ReNude Pride was initiated back in January, 2017! Nine years ago this week! At times, it seems like an eternity. At other times, similar to yesterday! However long and whatever the mood, the fact remains the same: 9 full years! Happy anniversary to us! Back “in the day” when I began publishing here, it was no more than a spontaneous decision on a snowy Saturday morning. Classes had not yet resumed at my university, Aaron, my spouse, was at work and I sat in front of my laptop screen: bored.
A toast to ReNude Pride!
Even though I was still angry and frustrated with wordpress (no capital letters deserved) for abruptly erasing my first blog here: A Guy Without Boxers; I returned to this site and began creating. Soon, my spirit returned and I temporarily set my anger aside and ReNude Pride was born. Gay and naked all over again; although on my university salary, why bother to try to afford another pair of boxers?
A Guy Without Boxers logo!
Pictured above is my logo (emblem) that I adopted for my original site here. It caught my attention for two very specific reasons. First, of all the underwear styles available for men, boxers had consistently been my personal favourite. Second, based on the title of my initial blog here. A little sharing of my publishing history here. Relax! There will be no examination offered at the conclusion of this posting!
I distinctly remember on that snowy Saturday morning my efforts at trying to resurrect my original blog title here for this creation. The “powers-that-be” denied my efforts. A determined competition followed and my poor mind’s creative juices began pulsating. “ReNude” was substituted for renewed and a new cycle of accomplishment followed. The pace was set and I began to develop a sense of “pride” in what I was attempting!
Lip-read: “Thank you!”
Nine years ago this month, ReNude Pride began. It has given to both Aaron and myself a number of very interesting experiences and some unique challenges. Hopefully, it has brought, at the very least, a few smiles upon your faces!
Before concluding here, please “lip-read” the English words “thank you” on the face above. Aaron and I are sincerely grateful to all of you for both your loyalty and support here! Best wishes and love along with our appreciation!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 10, 2025, and the proposed topic is yet to be determined.
For numerous decades, the term “homosexual” was used to describe same gender loving people as both a definition and as a term synonymous with despicable and/or perverted. The late 1950s and early 1960s marked the transition of the meaning of the word “gay” from that of being “carefree and happy” to that meaning “homosexual” in British usage. The British interpretation slowly began to make its way into American language. By the time of the Stonewall Inn riots (SIR) of 1969, the British term was embraced by the same gender loving rioters and other protesters. For far too long and for too many, “homosexual” was too degrading and too prejudicial.
Vintage buttons proclaiming “gay!”
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Lambda!
Lambda:
The Greek alphabet letter “lambda” was designated in December, 1969, by the graphic artist of the Gay Activist Alliance (GAA), founding member Tom Doerr. Doerr chose it because in chemistry it was the sign for “catalyst.” In this context, Doerr offered that the lambda involved the complete exchange of energy. Tom Doerr also felt that the Greek lambda was symbolic of self-identification, unity and pride. Others argue that lambda denotes synergy of the growing gay movement: the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
In 1970, the lambda was adopted by New York City’s GAA as the emblem of their growing movement for gay liberation. In 1974, it was subsequently proclaimed by the International Gay Rights Congress at their meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, as their symbol for gay and lesbian civil rights. Following their designation, lambda became internationally popular and recognized globally with the same gender loving community.
Unfortunately, many women viewed the lambda symbol as relevant for males only.
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The Pink Triangle!
The Pink Triangle:
Just as the Nazi’s forced Jewish people to wear a yellow star of David, they forced men they identified as homosexual to wear an inverted pink triangle (die Rosa-Winkel) to identify their male gender preference. Those forced to do so were treated as the “lowest of the low in the concentration camp hierarchy.” It is estimated that 65% of those incarcerated as homosexuals died in captivity. Adolph Hitler perceived gay men as an impediment to purify Germany and as a serious threat to Aryan superiority.
After the concentration camps were liberated at the end of World War II, men imprisoned for homosexuality remained locked up. East Germany (communist) didn’t rescind the criminality of homosexuals until 1968. West Germany (democracy) didn’t repeal Nazi laws against homosexuality until 1969. Reunited Germany removed the illegality of homosexuality in 1994.
In 2002, the German government issued an official apology to all gay men who were imprisoned during the war. Rudolph Brazda, the last known concentration camp survivor who wore a pink triangle, died on August 3, 2011, at the age of 98.
Notation: The inverted Pink Triangle, located inside a green circle, is frequently used today to designate “safe” (protected) environments, facilities and spaces for GLBTQ+ persons.
A designated comfort zone for GLBTQ+ persons!
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The Rainbow Pride Flag!
Notation: The Rainbow Pride flag consists of six rainbow stripes. The colours are red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. The red stripe is always the top, the purple the bottom. When first flown, it held eight stripes but was soon revised to six stripes only. The colours represent the ideals below:
The Rainbow Pride Flag:
This flag was first publicly raised on June 25, 1978, in San Francisco, California, USA. It was unfurled over the city’s United Nations Plaza in honour of gay pride at the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. The original flag contained eight coloured stripes and was designed for the event and the occasion by Gilbert Baker. The initial banner was hand-stitched and dyed by Baker with the help of volunteers and friends Lynn Segerblum, James McNamara, Glenne McElhinney, Joe Duran and Paul Langlotz.
