Before progressing it is necessary to inform all the reader’s here that ReNude Pride’s author – myself – has made a stupid error! After publishing my previous post entry here this past Monday, I became consumed with composing Bare Modesty? for today. An overly ambitious but also grave mistake by me! There is no one to blame but myself!
Although on holiday from university, I lacked the ability, the energy, the expertise, the skill and the talent to complete the intended posting. I became confused, distracted and totally helpless! It soon became obvious that I was unable to continue on the Bare Modesty? topic and meet the publication deadline. I am setting the entire project aside for the moment. I will publish it – revised – during next month.
I sincerely apologize for inconveniencing you. I ask for your forgiveness and understanding. I am truly sorry for having confusing you like I have been confused. In summation, I offer the old adage: “Two wrongs do not equal one right!”
********************
Offering directions!
Now let’s direct this idea forward. Today’s substitute entry will approach the topic of modesty but from a completely different angle. Hence, the choice of the header image just below the article title to this – my blunder! This photograph depicts a bare practitioner using a fig leaf with his outstretched palm, indicating “stop!” His genitalia is theoretically “covered” by the proverbial fig leaf, yet his nakedness remains implied, obvious and understood by all.
Instead of concealing his penis, the fig leaf has the exact opposite effect. It directs our attention and focus on his state of being bare – body and clothes freedom – and not the usefulness of the fig leaf itself: covering. Hiding. Disguising. Concealment.
A very inefficient and poor attempt to satisfy one’s intention: modesty!
Also, an excellent and opportune linkage of this, a substitute composition, to the intended topic of modesty itself! Completely unplanned and yet a total coincidence! At least, this provides me the chance to offer this substitute entry as an “introductory prologue” to the upcoming publication of the original planned topic of Bare Modesty?
I earlier published here regarding the fig leaf and censorship. Please click the title below to visit that posting:
The utilization of the fig leaf for modesty is biblically referenced but lacks any proof or additional notation of supposed divine inspiration. The practice actually gained acceptance and notoriety later when artistically inspired to comply with popular religious developments to disguise the profusion of nudity in ecclesiastical artifacts: carvings, icons, portraits and statues.
This concept grew in both popularity and practice even though it became identified as a means of including blatantly naked representation within acceptable sacred approval.
Thus, church censorship and elimination of offensive – therefore unholy – nude depictions in ecclesiastical facilities and possession inadvertently preserved the evolution into the pornography business today.
There is no wonder of the obsession of the clergy over the current excesses of pornographic material! They have no one else to blame for it’s prevalence besides themselves or rather, their own professional forebears!
Confused!
The sense of confusion undergoing the ecclesiastical elite is comprehensible. They are the responsible authorities who defiled and determined that a creation of their deity was indecent, offensive and unfit for public exposition!
Not only did they endorse the concept and practice of social nudity by decorating it with a fig leaf; they also encouraged the growth and popularity of the ideal! Basically and essentially they had canonized both the fig leaf and the state of public nakedness! Their actions (or inactions) created a shared bonding of the fig leaf and naked as one common and united factor that has become body and clothes freedom: a movement that advocates and supports social nudity both privately and publicly everywhere.
As a bare practitioner, does this mean that my spouse, Aaron, and I are now sanctified? I already know that we are both saints but this status carries us into an entirely higher level of church endorsed responsibility!
Felipe Ferreira poses with an enlarged fig leaf!
The association of the fig leaf with nakedness introduces an entirely new relationship into the purpose of and the definition of modesty. From this perspective, fig leaf and nakedness and modesty itself now become a synonymous dynamic. Fig leaf implies cover (hide). Nakedness implies nudity. Modesty implies cover (hide). Therefore, nakedness or nudity are identical and/or synonymous throughout.
Or perhaps I have created even more confusion in this ambiguous post entry. Only time will reveal the truth. However, this remains as my prologue to Bare Modesty?
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, January 15, 2024, and the proposed topic is: ” MLK’s Legacy!”
One of the multitude of inspirations for creating and publishing ReNude Pride – both “back-in-the-day” in 2017 and still current in 2024 – has always been to offer a space for same gender loving (SGL) naturists/nudists to celebrate and collectively explore being ourselves. In reality we are a distinctly minority community and culture that is often forgotten, ignored and overlooked by both the general gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + (GLBTQ+) culture as well as the general body and clothes freedom (naturist/nudist) culture.
For many of us, my spouse, Aaron, and myself included, all we desired and sought was a simple place to feel “home.” Free from judgment; safe and secure.
Hence the word-game (word-play) in the title here: renude is for renewed – a “rebirth” of our initial pride (confidence) in being our true selves. Bisexual or gay nudists. A brief glimpse of this site’s history, repeated in honour of this anniversary occasion!
One other historical reflection to share with you at this time. My first solo blogging experience here on wordpress.com began in 2012 and was entitled A Guy Without Boxers.
“A Guy Without Boxers” header image, 2012 – 2015
A Guy Without Boxers was created and designed for the purpose of acknowledging the existence of the gay nudist movement in our world. Aaron and I were just an ordinary gay couple at that time as marriage equality wasn’t legally established when we began. This initial blogging enterprise was abruptly cancelled and eliminated by wordpress.com arbitrarily in early autumn, 2015. To this date, wordpress continues to “stonewall” (ignore) any justification for this action. I guess actions are stronger than words!
Notation:“A Guy Without Boxers” remains my very favourite name for a blog espousing the nature of being a bare practitioner!
