GLBTQ+ Bare History Month: Breaking Bare-iers Part 1
Explanation:
In everyday vernacular “barrier” is often interpreted as a blockage, an impediment and/or a challenge or obstacle that must be overcome. In today’s title, bare-ier is intended to imply that we are breaking (destroying, eliminating, eradicating, removing) the perceived challenges or restrictions to actually being bare (clothes free, naked, nude). ReNude Pride is truly one comfortable or “safe space” for actually being bare!
“Carlo” by Vincenzo Galdi, 1897
Background:
Today’s post focuses on the early days of the art of photography. Similar to visual art, early photographers concentrated on the mainstream interests of life. Nudity was not the primary concentration or intent. Individual photographers may have been interested in such pursuits privately but with very little cooperation from others (the photograph subjects). This was the general view from the beginning of photography to the later years of the 19th century.
Towards the end of the 1800’s, situations slowly began to change, particularly as the Victorian era was still dominant. Europe was the first region to see the effects of this evolution. Always artistically and creatively advanced, a photographic culture emerged that embraced both nudity and same gender attraction/intimacy. This trend was both against the legal as well as religious establishments.
“The Great Faun” by Vincenzo Galdi, 1890’s
Vincenzo Galdi
An Italian, born in Naples, photographer of primarily male nudes. His birth name was Pasquale Stracuzzi. His interest in photography began when he first became a model, then lover and then assistant to the German photographer, Wilhelm von Pluschow. He operated his own studio in Rome, Italy, between 1900 and 1907, where he created photographs under the name of Vincenzo Galdi. It was closed by the police in 1907.
Greco-Roman youths, by von Pluschow, 1890’s
The above image of the two teenagers was photographed by German Wilhelm von Pluschow. The youth on the right was his first Sicilian lover, Pasquale Stracuzzi, before he became known as Vincenzo Galdi. He was also referred to as Il Grande Fauno (The Great Faun).
Bonus Photograph:
Denmark’s Ainor Bagner painting a bare reader, 1910!
Openly gay artist, Ainor Bagner, himself nude, painting a naked subject reading a book. His reader is unknown, as is Bagner’s photographer. In the lower right-hand corner of the image is etched 1910.
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 11, 2021, and the proposed topic is: “Coming Out Day!”
“You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.”
Will Rogers quote
Obviously, Will Rogers never experienced a bare practitioner hike! When hiking in front of someone, we absolutely and most definitely give them unlimited opportunities to make the best and lasting impressions: our buttocks! As far as nudity is concerned, regardless of our sexual orientation, any view of our naked bodies offers truly inspirational impressions to our cohorts!Hiking affords committed and dedicated bare practitioners (bisexual or gay naturists/nudists) an opportunity for adventure, camaraderie and socialization without the petty, trivial and useless stress over “What to wear?” or the absurd “What attire do I look best in?” nonsense.
An early autumn hiker!
Those of us who are entrenched in the clothes freedom path of life discard the concerns and questions faster than we strip off our clothes! Nude hiking entails exactly what the activity label implies: a naked exploration. A comfortable and sturdy pair of footwear (hiking boots or walking shoes) is all that is required – along with an accessory to carry snacks, water and other supplies. Recommended essentials include a basic first aid supply kit, insect repellant and sunscreen.
A back-pack, shoulder satchel or tote bag are ideal packing accessories. These suggestions are comfortable, convenient and less cumbersome to carry around. They’re also environmentally friendly – much better than plastic bags!
Hiking along a trail!
My spouse, Aaron, and myself usually organize an early October hike for our local group of Deaf bare practitioner couples. We’ve done for most of our time together. The date in October is flexible based on individual scheduling availability and – of course – the weather conditions. We find this season of the year preferable as the excessive heat and humidity levels have generally dissipated thus ensuring a larger attendance and the pesty insect population is dwindling. Neither one of us and fewer of our friends are fans of airbourne or crawling accomplices!
As autumn progresses, the outdoor temperatures become cooler. Soon, it is no longer comfortable to be outside and nude. Thus, the early October natural hike in nature, for many, assumes the status of a pleasurable memory until the arrival of the next springtime.
Me hiking in a riverside park, 2014.
In this geographic region, during early October, the best time to begin a clothes free hike is usually middle-to-late morning. By then, the sun is warming and erasing the remnants of the overnight chill. The middle of the afternoon is the ideal time to end the hike before the temperatures begin to drop again.
