Muscular and openly gay adult film star, Francois Sagat, now retired, follows our lead and removes his shoes and shorts to boldly feature his nakedness!
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! celebrity spokes model, Phoenix Fellington (right) and his partner remove their clothing but their jock straps won’t come off!
Our spokes model, Phoenix, loses his patience with the same gender loving (SGL) foreplay approach and decides to proceed with his nakedness compliance decisively and directly!
Of course, our spokes model qualifies for the additional title: Phoenix: nakedness personified!
“Posing naked is an ideal way to strengthen your body self-image and to impress others with your confidence and poise.” ~ Phoenix Fellington ~ gay adult film actor and ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! spokes model
“Bare Friends? Two or more persons sharing dependability, harmony, respect, trust and nakedness! I’ve got your back and you’ve got mine!” ~ Roger Poladopoulos ~ ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! author
Phoenix Fellington stretches while celebrating #9!
9th Anniversary cake!
Remember your slice of our 9th Anniversary Cake!
Naked hugs!
Michael Aaron Peterson-Poladopoulos and Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 9, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Friends TAN Part 2: Photo-Essay!”
It may not be always accepted and fully appreciated as an absolute truth, but the fact is that the common bond of our mutual nakedness – body and clothes freedom – indeed helps create and encourage friendship! Our relationship – Jay and I -is living proof that reality. We have been the epitome of this philosophy since we first met on Saturday, 3 January, 2009!
In the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, this day was the first “nude happy hour” of the new year. It was also the month of then President-Elect Barack Obama’s initial inauguration; the air was full of excitement and a welcome of change and hope following eight long years of repetition and stagnation under the retreating political administration. All of this accompanied by a balmy day with the outside temperatures into the 70s F: almost unknown for the month of January!
Now, my recollection of everything that happened on the actual date and circumstances related to our beginning our friendship could last forever as we observe this annually. For those who are curious about our meeting and then one week later encountering one another – again – and the both of us failing to recognize one another because we were textile (wearing clothes) that second time, check the two links offered here: Bare Friendships Part 1and Bare Friendships Part 2 .
Our initial meeting at the SGL social nakedness gathering, there exists a pictorial reminder/souvenir of one of the topics we discussed that day: penis fascination among gay men! Jay had this image sent to him by a friend and then showed it to me. I was intrigued and asked him to forward it to me and he did! I’ve saved it ever since and for a couple of years, it was our “signature” that we shared with one other over emails and/or texting.
Jay and Roger’s first communication “signature!”
The remarkable aspect of this early .gif image is that it is a reminder of simplyhow “normal” bare practitioner close friendships (BPF) can become! We could very well have been mistaken for “wearing clothes!”
Footnote #1: Later that summer – 2009 – when Jay and I took a day trip to a popular “nudist resort” in southern Virginia, we were limited to a day only stay. Virginia, the capital state of the former Confederacy wasn’t as progressive towards interracial friendships despite the fact that President Obama had won here that previous November!
Our “signature” picture had inspired us to attempt to be playful on that day!
Our having two prominent common denominators in our developing relationship (friendship) – being SGL and nakedness enthusiasts – are clearly potent indications of the myths that frequently happen throughout our shared community and culture. Often the assumption was made that we were “lovers” who just “fell” into friendship after our bromantic “coupling” ended.
Nevermind the fact that we have not ever shared any physical intimacy together! We’ve always remained strictly platonic and have enjoyed numerous times of fun and laughter doing so, especially when free without the heavy burden of garments!
The circumstances and the individuals involved determine the evolution path of every relationship, whether platonic or intensely erotic and passionate. There are those “authority” figures who seek to decree and/or mandate how all interactions should happen; yet, we all know that decision is conveniently, easily and often discarded, dismissed and/or ignored repeatedly time and time again!
Phoenix Fellington and friend!
In summary, no specific by-law or rule governs all friendships/bromantic SGL relationships. Guidelines and/or strong recommendations certainly exist, we all know that, but the ultimate decision rests with the persons affected – regardless of their gender/sexual affiliation and whether or not they are wearing clothes!
Footnote #2: I’m flying off to spend some time with Jay and his partner. Raheem. As 3 January this year also happens on a Saturday this year, time to be with Jay and reminisce and recollect on our friendship (very best friendship) anniversary! Perhaps we’ll have time to recapture our imitation of the elephant (penis twirl) again! Raheem can operate the camera!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “#9!”
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.”
Click on the above link to visit the official website.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!”
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!”
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!”
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!”
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!”.
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!”
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 allbare 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!”
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 MemorialQuilt – 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!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 