, the SGL issue and the personal insecurity issue doesn’t appear applicable to the majority here, however, it is an example of what two can do – together!

Some may laugh, shrug their shoulders, roll their eyes and shake their head. Yet before you cast aside my plea, please look around you. If someone is crying, offer them a smile. It doesn’t cost you anything and you very well may brighten their day. In return, they may be more noticing of others and reach out to lighten their troubles.

Sometimes, just reaching out to acknowledge someone is the most important and meaningful gesture any of us can offer. Yet it may indeed change the life of another! Follow the example of both Felipe and Rhyheim! Give and receive with gratitude and respect!

Rhyheim and Felipe share a couch!

The sad truth is that an enormous number of us fall into the category of “those-in-need.” We lack the skills in acceptance, knowledge, and recognition of ourselves as a potential beneficiary of services from others. Regrettably, many of our community and culture fail to realize that we similarly – like Felipe – having demons to confront in our personal lives.

In accepting Rhyheim’s guidance, mentoring, and tutelage, Felipe enhanced and expanded his own popularity and visibility. Together, they broadened both their reputations and notable accomplishments. Their collective efforts have touched and enriched bare practitioners everywhere! Thank you, Felipe Ferreira and Rhyheim Shabazz! Your example of compassion inspires us all to strive!

Felipe selfie of his penis!

Proof of modesty overcome and Rhyheim’s outstanding tutoring!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, December 16, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Double Seasonal Notes!”

World AIDS Day 2024!

Red Ribbon wrapped!

Despite the progress that has been made in the care, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, the disease continues to infect people in alarming rates. We still do not have a cure. The need to pass along information to our young people today is just as prevalent in order to reduce infections and offer good health to all!

The coronavirus COVID-19 and its variants are remaining dominant in health news. However, HIV still exists as a serious threat. Unlike coronavirus, HIV isn’t transmitted through everyday casual contact. It is passed from an infected person through body fluids, needle sharing and it is also a sexually transferred infection (STI). With education of the facts, HIV potentially is a preventable disease.

The Basic Facts:

HIV can be passed through blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk.

The sharing of needles increases the risk of HIV transmission.

The use of a latex condom reduces the risk of HIV.

Only a physician can diagnose AIDS.

World AIDS Day!

The wearing of a red ribbon on World AIDS Day, (December 1, annually) not only publicly demonstrates our awareness of the solemn occasion, it also serves as a reminder to others of the importance of prevention efforts against this disease. It also serves a tribute to the significant number of people who died because of infection.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 6, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Winter Holidays!”

Subtle Example!

The opening!

Update:

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!”

Bare + Gay = Pay!

A bed of leaves!

Background:

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 “lavender lesbian!” 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!”