Category: history

World AIDS Day, 2025!

Traditional World AIDS Day logo!

1 December, annually: World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day, bare practitioner observance!

When it was originally observed, HIV/AIDS was an almost completely fatal diagnosis with countless deaths following varying periods of immense misery and suffering. Since that time, enormous progress has been made in medicine, and the disease is no longer considered synonymous with death. Although there is still no known cure for the virus, there is now hope that one is possible within the foreseeable future.

The virus that causes the condition known as AIDS was first identified in the middle 1980’s decade. For decades, it was considered an exclusive “gay” disease or else a disease of intravenous drug users. This led to excessive discrimination against those two communities. Massive prevention education efforts globally resulted from the stigmas surrounding the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS is a result of HIV infection. Two basic facts that remain true, still today.

“It’s not who we are, it’s what we do that puts us all at risk of HIV infection!” ~ Red Cross HIV/AIDS Prevention Education curriculum ~

The above quote appeared in the numerous versions of the Red Cross HIV/AIDS prevention education curriculum. This essential fact was vital in combatting the bias against certain persons and communities.

What Is World AIDS Day?

“World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since 1988, communities have stood together on World AIDS Day to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost.”

“In the UK, more than 105,000 people are living with HIV. Globally, an estimated 38 million people live with the virus. More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses over the past 40 years, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.”

~ World AIDS Day ~

Click on the above link to visit the official website.

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

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) weakens the body’s immune defenses by destroying CD4 (T cell) lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that usually guards the body from bacteria, viruses and other germs. With a severely compromised immune system, the body is unable to protect us against unwanted diseases, infections and illnesses.

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

World AIDS Day 2025 Theme:

“Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”

Focus on the need to renew the international commitment to addressing HIV/AIDS challenges globally. These challenges often include numerous aspects of our lives, such as social, political, religious, educational, economic, personal and/or public. The situations may vary but unfortunately the causes frequently remain the same: bias and discrimination. Prejudices are “learned” behaviours that are based primarily on fear and ignorance.

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

Designation Clarifications:

To refresh one’s memory of the status determinations applied for HIV/AIDS.

HIV Negative (HIV-): means that one has tested negative for the human immunodeficiency virus HIV. After the initial testing, the counselor administering the test will recommend a repeat test to confirm the results.

HIV Positive (HIV+): means that one has the human immunodeficiency virus HIV. A counselor will discuss the test results and provide information regarding services available.

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

The Beginning of World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day (also known as World HIV Day) was initially conceived by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officials for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. They jointly introduced the idea and concept to Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme on AIDS (now known as UNAIDS) in August, 1987. Dr. Mann liked the idea, approved it and the date of 1 December 1988 was selected as the initial observance.

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

The Red Ribbon Campaign:

The awareness ribbon strategy was adopted within a few years of the World AIDS Day commemorations. The Red Ribbon Campaign received immediate international recognition. The campaign soon expanded beyond just the World AIDS Day occasion and the red awareness ribbon became synonymous with HIV/AIDS awareness. The red awareness ribbon continues to designate HIV/AIDS awareness as well as knowledge of the disease, the prevention of infection and compassion to persons living with HIV.

The colour of red is noted as representing “life.” This was a deciding factor in choosing the design of the HIV/AIDS awareness ribbon and campaign.

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

The Condom:

The use of a latex condom remains, even today, as the most effective tool in preventing the transmission (spreading) of HIV during sexual engagement. With all the advancements in prevention strategies and treatments, a latex condom is an essential element in stopping the spread of HIV during sex.

Allergic to latex? Not a problem. Consult your physician, pharmacist or trusted HIV counselor.

Footnote #1: The colour of the condom pictured above is red. Please understand that the colour of a condom has no determining value in the protection offered.

Summary:

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is today a very manageable and treatable infection that no longer imposes the outcome of suffering and death it originally produced. With the medicines and treatment strategies currently available worldwide, persons infected with HIV (HIV+) are now able to enjoy long and productive lives while undergoing care and/ora treatment programme.

