This year, 2022, marks the 70th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of Queen Elizabeth II – her majesty’s Platinum anniversary! She became queen immediately upon the death of her father, King George VI, in February, 1952.
Due to the Queen’s advanced age (96 years), she currently experiences discomfort being mobile and, unfortunately, she was forced to curtail many of her appearances for her official Platinum Anniversary celebrations. Here’s to wishing Her Majesty the very best on her reign!
My spouse, Aaron, adores Her Majesty! He is a subject of Canada and hangs a Canadian flag on his nightstand beside our bed at home.
Postal depiction of H.M. the Queen
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Map of Canada!
This date marks the creation of the Dominion of Canada under the British North America Act of 1867,which united four colonial provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec) into the actual union with the capital in Ottawa. The remaining provinces and territories have been added over the years.
Bare practitioner draped in the Canadian flag!
This is the official holiday of Canada, focusing on all things and events that makes everything and everyone Canadian special, unique and well – Canadian! The July 1 date? That makes it comfortable, easier and simpler for all of us to strip off our garments and skinny-dip for Canada!
Shirt off!
Pants off!
Underwear off!
Drop to skinny-dip for Canada!
Happy Canada Day to all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is Monday, July 4, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “USA: Independence Day!”
Paul is the older brother of Aaron – my spouse. Paul is also a practicing Roman Catholic and was born almost three years before Aaron. While an early adolescent, my Aaron was exploring both his nudity and his sexuality, Paul continued to adhere to the dogma endorsed and taught by his church.
By the time that Aaron reached his fifteenth birthday, he had already accepted and announced to his family and close friends that he was gay. Just prior to his high school (secondary) graduation, he disclosed his preference for social nudity. Paul remained comfortable and compliant in his religious exercise.
Relaxation!
When marriage equality became legal in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2014, Paul had already “come-out” as bisexual to Aaron and I. Once that was accomplished, he gradually began attending clothing optional gatherings with us. Just prior to our actual marriage (August 15, 2015), Paul acknowledged his comfort with his public nakedness (social nudity) and amended his sexuality status to exclusively same gender loving.
For the past several years, Paul has lived with the same partner, named Sudhir. Together, they’ve created a very informal bare practitioner community near where they live in the western part of this state. Now that the coronavirus COVID-19 seems to be in recession, they’re planning their first potluck pride picnic on land owned by an acquaintance they share.
Skinny-dipping!
Aaron and I are leaving Arlington tomorrow and going to visit them and be with them as they host this Pride social event. The owner has a small lake on the property so, weather permitting, we can all skinny-dip and picnic while we socialize together. It should be a summer fun-time (hopefully) for us all!
Please refer to the author’s note below for the next publication date here!
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 27, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “National HIV Testing Day!”
In the USA, the last Monday of the month of May, annually, is a movable holiday in tribute to all those who have died in the defence of this country. Many others recognize this as Remembrance Day or as Armistice Day held on the anniversary of the cease fire ending the Great War (World War I). This is a federal holiday throughout all 50 states.
During this holiday, the USA flag is raised to half-post (for mourning) from sunrise until noon. At that hour, the flag is then raised to full-post for the remainder of the day.
In this country, this Memorial Day holiday is seen by many as the unofficial beginning of the summer season!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, May 31, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! May, 2022!”
This fun-seeking bare practitioner may be under an umbrella but he is being both proactive and safe in wearing sunglasses while outside – no matter what the season of the year. Too many people forego the preventative advantage of sunglasses. A pair with treatment seriously reduces the amount of UV radiation that exists in sunlight – no difference if it is autumn, winter, spring or summer.
This precaution protects the eyes and helps eliminate the radiation damage and other problems. Plus, you feel better from enjoying your time in the sun without the burden of clothing! Who could ask for anything more?
As the end of this month of May, 2022, approaches, our bare practitioner friend in sunglasses is taking advantage of the time to contemplate the upcoming pride month (June, 2022). His reflections include anticipation of the events honouring the celebration as well as the ramifications within our community and culture those activities may bring.
Is he thirsty or is it a pose for play?
