In 1619, the slave trade began regularly delivering persons captured and stolen in Africa to commercial ports in what were then known as the British Thirteen Colonies long the north Atlantic Ocean. These African newcomers were then publicly displayed, inspected and then sold into slavery at live auctions often just days after their arrival.
Basically, the Africans were kidnapped, crowded into ships, severely imprisoned, transported over the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to the New World and then enslaved. The majority of them had no idea what was happening to them nor why. These victims were from a variety of diverse tribes and communication was limited due to language barriers.
Accompanying the kidnapped victims were aspects and elements of their culture and customs from the African homeland. These were retained and secretly incorporated into their new lives in the “New World.”
Survival:
Among the newly enslaved were persons of the Adinkra/Akan tribe in west Africa, their primary regions are now the countries of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. The Adinkra brought with them no written language of their own but a vast system of symbols and graphics to convey knowledge, thoughts and related practices.
The sankofah symbol taught the lesson that it is acceptable and understandable to look to the past for solutions to problems in the present. That history is a valuable resource in our lives whenever needed.
The sankofah emblem consists of a fowl with the head inverted, looking into the past. This particular Adinkra proverb shares the belief that the old can and do need to teach the young.
Many of the Adinkra traditional symbols and their proverbial messages are used even today in the designs of the kente cloth. These patterns are popular and appreciated globally for the intricate detail.
In the USA, often the stories of the national fabric are frequently interwoven with knowledge and lessons learned from an obscure past. As with the Adinkra sankofah, the reality has actually been with us as heritage for a very long time!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here will post on Friday, February 6, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “NBHAAD!”
Prologue: Carter G. Woodson and the Black History Movement:
Carter Godwin Woodson, the “father” of the Black history movement!
Carter Godwin Woodson was popularly referred to as the “father of Black history.” He was born on 19 December 1875 in New Canton, Virginia, the son of emancipated slaves James and Anna Eliza Woodson. He graduated from Berea College, Kentucky, in 1903 and received his Ph. D. from Harvard University in 1912. He was the second Black American to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard, the first being W.E.B. Du Bois. He is the first son of enslaved parents to receive a Ph.D. from anywhere.
In 1915, he co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History).
In 1916, he started publishing and editing the Journal of Negro History. He encouraged scholarly research on Black American history.
In February, 1926, he launched Negro History Week, a celebration and exploration of the Black American experience. It later evolved into Black History Month. The first observance of Negro History Week occurred almost exclusively within Black churches and social organizations.
His work and causes built the foundation for development of the study of African American history. His efforts consistently challenged the views that marginalized Black contributions to culture and society.
He died on 3 April 1950 in Washington, D.C.
Black History Month, 2026, liberation colours!
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! Role:
There are three (3) primary reasons for attempting to offer a positive and productive aspect of African American History Month here. The first reason is that Black people are an integral part of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) culture and movement. The second but equally important reason is that my spouse, Aaron, is African Canadian. His African heritage is Nigerian, the Yoruba tribe.
As a professional educator, it is a duty to try to provide accurate and informative perspectives for followers, readers and visitors here. As advocates of GLBTQ+ equality, we feel it is important that we enhance knowledge of Black people’s experiences especially with the bare practitioner – nakedness and same gender love (SGL) – community and culture. Who better to share than two men who care?
A mask from Africa!
February is the briefest month of the calendar year and we’re striving to provide a comprehensive viewing of the actual story of African American people and life in the USA. Our plans are separate postings for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) on 6 February in anticipation of observation on 7 February and a vintage photograph essay (visual) on Bare + Black = Queer! on 20 February. We’re working on a feature: Ms. Unknown Discovery! planned for 23 February.
A current popular series here is bare celebrity role models and plans are underway for the February segment: Bare Celebrity Role Models #6: Identity! The proposed publication date for this edition is Friday, 13 February.
It is simply impossible us to present the complete and ideal version Black history in this format. Together, we have selected an assortment of topics relevant to our bare practitioner community and culture.
Given the current political climate in the USA, the exploration of the African American experience remains unknown to many. Unfortunately, there exists no focused dynamic to challenge and/or change this political ignorance and oversight.
The examination and exploration of Black history sadly remains somewhat obscure within the public school systems in this country. Many feel that the references to Dr. King, Jr., and his “I Have A Dream” speech, as well as the roles of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, represent the entirety of the African American perspective. The story of a people and their contributions to a national heritage both deserve and require much more than that!