A gentle reminder that at this time, there exists no known cure for HIV. However, testing, knowing one’s HIV status and receiving care and treatment options if HIV+ permit many unlimited hopes for a full life!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 5, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “December Observances!”

Bare Celebrity Role Models #3! In Memoriam!

Colin Black, 1983 – 2015

Colin Black

In Memoriam

A Sad and Tragic Loss for Our Community and Our Culture

Colin Black’s Life Statistics:

Born: 1 December, 1983

Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)

Weight: 190 lbs. (86 kg)

Eyes: Hazel

Hair: Brown

Body Hair: Brown (armpits, pubic)

Penis: 8.5 inches (erect), circumcised

Sexual Orientation: Gay

Sexual Position: Versatile Beta

Body Adornments: Pierced ears, nipples, tattoos

Ethnicity: African-American, Korean, Indigenous

Died: 22 April 2016

“Nudity quickly becomes unremarkable when generally practiced. Then, it is seen as ‘normal.'” ~ Colin Black ~ Interview, 2012

Colin Black, 2013 film publicity photo

Colin Black first appeared – actually exploded – on the SGL adult film industry scene in 2012! His career rapidly expanded upon the release of his first DVD film. In his very first published interview, he openly and unintentionally committed a major blunder by publicly denying any desire or interest in performing in the alpha (domineering, penetrative) role. He took a breath and then announced that he loved lying around, totally naked while his partner plunged into his buttocks!

A total shock! Unexpectedly, the news of Colin’s surprise revelation with his initial interview became a global sensation not only within the SGL world but in the mainstream universe, too. Overnight, numerous SGL film adult studios “blacklisted” (banished) him from ever working in their facilities. Yet, the news of his public announcement created an astronomical disappearance of his DVD from availability due to sellout and soaring demand. His appealing and handsome face and shirtless body didn’t hurt, either!

Within several days, the SGL film industry rescinded his ban, and studio executives began begging for his services. In less than a week, Colin jetted from anonymity into international fame. Of course, his diverse heritage – African-American, Korean and Indigenous (Native American) – helped to fuel his popularity!

His “perfect looks” (attractiveness) and the fact he was openly gay continued to gain attention and his notoriety soared! A very bold commencement for a newcomer into the industry!

He acknowledged having very little natural body hair – essentially only armpit and pubic – and he wasted no time pretending to conceal or to remove the masculine hirsuteness he possessed. In another interview, he readily admitted to shaving his armpit and pubic hairs upon his graduation from high school (secondary school). At that time, he promised himself he would never do that again!

He eagerly attributed his interest and pursuit of a film career as being due to his personal pride in being a Black gay man and a practicing naturist/nudist. He believed he could serve as a role model for other Black gay nudists and positively represent his identified community for those who may share similar interests.

The SGL film industry presents “Hookie Awards” (gay academy awards) within the performing community. In 2012, Colin Black was awarded the Best Boyfriend Fantasy award.

His outstanding success was paralleled by heavy substance dependency and severe depression. He abruptly quit the porn film business in 2015 in order to rehabilitate himself and to begin treatment to combat depression. In the autumn of 2015, during his recovery treatment, he was diagnosed with terminal (stage 4) cancer.

“Body shame, like prejudice, is not normal. It is learned from others and benefits no one.” ~ Colin Black ~

Towards the end of his life, Colin remained loyal to both his gay and his nakedness communities. He made personal appeals to groups involved in rehabilitation and encouraged all to remain steadfast to their goal of recovery. He often referenced his own hopeless future as an example to all.

Colin Black died on 22 April 2016 at the young age of 32 years old.

“Aaron and I were both saddened and sobered by the death of Colin Black. Just a couple of years earlier he entered the gay adult films and then, just as sudden, he was no longer available and then he died. Such a loss of someone so young, talented and physically appealing to all. In one of his last interviews, he confessed to desiring a larger penis. Then he boldly and enthusiastically acknowledged his proudest physical achievement as being his buttocks! May he rest in eternal peace!” ~ Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos ~

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, November 21, 2025, and the proposed topic: “Anticipation: Return!”