Here at ReNude Pride, we’re trying a different perspective for our pride month observations. The focus is a continual series of postings accentuating aspects of confidence within ourselves along with our community and culture. Hopefully, this feature will enlighten all of us to further explore our world and all that it entails.
Our man truly enjoys posing for selfie images of himself. In both pictures, the scenery reflected in the lenses of his sunglasses reflects the colourful umbrellas of his neighbors on the nude beach!
Two essential items to remember: sunglasses and sunscreen. Water? Well, raise the list to three!
Everyone have a safe and successful weekend! Take care and stay bare!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, May 30, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “USA: Memorial Day!”
Canada’s current Queen Elizabeth II (left) and Queen Victoria (right)!
In French, an equal language in Canada, the name for this holiday is: Fete de la Reine (Celebration of the Queen)! In all of Canada, this is a public holiday that is observed on the last Monday preceding May 25, annually. Initially in honour of Queen Victoria’s actual birthday (May 24), it is now a tribute to the first monarch of a confederated Canada as well as the official founding of Canada’s sovereignty. This holiday has occurred in Canada since at least 1845, which predates the creation of the confederation.
In addition to giving historical homage to the Queen who granted the Royal Assent (signature) to the British North America Act: the very first step in the inevitable evolution of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of which the current Queen Elizabeth II officially heads.
Posing for Canada!
For a majority of Canadians, Victoria Day serves as the unofficial commencement of the summer season – a long weekend to welcome the return of warmer weather!
Queen Victoria’s Enigma:
Oceanic skinny-dipper!
My spouse, Aaron, is Canadian by birth. His paternal ancestors migrated there through the underground railway before the U.S. Civil War ended the practice of slavery. At his determined insistence, I am offering this thought.
As a nude enthusiast – and advocate – one of the greatest ironies of Queen Victoria’s reign has always been: Did Her Majesty ever skinny-dip (swim naked)? Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837. Prior to inheriting the crown, everyone swam naked. Swim suits didn’t exist before they were commercially designed and produced in the 1850’s. The genders were segregated (if necessary) and people splashed about aquatically naturally (clothes free).
Stereotypically, H. M. Queen Victoria is always considered a very stoic and solemn prude. In reality, was the lady as she is often perceived?
Happy Victoria Day!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, May 27, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Sunglasses: Sunglamour Glory!”
At midnight tomorrow night, the bells on Greek Orthodox churches (actually, all Orthodox churches) will begin to ring and the congregations will commence to transmit the flame of light from one paschal candle to another while chanting “Kristos anesti” (Christ is risen). The Easter liturgy for 2022 will start; continuing a tradition that began almost 2,000 years ago.
Afterwards, the congregants will exchange the greeting “Kala Pascha” (good Easter)! While sharing best wishes, they will hold red-dyed eggs in the palm of their hand tapping the eggs of others, in the attempt to crack open the shells of every egg they encounter and emerge with their own egg unscathed and intact!
The egg champion!
Everyone then hurries home for the opening of gifts, the devouring of the Easter breakfast and the mad rush to crawl into bed before sunrise! The Easter feast begins at 4:30 p.m., on Sunday afternoon! Of course, all are completely famished by the time that comes to pass!
Of course, the family gathering is sparse for us. Aaron, my spouse, and I will host Twin (Alex) and his partner Dante, and our first cousin, Michael Poladopoulos and his soon-to-be spouse, Ropati. The remainder of our families all reside in Greece so we do the best that we can to ensure that Easter is a memorable event.
All of us are bare practitioners so there is most definitely a hasty drive from St. Sophia’s Cathedral in northwest Washington, D.C., to our condominium in Arlington, Virginia. We’ll all need to remove our church attire – pronto! Aaron and I have a one bedroom unit, therefore, space is limited. Fortunately, clothing concerns are not an issue for any of us! We avoid a grooming disaster by shaving/showering as a couple and not individually.
Lambropsomo – Easter Bread!
