GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month, 2023 – June, 2023, officially ends today. The gentleman above is evidently exhausted after such a momentous occasion! He’s even located a rainbow bench to collapse onto!
Pool exit bottoms-up!
Now that Summer, 2023, is officially here, the opportunity for us all to view scenes of bottoms-up! similar to the above is indeed plentiful!
Proud bottoms-up!
Here’s to hoping he remembered to apply the sunscreen protection for himself and his buttocks!
A beach bottoms-up!
GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month may be over but we can celebrate ourselves every month of the year!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Saturday, July 1, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Canada Day!”
Kory Mitchell, HIV testing advocate, bare practitionerand gay porn-star!
With almost forty years into the global HIV/AIDS crisis, we still are having to survive the reality that we remain without a cure or a vaccine for HIV/AIDS. This disparity exists while we face even more unusual and unknown infections that offer similar if not more deadly consequences.
We do have an accurate and inexpensive test to determine if we are HIV infected. This knowledge is important because if affords all of us the time to adjust our routines, adopt practices to enhance our lives, engage in protocols to reduce complications and to effectively manage our lives. Yet almost a third of persons living with HIV remain unaware of their health status.
Their lack of knowledge puts many of us at risk for contracting the virus.
Increase your power!
Once again, it is important for us to remind everyone of today’s significance. Yes, we are all living through these days of coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic. However, we all need to remember that we are also living during the days of HIV/AIDS. Our health is an issue we need to address!
HIV: Basic Facts
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
AIDS is the result of an HIV infection.
Only a physician can diagnose AIDS.
AIDS is not transmitted (spread) by casual contact.
Friendship does not spread HIV!
There is currently no cure or vaccine to prevent HIV/AIDS. However, since the early 1980’s, we have made remarkable progress in the treatment of our HIV-infected populations. Despite this, as a nation, the USA continues to decline in the service provided to persons living with HIV.
Racial disparity!
Testing provides us with the knowledge to seek treatment and to take the process that allows us to manage our lives.
Happiness is knowing your HIV status!
Take the test.
Know your HIV status.
Control your life.
Encourage others to do the same.
Risk reduction!
Kory Mitchell: Productive steps!
Openly same gender loving film actor, Kory Mitchell, was among one of the first gay porn stars to test HIV+. Upon learning of his status, he immediately became an advocate for information, knowledge and for testing to all others in his industry and also within the general bisexual and gay communities. He serves as an example for all of us to take the “next step forward!” We salute your commitment, Kory Mitchell! Thank you for all your efforts in HIV prevention education and in testing!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is scheduled for tomorrow, June 28, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Pride: SIR!”
Frequently, the question is raised in the media as to why we, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) communities and cultures have the need for a pride celebration. This concern is not only presented in the media networks focused primarily on the general populations but also on those geared towards our own featured community and culture. Many feel we have enjoyed all we can of our different lives. Why even bother to continue?
A pose of pride!
Another question often expressed by my spouse, Aaron, and I between ourselves and when in the company of our friends is: of all the communities and cultures present in this country today, why is the question insistently raised concerning our community and culture specifically? If the issue is of the concern of others, why isn’t the same question asked of others? We’re not the only ones to have a month dedicated to celebrating and saluting our own.
Bare happiness and fun!
Fortunately, not everyone is aware of the fact that we here on ReNude Pride endorse not only GLBTQ+ Pride but we also include the bare practitioners within our observance. Thankfully, this aspect remains beyond the realm of appreciation and comprehension for many of those who are critical of our inclusiveness!
Among us bare practitioners, when the question of Why pride? is imposed, very often the response is delivered as Why not? One question deserves more than the reply with another interrogation. However, the inquiry does warrant some investigation.
Teaser!
The endless questioning of the continuance of the necessity of pride by our community and culture supports the existence of prejudice against us all. It may not be as blatant and prevalent as it once was, however, it remains present. As long as this discrimination is evident and felt, yes, pride is needed. Until we communally and culturally receive the same amount of consideration and respect as shown to others, no matter their race, ethnicity, ability, gender, age or heritage, yes, pride is needed! Distrust is a detriment to acceptance and equality.