Armistice Day/Remembrance Day!

Tomorrow, 11 November, marks the honouring of the cease-fire between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers. It ended the Great War that eventually became known as World War I.

The Great War commenced in 1914 following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, the Countess Sophia, by Serbian nationalists in Sarajevo, Austria-Hungary. The conflict evolved into a global one with the entrance into the belligerence by both the United Kingdom and France and their immense colonial empires in defence of the neutrality of the Kingdom of Belgium.

The USA entered the war in 1917 upon discovering a German initiative to encourage the invasion of the US by Mexico.

The armistice (cease-fire) was a prelude to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which recognized the surrender of Germany to the Allied Powers in 1919. At that time, the Great War was the most severe conflagration in human history.

The Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918, following the armistice, added to the number of deaths induced by the conflict.

The Great War reintroduced the red poppy as a symbol of tribute to all of those who sacrificed their lives. The emblem honours both the military and civilian victims of the conflict before progressing the same recognition to those killed during World War II and beyond.

The Armistice applicable to the Great War was effective upon the 11th month (November), the 11th day at the 11th hour (11:00 a.m.).

The international conflict has various determinations referencing it. In the United Kingdom and Commonwealth it is observed as Remembrance Day, a lasting tribute for all the fallen. It is a Sunday holiday in many countries. It is known as Armistice Day in the remaining countries who fought in the war. In the US it is called Veterans Day.

The Poppy:

The red poppy flower represents consolation, remembrance and death. The poppy is a common symbol that throughout the centuries has been utilised the reflect everything ranging from peace to death and even including sleep (slumber). In ancient times, poppies were placed on graves in honour of eternal rest (sleep).

During The Great War (1914 – 1918) much of the fighting took place in western Europe, especially in the Flanders region of the Kingdom of Belgium. The countryside was blasted, bombed and fought over repeatedly. The landscape was torn apart by the existence of military trenches.

The previously beautiful scenery was reduced to mud – bleak and barren vistas where little or nothing could grow.

There was a remarkable exception to all the desolation – the bright red poppy. These resilient flowers flourished among the overabundance of nothing except destruction. The availability of the red poppy resulted in them to profusely dominate the graves of those killed during The Great War.

In Flanders Fields

The Poppy: symbolic of remembrance!

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

the larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

we lived, felt dawn, saw sunsets glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;

to you from failing hands we throw

The torch, be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Author: John McCrae

John McCrae was the son of Scots immigrants and born in Guelph, Ontario, Canada in 1872. In May, 1915, he was serving as a physician in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in Flanders, Belgium. On May 2, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, a Canadian field artillery officer and close friend of McCrae, was killed in the Second Battle of Ypres. Shortly afterwards, McCrae wrote the above poem in memory of his friend and honouring all the war dead.

The poem was first published on 8 December 1915, in London, UK, in the satirical magazine, Punch. It was immediately popular, widely circulated, and reprinted as a fitting tribute to all the deceased.

Have a safe and meaningful Remembrance Day/Armistice Day/Veterans Day!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, November 14, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Celebrity Role Model #3!”

Bottoms-Up! October, 2025!

A Happy Pumpkin!

In the USA, today is the Halloween, a secular observance that is popularly interpreted as a day to dress – or undress – in a disguise and threaten others through a custom known as “trick or treat.” If neighbours provide you with a treat (candy), you leave them alone (trick freedom)! This date is symbolised by a carved pumpkin. The above grinning pumpkin-face needs no additional description to reveal his place on the human body! Happy Halloween!

The above hiker is comfortable and out for a serious trip down his convenient trail in order to absorb some of the October sunshine! Buenos dias, senor!

The above gentleman is replacing the light as part of his ceiling fan. A very appropriate home improvement project for this bare practitioner to engage in on this bottoms-up! occasion! Nice job, man!

Baseball is a sport favoured outside during the springtime and summertime. Autumn is the season when the playoffs between competing professional teams usually occur. Our man above is already prepared to throw his first pitch for the bottoms-up! championship!