Everyone plans on arriving this afternoon (Friday). In making the Lambropsomo (Easter Bread), we use ya-ya’s (paternal grandmother’s) recipe which both Alex and Michael (as well as myself) own. My culinary skills are nonexistent; however, I do posses the handmade wooden rising bowl that belonged to ya-ya’s mother (our great-grandmother). It is an antique. The Lambropsomo is an eighteen hour process so preparation starts tonight. Ropati has no interest in baking so the two of us plan to play backgammon (tavloo) while the remainder work in our kitchen. As my Aaron so aptly determined: “We’ll keep the R’s (Roger and Ropati) out of our space so we can handle (complete) our business (cooking)!” Rest assured, Ropati and I both intend to comply with those wishes!
Easter feast preparation!
I don’t know for certain if Ropati’s kitchen skills are as poor as mine – however, as long as the majority of our guests are content with the food preparation, I am content to accede to their every desire and need! Too many in our tiny kitchen space can only create chaos, confusion and disaster!
Our Easter Sunday plans are to be laid back and relaxed for most of the day. With the bulk of the meal preparation completed in advance, our 4:30 p.m., dinner will be followed by our guests departing for their homes. Aaron and I prefer doing our own clean-up after the meal as our time to “calm” after a condominium full of family for the entire weekend. Monday is a full day at work for the both of us!
Decorated buttocks!
And a very depressing thought: almost all of my fellow professors at university observed Western Easter the week before. Their holiday recovery is very complete! I have yet to go through the motions!
Kala Pascha to everyone!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, April 25, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “April Appeal: Fantasy!”
A combination of two fun-filled words that afford us with desires and dreams and a variety of memories. In the English language, naked is joined with the word vacation and the result is: nakation! A bare practitioner’s imaginative excursion into paradise! There is no established timeline; a nakation can be one day in duration, one week or an entire month. The nakationer (nude enthusiast on vacation) makes the decisions!
The choices are unlimited and can be as complex or as simple as the amount of free time and the financial resources permit. Uncertain of what’s available? Online is accessible to offer suggestions that satisfy most needs and requirements. Acquaintances and friends can make recommendations and give advice on what to do and what to avoid. Careful thinking and common sense are also valuable tools!
“Man designs fashions. Man makes clothes. Man makes mistakes! The measure of a man isn’t based on the clothes he wears. The true measure of a man is determined bythe clothes he is not wearing. Bare is the perfection of the human body without the mistakes.” ~ Roger Poladopoulos ~
Nakation relaxation!
For someone who is a newcomer to the body and clothes freedom life, the prospect may seem overpowering. Do not despair! Even with a severely limited financial status, a basic nakation can involve little more than selecting a relatively secluded location, packing food and water (or other beverage) and getting outside to spend a free afternoon in nature. Being natural in nature doesn’t necessarily require time consuming planning and preparation. Reading material (to occupy your time mentally) and ample sunscreen are strongly encouraged for everyone (no matter their ethnicity or race)!
A convenient clothing optional resort involves both money and reservations – especially during the late Spring, Summer and early Autumn times of the year. When making inquiries at the facility, always ask for any policies or restrictions specific to that particular resort. Some destinations actually prohibit same gender loving relationships from even being on the property. It is always a good idea to ask about the clothing optional status of the on-site dining room/restaurant. There are numerous clothing optional establishments that cater especially to the bare practitioner community. At these locations, a person’s sexual identity is rarely a concern or issue.
Nakation comfort: no need to “dress to impress!”
“Bare practitioners are natural inspirations!” ~ Roger Poladopoulos ~ January 6, 2022
A recent trend that is increasing in popularity are clothing/textile restrictive resorts. These places severely limit the areas and times that clothing may be worn. Some of the more stringent facilities mandate that clothing must be removed in the parking area before entry into the actual property. Be advised to question the specifics regarding these regulations. There is no need to be textile if it isn’t necessary!
Nakation together!
GLBTQ+ Friendly:
As discussed in last Monday’s April Appeal: Social Nudity (click link for connection), there is an ever-growing number of locations and resorts promoting (advertising, marketing) themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) accepting, friendly and welcoming. This attention is partly the result of discrimination endured by bare practitioners in the past and partly the result of an increasing number of bare practitioners specifically seeking such accommodations. The end result is a “win-win” situation for both the same gender loving (SGL) vacationers and the commercial establishments.