The beginning of the month is just before the accumulation of leaves off the trees. Once the foliage congregates on the ground, it becomes difficult to determine one’s step and the chance of mistaken footing and injury increases. One of the goals for a successful hike is the fun and safety of all participants! Allergies to the fallen foliage is another major factor in consideration. We all need to breathe!
For 2021, our planned October hike is this upcoming Saturday, October 9. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate. If not, Sunday, October 10, and/or the following Saturday, October 16, are our alternates.
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 8, 2021, and the proposed topic is: “Breaking Bare-iers: Part 1.”
This year, ReNude Pride is taking a different approach to this annual occasion. In years past, I’ve featured either bare or nude as part of the assigned title. For this 2021 observance, today will focus on the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) historical topic initially (today) and the next two Friday post entries will shift to the bare practitioner theme along with the historical aspect. Please don’t be alarmed, I’m not abandoning my nudity preference nor my bare practitioner lifestyle! There’s no need to panic!
Same gender loving men all bare and all together!
Background:
In the USA, GLBTQ+ History Month was first observed in October, 1994. It was initiated by a Missouri secondary school teacher, Rodney Wilson. He conceived of the idea, served on the first coordinating committee and decided that October was the best month as it already contained National Coming Out Day on October 11.
Along with Rodney Wilson, the first coordinating committee also consisted of Kevin Jennings of the Gal, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN); Kevin Boyer of the Gerber/Hart Gay and Lesbian Archives in Chicago, Illinois; Paul Varnell, a journalist with the Windy Times also in Chicago; Torey Wilson, a Chicago area teacher; Johnda Boyer, a womens studies major at Columbus University in Ohio; and Jessea Greenman of the University of California – Berkeley.
within Same gender loving male happiness and pride!
Many gay and lesbian organizations openly supported the observance of GLBTQ+ History Month. Two state governors, William Weld of Massachusetts and Lowell Weicker of Connecticutt signed endorsements of the event. The mayors of Boston Massachusetts (Thomas Menino) and Denver, Colorado (Wellington Webb) both issued official mayoral proclamations recognizing October as GLBTQ+ History Month within their jurisdictions.
When first celebrated the event was certified Gay and Lesbian History Month. After several years, “bisexual” was added to the designation. As our community broadens, so does the event title.
The following year, the National Education Association (NEA) supported GLBTQ+ History Month by resolution at its General Assembly. The recognition and support of this event continues to grow and receive acclaim.
Fisticuffs!
Reaction:
Christian extremists and fundamentalists wasted no time in condemning and denigrating the engagement of the first and successive GLBTQ+ History Months. The GLBTQ+ community, accustomed to being ignored and vilified for centuries was once again finding itself the target of criticism, negativity and ridicule. In the minds of many, homophobia rose again with a renewed purpose.
The national right-wing group, the Concerned Women of America, went so far as to accuse the observance as being a conspiracy of “sexual indoctrination.”
The opposition to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer history month commemoration wasn’t unexpected nor a shock to any of our community and culture. Their reaction was typical and usual. What was most concerning and disturbing were the cases and incidents of death, physical assault and violence perpetrated on their behalf. Evidently, tolerance and understanding were alien to their belief tenets.
Purpose:
GLBTQ+ History Month is intended to encourage honesty, openness and pride about one’s sexuality. It also empowers educators to examine and explore the numerous achievements and contributions this long ignored and often overlooked community has made in all of our lives. It seeks to combat hatred and homophobia with respect and understanding.
GLBTQ+ History Month banner!
2021 Honorees:
Please note that the number beside the name of each honoree indicates the date of the month the individual is featured.
Susan B. Anthony suffragist
W. H. Auden poet
Frank Bruni newspaper columnist
Frederic Chopin composer
David Cicilline congressman
Mart Crowley playwright
Ashley Diamond transgender prison activist
Alice Dunbar-Nelson author
Carlos Elizondo presidential social secretary
Althea Garrison transgender state legislator
R. C. Gorman Native American artist
LZ Granderson journalist and commentator
Bob Hattoy gay rights pioneer
Jerry Herman composer
Janis Ian singer-songwriter
Karlene Jean-Pierre deputy presidential secretary
Janis Joplin singer
Liberace pianist
Claude McKay author/poet
Stacy Milburn differing ability rights advocate
Shannon Minter transgender attorney
Janelle Monae singer/songwriter
Javier Morgado broadcast executive producer
Henry Munoz III designer
Johnnie Phelps decorated World War II veteran
Little Richard pop culture entertainer
Swe Zin Htet beauty pageant contestant
Mark Takano congressman
Ritchie Torres congressman
Mary Trump author
Darren Walker corporation president
Computer!