It was with extreme caution, distrust, and reluctance that we returned here in early January, 2017. We both enjoyed the blogging experience and felt a genuine need for an outlet for our SGL naturist/nudist community and culture. ReNude Pride was born at that moment in time.
There was another essential inspiration for the launching of ReNude Pride in 2017. That was the introduction and education of the label (term) bare practitioner as identification or name for our community and culture. The words “gay,” “naturist” and “nudist” invoked too many negative and unpleasant connotations in the minds of many and it was considered that a neutral identification – bare practitioner – would eliminate derogatory associations and negative imaging.
Hopefully, the use of the bare practitioner identity would replace the misconception that bisexual or gay men utilized the naked or nude lifestyle as a means to satisfy their blatant sexual cravings and/or desires. The reduction of this myth is the reasoning for erasure of intimate sexuality implied by clothes freedom and orientation. Nakedness and partner preference are not synonymous with orgy obsession!
“ReNude Pride” gravatar, 2017 – present!
A result of this inspiration is the use of ReNude Pride as a site for the indoctrination of bare practitioner into the vocabulary of all body and clothes freedom enthusiasts. This encouragement is a single step in eliminating a source of mythology and prejudice against a misunderstood minority that simply enjoys having a good time without the restraints of clothing, whether alone or socially.
This site recently “adopted” the openness of nakedness preference of the popular and publicly gay adult celebrity, Phoenix Fellington (real name: Tre Larun Federson) as it’s “spokes-model” (representative) in honour of his frequent and numerous non-sexual appearances and poses. Phoenix isn’t compensated financially for this “unofficial” status and it is hoped that the publicity he receives will reward him personally. In the picture below, he demonstrates his obvious comfort in being bare along with his friends.
Phoenix Fellington (center) directing two of his colleagues!
One of the benefits of this image is that it reflects a totally non-sexual yet proudly bare interaction between openly SGL men who are indifferent (not focused on) to their social nakedness and their shared same gender attraction!
This specific situation with Phoenix Fellington is an example of the diversity of levels of acceptance and comfort with both nakedness and sexuality within our own community and culture of bare practitioners. Phoenix, our spokes-model, readily admits to his dual nature. He honestly and publicly identifies and proclaims his enthusiasm for being bare in both his personal life and his professional life (pornography). Body and clothes freedom, whether “on-the-job” or in his private life present no excuse or reason for either embarrassment, guilt or shame. But he does understand that his reaction to this aspect of himself is not the same for everyone. He encourages all of us to be mindful of this discrepancy in all our levels of comfort! Aaron and I both greatly admire and respect Phoenix for this attribute of his accommodation of us all!
Thank you, Phoenix, for your encouragement in being confident and proud of both what and who we are!
In order to conclude this year’s ReNude Pride anniversary observation on a celebratory and positive nature, I cordially invite each and every one of you to our home for an appreciation breakfast prepared by me!
Of course, bare practitioner status us required of all! Once you cross the threshold, removal of all clothing is mandatory!
Meal preparation is open for full inspection by everyone! No secret ingredients are allowed!
This anniversary is a joyful occasion! Feel free to share your enthusiasm and excitement!
Happy anniversary ReNude Pride! Aaron and I appreciate your support!
Please read my lips:
Aaron and I both “thank-you” for your support and friendship!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 12, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Modesty?”
The arguments and debates concerning the appropriate sensitivity and respect over the holiday and/or Holy Day…bah-humbug! On ReNude Pride, we try to be equal and fair to all, no matter the culture, faith, heritage, ethnicity, racial identity, sexual attraction and sexual orientation! We wish for everyone happiness for whatever the occasion!
Our header (beginning image) above does deliver a usually perceived “christmas-type” depiction but our listing below contains the reasoning factor. We intend to pay tribute to all here!
There are a limitless supply of beliefs, facts and reasons for all of our differing occasions to celebrate, commemorate and enjoy! Our intent is to attempt and strive to be as accepting, acknowledging and as all-inclusive as possible. We want everyone to feel comfortable, special and welcome here on ReNude Pride! Especially if you are both bare and same gender loving!
Celebrating all of us!
Please remember that no one is intentionally ignored or excluded from us here (unless too fully dressed)! Each and every one is encouraged to join in our adventures, escapades, education and fun. Good times and life are for us all to enjoy and experience.
Too many of our kind, of our nature have been forced to endure and to suffer during their lives. Many are even doing so still today. Now is the time for us all to cast aside all the oppression and repression!
In coming together we not only offer our collective compassion and support, we also share our suffering. This, in turn, empowers us all to commiserate as a community and to look and to move forward in strength and unity!
Togetherness!
All of us realize that our past is behind us. It is a lesson learned. Our present is part of what unites us and envelops us in love and respect. Our future is a journey, a path forward, a light that shines with all of our combined aspirations, our combined dreams and our combined hopes.
Working together, in patience, tolerance and understanding, our future becomes not only much brighter but also more alive and more promising! It is a step in the direction towards harmony, peace and tranquility not only for our community and our culture but also for our hearts, our minds and our spirits.
Our diversity makes us stronger!
This is why the celebrating of, the honouring of, the knowledge of, the memory of and the power of our communal and familial heritages is so important and necessary. Our history, whether personal, family, religious, communal or cultural is a vital part of each and every one of us! It is what makes us special and unique!
Sankofa proverb!
