It is that time of the year again – an occasion to decorate and shop, then decorate and shop again, then repeat the entire process over and over again until everything is covered in decorations and ornaments and there is nothing left to buy! Please remember that as bare practitioners, no one has any need for any type of garment!
Actually, some commercial establishments have been decorated for the winter holidays since September! I guess the motivation is to make the purchase now and avoid the massive demand as the holidays approach!
Aaron – we’re spouses – and I are not extravagant decorative artists! Honestly, the only holiday adornment we use in our home is the Nativity icon that I hang in our icon corner in our dining room. In fact, neither of our families have any exceptional winter holiday observance aside from church (his family is Roman Catholic, mine is Greek Orthodox) and our dinner experience.
Therefore, any “holiday spirit” that adorns our lives is shared here, ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! So please don’t expect any winter boxers or briefs to be featured here! We’re strictly bottoms-up!
In maintaining our current bare celebrity role models theme, we’re offering this holiday greetings message from a now defunct SGL adult film studio. The vintage theme is obvious. Any youthful faces recognized? Look carefully and closely!
At last, the serious decorating commences! The tradition of the tree is now published here for 2025! Let the party begin!
Now concluding with an official holiday sentiment accompanied by wrapped gift boxes! Of course, all the celebrities appearing in these festive images are confidently and proudly sporting their complete nakedness! Remember, it is the “season to be jolly!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 12, 2025. and the proposed topic is: “Bare Celebrity Role Models #4: Our Gift!”
When it was originally observed, HIV/AIDS was an almost completely fatal diagnosis with countless deaths following varying periods of immense misery and suffering. Since that time, enormous progress has been made in medicine, and the disease is no longer considered synonymous with death. Although there is still no known cure for the virus, there is now hope that one is possible within the foreseeable future.
The virus that causes the condition known as AIDS was first identified in the middle 1980’s decade. For decades, it was considered an exclusive “gay” disease or else a disease of intravenous drug users. This led to excessive discrimination against those two communities. Massive prevention education efforts globally resulted from the stigmas surrounding the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS is a result of HIV infection. Two basic facts that remain true, still today.
“It’s not who we are, it’s what we do that puts us all at risk of HIV infection!” ~ Red Cross HIV/AIDS Prevention Education curriculum ~
The above quote appeared in the numerous versions of the Red Cross HIV/AIDS prevention education curriculum. This essential fact was vital in combatting the bias against certain persons and communities.
What Is World AIDS Day?
“World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since 1988, communities have stood together on World AIDS Day to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost.”
“In the UK, more than 105,000 people are living with HIV. Globally, an estimated 38 million people live with the virus. More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses over the past 40 years, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.”
Click on the above link to visit the official website.
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The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) weakens the body’s immune defenses by destroying CD4 (T cell) lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that usually guards the body from bacteria, viruses and other germs. With a severely compromised immune system, the body is unable to protect us against unwanted diseases, infections and illnesses.
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World AIDS Day 2025 Theme:
“Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”
Focus on the need to renew the international commitment to addressing HIV/AIDS challenges globally. These challenges often include numerous aspects of our lives, such as social, political, religious, educational, economic, personal and/or public. The situations may vary but unfortunately the causes frequently remain the same: bias and discrimination. Prejudices are “learned” behaviours that are based primarily on fear and ignorance.
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Designation Clarifications:
To refresh one’s memory of the status determinations applied for HIV/AIDS.
HIV Negative (HIV-): means that one has tested negative for the human immunodeficiency virus HIV. After the initial testing, the counselor administering the test will recommend a repeat test to confirm the results.
HIV Positive (HIV+): means that one has the human immunodeficiency virus HIV. A counselor will discuss the test results and provide information regarding services available.
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The Beginning of World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day (also known as World HIV Day) was initially conceived by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officials for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. They jointly introduced the idea and concept to Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme on AIDS (now known as UNAIDS) in August, 1987. Dr. Mann liked the idea, approved it and the date of 1 December 1988 was selected as the initial observance.
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The Red Ribbon Campaign:
The awareness ribbon strategy was adopted within a few years of the World AIDS Day commemorations. The Red Ribbon Campaign received immediate international recognition. The campaign soon expanded beyond just the World AIDS Day occasion and the red awareness ribbon became synonymous with HIV/AIDS awareness. The red awareness ribbon continues to designate HIV/AIDS awareness as well as knowledge of the disease, the prevention of infection and compassion to persons living with HIV.
The colour of red is noted as representing “life.” This was a deciding factor in choosing the design of the HIV/AIDS awareness ribbon and campaign.
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The Condom:
The use of a latex condom remains, even today, as the most effective tool in preventing the transmission (spreading) of HIV during sexual engagement. With all the advancements in prevention strategies and treatments, a latex condom is an essential element in stopping the spread of HIV during sex.