We both commit ourselves to do our small part to correct this catastrophe!
Happy Black History Month, 2026!
Naked hugs!
Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos/Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Monday, February 2, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Sankofah!”
Ready or not, the nude new year is here for all of us! Happy New Year to all from both of us! My spouse, Aaron and I extend best wishes to all of you for all of 2026!
Rome Flynn: observance #1!
Rome Flynn: compliance!
Rome Flynn: bare happiness!
Join us as we strip off those pesky pants and skinny-dip to celebrate with Rome Flynn in a pool for a well-deserved greeting for another year of being happy bare practitioners!
Bare compatibility!
Find a friend and welcome nakedness into your lives together!
Slumbering in, 2026!
Or just roll over and join your partner in a worthy recuperation of last night’s awesome arrival of fireworks and fun!
Slapping into the new year!
Or slap your partner’s buttocks to punish him for his adventures without you!
Happy New Nude Year everyone!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Saturday, January 3, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Friends, TAN, Part 1”
We, Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos and Roger Constantine Paul Peterson-Poladopoulos were legally married today, 15 August, 2015.
We actually met one another and moved in together as lovers in 2010. At that time, marriage equality was not recognized in USA.
We began our journey through life together!
We actually met one another and moved in together as lovers in 2010. At that time, marriage equality was not recognized as legal in this country.
We continue to caress and love still today!
On 15 August, 2015, Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos and Roger Constantine Peterson-Poladopoulos were legally married in Arlington, Virginia, USA. Marriage equality had arrived in this country the year before. We remain ecstatic and happy together even today!
Lip-read: “Thank you!”
Please lip-read the words “Thank you” for sharing our anniversary with us!
Manually: “Thank you!”
Manually using American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate “Thank you!” once again.
Naked hugs!
Aaron Peterson-Poladopoulos and Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos
ReNudePride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 18, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bare/Dare Series 2025! #2”
National HIV Testing Day was first observed in the USA on27 June, 1995. This is the 30th anniversary of the occasion! It was initially sponsored by the National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA) which is now defunct. An early corporate sponsor was Walgreen’s Pharmacy, which offered free HIV screening throughout their extensive network of commercial neighbourhood pharmacies, which was very rare at that time. This event is now sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Practically every testing site in the USA offers free testing on this date, 27 June, annually.
A simple kiss!
Basic Facts:
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
AIDS is a result of HIV infection.
HIV is not spread by everyday casual contact.
Only a physician can diagnose AIDS.
HIV/AIDS was initially considered a fatal disease with an average survival rate of less than 5 years. Due to advances in medical and treatment options and physician awareness, it is now known to be a manageable health condition. Following standard health guidelines and practices, the long-term survival rate is unlimited.
Medicines are now available that significantly reduce the risks of transmission of HIV from an infected person to a non-infected sexual partner. For details, ask your health care provider.
“Getting tested for HIV and knowing the results of that test is the first step in reducing our chances of HIV infection.” ~ Red Cross adage
I remember the very first National HIV Testing Day. In 1995, I was well into my volunteer career with the Red Cross HIV/AIDS Prevention Education program. I was a non-compensated instructor trainer (IT) in the Basic Fundamentals HIV/AIDS Prevention Education program and the African-American HIV/AIDS Prevention Education program in addition to the Workplace Prevention Education curriculum.
My responsibility with the three courses that I facilitated was to prepare candidates (students) to instruct persons within their own communities how to effectively prevent themselves against HIV using the Red Cross certified curriculums. The course objectives were a minimum of 28 hours for the Basic Fundamentals program; 36 hours for the African-American program and 40 hours for the Workplace program.
The first National HIV Testing Day! materials, although not in the Red Cross teaching standards format, did contain information that we needed to utilize and present. My dilemma that first year was trying to incorporate the NAPWA guidelines and objectives into our Red Cross procedures. The Red Cross curriculums were the only methodology that produced nationally recognized certifications in HIV/AIDS prevention education.
My challenge was to develop and implement instructional criteria that satisfied Red Cross certification standards and NAPWA objectives. After numerous hours of research and development, upon completion, the Red Cross charged me with the obligation to nationally train colleagues into this updated curriculum. For the Red Cross certified specialists there was no issue. For the NAPWA instructors, my efforts presented barriers, challenges and hurdles that never achieved resolution.