It is precisely the message of the Sankofa Proverb of the Adinkra peoples of West Africa. “If you forget it, you must go back and fetch it.” The truth shall be our guiding light!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, December 11, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Identifications!”
Introduction: The Great War (what is today known as World War I) began with the declaration of war between the Empire of Austria-Hungary and the Kingdom of Serbia on July 28, 1914. The conflict expanded and finally ended on Armistice Day, November 11, 1918. The peace treaty officially bringing the devastation to an end was signed in 1919. Millions died, globally, as a result of the belligerence.
The principle combatants in The Great War were the Central Powers: The Austria-Hungary Empire, Bulgaria, the German Empire and the Ottoman Empire. The Allied Powers were: Belgium, the British Empire, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Portugal, Roumania, The Russian Empire, Serbia, and the USA (1917-1918). Battles and military engagements occurred in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the South Pacific. This led to the designation of the conflict as World War I.
A direct consequence of The Great War was the eruption of yet another global clash, World War II, that began twenty years later, in 1939. That second conflict proved even more destructive than the first.
One of the sparks that triggered the beginning of The Great War was the assassination of the heir to the Austria-Hungary throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife, the Countess Sophie, by Serbians opposed to the dominance of Austria-Hungary in Balkan politics. In reality, the heir was in favour of greater self-determination of the the native Serbs, Bosnian and Croatian peoples in their own governance. Unfortunately, his death also destroyed any peaceful solution to the volatile political situation.
In discussions with my students about the origins of The Great War, I have recently noticed a growing number of them referring to the actions of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand as among the causes of the First World War. This misjudgment I attribute to faulty teaching from their secondary school instructors and try my best to keep them abreast of historical truths. I’m not familiar with all of the archduke’s personal characteristics but I am unable to identify any historical source for this misinformation.
By 1921, almost all the world that survived the destruction of The Great War was observing the anniversary of the official Armistice that ended the slaughter. In the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth, the peoples joined with King George V and Queen Mary in honouring the deceased on Remembrance Day. Two minutes of complete silence was publicly held in commemoration beginning the hour of the end of the fighting: 11:00 a.m. In Western Europe, Armistice Day ceremonies were conducted at cemeteries and battlefields. In the USA, the custom of Veteran’s Day was implemented.
Battlefield remembrance!
The Red poppy flower represents consolation, remembrance and death. The poppy is a common symbol that has been used to represent everything from peace to death and even simply sleep. Since ancient times, poppies placed on tombstones represent eternal sleep.
During The Great War, 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 trenches. The previously beautiful scenery was turned to mud: bleak and barren where little or nothing could grow. There was a notable exception to the drudgery: the bright red Flanders poppy. These resilient flowers flourished amidst so much chaos and destruction.
John McCrae was the son of Scottish immigrant parents and was born in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, in 1872. In May, 1915, he was serving in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in Flanders, Belgium. On May 2, 1915, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, a Canadian field artillary oficr and close personal friend of McCrae, was killed in the Second Battle of Ypres. Shortly afterwards, McCrae wrote the following poem, “In Flanders Fields,” in memory of his friend and honouring all the war dead.
The poem was first published on December 8, 1915, in London, United Kingdom, in the satirical magazine, Punch. It was immediately popular and widely circulated and reprinted as a fitting tribute.
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 barely singing, fly
Scare heard amid the guns below..
We are the Dead. Short days ago
we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe;
to you from falling 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.
We remember and appreciate the efforts of John McCrae and all the fallen, wherever they lie.
Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign
Etiquette
Participation in the Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign is completely voluntary. It should never be mandatory or required.
The poppy should be worn on the left side of the body over the top of the heart or on the left lapel.
Acceptable colours for the Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign are: red (remembrance) or white (peace).
Two minutes of silence are recommended, beginning at 11:00 a.m., (local time). If prayers are to be offered, they should be voluntary and silently.
The poppy should not be worn after 11 November (exception: memorial services).
********************
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 13, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Nakedness: Downside!”
The “header” above is published in honour of today as the Halloween observance!Have a happy and safe Halloween to everyone!
Happy Bare Practitioner History Month! Bottoms-up legacy!
The above image is offered in honour of this being the very last day of 2023 Bare Practitioner History Month! Celebrating both our community and our culture and all of us being ourselves!
Since February, 2023, followers and readers of ReNude Pride were invited to submit images of their very own Bottoms-Up! in order to give themselves the historic significance that they so rightly deserve!
Anonymity was promised and below are the photographs sent to me. Happy Bottoms-Up! everyone!
********************
Bottoms-Up! Legends!
In the above .gif image, please lip-read my “thank you” to the above for sending in their Bottoms-Up! pictures!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, November 3, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Unlearn It!”
The above header (photograph) is in no way related to this post entry title. In the picture, they are indeed teenage boys posing and singing “in a band.” The actual title is in reference to the 1970 film, “The Boys In The Band” which is the subject here today. As this particular cinema movie featured actors who kept their clothes on, I felt the vintage image – depicting the teens posing playing musical instruments in the early 1960’s era was appropriate for the title and fitting for ReNude Pride’s theme (nakedness). Sorry if I’ve caused any confusion!
That’s the reason for this introductory explanation. I wanted that apology offered before anyone becomes too irate!
Actual poster: “The Boys In The Band” 1970 film.