Warming his buttocks in the brilliant autumn sunshine. I hope you remembered to wear your sunscreen, my friend! Otherwise, you’ll be standing for 30days until the next bottoms-up! happens!

The above trio is offering a “buttocks line-up” as their salute to this October bottoms-up! commemoration!

Using his very own mirror reflection to capture his buttocks by way of his tribute to our bottoms-up! gallery! Thanks, man!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 3, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Patience, Tolerance and Understanding!”

Bare Celebrity Role Models, #1!

Phoenix Fellington, totally bare! ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! Celebrity spokes-model!

The Use of Pictures of Openly Gay Porn Stars to Illustrate This Blog!

Preliminary:

My initial intent was to incorporate this topic into my recent posting of Bare/Dare Series 2025! here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! Several complaints and/or concerns have been expressed to me over this issue. Upon drafting a post entry this identical topic evolved into the inspiration for the Bare/Dare series. While composing that series, this decision was made to resolve this topic and reverting to the intent of a separate posting.

Prologue:

As the entire month of October in the US is observed as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + (GLBTQ+) History Month this practice of using gay film stars – and recognition – of publicly acknowledging their status (pornography) – encourages and promotes the “disreputable” nature of their profession.

The subject matter itself is part of our GLBTQ+ story. Thus, it is automatically historical. Hence, it is both an appropriate and worthy topic to be featured during this commemoration of GLBTQ+ History Month, 2025!

The fact remains that it is indeed both a controversial and sensitive topic within our community and our culture. That reality alone justifies it being addressed and considered during this occasion!

It directly involves and reflects upon this site. That relationship merits a place in our history here!

Background:

One of the widely accepted purposes of the publishing of ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! is to end the bias and prejudice against same gender loving (SGL) nakedness. In order to dispute the myth of excessive nude sexual exploitation, this blog avoids all images of any sexual intimacy. We are not a sexual publication. There is an abundance of material available to satisfy that demand.

Our goal here is to address, exemplify, and promote the bare practitioner lifestyle of communal and social nakedness among the GLBTQ+ community and culture, regardless of any individual’s personal prejudices against the transgender and queer+ persons! (To the trumpster-dumpster: that insertion is directed towards you!).

Gay actor Francois Sagat, stretching!

Reality:

Professional actors, models, athletes, film stars (all types of film) have frequently appeared in front of a camera while clothes free (bare, naked, nude, etc.). They are therefore often labelled: “celebrity.” As a class or group they are identified as celebrities. They are also “notorious” (very well-known and easily identified). This often leads to notoriety (fame).

Thus, a “bare celebrity” = clothes free celebrity = “notorious bare” = notorious clothes free! In simple terms, a professional actor, athlete, model or film star (celebrity) famous (notorious) for being (appearing) bare (naked, nude)! In striving to remain neutral and nonjudgemental, we can insert “GLBTQ+” as an identification as it implies a community of persons and a culture.

Ron Derick Johnson, “Lust” tattoo under his neck and eros (love) tattoo on his abdomen!

My spouse, Aaron, and I both endorse the use of professional bare practitioners to visually illustrate and represent the post entries here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! As active advocates for nakedness, we are often searching frantically for images that enhance our textual intent. As sexual messages are not included in our purpose, we therefore do not publish material of that nature.

The majority of the actors of the SGL adult film industry (pornography) are bare practitioners themselves. They appear without clothing privately and professionally. Many of them are proponents of their right to be themselves free from any sense of guilt or shame. The problems they encounter from the studios that employ them stem from their assertion of being true to their nature and the conflicts with the management decisions that ignore that prerogative.

This series of post entries here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers will deal with our site’s practice of featuring actual adult performers within the same gender loving (bisexual and gay) community.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 24, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “The Hauntings!”.

Spirit Day, 2025!

The colour purple represents “Spirit!

The purple stripe on the rainbow flag symbolizes the ideal: “Spirit!”