The original flag was reconfigured after the unveiling as the banner soared in popularity and the demand became widespread. The new design featured six stripes matching the natural rainbow. The flag discontinued the stripes pink (symbolizing “sex”) and turquoise (“art and magic”) as those two colours were unavailable in flag fabric.
Gilbert Baker conceived the flag would “empower his tribe” (the growing GLBTQ+ community) into a “rainbow of humanity.” The motif represented the movement’s diversity.
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The new Progress Flag among Rainbow Pride Flags!
Evolution: Pride to Progress:
Forty years after the appearance of the Rainbow Pride flag, the Progress Flag debuted as the new banner of the worldwide GLBTQ+ community and culture. The Progress flag incorporated the six stripes of the Rainbow Pride flag along with colours and designs that depict our movement as we march together into the future.
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The Progress Flag!
The Progress Flag of the GLBTQ+ Community and Culture
The Progress Pride flag was developed by non-binary (not conforming gender identity) artist and designer Daniel Quasar in 2018, forty years after the initiation of the Rainbow Pride flag. Based on the six stripes of Gilbert Baker’s 1978 Rainbow Pride flag, Quasar’s redesign celebrates the expanded diversity of today’s GLBTQ+ community and culture and encourages a more inclusive general society. The banner has increased the representation of discriminated minority identities covered by the GLBTQ+ umbrella.
Quasar’s creation placing black and brown stripes (emblems representing peoples of colour) and light blue, pink and white stripes (representing transgender and non-binary persons) in the shape of an arrow on the left of the Progress Pride flag. In Daniel Quasar’s own words “…the arrow points to the right to show forward movement and illustrates that progress towards inclusivity still needs to be made.”
In the Progress Pride flag, the black stripe has a double meaning as it, in Quasar’s intent, to represent not only the African race and their descendants but also “those living with HIV/AIDS and the stigma and prejudice surrounding them as well as all those who have succumbed to the disease.”
On the evening of June 6, 2018, Quasar posted the design for the Progress Pride flag on social media. When he woke up the following day, he discovered that the posting had gone viral. It was an immediate success!
Progress Pride flying over the University of Nottingham!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, October 17, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Spirit: Stop Bullying Day!”
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ Awareness Day!
October 11, annually!
Introduction:
Coming Out Day was first observed in 1988 during the critical and tragic years of the onset of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. For far too many men, their diagnosis with the disease often was their “official coming out” of the proverbial closet to family, friends and co-workers. Unfortunately, the beginning of their coming out process was also the fatal and sad beginning of their farewell process.
National Coming Out Day was scheduled on the very first anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights. It was also the occasion of the first complete public display of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt.
Origins of the Phrase:
For centuries, persons who today constitute the GLBTQ+ community and culture were intentionally and legally marginalized (set aside) and segregated (separated) from the remainder of society. They were condemned and judged by church, clerics, government, law, legal enforcement, etc. as “homosexuals,” “perverts,” “queers,” and “sexual deviants.” These were among the more acceptable social labels.
Closets are for clothes only!
Many of “our kind” lived their entire lives without ever sharing exactly what and who they really and truly were with anyone. Some even led a life that was totally false, they married and raised families without revealing their honest identity. This anonymous, concealed, obscure and secretive way of living was colloquially referenced as “being closeted” or as “living in the closet.” The closet being behind closed doors, thus hidden and unavailable for others to see or witness.
Purpose:
Coming out day was the signal for the post Stonewall Inn Riot (SIR) folks to openly and proudly accept, acknowledge and own their identity, their sexual orientation, the what and the who they indeed are. To step “out of the closet and into their life!” As previously mentioned, regrettably, the HIV/AIDS crisis was happening simultaneously.
“Closets are for clothes” was an expression used by body and clothes freedom enthusiasts who were also same gender loving (SGL) – bare practitioners today – to encourage and empower our community and culture in recognizing ourselves for being ourselves; there’s nothing wrong with us!
Artist Keith Haring created this art for the first Coming Out Day, October 11, 1988!
The late world renown artist, Keith Haring, himself an openly gay man living with AIDS, designed the above artwork in honour of the occasion. It remains prominent today as the globally recognized symbol for bravely, confidently, openly and proudly coming out about individual sexuality and for us bare practitioners, our position on body and clothes freedom.
The original concept for Coming Out Day was to combine the personal notification of sexuality with the political message that individual sexual preference was no longer a secret admission of disgrace and shame. There was nothing degrading about sexuality and consequently, there is nothing abnormal or guilty concerning nakedness. In reality, it’s okay for me to be me!
The emphasis on making the personal act of coming out into a political statement is a basic form of activism. Openly coming out (self identification) to family, friends and colleagues and then living life as a confident person publicly refuting bias and marginalization was in the eyes and minds of many as an extension of the SIR. The fact that homophobia (fear of same gender lovers) thrives in an atmosphere or environment of silence and/or ignorance was reality. Once people realize they either know or are related to someone who is indeed GLBTQ+ they are less than willing to remain with discriminatory, hateful and repressive individuals. “Familiarity breeds the seeds of tolerance.”
Coming out of the closet!
Coming Out Day was extensively reported in the media of the 1980’s (broadcast and press). Keith Haring’s art created attention and notice; overall, the response was well received and several noted celebrities did indeed “come out” themselves and/or encouraged their fans and followers to do the same. However, it did not reach the projected multitudes as hoped. The HIV/AIDS dilemma continued to devastate and even mainline Christian fundamentalist clergy began to involve themselves and their faithful in disease care, education and protection efforts. Slowly and hesitantly, the GLBTQ+ population began to identify with the necessity of the campaign to step forward and to “come out!”