Over our years together, Aaron (my spouse) and I have periodically shared that neither one of us has ever seen the movie, “The Boys In The Band.” We both acknowledged that we should view it, but we’ve never done so. My first cousin, Michael, located a copy of the original with excellent closed captioning. He purchased it for he and his partner, Ropati. Aaron and I borrowed the DVD and this past weekend, honouring GLBTQ+ History Month, we saw the show together – a first for us both!
Even though the characters onscreen were fully clothed, Aaron and I were in our typical and usual bare practitioner mode. This was simply one of our 2023 Bare Practitioner History Month observances! Keeping with ReNude Pride’s theme and tradition!
Background:
“The Boys In The Band” was the first major American film to deal directly with the topic of homosexuality (as it was then often called) where the primary characters actually referred to themselves as “homosexuals.” It was released in early 1970, less than a full year after the Stonewall Inn riots. It was directed by William Friedkin and produced by Matt Crowley, Kenneth Lilt, Dominick Dunne and Robert Jiras. The screenplay was written by Matt Crowley and is based on his off-Broadway play by the same name.
The cast consisted of Kenneth Nelson as Michael, Leonard Frey as Harold and Cliff Gorman as Emory. Also featured were Laurence Luckinbill who played Hank, Frederick Combs portraying Donald, Keith Prentice was Larry and Robert LaTourneaux as “Cowboy Tex.” Reuben Greene appeared as Bernard and Peter White featured as Alan, the token heterosexual. The running time for the production was approximately 2 hours.
The cast “The Boys In The Band”
The character’s pathos and self-loathing even in 1970, unfortunately, it was prevalent within the majority of the “homosexual” population at that time. The movie is historically significant as Hollywood’s first explicitly gay-themed film – ever. All the guests are gay and one is presumably “straight” (non-gay, heterosexual). Before the night is over, the conversation turns bitter and ugly – hilarious one minute and excruciatingly painful the next.
The Plot:
The action is set in New York City in the latter-half of the 1960’s decade, It is definitely the post-hippie period and quite obviously pre-Stonewall/gay liberation. Michael is an alcoholic-in-recovery who is hosting a surprise birthday party for his best friend, Harold. As the guests arrive, the atmosphere is upbeat and festive until Alan arrives and the mood dampens and the tensions mount.
Then “Cowboy Tex” a hustler and a “surprise gift” for Harold enters and words are exchanged between Emory and Alan. Michael begins drinking again and the guests continue to argue and to criticize. At this point, Harold makes a classic entrance for the party in his honour and the drama borders on turmoil. As the party ends and the guests depart, the movie ends with Michael sobbing his misery to Donald.
Being same gender loving in the 1960’s was no fun-filled picnic!
Summery:
The film, “The Boys In The Band,” did introduce some positive aspects to the new and growing gay identification for the predominately “closeted” (secretive) homosexual population. It also helped to bring the awareness and discussion of homosexuality into the national dialogue – although not always in the most positive manner.
It also introduced a new film genre into the motion picture industry.
In some ways, it helped to energize and fuel the gay liberation movement. Within the emerging community, it served as an identifiable reminder of the life no one wanted to return to. It also eventually radically changed the way society perceived same gender loving people.
Happy GLBTQ+ Bare History Month!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 31, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! 2023 Bare History Month!”
In honour of GLBTQ+ Bare History Month, this posting is a very brief (hence the heading inclusion of synopsis) presentation of the history of bare practitioning here. The serious lack of any extensive documentation of our culture and community within the volumes of works has created a growing discrepancy in the history of us! My intent is to provide the basis for others to use in our quest for acknowledgment and legitimacy! Not knowing of our past is a step towards repeating it! In an attempt to learn a little more of ourselves and avoiding repetition, a brief look at our bare heritage!
Our nudity, be considered as us being bare, clothes free, naked, naturist, natural, nude or whatever, helps to make us all transparent. This transparency enables all others, regardless of their state of being dressed (clothed, textile) or undressed (without covering) to see our physical essence as it really is, unhampered by the artificial concealment of garments. This affords us, the bare practitioner (same gender loving naturist/nudist) the virtue of living life honestly and openly.
We don’t need or require the superficial trappings of accessories, adornment or fashion to present ourselves as someone that we’re basically not! We leave such pretentions to others. We live proudly as the men that we truly are!
********************
The Rainbow flag and our message for clothes freedom!
Background:
As committed bare practitioners (same gender loving and naturists/nudists) we are often overlooked by both the mainstream of humanity and also by our own marginalized groups. The mainstream is totally embarrassed by our existence and within our own subcultural identities we are often feared/ignored as too controversial and too eccentric. This often leaves us completely alone as the “odd-man-out” of everyone else’s communal agenda. The proverbial “no man’s land” – off the radar and left to fend for ourselves.
A shared demonstration of love!
Frequently, our same gender love is seen by the mainstream society as nothing but repulsive. Too often we are viewed as nothing but “perverted” even though our affection for others is no different from those around us except for the gender of those to whom we are attracted. If men can love women, then why can’t two men or two women love one another? After all, aren’t we all – at least theoretically – human?
For far too long our same gender love has been vastly judged as abnormal, alien, despicable, disgusting, disruptive, inhuman, offensive, and unnatural. Collectively, we are condemned and judged because we’re ourselves.
Yet, we remain ostracized. We also remain human.
A guy without boxers!
Regardless of being condemned, criticized, harassed, judged and ridiculed, we still remain human and we also elect to be naked. Completely free from the restrictions of clothing. Being ourselves and trying to be content and happy even though the majority of the clothing optional world prefers us as far from the rest of them as possible!