Online Resource:
For additional information, downloads and nominations, click the name below for the direct link:
A happy, pleasurable and safe GLBTQ+ History Month wish to you all! As of now, the focus of post entries for the first two Fridays following today will be commemorating GLBTQ+ Bare History Month! “Breaking Bare-iers, Part 1” is planned for publication on Friday, October 8. “Breaking Bare-iers, Part 2” is scheduled on Friday, October 15.
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 4, 2021, and the proposed topic is: “Take A Hike!”
Today is the final day of September, 2021, and features the scheduled salute of the occasion with the posting of this acclamation, Bare practitioners and their nude buttocks are a welcome sight for us all to behold!
Summer may be officially over but buttocks may remain!
In order to be a valid bare practitioner one must be prepared and willing to expose one’s skin – perfect to broadcast one’s joy and pride in being clothes free!
Buttocks are a natural scenic wonder!
For those of us who are living in the Northern Hemisphere, our days of outdoor “bottoms-up!” (buttocks exposure) is seriously limited now that summer is over.
Ecstasy in the Southern Hemisphere!
However, our brethren bare practitioners residing in the Southern Hemisphere have their joy in welcoming a return to moderate temperatures in their regions!
Bottoms-Up! outdoors!
During this particular time of the year, when both hemispheres are enjoying the moderate transitions between seasons, everyone can experience a very natural Bottoms-Up!
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next planned post entry here is for tomorrow, October 1, 2021, and the proposed topic is: “USA: October: GLBTQ+ History Month!”
Please read the post, “My Naked Life” (click to access link) before you proceed further here.
Originally, this post entry was to be a part of the above link. However, I misplaced the draft for this posting and all that I could locate was the actual poem. As I published this past Friday, the planned topic for today’s post was “Bare Slumber!” During the weekend, I miraculously found my misplaced draft. In discussing the draft with my spouse, Aaron, we agreed that a major revision and a different title was appropriate. Hence, “Embrace Nakedness!”
I apologize and accept full responsibility for the confusion this may cause. I’m not perfect and this mistake aptly demonstrates that fact and my need for improvement!
Chad: naked pride!
There are a number of arguments and ideas in favor of encouraging others to embrace nakedness (nudity). In the interest of objectivity, there are an equal number of arguments and ideas in favor of encouraging others to continue their textile lives.
I readily admit that I have no desire, experience or knowledge as to why people should prolong their clothing entrapment. I abdicate that role and openly own the obvious label of being a proponent for the bare practitioner lifestyle. I accept my guilt in offering a very prejudiced view in favor of clothes freedom – but I do not extend any apology for being a nude advocate!
Chad: bare practitioner!
Accept, Embrace and Enjoy!
Whenever possible, I strive to advocate and defend our basic human right to enjoy our individual body freedom and exercise our preference for existing as a bare practitioner (bisexual or gay naturist/nudist) in both private and in public. Each person has the determination to pursue a way of life that affords them comfort and pleasure so long as they respect the same in others.
Be proud of who we are!
Aaron and I have encountered many who often ask about our challenges and experiences in being a mixed (Aaron’s hearing, I’m Deaf), interracial (Aaron’s African-Canadian, I’m Greek) couple who prefer living (whenever possible) without the burden of concealing our bodies. Some of those inquiring are absolutely interested in perhaps following a similar life pattern.
In the eleven years that we’ve lived together – six of which we’ve been legally married – we have developed a list of nine reasons why we jointly espouse living nude. Below is the agenda but please keep in mind that the appearance is in no particular order based on significance.
Chad: confident, happy and nude!
Stress relief:
Being bare, whether alone or in a social setting, eliminates the task of impressing others with our attire and reduces the “laundry load!”
Positive self-esteem:
Clothe freedom encourages body acceptance and body confidence. We all realize that we are physically unique and that is all good!
Healthful benefits of exposure to sunlight:
With the aid of sunblock, natural sunlight helps us maintain a healthy and productive life!