Opening doors!
Evolution:
Since the very first National Coming Out Day on 11 October, 1988, so much has happened in our world, specifically in the attainment of GLBTQ+ civil rights, equality and freedoms. In the USA, the removal of the military ban/restriction on service, marriage equality and broad non-discrimination policies and protocols (just to name a few). There is now an almost general acceptance and acknowledgment of our existence and our humanity.
The struggle against HIV/AIDS is no longer seen as an absolute fatality. With proper treatment and care, it is now widely interpreted as a now “manageable” condition. It is not necessary for avoidance and/or isolation.
The purpose of National Coming Out Day has, in keeping with the progress, evolved into a GLBTQ+ awareness day, reminding our general society that we’re still here and yes, we’re still queer! Our sexuality no longer forces us to remain anonymous, invisible and obscure. We have the freedom and the right to be exactly what and who we truly are! The days of guilt and shame are in the past, gone but not forgotten!
For us bare practitioners, our next step forward is that our proclivity for our nakedness is no longer a concern nor a judgment to be determined by others. As long as we respect others, we should expect the equal and same respect for ourselves! Equality works both ways for everyone!
Out and proud!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 14, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Cultural Imagery!”
Aaron, my spouse, and I live in the Commonwealth of Virginia, USA. Our home is Arlington, Virginia, approximately four miles south of Washington, D.C. The both of us are employed in the city of Washington, which is also this nation’s capital. Since 6 October, 2014, marriage equality has been legal within this state when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to entertain an appeal of the decision of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold Bostic vs. Schaefer, a lower court’s decision to overturn a state law banning same gender marriages.
On 1 July, 2024, (this year), a law went into effect that formally and officially repealed the state ban on same gender marriages within the Commonwealth. This repeal was enacted to guarantee that should a future U.S. Supreme Court decide to hear an appeal on marriage equality and reverse the legality of same gender unions (marriages), the now repealed ban could not automatically be reinstated. The need for this protection was partially caused when the current Supreme Court overturned the Roe vs. Wade decision which permitted abortion.
Marriage equality proponents – including the both of us – felt the need for this legislative repeal in order to hinder any future court action to disenfranchise our culture of our long overdue equality. We all need to be aware of all and any possibility of discrimination and restriction, especially considering the instability of politics today. The position of a justice on the Supreme Court is a political decision, determined by the party in power at the time. This action prevents any future enactment of bias and marginalization from being a simple political undertaking by fundamentalists.
A bromantic kiss!
Once marriage equality arrived here in Virginia, Aaron and I were inundated with pressure from both our pairs of parents to pursue a legal ceremony (we had lived together since 2010). Since living together, we had discussed marriage but hadn’t finalized any plans. Once our families became obsessed with the idea and the need, our hesitation rapidly proved futile. Our delay in making arrangements for matrimony was based primarily on religious considerations. Aaron and his family are Roman Catholic and my faith background is Greek Orthodox. Neither of the two churches sanction same gender marriages.
We resolved the situation by having a civil marriage. It was performed on 15 August, 2015, to the delight of parents, family and friends. We were satisfied to relieve the pressure and to finally have the freedom to be ourselves in this world. Even today, our churches fail to recognize the legitimacy and the sanctity of our lives together, however, that is a problem that belongs to the faith and doesn’t really involve us.
The both of us understand that not everyone is fortunate in living is an environment that legally recognizes the marriages of same gender loving persons. There are many that live within families that frown upon or are unsupportive of our relationships. We want to share to all our encouragement of all the challenges faced and wish to all our best. Hopefully, someday soon this world we live in will achieve equality and perfection for all of us.
Together!
This upcoming Thursday, 15 August, 2024, we celebrate our 9th Anniversary! Amazingly, we both appreciate the significance of this date in our lives as every year passes. There are no immediate plans for any special activities for this day. We depart for a visit to Greece the following day in order to spend some time with my mother and my family before settling back into my professional routine of returning to the classroom for the Autumn semester.
Do we recommend marriage? If both partners agree, yes we do!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 16, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Flying High!”
10th Anniversary, Stonewall Inn Riots, 1979: “Taking A Break”
Stonewall Inn Riots: Legacy!
The actual date, 28 June, 1969, may not be etched mentally for everyone, but for a majority of GLBTQ+ community and culture, the familiar phrase, Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR), instantly beats the drum and blows the trumpet! The early hours of this morning heralded the commencement of the movement that initiated the struggle to end bias, condemnation, marginalization and oppression. It began the attainment of the goals of equality, fairness, freedom and respect deserving of all peoples, no matter where they live! Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) rights are human rights progress inaugurated!
The rioting that followed the planned raid on the unlicensed Stonewall Inn bar, catering almost exclusively to a “homosexual” (derogatory designation for same gender loving persons) customer base, erupted into a totally unexpected riot against police brutality and harassment. The law enforcers were completely unprepared for this reaction and were overwhelmed by the results. The “homosexual” community was always considered docile and effeminate, not capable of any type of masculine action!
Contemporary Stonewall Inn Historic Site!