Spirit Day: an annual GLBTQ+ awareness day of recent development. It is currently observed on the third Thursday of the month of October as a part of our community and culture’s GLBTQ+ History Month. The occasion began in 2010 when a Canadian teenager, Brittany McMillan, in response to a significant number of bullying-related suicides of SGL students – the most infamous (at the time) being that of Tyler Clementi.

Footnote: Tyler Clementi was an American student at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge into the Hudson River at the age of 18. On September 19, 2010, Tyler’s dormitory roommate, Dharun Ravi, posted on Twitter a clip showing Tyler kissing another man. The Twitter posting was made and done without Tyler’s or his partner’s permission. The following night, Tyler committed suicide.

Tyler’s incident was publicised and the fact that his roommate intimidated him was newsworthy. Brittany McMillan became involved and promoted her “Purple Spirit Day” campaign through her facebook account. Reaction was both swift and widespread throughout North America. The Gay-Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) learned of Brittany’s crusade and joined with her as a sponsor of the event.

Stop Gay Bullying awareness ribbon!

GLAAD’s involvement brought national attention to the suicide prevention concerns and the need for anti-gay bullying initiatives. The level of attention the initiative attracted led to organised anti-bullying and especially anti-gay bullying activities and campaigns not only in North America but all over the globe. GLAAD’s participation ensured the problem would be addressed. Numerous universities adopted strong policies to combat and prevent any recurrence of Tyler Clementi’s action.

Promoted by GLAAD, participants wear the colour purple as a visible sign of awareness and support for GLBTQ+ young people specifically and against bullying in general. National Bullying Prevention Month in the USA is also during the month of October and additional attention and endorsements have prompted many persons to actively encourage others to become involved.

A secondary school teenager, Brittany has truly made a remarkable impact on the lives of many. The very first Spirit Day was held on Wednesday, 20 October 2010. The following year it was on Thursday, 20 October 2011 then followed by Friday, 19 October 2012. In2013, GLAAD made the decision to observe it on the third Thursday of the month.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, October 17, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Celebrity Role Models. #1!”

USA: Indigenous People’s Day!

The Historical Confusion:

For years, the official name of the October federal (national) holiday was always “Columbus Day” – honouring Christopher Columbus, the Italian navigator/sailor who led the naval expedition to discover a new route to India and the East Indies from Spain. In attempting doing this task, he “discovered” the New World.

The legends surrounding Columbus sailing the Atlantic searching for a more timely/ faster route to the Far East often led people to believe that the new lands were barren and uninhabited – how else could he discover them? Also, as his day was supposedly a “national” holiday in the USA, where in this country did he land? He was an Italian sailing for the King and Queen of Spain. How did he rate a USA holiday?

Even more confusing, why was there no national holiday honouring the peoples who already lived in this newly “discovered” land? In addition, the Norse Vikings had previously established settlements along the coasts of what is now Canada. These settlers predated Columbus by more than a century.

Too much credit was given to Christopher Columbus for tasks not in his original mission. Also, successive Italian immigrants to this New World celebrated Columbus as the “godfather” of the New World. If not for his voyages, there would have been no deluge of immigrants from Europe into these new lands! The entire history of the whole world would be altered.

Indigenous = native!

All the attention and praise on the accomplishments of Columbus and the immigrants who stole the land of all the native peoples residing in this “new world!” No one bothered to offer the disastrous impact of the enormous slave trade or the ravages of imported diseases on the inhabitants of the Caribbean islands and both the northern and southern continents.

Wherever the European immigrants settled, the indigenous populations within that area were subject to the bias of the newcomers and their discrimination against the local natives. After all, they were bringing “civilisation” to this savage land!

Their civilized import prevailed, and this country began to celebrate “Columbus Day” exclusively. It remained that way until the people started to realize that we’re not giving any recognition to the earlier inhabitants here who preserved the lands, the livestock and the environment that thrived until immigration began.

Beginning in the early years of the 21st century, calendars are now listing the traditional “Columbus Day” holiday as “Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day.” Currently, calendars are now printed listing only the Indigenous People’s Day designation. Since Christopher Columbus didn’t actually “discover” a New World, he no longer needs a special honour. As the Italian people didn’t sponsor his voyages to the west, they made no contribution in exploring the new shores.