“It’s not who we are, it’s what we do, that puts us at risk for HIV infection.” ~ Red Cross adage
The end result of my very extensive efforts was the Red Cross supporting National HIV Testing Day and presenting essential information to students and the public. There were no offered educational programs specifically for the NAPWA sponsored events.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 27, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Stonewall Inn: 1969!”
Pride: the sense of achievement, confidence, determination, dignity, pleasure, satisfaction and value. The term “pride” was used primarily to instill acceptance and self-respect within the early same gender loving culture after thousands of years of bias, discrimination, exclusion and worse.
Due to the reactions to police harassment at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, USA, on a hot and humid Friday evening/Saturday morning in June, 1969, the entire month of June is now widely regarded as Pride month around the world. The reference to “pride” specifically implicating the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + (GLBTQ+) cultural and community identity. In the street vernacular: gay pride. The same gender loving (SGL) population supports the alphabetized identity whereas the remainder of the entire world either hates/loves/supports or otherwise is completely indifferent towards us.
The emergence of June as GLBTQ+ “Pride Month” was the unplanned result of the law enforcement actions during the Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR). One year later, the growing community of sexual minorities organized a march (parade) to commemorate the anniversary. This unofficial and loosely cohesive event constituted what has now become a gala event celebrated worldwide.
Early power protest poster!
We bare practitioners are both SGL and have a preference for body and clothes freedom (naked/nude). We are also a confident component of the GLBTQ+ culture as well as the naturist/nudist culture. However, often, neither of those dominant social groupings embrace our identification and/or membership with them.
We are the proverbial “stepchild” often left outside public acknowledgment and approval. Our sexuality and textile (clothing) status is obviously not conducive to total acceptance within those two cultures. The result being that many times we are on the “fringes” (edge) of inclusion within either one or both of those communities.
The Rainbow Flag representing the early GLBTQ+ community and culture!
As we progress through our daily rituals and routines, our attitudes, beliefs, expectations, failures, gratifications, judgments, knowledge and successes may or may not change, develop. explode, grow, regress and/or stagnate. Based on our life experiences, some of us continue to move forward and some of us remain the same. We evolve in a variety of patterns and circumstances.
What we, collectively and/or individually, once viewed as a challenge we may now see as boring. What we initially felt was inspiration we now feel is lackluster and routine. What was exciting and energetic is now dull and indifferent. The proverbial adage: “familiarity breeds contempt” holds true as we journey through life. There is no guarantee of our reaction being identical for everyone.
Empowerment, enablement, enlightenment, enrichment, and enticement occur under a diversity of conditions, settings, and situations. They are also available when least expected and/or necessary. That’s one of the determining reasons for the existence of our GLBTQ+ Pride Month, 2025! events and occasions. It allows us all the opportunity and option to advance, experience and renew (ReNude) ourselves, our community and our culture!
A bromantic massage!
Focus:
The primary focus here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! during this Pride month, 2025, will be on the spirit and topic of GLBTQ+ community and culture confidence, controversy and pride. Our sense of ourselves – both as a collective group and as an individual – and our identity and standing within our society. We also hope to offer new ideas and perspectives for development and expansion.
We’ll also offer suggestions for addressing controversy and failures. All social movements have challenges and issues that sometimes hinder progress and disappoint people and/or populations. In examining these weaknesses, we hope to offer continuance and encouragement.
The focus of confidence and pride does not guarantee exclusivity. Other subjects are worthy of attention and exploration so postings here during this month will provide both opportunities and options. As always, comments, criticisms and suggestions are encouraged and welcome!
A bromantic moment celebrating themselves!
SGL is one of the essentials of our identification as bare practitioners. The often indifferent general society in which we live frequently only recognizes our love only when it is convenient for their interests. Our inclusion of our attractions and our nakedness as a part of our self-identity affords us with resources often overlooked for previous generations.
Truth: it’s no problem!
Our Progress Flag identity:
GLBTQ+ Progress Pride Flag (right)!
This current version of the original Rainbow Pride Flag was developed by Daniel Quasar in 2018 and adopted by the GLBTQ+ international community and culture the same year. The inspiration for the redesign was to celebrate the distinct diversity of our community and our culture with the inserted arrow to represent the expansion our growth and development and as a visible reminder of our inclusive process of forward progress towards complete equality. Quasar first published his one proposed design on social media on 6 June, 2018, and when he awoke the following morning, he learned that his posting had gone viral. In under 24 hours, it was recognized as the new flag of our global culture!