The Stonewall National Monument is a fairly new national park unit located in Christopher Park in New York City’s lower Manhattan neighborhood of Greenwich Village. It is the very first U.S. national monument dedicated to GLBTQ+ rights and history; indeed, to the entire community and culture. Then-President Barack Obama designated it as a national monument on June 24, 2016!
The Stonewall Inn, 1969
“Stonewall will be our first national monument to tell the story of the struggle for LGBT rights. I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country, the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us. That we are stronger together. Out of many, we are one.” ~ President Barack Obama ~ Dedication of Stonewall National Monument ~ 24 June, 2016
“There was no gay pride before Stonewall. Only gay fear and gay isolation and gay distrust and gay self-hatred.” ~ Edmund White ~ Stonewall Inn patron and gay author
“The police weren’t letting us dance. If there’s one place in the world where you can dance and feel yourself fully as a person and that’s threatened with being taken away, those words are fighting words.” ~ Tommy Lanigen-Schmidt ~ Stonewall Inn patron and riot participant
“You could hear screaming outside, a lot of noise from the protestors and it was a good sound. It was a real good sound that, you know, you had a lot of people out there pulling for you.” ~ Raymond Castro ~ Stonewall Inn patron who was detained inside the bar during the riot
The Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR), 1969
In 1966, the Stonewall Inn Restaurant, which had been in business at that location since the 1950s, closed for remodeling following a fire that had devastated the restaurant. The restaurant re-opened as a commercial tavern (bar) on 18 March, 1967, under the ownership of the Genovese Mafia family. The tavern was in business illegally (no license to serve liquor) and one officer of the New York Police Department was accepting monthly bribe payments allowing the business to operate. The targeted consumer base for the tavern were “homosexuals.”
On Friday evening, 27 June, 1969, the police held a raid upon the Stonewall Inn tavern for two specific violations, operating a “homosexual” related business and for selling alcohol without a license. The customers, by now angry over repeated harassment, rioted against the police. The protesters soon numbered in the thousands and marked the first time any law enforcement received any defiance and/or resistance from the “homosexual” population. This represented the same gender loving (SGL) community organizing against oppression and the police were bewildered and clueless.
No one in the New York Police Department had anticipated the “homosexuals,” always believed to be meek and mild, to fight back. The years of abuse, oppression and ridicule had taken its toll, and the frustration now became revolution and the time for retribution was at hand. Unfortunately for the police, the pent-up anger with law enforcement was now being released and returned in kind. The police who initiated the raid were now isolated prisoners inside the Stonewall Inn.
The early morning hours of 28 June, 1969, became history. The discrimination against people who loved their own gender soon faded away to be replaced by the movement for gay power, gay equality and gay rights. This, in turn, became known as the GLBTQ+ movement (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+). The journey was not easy, peaceful nor was it bloodless. However, the journey itself was historic. Unfortunately, the history remains to be completed, even into now, the 21st Century!
Christopher Park GLBTQ+ statues!
In the 1970s, a local volunteer group, the Friends of Christopher Park, was organized in order to oversee the park’s maintenance and upkeep. In 1983, the New York City Parks agency began a three-year project to restore the park to its original condition under the guidance of Phil Winslow.
In 1992, the “Gay Liberation” statue by George Segal was placed in Christopher Park. The statue consists of four figures (two standing men, two seated women) in natural and neutral poses. The park also has two other statues both related to the civil war that were created in 1936. In 2023, a move to remove the statue of General Phil Sheridan because he had led a massacre of Indigenous (Native American) people.
On 29 June, 1999, the Stonewall Inn building, Christopher Park and nearby streets were recognized as official by the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The same area was declared a National Historic Landmark on February 16, 2000.
The statues, decorated in celebration!
On 23 June, 2015, the City of New York determined the Stonewall Inn to be an official City landmark. This inspired the other Greenwich Village residents to pursue both The Stonewall Inn and the Christopher Park to be labeled a national monument. This happened when then-President Barack Obama officially determined the Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park as national monuments on 24 June, 2016.
Welcome to all!
Our history and our story are still ongoing. To those who are planning to visit New York city, a visit to this national monument is highly recommended in order to help define and perpetuate our community and culture!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Sunday, June 30, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! Pride Month, 2024!”
As the above statistical data chart demonstrates, clearly the observance of HIV Testing Day is providing some worthwhile results. The African-American population had repeatedly reported the highest incident rates of any racial/ethnic group within USA borders. Now that same community is offering rising rates of HIV testing throughout its population. The higher the testing, the lower the rates of infection. Progress is being made – at last!
Testing Day!
First observed in the USA as National HIV Testing Day on 27 June, 1995, the main purpose of the date was to encourage persons to take the test, get the results and know their HIV status. Since that time, it has gained importance and is now promoted as an international effort for all peoples, no matter where they live. The goal has now expanded to empower individuals to seek treatment if they are HIV+ and to expand research into seeking a cure.
Since 1995, treatment options have expanded and now include prevention choices that allow persons to continue living productive lives. HIV, when treated, no longer carries the fatal outcome it once generated.
If you haven’t already done so, please get tested and know your HIV status!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 28, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “SIR: Legacy!”
For many years now, there has been and endless amount of questioning, from both outside and from within the GLBTQ+ movement as for the necessity of Pride events. This argument, minimally, supports the existence of a marginalization and of a prejudice against us all from a broad spectrum of the general population. It may not be as blatant and as prevalent as it once was, however, it remains present. even into the 21st century! As long as these biases are evident and felt, then, yes; pride observances are most definitely needed!