On this day, it is especially important to remember to honour, salute and pay tribute to the Indigenous Peoples of this site, ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! A very special commendation to all bare practitioners!

Happy Indigenous People’s Day to everyone! We’re all indigenous to some region on this planet!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, October 16, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Spirit Day, 2025!”

NCOD: Closets Are For Clothes!

Clothes Only Inside Closets!

National Coming Out Day: Closets Are For Clothes!

NCOD = National Coming Out Day!

October 11, annually

Tomorrow, 11 October 2025, is National Coming Out Day! The celebration of all of us living our lives without any embarrassment, fear, guilt or shame! Being what and who we really and truly are!

Confident, happy and proud to be ourselves!

Keep in mind: closets are for clothes!

A GLBTQ+ awareness day in support of all persons being honestly and openly themselves! This occasion was first observed on 11 October 1988 and annually every year thereafter. Years after SIR (Stonewall Inn Riots) when the “anonymous” same gender loving community began the movement for equality, a vast majority of “homosexuals” remained invisible and silent as to their sexuality out of fear of being labelled and/or ridiculed by colleagues, family and friends.

They decided to stay comfortable and safe “hiding inside the closet!” They were acknowledging their homosexuality to a very few trusted people. At this particular time, 1988, the focus was accepting one’s sexuality there was no pressure over a person’s nakedness.

The original concept of the very first National Coming Out Day is to make the personal identity a political identity! The emphasis on the basic form of activism as everyone “coming out” (acknowledging) their sexual orientation to all those around them and living life as a confident bisexual, gay or lesbian person.

The fact that homophobia (the fear and hatred of all same gender loving persons and their allies) thrives in an atmosphere of distrust, fear, ignorance and silence encourages separation between “us” and “them.” One people know and/or realize they have loved ones and friends who are bisexual, gay or lesbian, they are less likely and less willing to remain associated with homophobic and/or repressive inclinations. Instead, they usually become more tolerant, more patient and more understanding.

National Coming Out Day was conceived to change that practice. During that time period, the religious right (conservatives) were publicly proclaiming the just retribution of God against the sexual deviants and illicit sinners. Also, the HIV/AIDS epidemic was becoming widespread and persons in the USA were dying in the multiple thousands with no cure.

Unfortunately, the growing severity of the HIV/AIDS transmission and deaths resulting from infection soon overwhelmed the number of voluntary “coming out” persons. Many questioned the necessity of a “coming out” day while the disease rates were soaring.

Why the 11 October Date?

It was the anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Rights. The first-ever massive gathering of bisexual, gay, and lesbian persons on the nation’s capitol! More than 100,000 people attended that event!

The date also marked the first public display of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt – in its entirety! The NAMES Project AIDS Quilt was spread on the National Mall between the US Capitol Building and the White House.

National Coming Out Day designed by Keith Haring!
Keith Haring creating a mural!

Openly gay artist Keith Haring (born in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, in 1958) designed the above image for the very first National Coming Out Day. According to Keith, “I’m already ‘out’ so there’s room now for someone else!” Haring was an American graffiti artist whose pop art emerged in New York City subculture in the 1980s. A frequent message in his early art was “safe sex.”

Haring was diagnosed as HIV+ in 1987 and with AIDS in the autumn of 1988. During the last years of his life, he used his art to generate activism and awareness about HIV/AIDS. He died of complications from AIDS on 16 February 1990.

Have a very happy National Coming Out Day!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 13, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Indigenous People’s Day!”

Historic Visibility: Emblems!

The pink triangle!

The Pink Triangle:

The downward-pointed pink triangle was used in Nazi Germany during the 1930s and 1940s as a badge of shame. It was sewn onto the shirts of “deviant” men (homosexuals) in concentration camps to identify and to dehumanize them. Sexual deviancy was made illegal in Germany in 1871 with the creation of the German Empire, but the statute was rarely enforced.

When the national socialists (Nazi) seized control and power in 1933, it was made a priority in order to culturally and racially “purify” Germany. The Nazis arrested and incarcerated thousands of “deviant” men and sent them into concentration camps, where many perished. They viewed them all as degenerate and impure.