********************
Evolution:
From the earliest days of humanity, a certain level of comfort and relaxation has been experienced with the state of nudity by humans, no matter of their intimate physical attraction. For all of us, it is the condition of our birth. We naturists/nudists thus view it as our natural being.
Even in the early stages of our current history, our nakedness – freedom from clothing or any other type of covering – was not judged. It was a natural practice and was an option open for all to enjoy and not a condition of social determination. The earliest needs for covering were for retention of body heat rather than for any consideration of modesty. As people migrated to more difficult climates, the needs for comfort began to outweigh the freedom from clothing/covering.
Ancient cultures!
The evolution of humanity gradually introduced other conditions for the adaptation of garments. It soon became a visible token of class and social status. Our ancient civilizations of Babylon, Egypt, Greece and Rome developed and thrived during this transition of optional into mandatory concealment. The migration and relocation of humans to climates and regions less conducive to naked comfort and existence forced the need for layers of covering for protection from weather extremes. This soon reinforced the use of garments as a symbol of social class (the “haves” and the “have nots”). The evolution of society also incorporated the growth of shared belief systems that very often mandated that clothing was an absolute necessity. Judgments soon became against any nude freedom – both in private and in public.
Equatorial resident!
The needs for persons living in the Equatorial regions across the globe were not impacted by climate and/or warmth. For those who encountered people from different cultures they assumed, optionally, the custom of covering their genitalia if they made any adaptation. Those who had no contact with inhabitants or traders from different cultures or populations continued to prosper and thrive with their own tradition of nudity, whether in private or in public. This custom did not prevent them from being judged by others based on their belief systems where clothing was mandatory and nakedness was “backward.”
Eventually, the persons living in the more temperate areas of Africa, the South Pacific and South America evolved to the use of body decoration made from natural dyes instead of woven fabrics. This practice was a continuation of body comfort and freedom as opposed to modesty. When concealment was a necessity, it was easier to utilize natural products (animal hides and/or feathers) over any type of garment.
Just as there are cultural differences between the humans, there also exist differences in the belief systems that developed, particularly in the beliefs (religions) towards the traditions of allowing and tolerating nakedness. Not all beliefs outlawed shared nudity or frowned (condemned) upon expressions of body and clothes freedom. There exist some religions that have no official position on the state of being bare.
********************
Bare practitioner!
Bare Practitioners: Our Story!
Honouring the lives of some of our bare practitioner (same gender loving naturist/nudist) community and culture’s very own who were both bold enough and brave enough to live true to their sexuality (bisexual or gay) and their nature (body and clothes freedom) in an age and day when it wasn’t acknowledged and/or allowed. The essential fore-bares of our bare practitioner history!
This 2023Bare Practitioner Heritage features Lebanese-born author, artist and poet Kahlil Gibran and two early photographers, German-born Wilhelm von Gloeden and Italian-born Vincenzo Galdi. Enjoy and explore!
Our bare practitioner (bisexual or gay and naturist/nudist) heritage includes many who share our way-of-life but are completely unfamiliar with our self-identity. Their legacy to us today is our ability to own, privately and/or publicly, our existence, identities and ourselves with confidence, joy and pride. As the bare practitioner community and culture, we appreciate and are grateful for their courage, example and role-model!
Naked truth!
********************
Kahlil Gibran, circa 1913
Kahlil Gibran
Kahlil Gibran (also Jubran Khalil Jubran) was a Lebanese-born author, artist, poet and philosopher. His best known book, TheProphet (published in the USA in 1923) presents us with positive proof of his knowledge and talent that continues to influence and inspire us still today. Kahlil was born to Maronite (an Eastern Rite of the Roman Catholic Church) parents in Bsharri, Lebanon (then part of the Syria province of the Ottoman Empire) on January 6, 1883.
In 1895, he immigrated to the USA with his mother and siblings (all younger). They settled in the state of Massachusetts. He attended schools in Lebanon (primary), Lebanon and USA (secondary) and in France (graduate).
Gibran was considered a gay man and published about this although there are indications that he may have been bisexual (in correspondence with friends).
Almost all of Gibran’s early works were written in his native language, Arabic, after 1918, they were written exclusively in English – the exception being for articles he composed for several Arabic language newspapers.
Self portrait by Kahlil Gibran
On Clothes (from his book, TheProphet)
And the weaver said, “Speak to us of clothes.”
And he answered:
Your clothes conceal much of your beauty. Yet they hide not the unbeautiful.
And though you seek in garments the freedom of privacy you may find in them a harness and a chain.
Would that you could meet the sun and the wind with more of your skin and less of your raiment,
For the breath of life is in the sunlight and the hand of life is in the wind.
Some of you say, “It is the north wind who has woven the clothes to wear.”
But shame was his loom, and the softening of the sinews was his thread.
And when his work was done he laughed in the forest.
Forget not that modesty is for a shield against the eye of the unclean,
And when the unclean shall be no more, what were modesty but a fetter and a fouling of the mind?
And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.
********************
His above thoughts on garments is one of many examples of Gibran’s preference for social nudity!
Kahlil Gibran died in New York City, USA, on April 10, 1931. His remains were interred in his birthplace, Bsharri, Lebanon.