Until our communities and cultures as GLBTQ+ peoples receive the same amount of consideration and respect as shown to others, no matter their race, ethnicity, ability, gender, age or heritage, yes; pride activities are needed. Distrust is a serious detriment to equality acceptance and respect.
The determination that a certain action and/or behaviour is illegal by legislative or parliamentary procedure or even a royal proclamation doesn’t immediately eliminate or erase the offence out of existence. .A behaviour or a belief isn’t innate, it is learned – from parents, teachers, clergy, adult authority figures, et al. A learned behaviour is among the most difficult to eradicate from memory and practice.
A learned behaviour is a prejudice, plain and simple. It is not based on concrete knowledge or scientific fact. It is solely and usually based on the unsupported opinions of others, more often than not substantiated by fear, hate, myth, rumour or a combination of all. As such, it is almost impossible to refute with reasoning and any alternate proposition generally only increases its intensity.
The persistence of marginalization (setting aside of the perceived “normal”) and prejudice based on a person’s sexual attraction is often illegal in a growing number of countries globally but frequently remains inside people’s minds (and their hearts). The learned behaviour that has never been completely discarded or removed. Thus, their actions nominally are based on other aspects beyond sexual orientation in order to circumvent the judging of their negativity as being prejudicial. This type of “cover-up” has repeatedly happened throughout the various societies in the world, especially in the USA.
This situation justifies the existence and observation of pride events and their continuation. Among humanity, everyone deserves a chance to develop and grow in happiness, security and tolerance.
On a communal/social level, some societies are developed, liberal and progressive. Then there are others that are conservative, traditional and unyielding. There remain other social orders that are isolated from development and are stagnant. They keep closed to those of different beliefs, creeds and values. They are intolerant to all concepts and persons outside of their nature. These circumstances justify pride experiences. As in individual cases, inherited values are learned values and these, likewise, are the most difficult to alter or to change.
Contemplation!
In composing this post entry, my spouse, Aaron, and I have had numerous discussions about the various reasons for the continued hosting of pride-related activities for our communities and cultures. We even held talks with friends on a person-to-person basis. Ideas and thoughts were shared and the above represents a summary of what appears to be the most popular argument in favour of the ongoing necessity of our pride heritage.
There are remaining GLBTQ+ persons who have very limited knowledge of our culture and the diversity of our community and the many facets offered. They seek information and many times just the contact with another person who is seeking the same or has actually experienced the same. A pride occasion is an opportunity for them to socialize, become acquainted and to observe as well as seek answers. Some travel distances for such contact. No matter where we live, there are always those for whatever reason benefit from the casual opportunity to mingle with others who may help provide them “the way.” Sometimes, merely being in an accepting environment is rewarding in and of itself.
As to persons who are active within our culture, an informative pride event allows us to assimilate with others of our lifestyle that we would otherwise never encounter. It is also an invaluable tool that permits us to stay abreast of current news, trends and emerging information. This hopefully keeps us “in the know” so we’re better qualified to determine what is beneficial not only in our own lives but also to those we hold dear.
Pride functions as an enabler that keeps us current as to the latest legal, political and social challenges and issues that we may confront, in our personal lives as well as a community. We not only remain informed on topics but we are also able to learn of different opportunities of involvement in order to share our cares and concerns with others.
As a summary for the benefits of pride for us all, Aaron and I see it as an important tool that we, as a culture need, so as to prevent any of us from being alienated/isolated from those around us. We are a minority within a broader culture and society. In keeping ourselves connected to others, we can make a difference not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 10, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “A Seasonal Disguise!”
This topic, Bare Modesty, was originally announced for publication in January, 2024. It was then postponed due to my personal confusion – over my notes and my draft – while composing the actual post entry. I then substituted another subject and re-scheduled the publication until the following month, February. Today is 1 March, 2024, and I am publishing a condensed and – hopefully – clarified version of my intended post entry.
I sincerely apologize once again for any confusion or inconvenience about this mistake.
Thoughtful identical twins!
Vulnerable? Susceptible? Conspiratorial?
Is it a message of embarrassment, guilt and shame? Or is it an encouragement to discover and explore comfort and relaxation in body and clothes freedom? Obviously, the men depicted in the above images are identical twins, so why do the Black twins imply that one of them has an issue with his nakedness and the White twins are both apparently accepting and unaffected by their nudity? In actuality, the Black twins (Daniel and Darren Shoneye) are both confident and proud of their bare practitioner status in the world! Neither of the Shoneye twins have any hesitation in proving their affinity for their sexuality or their nakedness in their lives!
Daniel and Darren: proud of themselves!
Also, a personal notation. Alex is my identical twin and we can verify that we have no problems in being same gender loving or in being publicly seen in our nakedness. The defining label is “identical” twins for a reason!
Felipe Ferreira and his “pride” tattoo!
Introduction:
The word bare is considered to mean naked, nude, uncovered, empty, void or without. A bare Felipe Ferreira is clothes free (naked). A bare shelf is empty. A bare mind is often used to describe my mental state of being and pursuit of that example would last forever!