When visiting a GLBTQ+ friendly facility we don’t need to be as concerned and discreet about our status. However, as each property has different management and procedures, it is highly advised that guests inquire regarding protocols and meal-time dressing codes. Awareness and knowledge are allies in comfort and relaxation!
Cautionary note:
Regardless of the best intentions and precautions of destination management, facilities that publicly announce their GLBTQ+ acceptance sometimes attract the undesirable. There are some who stereotype our community as particularly vulnerable and weak. These individuals may not be guests on the property but they possibly monitor the entrance and exit of the establishment. It is recommended to take note of the surroundings and constantly practice vigilance.
Sunbathing!
Supplies:
Whether on nakation alone, as a couple or with companions, there are two essentials necessary: condoms and sunscreen. Keep in mind the cost of these items are usually higher at the destination rather than a local shop or store near where you reside. Condoms reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A reminder to all that condoms are strongly urged for everyone involved in PrEP.
Sunscreen generally has a shelf life of at least two years. Check the container for the expiration date before departure! Sunburn on the first day of nakation can ruin the remainder of your “play-time.” Better to be safe than sorry!
Sunglasses? A good idea is to always carry an extra pair with you. Better to see than suffer from too much sunlight!
“Often, in jest or in ridicule, the textile ask of bare practitioners, ‘How’s it hanging?’ Perhaps we should respond with an inquiry of our own: ‘How does it feel, to always hide and conceal?'” ~ Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos ~ April 18, 2022
Weather Suggestions:
Perfect weather conditions for a nakation cannot be guaranteed. A suggestion is to carry along a few tools to reduce boredom risks in the event storms appear. A deck of playing cards isn’t bulky and easily fits inside an empty shoe. Another idea is a small (3 x 5 inch or 7.62 x 12.7 cm) memo notebook and a couple of pencils or pens. These can be used for a game of charades, etc. These items aren’t cumbersome nor expensive and offer unpleasant weather options.
A Gentle Reminder Notation:
As I have mentioned throughout this post entry, experiencing a nakation isn’t solely based on the destination and/or the location. The freedom, the joy and the relaxation are major aspects of the nakation opportunity. Equally important and satisfying is the enrichment of our clothes free lives. A successful nakation is the comfort enjoyed from nakedness as determined by the nakationer!
Home alone!
A nakation can be pleasurable and relaxing alone at home. It doesn’t have to involve extensive travel or endless nightmares. Whatever suits the individual is best!
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, April 22, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Holy Easter/Martyr’s Day!”
On March 25, 1821, the date of the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Mother of God) in the Greek Orthodox Church, the Greek people, as one, rose in revolt against their Ottoman Turk oppressors. This uprising marked the beginning of eight years of armed struggle that culminated with the Treaty of Adrianople in 1829 that ended almost 400 years of Turkish occupation with internationally recognized independence for the Kingdom of Greece. Great Britain, France and Imperial Russia signed the Treaty of Adrianople as guarantors in order to discourage any attempt by the Ottoman Turks to reclaim any part of Greece.
Upon proclamation of the Kingdom of Greece, the Greek Orthodox Church was officially sanctioned as the national church. That status remains current today. Greek was established as the language of communication, replacing Turkish. The drachma was adopted as the legal currency until it was withdrawn with the introduction of the euro.
Notation:as a student for my baccalaureate, my European History professor instructed us that the Greek alphabet and Roman numerals were extensively utilized throughout Greece, both then and now. The alphabet was no issue but the numerical claim was totally incorrect. I proved him wrong and years later, when I joined the university faculty, he publicly recalled this incident from my undergraduate days.
Defending Greece!
The conflict that began in 1821 did not involve the Greeks attired as soldiers from the ancient days wearing helmets and little, if anything, else. The pictures here are shown for illustrative purposes only. The historical Greeks did not fight bare. There were organs of the male anatomy, even then as now, that were considered too precious to put at risk for the stroke of a sword. Some of the troops may have fought while clothes free; however, that was based on the situation and not by direction, order or standard procedure.