********************
Wilhelm von Gloeden circa 1891
Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden
Wilhelm von Gloeden was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, a German grand duchy on September 14, 1856. He was trained as a painted artist but was given a gift of a camera from a friend. The camera soon provided him a career. One of the patrons of his photography was Oscar Wilde. He suffered from tuberculosis for most of his adult life and soon resettled in Taormina, Sicily, due to warmer temperatures. While living in Sicily, he took a local youth, fourteen years younger than himself, as his lover and they stayed together as a couple until his death. The youth’s name was Pancruzio Biciuni who was sometimes referred to as “Il Moro.”
During the Great War (1914 – 1918) he had to leave Italy altogether or face arrest. Some of his photographic patrons included Oscar Wilde and Albert Freidrich Krupp of the Krupp family, makers of German guns and ammunitions. Baron von Gloeden’s favourite subjects for his photographs were naked teens (males).
“The Three Graces” photograph by Wilhelm von Gloeden
“Reclining Male Nude” by Wilhelm von Gloeden
When Benito Mussolini came to power as prime minister of Italy in the 1920’s, he was put on trial for harboring pornography but was acquitted by the court in Milan. During World War II, Germany was allied with Italy so he did not have to leave because of the conflict. During the course of his trial in Milan, much of his photographs and negatives were confiscated and destroyed by the Italian police under Mussolini’s orders.
Wilhelm von Gloeden died in Taormina, Sicily, on February 16, 1931. He was buried on the grounds of his home there. He left his entire estate to his lover, Pancruzio Biciuni, who died himself in 1963.
********************
Pancrazio Buciuni (above) was the model and lover of Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden. He was born June 28, 1879 in Sicily, Italy. He was nicknamed “Il Moro” (The Moor) by von Gloeden due to his dark complexion. Upon the death of his lover, von Gloeden, he inherited his entire estate. Buciuni died on January 30, 1963.
He is pictured below with another of von Gloeden’s models in a photograph taken by a different German photographer, von Pluschow.
********************
Vicenzo Galdi photographed by Wilhelm von Gloeden
Vincenzo Galdi
Vincenzo Galdi was an Italian photographer of primarily male nudes. He was born in 1871 on the island of Sicily. His interest in photography began when he first became an enthusiastic naked model for the German photographer Wilhelm von Pluschow. He then became von Pluschow’s lover and then he progressed to his photographic assistant. He operated his own studio in Rome between 1900 and 1907 when it was officially closed by the Italian police. He is often credited with being the first professional photographer to openly and proudly take credit for his erotic pictures to nude teens, often in very suggestive poses.
Galdi was considered bisexual.
He died in 1961.
He is captured completely bare in the picture below.
Vincenzo Galdi (right) leading another man into the water.
********************
Our heritage, bare and bold!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 23, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “United Nations Day!”
Purple: Spirit Dayis officially observed on the third Thursday of October, annually. This posting entry is offered in anticipation of the official observance!
On the Progress Rainbow Pride flag, the colour of purple at the bottom of the original rainbow field of six stripes represents the ideal of spirit. The colour also denotes pride and is considered a calming colour. It also connects us to the spiritual realm. For a great many of us, this is symbolic of our reflective nature and signifies the soul of the GLBTQ+ quest for our equality and freedom. In the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth, purple is a royal colour and often is representative of the Crown.
Purple: Spirit Day is an annual anti-bullying, anti-coercion date that is held during National Bullying Prevention Month. It is particularly focused combatting damaging or threatening behaviour based on a person’s perceived or real same gender loving status. The Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) of 1969 and the National Coming Out Day observance that commenced on October 11, 1988, reduced the suicide rate among the GLBTQ+ community and culture but it was never completely eradicated as a cause, even with the millennial transition.
A significant increase in GLBTQ+-related suicides committed not only raised the awareness of this problem within our community and culture but also in the minds of the general public. Clearly, more attention and efforts were necessary.
The commemoration of Purple: Spirit Day began on October 20, 2010, at the advocacy and inspiration of one Canadian teenager on her FaceBook social media. It is an awareness day of recent development in response to a USA suicide that gained international attention. On September 22, 2010, eighteen year old student Tyler Clementi, of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA, jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge over the Hudson River. On September 19, Tyler’s roommate, Dharen Ravi, had posted to his Twitter social media account a clip showing Tyler kissing another man and announced to all his followers that he is gay. All of this was done without the permission of Tyler or his encounter partner.
Purple: Spirit Day!
The resulting media explosion that followed the suicide led Brittany McMillan, a secondary school student in Canada to respond to her conscience and launch the Purple: Spirit Day campaign on her own. The concept was undertaken by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) who immediately assumed sponsorship after consulting with Brittany.
Promoted by GLAAD, participants wear the colour purple as a visible sign of awareness and support for GLBTQ+ young people and opposition to bullying (for whatever reason) in general. It is also a gesture in tribute to all GLBTQ+ victims of suicide.
Cartoon in support of GLBTQ+ Purple: Spirit Day!
The very first Purple: Spirit Day was held on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Later observances were on Thursday, October 20, 2011, and on Friday, October 20, 2012. After that time, GLAAD enacted the official date of the thirdThursday in October as the annual occasion.
For those persons restricted by requirements of uniform, a purple awareness ribbon may be worn to show agreement with the cause. If a pre-printed purple ribbon isn’t immediately available, a plain one suffices. Use a regular safety pin to attach the ribbon to your collar or shirt.
I remember the very first Purple: Spirit Day. Aaron, my spouse and I were simply living together at the time, and there wasn’t much notice given in advance of the first occasion. We decided to make purple ribbons to distribute on our jobsites promoting the cause and spent the night before staying up late to create the awareness tokens. We assorted 150 ribbons for each of our jobs. By mid-morning the next day, we exchanged emails and we had both given out of ribbons!