The Modesty Syndrome:
Modesty implies the exact opposite idea. It is understood as concern or fear of being considered, seen or viewed as being bare. In particular, regarding textile (clothed). Often this word is involved with a person’s status of being dressed (covered) and/or undressed (uncovered).
In the image above, Felipe Ferreira uses his body language (communication) to confirm or reinforce our knowledge that he is – indeed – posing while totally bare. This makes the fact that he truly is in the state of body and clothes freedom and utilizing his hand as his communication tool to conceal his genitalia from our view. Hence, the subtle message of being “modest.”
Therefore, the action of concealment negates the intended body language while placing emphasis on the reality that Felipe is honestly, really and truly engaging in nakedness. The steps used to insinuate modesty thus have the opposite effect! In other words, “pretend” you don’t want to be seen naked!
Remaining on the picture of Felipe for one final thought. He has “pride” tattooed at the base of his neck. Is this tattoo reflecting his feeling about being same gender loving (SGL) or is it a summary of his feeling about being bare (his nakedness)? Given our frequent encounter of his clothes freedom while with another man, can we conclude it is his confidence in being both gay and naked?
Felipe Ferreira: body language and confidence!
According to his public comments on his tattoo, and his photographic opportunities, he has no problem or shame being both bare and SGL! “I am me!” is his response! At least now, he’s comfortable in modelling his pubic hairline!
Phoenix Fellington (right) and companion!
Absence of Modesty:
Featured above is ReNude Pride’s unofficial spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington, and his half-bare companion! Phoenix (birth name: TreLarun Fenderson) is the African-American bare practitioner on the right in the picture. There is no doubt as to his acceptance and comfort with both his nakedness and his SGL attraction (exclusively gay). Likewise, there is no doubt about his repulsion of being considered anything other than what and who he truly is!
In interviews, when questioned about his his nudity tendencies, his standard answer is: “I love to be nude surrounded by nature!” The former U.S. Marine has no regret over his SGL status!
Although his youthful companion wearing only his shirt and showing his masculine anatomy below his waist does raise questions in the minds of some. Why does he feel the need to conceal his chest? Perhaps he feels a chill but more than likely the shirt item was the decision of the photographer and/or his agent. It does appear strange his waving his hand while smiling and exposing his genitalia! Especially with our man, Phoenix, is fully and happily bare right there beside him. One fact is undisputed: neither of the two have an issue concerning modesty except for the obvious: “notme!“
The gay adult film industry (pornography studios) is known for hosting lavish gala events where top celebrity performers are welcome ( and enthusiastically encouraged to socialize naked/nude. This practice began in the mid-to-late 1970s when gay porn evolved into the “gay porn industry” label. When I initially laid my eyes upon this photo, Phoenix portrayed the proud “father” and his waving companion represented his overindulged child. I don’t know if this message/scenario was intended, whenever I encounter this image, that thought automatically reappears mentally.
Phoenix (center) directing his support staff in a scenic exercise!
As to the studio socials? Our spokes-model, Phoenix, has earned the reputation of being extremely outspoken and very “heroic” at these events, often chiding studio executives and their VIP cohorts for any shortcomings, accidental or otherwise, toward his co-workers in the industry. He firmly believes in equality and fairness for all – no matter their professional prestige!
The studio executives and management are finally and reluctantly accepting Phoenix for what and who he actually is. They recognize his talent and enthusiasm and his popularity in the gay porn industry; as long as he continues to produce the financial results they need, they grudgingly allow him to have the freedom he seeks for his professional standards: equality, fairness and primarily his unrestricted nakedness!
His charges of racial insensitivity against the Noir Male executives and the overwhelming success of his boycott of that studio’s discriminatory policies convinced them to accede to his expectations. Sometimes nakedness does achieve profound results!
A modest pose?
Reasoning Assumptions:
The photos directly above and below this section represent the theme under consideration: the subject (model/performer) often may not be in a determining role for the shared images. It may feature them but the details of how much of their anatomy is presented is beyond their control. Others, photographer/videographer, agents, studio executives. financial supporters, etc., may and usually do have the final decision authority.
Quite often, the model or performer has essentially no determination in whether they pose/perform fully exposed or not.
The lack of deliberate body language to obscure nudity does not eliminate the obvious fact. The person presented is naked and apparently unbothered by any emotions surrounding their lack of clothing or covering. The absence of body language to indicate modesty itself confirms that whoever made the decision is aware that any body language would reinforce the nakedness concept and ideal.
Nakedness obvious!
Various people have offered many reasons for their cautious approach to public nudity. Among some of the major excuses, the fear of a public erection – the growth of the male penis – is by far the foremost leader. What males seem to forget is that spontaneous erections – the subconscious occurrence – happens throughout one’s life and usually without any advance warning or conscious stimulation. The more accustomed a man becomes with his nakedness in social settings generally reduces this happening. Having several alternate plans in case this occurs generally helps a person to relax.
Another situation that causes hesitation in social nudity is the reluctance of some to the occasional reality that not everyone has a precise moment to remove any clothing they may wear. Many are uncomfortable in being the first to strip out of their clothing and baring themselves. However, if everyone hesitates, then few, if any, have the chance to enjoy the glory of their nakedness! The best solution for this issue is to plan to get bare whenever possible and let those hesitating make their own decision when convenience happens.
Bare but not bold!