The pink triangle has been reclaimed as an empowering symbol for the GLBTQ+ community and culture. It is also serving as a reminder to remember the past – and to recognize the persecution GLBTQ+ people continue to suffer around the world.

The pink triangle on a black banner was the first “flag” to signify the gay and lesbian movement.

GLBTQ+ safe space emblem!

The above depiction of the pink triangle inside a green circle represents a safe space where GLBTQ+ people will not be harassed, ridiculed or shamed. This identification was necessary due to the threats against our community and culture by homophobic individuals who operated with the unofficial endorsement of law enforcement during the emerging HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The Lambda!

The Lambda:

The lambda was first designed in December, 1969, by Tom Doerr, a graphic artist and one of the founding members of the emerging Gay Activists Alliance. Doerr selected it because in chemistry, the lambda represented catalyst. Later, it was argued that the lambda denoted synergy of the growing gay and lesbian movement; the idea of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.

The Lambda image from the Greek alphabet was first chosen as a gay symbol when, in 1970 – one year after the Stonewall Inn riots (SIR) – it was adopted by the then New York City’s Gay Activist Alliance as the emblem of their growing movement of gay liberation. In 1974, it was subsequently adopted by the International Gay Rights Congress at their international conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. As their symbol for gay and lesbian civil rights, the lambda became globally popular and recognized.

Many interpreted the lambda symbol as for males only.

The original rainbow pride flag!





The Rainbow Pride Flag:

First raised on June25, 1978, in San Francisco, California, USA! It was designed and created in honour of gay pride at the 1978 San Francisco Gy Freedom Day parade in honouring the annual anniversary of SIR. The very original flag consisted of eight coloured stripes and was designed by Gilbert Baker and hand-stitched and dyed with the help of friends and volunteers Lynn Segerblum, James McNamara, Glynne McElhinney, Joe Duran and Paul Langlotz.

The eight-stripe original was soon revised to six stripes with pink (symbolizing “sex”) and turquoise (symbolizing “art and magic”) eliminated as the colours were unavailable in flag fabrics.

Baker conceived the flag would “empower his tribe” in a “rainbow of humanity” motif to represent the GLBTQ+ movement’s diversity.

Above are the stripes and the meanings associated with each one of the rainbow-based colours.

The Progress Pride Flag!

The Progress Pride Flag:

The Progress Pride Flag was developed by non-binary artist and designer Daniel Quasar in 2018. Based on Gilbert Baker’s 1978 rainbow flag, Quasar’s redesign celebrates the continued growing diversity of the GLBTQ+ community and culture and encourages a more inclusive general society. The improved design increased the representation of discriminated minority identities covered by the GLBTQ+ umbrella.

Quasar’s creation placing black and brown stripes (emblems representing peoples of colour) and light blue, pink and white stripes (representing transgender and non-binary persons) in the shape of an arrow on the left of the Progress Pride flag. In Daniel Quasar’s own words “…the arrow points to the right to show forward movement and illustrates that progress towards inclusivity still needs to be made.”

The black stripe has multiple meanings as it is also intended for “…those living with HIV/AIDS and the prejudice and stigma surrounding them in addition to those who have died from the disease.”

On the evening of 6 June, 2018, Quasar posted the design on social media and went to bed. He woke the next day and discovered that it had viral! It was an immediate success!

The Progress Pride flag over the University of Nottingham!

The Progress Pride flag is currently internationally recognized as representing the global LGBTQ+ community and culture. It is now flown at the United Nations. The inclusive design and nature of this flag have received the commendation of many.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 10, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “NCOD: Closets Are For Clothes!”

Historic Visibility: Early Photos!

Historic camera!

A Salute of Our Heritage Through Photography!

Picture Notation:

The header (opening image above) of this post entry here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers depicts an early camera (antique) being utilized to capture the likeness of the model. It is absolutely not an authentic photograph from the intended era.