Increased fitness:
Without the burden of clothing, we’re more inclined to enjoy a fuller and more active pattern in our lives.
Better sleep:
Sleeping nude encourages us to relax and releases the uncomfortable tensions that coverings inflict.
Higher social functioning:
When attending a gathering of other bare practitioners, we all rely more on honesty and sincerity because the lack the concealment of clothes!
A sense of belonging/fellowship:
An empowered sense of community and identity when surrounded with other naturist/nudist individuals.
Authentic communication:
Enhanced conversations without the useless trivial accompaniments.
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday September 30, 2021, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! End of September, 2021
A very special note of appreciation to Chad, a very handsome and hairy bare practitioner for the images here today!
The second week of this month marked a return to the classroom at my university; the end of another summer vacation eagerly anticipated by all faculty and staff – and, of course, the students! However, the retention of masks for the first semester has left many disappointed. My thinking is that old adage: better safe than sorry! Virus’ naturally and rapidly mutate themselves and none of us are certain how effective one vaccine is against all the mutated possibilities! Which brings to mind another piece of wisdom: an ounce of prevention is worth more than a ton of cure! Quell the complaining and simply wear the mask and hope for continued good health!
Back to classroom joy!
The students started returning to their dormitory residences on campus at the beginning of September. Classes didn’t commence until Tuesday, September 7. After a full year of protective masking and mandated social spacing, it doesn’t take overwhelming imaginations to envision the excited and wild gatherings once the academic population began to soar!
Celebration for “back-to-school!”
Believe me as I readily admit that mood among the faculty and staff was equally jovial and remarkable. We were all enthused about the long awaited “return” to normalcy just like everyone else. Thankfully, the Labor Day holiday arrived later (September 6) instead of earlier in the month.
Classroom!
When the university semester officially started on September 7, rumors quickly spread that another coronavirus quarantine was about to be enacted. The number of variants to the vaccine against COVID-19 was growing as were infection rates and fatalities. Prevention and protection rapidly became the mantra of the university leadership and health advocates.
A mandatory convocation was held on Tuesday, September 14, – exactly one week after classes had resumed. The result is a limited social restriction on campus and the return to the masking obligation in all classrooms. Advisory group assignments were made and guideline recommendations were requested.
Lecture hall!
A subdued atmosphere now exists throughout the university. The carefree glee that welcomed all of us on September 1, is now a fond memory – as is the summer of 2021!
What lies ahead? In my professional world, thus far no one has even offered a suggestion. One day at a time!
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next planned entry post for here is Monday, September 27, 2021, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Slumber!”
Tomorrow, September 21, 2021, is the very last full day of this season in the Northern Hemisphere! The transition from summer into autumn happens on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 (for those living north of the Equator). The transition date and times are the same for our brethren residing in the Southern Hemisphere except for the actual seasons changing: from winter into springtime!
Seasonal transition!
Almost all of us are aware of the fact that the evolution of the seasons isn’t like the change of the calendars annually. There is no “magic moment” for one to end and another to begin. It takes place gradually over a period of time.
There is concurrence among meteorologists that the “moment” for the 2021 change happens at 3:21 p.m. in each individual time zone, all over. The exact moment of occurrence varies annually for each individual season.
Stripping off his bikini!
Curious about becoming a “living and real” bare practitioner (bisexual male or gay naturist/nudist)? There is one more full day for retrieving this information for this summer season. Contact any and all inquisitive friends and spontaneously devise an impromptu bare social get-together, outdoors – if possible – to explore nude comfort and freedom. It then becomes an experience that each of you will easily remember: the last day of summer, 2021! Create a lasting memory!
My friend Adimu and myself: last day of summer, 2014!
The above image is of my fellow blogger (at the time) Adimu and myself on the last day of summer, 2014. We left Arlington, Virginia, for a one-day trip to a riverside area in central Virginia where we spent an afternoon of fun and sun on a river beach. A totally spontaneously conceived excursion to celebrate the end of another bare practitioner time of the year! Even though neither one of us were novices to the naked life, we took advantage of the weather to indulge our preference for clothes freedom!
Have a safe and wonderful final day of Summer, 2021! To all living in the Southern Hemisphere, happy last day of winter!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is for Friday, September 24, 2021, and the planned topic is: “Back to Work!”
