Author’s disclaimer: this is *not* a post about closet space that is filled from the floor to the ceiling and from wall to wall with unwanted and mostly unused items. During this early part of the new year, 2019, most, if not all, of us probably would benefit by conveniently losing some of the excess baggage that we have cluttering (overflowing) in our lives (closets). By the word baggage I’m referring to those who we call “friends” even though we’re loathe to spend any amount of time with them.
Category: homophobia
Bare Friendships: 10 Years!
Naked hugs! Yesterday, January 3, 2019, was a very special day for my friend, Jay, and myself. It was the tenth anniversary of the day that we met and for the both of us it seems as though we were the best of friends from the first moment that we met. For those reading here, I’ve written several posts on the circumstances surrounding our first meeting and its aftermath that were posted here last year. In case you missed those posts, I’m offering those links below.
World AIDS Day, 2018
World AIDS Day turns 30 years old today. The very first global commemoration to raise awareness of the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) was observed on December 1, 1988 – seven years into the struggle against HIV/AIDS. Normally, this type of anniversary would be a cause of celebration. However, the fact that humanity still suffers from this disease is no reason for jubilation. Yes, we have had a few remarkable successes in fighting this pandemic; but the fact remains that we continue to lose both lives and talent.
Reflections: End of November, 2018
November, 2018, was most definitely not the month I expected it to be. As those of you who read ReNude Pride regularly already know, my father died on November 11. This event happened unexpectedly following his diagnosis of stage 4 cancer of the colon, liver and one kidney on October 28. Mercifully, it wasn’t a protracted end but was swift and relatively pain-free. Which does beg the question: “How the hell do the doctors or any of us really know how painless any death truly is?”
A Penny For My Thoughts: Are We Muddying The Rainbow Flag?
Last year (2017) when a revised version of the rainbow flag was unfurled in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA in honor of Gay Pride, it generated quite a controversy. It continues to create heated debate now, more than a year afterwards. This uproar is all centered on a version of the rainbow flag that Philadelphia chose to symbolize their support of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation, and their commitment to respecting diversity. Honorable intentions and no disrespect were intended but obviously not taken by everyone.
Continue reading A Penny For My Thoughts: Are We Muddying The Rainbow Flag?
October 11: Coming Out Day
October 11, annually, is Coming Out Day a time for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer (GLBTQ) people to open the closet (secret hiding place) door and step out into the world as a proud member of the GLBTQ community. National Coming Out Day is observed on October 11, in the USA and is also celebrated on October 12, in other countries throughout the world. The term “coming out” is used when persons who are GLBTQ take the steps to let others know of their sexual orientation.
Friday Footnote: Bare and GLBTQ Potpourri
There are many blogs that I regularly follow. Some are strictly bare-related and others are are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer (GLBTQ) oriented. Believe it or not, there are even a few that are very similar to ReNude Pride and regularly focus on the same gender loving (gay) and bare communities simultaneously. Often, these excellent publications offer posts that are directly related to articles that have recently posted here. The purpose of this Friday Footnote feature here is to offer everyone reading here the opportunity to read the perspectives of others.
Words of Wisdom
Occasionally, I somehow manage to stumble upon a particular inspiring piece of wisdom that seems appropriate to a particular action or event in my life, either past or present. I realize that I am probably not the best man for being considered “typical,” however, I also know that my own life isn’t all that far removed from humanity as to be deemed anything other than average. When I saw this observation several weeks ago, it reminded me of an incident from my past and inspired this post.
Nude Is Not Lewd
Often, we see many professional athletes, who are paid enormous and outrageous amounts of money get physical with one another to reward a job-well-done. In both the National Basketball Association (NBA) and in the National Football Association (NFL), countless team-mates give each other a pat or a slap on their buttocks in a congratulatory gesture of goodwill and friendship. Even coaches do the same as a show of support to their players and a way of offering encouragement. No one complains of bodily harm, excessive violence, sexual harassment or indecency.
Today Is Gay Nudists Day!
To the best of my knowledge, there is no official government proclamation in any country designating today as Gay Nudists Day (also known as Gay Naturists Day) . For almost as long as I’m able to remember, that’s just what today is: a date to celebrate being a same gender loving man who prefers clothes-freedom. To be honest, I’m uncertain as to who informed me of this observance. One instance does remain set in my mind. I was once a member of a gay nude social club in the Washington, D.C. area, Lambda Soleil (since inactive). It was the oldest club of gay naturists/nudists in the Washington region (organized in the early 1980’s) and every year they communally observed this occasion.
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 