Supporting Purple: Spirit Day!
For bare practitioners the event may be signified by painting a purple ribbon on the left side of the chest. It is important to promote attention to this worthy cause!
For additional information on Purple: Spirit Day! please click onto the link below:
The title of this posting here on ReNude Pride and the accompanying “rainbow flag” images are at the insistence of my beloved spouse, Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos. His choice is based on his determination of the song “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz” as being a unifying factor for the entire GLBTQ+ Bare History Month culture. To be honest, he all but ordered me to follow his selection! Out of my devotion to him, my need for a nutritious breakfast and my appreciation of all of his contributions to this site, I have complied with his instruction.
As a Deaf man, I do wonder about the song portion of his choice and in the interest of family harmony, I’ll surrender to his decision. After all, “mine is not to reason why, mine is but to do or he’ll make me die!” LOL! Naked hugs! 🙂
As for the pictures featuring the rainbow flag, I totally agree with my “better half.” As they all depict a bare practitioner man with the flag, they ensure compliance with the purpose of ReNude Pride: celebrating our same gender loving naturist/nudist heritage and community and our shared confidence and pride in being what and who we really are!
********************
Background:
It is generally recognized by all concerned that the modern civil rights struggle for the majority of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ people began with the Stonewall Inn riots following a police raid on the Stonewall Inn gay bar in New York City on June 28, 1969. This action, in the militancy of the political times, led to the growth and protests that encouraged our forebears to begin advocating for our freedoms and our long-denied human rights.
Given the number of groups and causes proliferating in the 1960s, our previously closeted (secretive) community emerged from anonymous and silent to militant and radical, even vocal. Various groups and individuals came together with the intent of organizing a body to become instrumental in determining the guidance and leadership of our growing struggle for equality.
********************
Our Story:
As a population with almost no formal structure aside from local municipal concerns, the initial building of a communal harmony and unity was disorganized and haphazard. Communication was infrequent and often by chance. The commitment and dedication of the early and emerging prominent individuals in the equality movement varied from city to city and fortunately enough of the “first few” proved resourceful in building a dynamic leadership that allowed our cause to develop and grow.
Despite the chaotic and confusing inception, it soon became apparent to many of the early GLBTQ+ advocates to the benefits of and the vital need for a visual emblem or a logo for identification and/or recognition purposes. It was agreed that a colourful graphic banner or flag would better serve this function as opposed to just writing the name on a placard.
A variety of concepts, designs and suggestions were made and presented to the ever-changing leadership individuals and/or organizing committees. The most popular and long-lasting ideas are featured below along with a description and/or justification for each submission.
Our time is here!
The Rainbow flag!
The year, 1969, was at the end of a decade that had witnessed massive social unrest. The African-American protests for civil rights, the birth of the feminist and women’s rights movements, the demonstrations for ending the Vietnam war, the equal pay for primarily Latino immigrant farm workers were underway during this time. The elimination of the military “draft” (enforced military service) and unequal financial compensation were also targets. The “homosexuals” (at the time, a derogatory and offensive identification of the now GLBTQ+ persons) was the most recent social group to clamour for equality and recognition.
The Pink Triangle:
The downward-pointing pink triangle was prominently used by National Socialists (Nazis) in Hitler’s regime as a badge of shame and labeling of “homosexuals.” It was sewn onto the shirts of homosexual men in concentration camps to identify and dehumanize them in the eyes of the authorities and other prisoners. Other concentration camp inmates routinely lashed out against all prisoners wearing a pink triangle.
Homosexuality was made illegal in Germany under Paragraph 175 of the unification constitution in 1871, but the law was rarely enforced. It remained so until it was repealed in 1969. When the Nazi Party assumed control of Germany in 1933, they made it enforcement a priority in their goal of promoting the Aryan people as superior to all others in order to racially and culturally “purify” Germany. The Nazis arrested thousands of GLBTQ+ individuals and sent them to concentration camps. the overwhelming majority of them homosexual men. They were all seen as degenerate.
The rise of the gay, lesbian and bisexual pride movement led to the reclaiming of the pink triangle as a positive symbol of self-identity and of triumph over tragedy. In 1994, the German government formally apologized to all persons for the abuse committed against same gender loving persons throughout the country’s history, especially by the Nazis.
The pink triangle remains a strong symbol of GLBTQ+ progress towards equality and represents the journey forward worldwide. It is a tribute to all of those persecuted under bigotry and hatred. The flag is recognized globally.
The Lambda Flag:
As a symbol of same gender loving freedom from centuries of discrimination, oppression and torture, the Greek letter lambda was first designated in December, 1969, as a symbol of distinction by the graphic artist and Gay Activists Alliance founding member, Tom Doerr. He chose it because in chemistry it is a sign for “catalyst” as for the complete exchange of energy.
Others argue that the lambda denotes the synergy of the growing same gender loving movement. The idea that the whole is greater than the sum of all of its parts. Still others claim the lambda is representative of lesbian.
In December, 1974, the lambda was officially adopted by the International Gay Rights Congress at their meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, by a unanimous vote. As a representation of gay and lesbian civil rights, lambda became internationally accepted, popular and recognized.
By far, both the pink triangle and the lambda remain dominant and prominent within the GLBTQ+ community and culture today. Historically, they are the two “firsts” in our community and culture.