My spouse, Aaron, and I have discussed these and other situations privately and then with acquaintances and friends numerous times and there are an endless number of reasons that people voluntarily give for procrastination. If a clothing optional beach or event is the destination, it is best for deciding when in route to engage in social nudity or not and simply have fun – with or without others. Delaying the joy-of-the-moment for someone else to take the initiative isn’t necessarily the best protocol to adhere.
Indecisive celebration!
Exhibitionism:
For some bare practitioners there exists an absolute fear of being perceived as being an exhibitionist. Exhibitionism is regarded as “the act of flaunting oneself in order to attract attention.” Psychologically, exhibitionism is viewed as “compulsive exposure of the sexual organs in public.” It stands to reason that an exhibitionist is “a person who compulsively (habitually) exposes themselves publicly for attention.”
For the exhibitionist, it is the reaction (response) from the person who witnesses the act that gives them pleasure. It is not the fact that they are naked. They receive their thrill (satisfaction) from offending or shocking another person, more often than not, by publicly stroking themselves. In summary, a thrill-seeker with shock-value!
In most instances and occasions, the offensive actions of an exhibitionist are illegal and are accompanied by serious consequences. It usually involves public prosecution, public embarrassment and humiliation outside of the legal ramifications.
In these situations, the position of modesty isn’t the issue. The person appearing or posing naked/nude doesn’t want the implication of being an exhibitionist associated with themselves not with their body! The modesty entailed here is not with nakedness itself. It is modesty concerning the exhibitionist label and perception.
Author’s advisory:
A sequel to this post entry is planned for Monday, March 4, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Exculpatory Evidence!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, March 4, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Exculpatory Evidence!”
“Racism takes many forms and our thoughts on racism, sexuality and nudity need to change.” ~ Joseph Ross Anderson ~ aka Race Cooper The Pink News SGL News Service London, UK 10 June, 2020
Prologue:
The examination and exploration of the topic of race extends beyond the limited concepts of just Black people and White people. It includes all of us, no matter our skin tone, ethnicity or racial heritage. Race, unfortunately, is also aligned with community, culture, politics, religion and value systems.
Regrettably, racism (racial discrimination and/or hatred based on skin tone) is often a “learned” behaviour – usually passed from one generation to the next – without any basis of proof or scientific fact. Unchallenged, it is frequently misunderstood as the “norm” – the routine standard.
ReNude Pride published a post entry here, Race On Race, last year on March 6, 2023. Click on the title to link. My spouse, Aaron, and I both offer this expanded version of the topic in the hope of overcoming our need to be reminded of the importance of this reality in our daily lives. This is the reason, among others, that we do not restrict this issue or topic exclusively to the period of Black History Month.
Race Cooper: tunnel of experience and knowledge!
RaceCooper is the stage name of Joseph Ross Anderson, a talented and thoughtful star of same gender loving (SGL) – bisexual and gay – pornography and outspoken advocate for bare (naked/nudist) rights, sexuality rights and racial equality. He was born and grew up in Toronto, Canada on December 5, 1973. Amazing, he didn’t begin his film career (porn) until 2009 – he was 36 years old! An age when most openly gay porn actors are ready to retire from performing live!
In the same year that he launched his film debut, he started blogging about the porn industry on blogger.com and swiftly acquired notoriety as “a-man-who-tells-it-all!” Race’s blog was a popular favourite as he kept no secrets from his readers. He consistently posted of his experiences with his fellow actors, both complimentary and flattering and…honest and real. His descriptions and observations of their intimate abilities and anatomical attributes made his blog a success for many and a regular “must-read” for both his followers and his peers in the film studios! His writing skills hastened to dispel the stereotype of the gay porn actor as egotistical, “flaky,” and self-obsessed.
He also began to publicly encourage and endorse the expansion of the alpha-man (top-man) and the beta-man (bottom-man) sexual identities to include versatility (preference to engaging in either sexual position or fluidity)!
Additional facts on Race Cooper are listed below:
Name: Joseph Ross Anderson
Height: 6′ (183 cm)
Weight: 180 lbs. (82 kg)
Hair: head (shaved) body (armpit, pubic)
Penis: 7.9″ (20 cm) circumcised
Sexuality: gay exclusive
Sexual position: versatile (preference: bottom)
Clothing status: bare
Film career: 2009 – 2014
“I’m an African-Canadian. Growing up in Toronto, I got to see how lots of White Americans reacted to Black people. Working in gay pornography in the USA, I personally saw how Black men were treated by White men with no difference between gay or straight.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News 10 June, 2020
Race Cooper: serious!
Race Cooper, based on his own experience in the SGL porn industry, views racism as “a daily constant in the USA.” He initially began working as a casting director for the exclusively SGL studios – Raging Stallion – before he moved to performing in front of the camera. He acknowledges that he was paid considerably less than his White peers and regularly and repeatedly had his work ethic and his intelligence questioned. He honestly believes that he was only hired initially in order for the studio to appear “less racist.”
“Homophobia and racism in the USA is the reasoning for discrimination and prejudice. It is part of the legacy of slavery. In Canada, race is just a difference. You shave your pubic hair, I let mine grow naturally. We’re both gay men, we’re just different in some ways.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News 10 June, 2020
Canada had slavery in the 1600s only. It was never a permanent institution like in the USA. As a slave, you were bought, you worked a couple of years, earned your freedom and then you moved on. Similar to an indentured servant. Enslavement was never a source of distrust and hatred. You worked, earned freedom and then became a neighbour – equal – not inferiour or subserviant.