The determination that a certain action or behaviour is illegal by legislative or parliamentary approval or even a royal proclamation doesn’t immediately erase the behaviour out of existence. It isn’t innate – it is learned – from parents, teachers, clergy, et al. A learned behaviour is the most difficult to eliminate.
Siblings with pride!
A learned behaviour is a prejudice, plain and simple. It is not based on concrete knowledge or scientific fact. It is solely attributed on the often unsupported opinion of others, usually substantiated by myth or rumour. As such, it is virtually impossible to eradicate and generally increases in intensity.
The persistence of prejudice thus acquired ensures the continuation of prejudice. An act of parliament may outlaw the prejudice but it doesn’t eliminate it.
The reality of someone, questioning their emotional and physical feelings, experiencing confusion, turmoil and confrontation with prejudice. This person, alone or in the company of others, justifies the celebration and observation of pride. Everyone deserves the chance to develop and grow in happiness, security and pride!
Pride!
On a global/international scale, some countries and/or societies are developed and progressive and others are conservative, slower and still a few remain isolated and stagnant. Each nation and society pursues the course according beliefs, needs and traditions – of the power structure (politics) or of the population in general. Hence the diversity of cultures, religions, values, etc. As in individual cases, inherited values are the same as learned behaviours. These are likewise the most difficult to alter or to change. For this reason, deviation from the custom or tradition evolves slowly and tediously. Progress, especially to new ideals and philosophies, is very cautious and relaxed.
In my humble opinion, as long as there is – at the very least – one person who benefits from the observance of a pride event, then yes, it remains necessary and valid. I understand those who feel that pride has become too redundant and too repetitive. I only want to encourage them to get involved in planning the next activity and to offer creativity and variety into the format.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, June 27, 2023, and the proposed topic is “HIV Testing Day!”On Wednesday, the anniversary of Stonewall, “Pride: SIR!” is planned for posting.
Strip off your costume and splash into another season of aquatic splurging and natural antics!
Summer is here!
A Sun-bathed Nakedness
Walt Whitman
“Never before did I get so close to Nature; never before did she come so close to me…Nature was naked, and I was also…Sweet, sane, still Nakedness in Nature! – ah, if poor, sick, prurient humanity in cities might really know you once more! Is not nakedness indecent? No, not inherently. It is your thought, your sophistication, your fear, your respectability, that is indecent. There come moods when these clothes of ours are not only too irksome to wear, but are themselves indecent.”
Nakedness!
Also on this same date, primarily in Europe, Nude Hiking Day is observed. As this is the longest day of sunlight in the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it affords an excellent opportunity for an all day bare hike throughout the many trails!
Nude Hiking Day!
The best wishes for a safe and very happy Summer, 2023!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The post entry schedule for the remainder of June, 2023, is as follows:
Monday, June 26, 2023: “Why Pride?” Tuesday, June 27, 2023: “HIV Testing Day!” Wednesday, June 28, 2023: “Pride: SIR!” Friday, June 30, 2023: “Bottoms-Up! June, 2023”
A day at the beach shore. Exercising through stretching and taking time to enjoy the sun and solitude – and, of course, being completely free and nude!
Beach posing!
Being fit and bare without another care! What more is there to ask for? Incoming surf and a sandy beach complete for many a perfect day to spend in focusing on what is good and beneficial for us all!
Beach stretching!
Fun and relaxation! An ideal way to spend the day and renew ourselves and rejuvenate our appreciation of the glories of nature and ourselves!
Breezy beach comfort!
All enhanced by a warm breeze to keep us all refreshed and renewed! Time to rest and take the time to absorb what nature provides!
Sand-prints!
Naked hugs!
Happy GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 19, 2023, and features a reblog of a posting by my blogging buddy, Rohan, the Nubian Ikigai of Crossing the Styx, “Read it on REDDIT!”
One of the aspects of our gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) achievements is the inclusive (total) nature of our acceptance and embracing of all the multitudes of persons identifying with our movement. Despite the recent political trends towards separation and exclusion – such as the protective wall needed by our former so-called leader between the borders of Mexico and the USA – we, the communities and cultures observing this traditional GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month strive to meet our goal of diversity and union for all.