History legends have certain cadres or regiments of the Greek military consisting solely of same gender loving men. This may have been common practice during that particular time period but it isn’t true in 1821 nor today. In ancient Greece, historians recorded these designated army compositions to reflect the reality of the situation. Men-who-love men identification was not considered a cause of degradation or disgrace. Instead, it was labeled as such as an honour, a distinction and a source of pride.
For the liberation uprising, army units were organized by family and/or village affiliation (local). Same gender loving men may have fought together, as a couple, against the Turks, but this wasn’t the basis for a troop determination.
Greeks used firearms and cannon, where available, for their struggle against the Ottoman Empire. The Turkish army was armed and organized with the latest in military equipment. For the revolt, because the Greeks had no standing army, they whatever weapons were convenient (mostly personal) plus arms supplied by the British, French and Russians. The majority of the Greek guns were decades old and used by their owners to herd and protect goats and sheep. Javelins, knives and swords were primary to ancient Greece and not in 1821.
Warrior at rest!
In ancient Greece, there existed general acceptance and tolerance from the majority of the population towards both public nudity and towards same gender love. Up until recent times, Greek society had officially regressed into one of impatience and judgments in dealing with open public nakedness and same gender love. Greece, being a member of the European Union is now on the path of respect for all persons regardless of their beliefs and practices. The major advocate for resistance to modern day inclusion of GLBTQ+ persons and naturist/nudist participants is the Greek Orthodox Church.
Notation:my paternal great-great-great grandfather fought in the 1821 uprising against the occupation by the Turks. He served as a leader of a local guard of troops on the island of Skyros in the Aegean Sea. My grandfather (father’s father) would repeat some of his exploits as passed along by his grandfather. My father’s father enjoyed embellishing and enriching his tales so we are uncertain as to what is actual truth and to what is “enlightened enrichment!”
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The Greek flag!
The flag of Greece contains the colours of blue and white, symbols of the waters that surround the islands and the peninsula; the Aegean Sea to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Ionian Sea to the west. In the upper left-hand corner of the flag contains the white Cross of St. George on a blue field. St. George is the patron saint of Greece. The remainder of the flag consists of alternating equal stripes of blue and white.
The flag’s symbolism!
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Map of Greece!
Modern Greece is located in the southeastern portion of Europe bordered by Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey. It is the southernmost area of the Balkan peninsula. The capital city is Athens.
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The objective of this post entry today on ReNude Pride is to offer and share a brief glimpse into the significance of this date in the history of Greece. Both of my parents were born there and I possess dual citizenships. In publishing this post, my purpose is to enlighten with a perspective of my cultural heritage and contemporary Greek experience. Enrichment and knowledge sometimes arrives through the strangest portals!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, March 28, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Your Thoughts?”
A shot glass full of favourite Irish beverage and a bare, soaking leprechaun (Irish elf) illustrate ReNude Pride’s salute to St. Patrick’s Day! There is no St. Patrick in the Eastern Orthodox Church (in general) nor the Greek Orthodox Church (specifically) so I’m unsure if this the Irish saint’s birthday or the anniversary of his exile of all snakes from Ireland.
At the end of the rainbow!
To allow the body to be seen in its nakedness. to say nothing of being touched and embraced, is to show the soul in all its glory and complexity.” Thomas Moore, Irish poet
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Sunday, March 20, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “The First Day of Spring!”
February 14 is universally recognized as a date that commemorates the unique attraction that two people have for one another, no matter their sexual orientation. Here at ReNude Pride, the affectionate couple can be same gender, bisexual or heterosexual. A romance between two persons should be celebrated and honored no matter the genders affected.
Decorated romantics!
Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is considered an observance between persons who are emotionally and physically attracted to one another. However, two persons united in brotherhood and friendship can likewise be honored on this occasion. There is no strict mandate restricting the date for physical intimates only. Friends have every right to appreciate one another.
Valentine’s Day is a day for all types of love: bromantic (man-to-man), romantic (between the genders), and platonic (between friends)! Celebrate and spend time with those who are important in your own life!
Arrow and heart: traditional Symbols!
Happy Valentine’s Day to all! Enjoy!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, February 18, 2022, and the proposed topic is “Bare Black History Month!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 