Playful Race Cooper!
“As a Black gay man, I know and have witnessed bias, hatred and prejudice because of nudity, race and sexual orientation. It is unfair and unjust. It is wrong. As a performer in the porn industry, I’ve never experienced criticism for being publicly or for being socially naked. But I do know of fellow gay nudists who are judged because of their nudity. Clothes freedom is part of who we are. Just like race and sexuality, we don’t have a choice.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News 10 June, 2020
Race Cooper was interviewed by The Pink News, a GLBTQ+ news service in London, England, United Kingdom, on 10 June, 2020, for his thoughts on racial inequality in the SGL porn industry in the USA in light of the killing of the late George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. He also wants the porn studios to openly admit that many White men – straight – have been cast into roles, intended for Black gay men. Many of these substitutions were in films catering to primarily SGL African-American audiences.
As a path forward, he’d like to see the studios hire and utilize “diversity mentors” to help casting and hopefully these very same mentors could advance the careers of actors of colour and other minority qualifications. He also advocates the ending of “gay-for-pay” and the immediate end to the shunning of HIV+ porn actors.
Race Cooper: bald head and buttocks!
In the conclusion of his interview with The Pink News, Race Cooper offered – in my humble opinion – his most daring and profound argument against bigotry, discrimination and judgment based on not only just race but sexual orientation and nakedness as well. This declaration was made on his own initiative and observation. Proof positive that Joseph Ross Anderson (Race Cooper) is – heart and soul – a brother bare practitioner and all of us welcome and embrace him in complete nudity and pride into our community and culture! True equality is a basic human right for us all!
“I’ve made numerous naked appearance at gay studio social events. The newcomers to our profession are often intimidated by us older professionals. Usually, fellow Black new actors are gathered, made to strip out of their apparel and paraded through the White guests who are fully or partially clothed only to be ridiculed, teased and tormented and not allowed to get dressed until the social is done.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News 10 June, 2020
Great observations, Race Cooper! We are grateful for your honesty!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 26, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bonus: +24!”
Often, the mythology lies around, dormant. After all, it’s an old myth that no one really considers important. It’s also an old myth that we have all probably seen refuted by reality. It simply is nothing earth-shattering or shocking. It’s not detrimental or explosive. All it does is just lie there.
Then, one day when we least expect it, it raises up and punches us in our face! We are so caught by surprise that there are few words that would adequately describe our reaction.
The overwhelming majority of us have been so involved with our everyday lives – handling our own business – that we never saw this coming our way! That’s the reason we’re so dumbfounded and numb.
We never saw “it” coming toward us! Suddenly and unexpectedly there “it” is! Right, directly, in front of us!
Bare! Black! SGL!
The “it” we never saw coming toward us? The mythology that was simply lying around: dormant. It was an old myth that none of us considered important. It was so completely and totally dormant that we had – intentionally or not – simply forgotten that “it” was “out” there. So irrelevant and useless that most of us never gave it any thought at all!
That old myth is this: Black people aren’t gay and they aren’t naked! White people are that way and they are “teaching” our people how to act and to be like that!
Believe it or not, like it or not, that old myth remains among us and with us. Another overwhelming majority of us may know it to be no more than what it really is: an old myth. A meaningless and useless thought left behind by hatred and homophobia. But wait! “It” is still with us.
Bare! Black! SGL! Continuation!
We do indeed live in the 21st Century. And yes, reality – real life – does afford us all with a multitude of opportunities to see examples and reminders of same gender love (SGL) as we go about our everyday lives handling our business. That’s just how this world is supposed to work.
We are all free to be ourselves. To be what and who we truly are. We should all remember that we are free to expect this from others as long as we show the same respect of freedom to all others! We all live in the same world, therefore, we all share the same world.
Nakedness and same gender love (SGL) may or may not be something that is essential or important to everyone and that is good. It is likewise good that we all accept and recognize that for some of us these aspects are crucial, vital and paramount in our lives. The same holds true for interracial couples and marriages – irregardless of the gender. The days of the iron-clad formula that Black should be with Black or that White should be with White are now long past.
Free to be themselves!
All of this I can share from personal experience. Following the arrival of marriage equality here during President Barack Obama’s second term in office, my then-partner, Aaron, and I took the path forward and became legally married (after incessant urgings from both of our sets of parents). My spouse is African-Canadian. I am Greek. An interracial union of two SGL men who prefer bare rather than textile (clothed). Ever since our wedding, we’ve both received an endless amount of comments from numerous casual acquaintances and/or co-workers about our “relationship.”
Kissing!
For some unimaginable reason, people – SGL couples included – have an issue or a problem when referring to a “marriage” between same gender partners. Is it our gender or is it our skin colour? Or is it a combination of the two?
Now back to the mysterious “it” that was creeping upon us earlier. “It” remains with us and will somehow prevail. Aaron and a multitude of others are actual breathing, living proof that the old myth is unfounded and untrue. There are Black men who are confident being bisexual or gay and who also enjoy and are proud being naked.
Pride!
The awesome reality of this predicament is that no one, Pink, Green, Blue or White had to “teach” him anything. He was born this way and has no shame of being who he is. He has no guilt in being who he is!
Enjoy the remainder of Black History Month, 2024!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 19, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Happy Hemisphere!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 