Background:
Since the very first modern pride month celebration following one year after the 1969 Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) in 1970, the fledgling gay, lesbian and bisexual community sought a representative device for identification. A logo or symbol to denote itself and the communities affiliated. It wasn’t until 1978 that the “Rainbow Flag” – six colourful stripes – was introduced and became the first unofficial then soon the official for this growing culture.
The original Rainbow Flag colours and symbolism!
Tragically and unfortunately, the HIV/AIDS crisis and pandemic spearheaded this effort towards recognition and identification with the Rainbow Flag. This colourful banner rapidly gained international acceptance to distinguish the and culture of GLBTQ+ people globally. The United Nations (UN) adopted the Rainbow Flag as symbolic of the worldwide movement towards equality and freedom. This action bestowed a legitimacy upon the populations struggling for fairness and justice.
The Progress Rainbow Flag!
The Progress Rainbow Pride Flag was developed by non-binary artist and designer Daniel Quasar in 2018, forty years after the first appearance of the original Rainbow Flag. It was unfurled publicly on June 6, 2018, and incorporated the original Gilbert Baker’s 1978 flag. Quasar’s redesign celebrates the historical message and ideals/values of the GLBTQ+ culture and encourages a more inclusive general society for all people.
The redesigned banner has increased the visual representation of discriminated minorities identities covered by GLBTQ+ umbrella. Quasar’s creation added both black and brown stripes – symbolizing persons of colour – and light blue, pink and white stripes for transgender and non-binary persons, in the shape of an arrow on the left of the original rainbow on the Progress Pride Rainbow Flag. In the words of Daniel Quasar:
“…the arrow points to the right to show forward movement and illustrates that progress towards inclusivity still needs to continue.”
The black stripe has a double meaning as it is also intended for “those living with HIV/AIDS and the stigma and the prejudice surrounding them and those who have been lost to the disease.”
On June 6, 2018, Progress Rainbow Pride Flag was first unfurled for the world in honour of GLBTQ+ are Pride Month.
Body painted Progress Rainbow Pride Flag!
Progress Rainbow Pride Flag is now being used throughout the world as the official emblem and symbol for the GLBTQ+ community and culture. It is the latest design as our movement seeks to solidify and unite our peoples together for equality and justice for everyone!
Happy 2023 GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 16, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Beach Pride!”
Typical to the entire naturist/nudist community and culture: the approach of another summer season in the Northern Hemisphere renews the “great debate” over the labels and terms that we use to describe ourselves. My personal feeling? I don’t think the debate will ever resolve and this disagreement will last until the end of time.
Confusion surrounds what some purists (perfectionists) continuously argue as appropriate/inappropriate (good/poor) terminology.
Naked?
Nude?
Naturist?
Bare?
Body freedom?
Clothes freedom?
Natural?
Sunbathing!
I prefer sunbathing bare.
Beach visitors!
In the summer, we’d rather be natural!
Posing!
I am standing naked in the sunlight!
Skinny-dipping!
I enjoy the water nude!
SYNONYMOUS? INTERCHANGEABLE?
Shading his eyes!
I’d rather wear nothing whatsoever!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 12, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Pride: Inclusion!”
“Tan-Lines: proof positive that we sneak around wearing swimsuits while out playing in the sunshine!” ~ Aaron Peterson-Poladopoulos ~
Tan-line: absolute proof!
Myth: only Caucasian people have tan–lines.Absolutely false!
A more descriptive and official definition of tan-lines comes across the internet (courtesy Wikipedia) as: “visibly clear division of the human skin between an area of pronounced comparative paleness relative to other areas that have been suntanned by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or by sunless tanning.” No slight to my spouse, Aaron, is intended as his off-the-cuff remark is closer to reality but not as authoritative nor credible as the digital version. However, he does offer an easier to understand rendition!
Aaron further details his offering as a “garment signature on our skin.” The ultimate proof that the person blatantly exposing their tan-line is either new to the bare practitioner life and scene or guilty of being closeted (secretive) about their naked preference. Our culture is very welcoming and receptive to our recent converts to our lifestyle! Less so to our closeted souls!
Tan-lines appear in all races and ethnicities!
One common myth that is popular is that tan-lines only occur in the lighter-skinned persons. The inclusion of images here featuring individuals with darker-skin tones proves that this is a false conception. All persons, regardless of race and ethnicity, experience tan-lines.