Being outdoors and clothes free makes perfect sense for all of us who are avid bare practitioners! The summer is a delightful season of the year for us to “do our thing” and to be ecstatic while engaged! There has to be some plausible excuse for the popularity of summer, so strip and enjoy!
Sand and tattoos!
With this approaching weekend being the final “official” one of the 2021 summer season, everyone reading here is encouraged to take bare and full advantage of the chance for a comfortable and “sandy” climax of our time here! Those barren and cold winter days are not that far off for the majority of us. Plenty of time to create memories and photos to last us until next year!
Sandman attraction!
For many of us, sand remains the annoying and gritty inconvenience of the beach, the summer and the sun. But when we consider the alternative, the ice, the mud and the snow – not to mention the severe outdoor temperature – it suddenly becomes less discomforting and distracting. It assumes a new assurance of the fun in being a bare practitioner and the joy of being nude in nature! A truly natural inspiration!
Sunbathing sandman!
Once observed from a different perspective, a beach sand-covering obtains an entirely unique concept. Instead of being a nuisance, it can and may assume the aspect of a badge of courage, glory, honor and pride – an element of our natural environment bourne out of confidence without guilt or shame. It is symbolic of our union with our world and ourselves as committed and dedicated bare practitioners!
Sandy feet!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 20, 2021, and the proposed topic: “End of Summer, 2021!”
The above picture was taken by Aaron of yours truly in late August, 2012 – we’d been together as a couple for a little over two years. The scene was a local park aligning the boundary between Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. This location remains a favorite of us both, even today!
I composed the poem published here on July 5, 2011. At that time, Aaron, my spouse, and I had lived as a couple for a little over a year. We were both adjusting to our lives together as a couple and as two individuals who are learning as much about one another as possible. Our adjustment wasn’t always easy and continues today as an adventure in life!
I wrote this particular poem for Aaron to share with a co-worker who was curious about our comfort with nudity. His co-worker did try a couple of bare practitioner social gatherings as our guest but unfortunately he never completely felt relaxed without clothing. To each his own!
“My Naked Life”
I am naked and I am me.
I am the man I want to be.
When I am naked, I am nude,
Living life with a positive attitude.
I am naked and I am me.
I am the man I want to be.
When I am nude, I am also proud,
Whether alone or among a crowd.
I am naked and I am me.
I am the man I want to be.
When I am nude, I am living free,
I know that clothes are not for me.
I am naked and I am me.
I am the man I want to be.
When I am nude, I clear my mind,
Gone are the clothes that hide and bind!
~Roger Poladopoulos~
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, September 17, 2021, and the proposed topic is: “September Sand-Men!”
Before retiring the outdoor barbeque grille for another season of hibernation, there’s still an opportunity for another weekend cook-out (cooking outdoors over a grille or open fire) for family and friends. What better way to enjoy this “natural” meal than without the loathsome burden of clothing? In the event of inclement weather, this allows for a “rain-date” before this summer concludes! In case of a weather episode this weekend, there is always next weekend to (hopefully) enjoy!
Master chef!
Cooking over an open grille or an open flame is an attraction for many during the summer months. Being outside the four walls of a dwelling, completely bare and with similar nude friends and natural in nature gives a special meaning to the term social nudity and the camaraderie that it entails. Happiness takes precedence and the majority of us are pleased with the results: delicious food and plenty of fellow bare practitioners adorning the landscape!
Gourmet luncheon!
At this time, I remind everyone of my aversion to any food preparation. I have never developed any skill in the kitchen, nor can I recall ever trying to do so. To me, it just appeared to be “busy” work to keep me out of the way of everyone else waiting for their meal. However, I am able to manage to boil water in a kettle and pour the water into a tea cup! Tea, anyone?
My inability to cook the meal doesn’t excuse me from contributing my efforts towards a “good meal and a good time” for all. I am adept at setting out utensils and other essentials for people to use. As a friend of the environment, I make certain that all trash is properly taken care of and removed. Every little effort reduces the tasks befalling the chefs! All of us contribute in the goal of making the cookout as stress-free as possible!
Natural meal time!
Of course, the consumption of the food by the guests helps with the “clean-up” tasks. It satisfies all the guests and alleviates hunger. One more meal before we store away the outdoor grilles until next year!
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 13, 2021, and the proposed topic is: “My Naked Life!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 