The footwear (shoes) on the photographers are not relevant to the time period. Nor are the hairstyles of any of the three men posing for the picture. The hair and shoes reflect the early-to-middle 1950s decade.

The above photo because it represents the title and topic of today’s post here. The photographs published here below are the authentic copies of the originals.

Preamble:

When the camera initially appeared in the middle of the 1800s, public nakedness was either banned, forbidden, outlawed, prohibited and/or all of the previous choices. The existence of any type of affection between persons of the same gender (SGL) was not even considered a possibility outside of the highest legal minds. That act was judged by clergy and legalists alike as immoral and beyond description!

These circumstances were interpreted as degrading, indecent and offensive to all! It was viewed as the “work of the devil” and totally “unChristian!” As though everyone was an active supporter of that belief system!

Yet, despite volumes of judgemental and negative labels, bare posing for the camera, same gender affection and naked photography emerged. It also managed to survive, thrive and remains with us even today!

Bare practitioner, actor Sean Xavier, and his cup of tea!

Perhaps, somewhere, there are some bare practitioners reading this post entry while having their morning warm beverage! Positive proof of the survival of the very fittest – along with their nakedness and their SGL!

Before homosexual:

Even before the misleading and offensive term “homosexual” entered into the common vocabulary, there existed almost no popular identity classification for what is now determined as same gender love (SGL). It was usually referred to as “decadent,” “deviant” and “immoral.” As with nakedness, it was also construed as “the work of the devil” and condemned as bibically forbidden and completely unChristian.

The photography of (taking of pictures), posing of and the possession of pictures even “hinting” (suggesting) affection and/or intimacy between two individuals of the same gender was illegal and often punishable by imprisonment. Regardless of this restriction, early photographs were indeed created and many are visible even today!

Early SGL Photographers and Their Bromantic Subjects!

Wilhelm von Gloeden

Wilhelm von Gloeden (14 September 1856 – 11 February 1931) was born in Mecklenburg-Strelitz, later part of the German Empire. As an early adult he moved to Taormina, Sicily, Italy, due to tuberculosis. He trained initially as a paint artist, during which time he was given a camera as a gift.

He became fascinated with the novel camera. He later mastered photography while in Italy.

Also, while in Sicily, he became the adult lover of many Sicilian youth. He met and took Pancrazio Biciuni (sometimes referred to as Il Moro), a youth of 14 years as his lover and they remained together until he died. Patrons of his photography included Oscar Wilde and Albert Freidrich Krupp (of the German Krupp armaments family). Under Benito Mussolini he was put on trial for harboring pornography (his photographs) but was acquitted by the court in Milan.

Pancrazio Biciuni “Il Moro”

Pancrazio Bicinui (1879 – 1963) as a youthful teenager he became the lover of Wilhelm von Gloeden and remained with him until his death in 1931.

Vincenzio Galdi

Italian photographer (1871 – 1961) of primarily male nudes. His interest in photography began when he became first a model, then lover and then assistant to the German photographer, Wilhelm von Pluschow. He operated his own studio in Rome between 1900 and 1907. It was closed by the police and images seized in 1907.

Sicilian teens photographed by Vincenzio Galdi

On the bottom of the above picture, the shadows of the photographer, Vincenzo Galdi and his camera are visible. All three subjects at times were lovers of the adult photographers and were either bisexual or gay.

Two Sicilian teenagers

A Galdi photo showing two nude teens, Greco-Roman style. On the right is Pasquale Stracuzzi, the first Sicilian lover of Wilhelm von Gloeden. Stracuzzi appears in numerous pictures and was also known as Il Grande Fauno (The Great Fawn).

A Classic!

Bare artist, bare subject!

The above picture was posed for along the coast of Denmark, far away from the island of Sicily! It shows openly gay Danish artist, Ainor Bagnor, painting his equally bare subject who’s reclining on a rock, reading a book. Bagnor was known to be a very enthusiastic supporter of same gender love as well as body and clothes freedom! It is unknown the sexuality of either the subject of Bagnor’s art not the photographer of the image.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 10, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “NCOD: Closets Are For Clothes!”