Another myth is that the lighter the skin tone, no tan-lines are discernable. This is indeed a false determination again using pictures to refute the misconception.
Flexing his muscles doesn’t conceal his tan-line!
Vintage: tan-lines are not a new phenomena!
Tan-lines have existed as long as humanity. It is not a recent development without any precedent. Since man first used fig-leaves to hide genitalia, tan-lines have been a reality of nature.
Tan-lines are concrete evidence of conflict in the lives of the bearer. It confirms a serious discrepancy in their bare status. Deception or indecision? Only the person with the actual tan-line knows for certain the truth of the matter and most of them are unwilling to acknowledge confusion.
Tan-line pride!
One of the common uses of tanning beds and/or tanning rooms is the option of tanning completely nude in order to reduce the appearance of tan-lines. In contrast, some people prefer to havetan-lines and will wear swimwear or undergarments with the deliberate purpose of creating a sharply defined tan-line.
There are some same gender loving men who envision the existence of tan-lines on the body of another as very sexually appealing. They are appreciative and attracted to others because of this phenomena. I’m Greek (fair skinned) and my spouse, Aaron, is African-Canadian (dark skinned). Neither of us find a tan-line desirable or exciting but we both know men who do! The presence of diversity in our community and culture is a fact of life that we all welcome!
Thong caused tan-line!
PostScript: The tan-line is also a physical confirmation that the wearer is employed as a lifeguard (beach patrol) at a mainstream (non clothing-optional) facility.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 9, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Clarifications!”
“If only for once, join with us and see, how it feels to be natural and free!”
Body and clothes freedom!
A ReNude Pride photo-essay to celebrate being a true bare practitioner!
More than a decade ago, while first publishing my original A Guy Without Boxers here, I combined gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer (GLBTQ+) pride celebrations with naked and/or nude (clothes free) pride. After my original site was closed closed (without notice or warning or any type of communication from wordpress.com) I was somewhat hesitant about following this tradition when I began ReNude Pride. After thought and consideration, and the love and support of my spouse, Aaron, ReNude Pride has continued in the footsteps of honouring not only our GLBTQ+ heritage but also our bare practitioner (same gender loving naturist/nudist) culture. We are, after all, proud to be both!
Advocacy!
Pride!
Come join us in GLBTQ+ Bare Pride! Join with me in nudity!
Obedience?
We celebrate ourselves: bare and bold!
Unity in our shared nudity!
We stand together, without any sense of guilt or shame. We’re just being what we basically all are: naturally ourselves. Just as we were created to be, all living together in mutual respect and harmony!
Our time of the year!
For the overwhelming majority of us bare practitioners, with the warmer weather, we hardly need a reminder to be proud of ourselves and our nakedness. The passing of another winter has guaranteed our joy in another month of GLBTQ+ pride and the approaching season of Summer, 2023! Add to that the opportunity to celebrate the ability to throw off our clothes and enjoy ourselves and one another as we engage in the triumph of being our natural selves, without any embarrassment or humiliation!
Our nudity alone is enough for us to welcome this exciting time of the year!
Strip out of your garments and be you!
Our philosophy of body freedom and clothes freedom compliment one another. Our freedom entails us to enjoy living naturally while respecting those who are uncomfortable with their own personal nudity. We all know that all lives are not identical and that all values vary from person to person. What is good for one may not necessarily be good for another!
Clothe freedom evolution!
Some people are more accepting of clothes freedom, especially when in the bare environment where there is almost no judgment expected. Others, even when surrounded by body and clothes freedom enthusiasts, still retain the discomfort of exposing themselves around others. We respect the rights of all persons to live within their personal “comfort level.”
A joyful destination!
Bare friends!
Some persons express disdain for appearing bare (naked/nude/clothes free) in public. One of their principle reasons for discomfort is the obvious lack of clothing. However, they often are left behind when they understand that in the company of others, the ones who are wearing garments are often the objects of notice by others who surround them without any clothing whatsoever!
Clothing disturbance!
Curious about pants!
Naked truth!
“Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.” ~ Syrus ~
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 5, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Tan-Lines!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 