The arrow design of the addition represents the progress we’ve made thus far and our need to continue in this direction. The black and the brown colours represent persons of colour and the light blue; pink and white colours represent non-binary persons and the transgender peoples.
Of course, Aaron and I, as dedicated bare practitioners, are appreciative of your involvement and strive to always share our fraternal and friendly love!
Happy Pride Month, 2025! and many naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 6, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bare*Ability!”
No posting tomorrow because of today officially beginning Pride Month, 2025!
Often, people celebrate through the practice of the dance different events, festivities, occasions they deem worthy to remember. The reasoning may be special to only one person or to an entire community. Whether it is referenced as dance, movement and/or rhythm, the practice is very energetic, graceful and interesting. The above image depicts SeanXavier demonstrating his dancing skill and talent in a courtyard for his videographer! As an openly gay film star, he’s unconcerned while being the bare practitioner he naturally and proudly is!
A happy chef!
Our guest chef, busy in his kitchen, has evidently mixed successfully an exotic dish for consumption. He’s commemorating the moment with a “jump for joy” on his accomplishment!
Dance fever!
Some of us have great difficulty in containing ourselves and our jubilation over our happiness and our success! Our ecstasy is very obvious and willingly shared with others!
Reflection partner!
There are among us those who prefer to express themselves alone. There is nothing wrong with being happy solo; many use the freedom to implement new moves for self-expression and relief from containment! This allows them to perfect their happiness and satisfaction free from the eyes and potential judgment of others.
Group satisfaction!
We need to understand that some people have problems with containing themselves and their emotional excitement. Their needs are in favour of being glad and the feeling of success and group achievement in overcoming odds!
Naked hugs and rhythm to all!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, May 19, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “X-Factor!”
This election is very important as it will determine whether this country continues on the path of democracy and freedom or if it abandons that course and becomes a victim of chaos and discord.
Again, Aaron and I urge you to join with us in casting our ballots to elect Ms. Kamala Harris as our next president. She is the best qualified to provide positive and productive leadership.
Ms. Kamala Harris!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, November 8, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bare + Gay = Pay!”
Classes have resumed at my university. The period of summer freedom nd a respite from instruction between the past Spring semester and the current Autumn semester is now over. I have a full schedule to instruct this autumn: five classes plus the “catch-all” clause of “other duties as necessary.”
Before any misinformation is conveyed, I am a bare practitioner. However, my university is not a body and clothes freedom sanctuary. The university is funded by the Congress and they expect clothing to be worn at all times. They also expect all cattle to be tethered and the grounds cleared of all stray canines and felines. Thank you, President Lincoln, who chartered this institution!
Lecture!
Some progress has been accomplished over the years. Post-graduate students may be hired as bare models to pose for art and photography classes (and others as approved). The university does allow a nudist social club for students – although social functions must happen off-campus.
However, on campus, employees, faculty and students are required to wear clothing at all times!
In my career in front of the classroom, I’ve often wondered what it would be like to have the instructing experience clothing optional. Perhaps the students would retain more knowledge if they didn’t fantasize how other students would appear clothes free!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 9, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Exemplary Efforts!”
Relating to the title of the previous post entry here on ReNude Pride, today’s July Jewel features a focus (emphasis) on one missing component of Monday’s posting: fun! In order to add balance, equality and fairness to the week – and in anticipation of the upcoming weekend – we’ll briefly present the topics of comedy, fun, joy and light-hearted laughter with the noted anatomical disclaimer!
It’s also all natural!
The reasoning for the suggested alternate title of Crown Jewel is for many men, a favoured pet name for their genitalia (penis) is “crown” and/or “jewels” (family jewels). Thus, the fun-inspired “crown jewels” is their male anatomy – it is often used in situations reflective of the competitive nature, such as the .gif images offered below the rainbow penis.
Visible!
Summer play-time together!
Does size matter? Is that the cause of this friendly competition? Perhaps they are attempting to prove that they indeed have rhythm. Whatever the specific purpose, they both seem to enjoy a good time doing whatever they think is best! The unanswered question being: who got the first prize?
Obvious winner!
Of the duo above, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind as to who has the most energy and the most enthusiasm. The champion of this particular contest earns the privilege to skinny-dip (swim naked) in this resort facility for an entire year!
Summer antics!
In their resort guest-room, there is only one graceful contender for the “star-of-the-show” award. He gets his prize without any question whatsoever!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Wednesday, July 31, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! July, 2024!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 