The criticism of the lambda emerged later as some felt it was symbolic for males only.
The Rainbow Flag:
The original Rainbow flag!
What many of us herald as the first official flag of our community and culture was first publicly raised on June 25, 1978, in San Francisco, California, USA, at the city’s United Nations Plaza in honour of the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day parade. The original flag consisted of eight coloured stripes and was designed by Gilbert Baker and handstitched and dyed with the help of friends and volunteers Lynn Sugarblum, James McNamara, Glenne McElhinney, Joe Duran and Paul Langbutz. The eight stripes were later reduced to six with the pink (denoting “sex”) and turquoise (for “art and magic”) eliminated as the colours were not available in flag fabrics.
The colour scheme!
The graphic above shows the revised eight-stripe flag reduced to six stripes and what the coloured stripes each represented.
Baker conceived the flag would “empower his tribe” and at the same time reflect a “rainbow of humanity” motif to represent the movement’s diversity.
Current: The Progress Rainbow Flag!
Moving forward in progress!
The Progress Pride Rainbow flag was developed by non-binary artist and designer Daniel Quasar in 2018. Based on and incorporating Gilbert Baker’s 1978 Rainbow flag, Quasar’s redesign celebrates the diversity of the global GLBTQ+ community and culture and encourages a more accepting and inclusive general society. The redesign has invested the representation of discriminated minority identities covered by the GLBTQ+ umbrella.
Quasar’s creation placing black and brown stripes (symbolizing peoples of colour) and light blue, pink and white stripes (representing transgender and non-binary persons) in the shape of an arrow-head all pointing to the left of the Progress Pride Rainbow flag’s in the image of “forward progress.” In Daniel Quasar’s own words: “…the pointed arrow to show forward movement and illustrates that the progress towards inclusivity still needs to be made.”
The black stripe has a double meaning attached to it as it is also intended for “those living with HIV/AIDS and the stigma and prejudice surrounding them as well as all those who have been lost to the disease.”
The Progress Pride Rainbow flag was an immediate success. On the evening of June 6, 2018, Quasar posted the design on social media. He woke up the next day to find that it had gone viral.
Progress Pride Rainbow blowing in the wind!
We continue our way into the future by remembering our past. We are all together as we move forward!
Naked hugs!
Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos and Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 16, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Purple: Spirit Day!”
National Coming Out of Closet, October 11, annually!
NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY: OCTOBER 11
Preliminary notation:
National Coming Out Day is actually on Wednesday of this week. It is my Monday offering here on ReNudePride so that everyone can be prepared to “hail” to the big day when it arrives! Come out based on your sexuality! Come out because you’re proud to be bare! Come out everywhere!Enjoy a day of just “being you!”
During the expanding global HIV/AIDS pandemic, openly gay artist Keith Haring created the below graphic to salute the initial National Coming Out Day commemoration on October 11, 1988. The event was created in order to encourage all GLBTQ+ people to “come out of the closet of their secrecy and shame” and to take pride in who they are! The date selected for the first National Coming Out Day was the first anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights.
The HIV/AIDS crisis was unfortunately “outing” an alarming number of gay men only after they had succumbed (died) from the ravages of the disease. The initial public display of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt happened in conjunction with the 1987 March. The purpose of the National Coming Out Day was to enable the SGL community to boldly self-identify itself notoriously and numerically! It also was in the tradition of several celebrities publicly “coming out” in honour of the 1987 March on Washington.
Basic truth!
A very simple truth that regrettably centuries of oppression and torture could not be easily acknowledged by many. National Coming Out Day sought to end the marginalization and ostracism felt by many due to their sexuality. The encouragement of persons to willingly identify themselves without embarrassment and shame forced many to see that bisexuals, gays and lesbians included family and friends. One of the goals of National Coming Out Day is to prove to the mainstream population that the GLBTQ+ population is as diverse as ever and also includes persons they never thought as “being that way” (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+)!
A man-2-man embrace!
This forced many persons who had remained passive and silent while the same gender loving community and culture were being harassed, marginalized and ridiculed to finally face the reality that some members of their family and some of their friends were honestly members of the very community that was being condemned. This sudden “truth” forced multitudes to examine their consciences and confront their prejudices. The result initiated a gradual transition in society’s thinking and views on the GLBTQ+ people.
Proud proclamation!
The original concept of the National Coming Out Day was for the same gender loving communities to openly acknowledge their sexuality. The personal evolved into being the political. The emphasis is on the basic form of activism as openly being same gender loving to colleagues, family and friends. Here on this site, ReNude Pride, we go an additional step and include our bare practitioner affiliation!
Felipe Ferreira and Rhyheim Shabazz kiss!
There is absolutely no reason for any of us to feel any guilt, humiliation or shame in being what and who we are. No matter who we love and no matter whether we are dressed in clothing or proudly bare, we are entitled to be ourselves! As long as we aren’t hurting anyone else, what difference does it make? All of us have the very human right to be ourselves every day of our lives without any fear or penalty for different!
Bare practitioners come out, too!
Sibling pride in being bare!
A bare practitioner is calm, content and relaxed when either publicly (socially) or privately appearing in their native “natural” state. There is no anxious or nervous concern over appearance or the opinions of others. We accept all of our physical differences and limitations as making each one of us as unique and then we move forward in our lives. The priority is our quest to be the very best what and who we are not only for ourselves but also for all others around us!
Have a great and openly proud National Coming Out Day!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 13, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “The Rainbow Emerges!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 