Allergic to latex? Not a problem. Consult your physician, pharmacist or trusted HIV counselor.
Footnote #1: The colour of the condom pictured above is red. Please understand that the colour of a condom has no determining value in the protection offered.
Summary:
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is today a very manageable and treatable infection that no longer imposes the outcome of suffering and death it originally produced. With the medicines and treatment strategies currently available worldwide, persons infected with HIV (HIV+) are now able to enjoy long and productive lives while undergoing care and/ora treatment programme.
A gentle reminder that at this time, there exists no known cure for HIV. However, testing, knowing one’s HIV status and receiving care and treatment options if HIV+ permit many unlimited hopes for a full life!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 5, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “December Observances!”
Why SGL Adult Film Actors Illustrate ReNudePride: Guys Without Boxers!
Prologue:
One of the major purposes/reasons that my spouse, Aaron, and I launched this site, ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! was to create, designate and offer a safe space (blog) where same gender loving – SGL – persons who enjoy nakedness (clothes freedom) could experience, feel, identify and sincerely be themselves. One obvious tool of sharing a receptive and welcoming atmosphere is to offer a comfortable environment where our nakedness and our sexuality is the common bond that enables us all to relate to “home.”
The “header” image (above) proves that our life philosophy as bare practitioners (bisexual or gay naturists/nudists) is definitely not a recent phenomenon (occurrence). From the hairstyles of the subjects, the vintage picture posted above is from the late 1950s/early 1960s. We were actually around before the Stonewall Inn riots (SIR) took place in 1969!
The obvious message from the header is that we’re SGL and we’re clothes free! Not only “back-in-the-day” when the picture was photographed. The .gif image below reinforces the fact that we’re still the same today!
Introduction:
In an effort to provide a comfortable, familiar and relaxing space for our fellow bare practitioners, Aaron and I believe that we should illustrate and represent us with what and who we truly are: our bodies and ourselves! In order to accomplish this task, we feature depictions of us – SGL nakedness – without any embarrassment, guilt or shame. As stated in the first posting entry of this series, we don’t feature engaging in our physical intimacy, but we do honour our awareness of our same gender anatomy and our same gender attractions.
Our being honest does not demand us being evasive. Only the truth will set us all free!
Purpose:
One concern/issue that is often posed is why publish photos of professional adult actors here? Are we recruiting future “gay porn stars?” Are we “promoting pornography?” Are we endorsing a career?
No! We are not endorsing, promoting nor recruiting for the SGL adult film industry studios nor are we encouraging sexual behaviour. The photographic illustrations accompanying this post entry here show the aspect of truth. As bisexual or gay, the male penis for many of us is an anatomical reality of interest – curiosity and wonder. We accept that fact and then we move on.
Acknowledging what we know and facing that challenge is a valid component of what and who we are is, in our opinion, better than ignoring it and pretending it goes away!
We developed this site in the hope that we all, as bare practitioners, experience a dream where we just simply celebrate in a place that allowed us, as a community and as a culture, to just be ourselves! A haven of happiness, harmony and hope!
Footnote #1:In at least one (1) of the future post entries developed for this Bare Celebrities series here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! there will be another focus offered on the penis. That will be apparent for all when it is published. The reason for the inclusion of these images and the introduction of the penis anatomical topic at this phase of the seriespublication may necessitate this notation and reminder of this fact here at this time.
Justifications:
Probably one of the major essentials of being a successful and sought after SGL adult film industry “super-star” (extraordinary performer) is confidence and pride being publicly identified and recognized as a bisexual or gay man and extreme acceptance and comfort in nakedness (without clothing) – especially in being the only person fully nude in a studio full of support staff, all of whom are completely dressed!
In order to perform in an SGL adult film career, embarrassment, guilty, excessive modesty and/or shame is not compatible! Essentially, one is awarded a role that requires simply two simple talents: nudity and sex.
The professional actors who excel in this very specific industry, hired as such my executives who crave (desire) the action depicted and who emotionally and financially depend on the financial rewards afforded by this type of employment.
As performers in this industry, their male anatomy (penis) is one of their job assets and responsibilities. Due to it being an absolute necessity for employment, the professional actor has no obsessive or underlying need to be constantly or excessively flamboyant about their possession of this particular attribute nor are they driven to flaunt it endlessly.
Contemplating today’s post entry!
For this reason, professionals are ideal subjects for “photo-shoots” (photography sessions) – posing – where their erection (excited anatomy) is not the featured or focused object/subject. This allows them the ability to take one proverbial step away from their job essential status and become their natural, “playful” and relaxed self all with their preferred nakedness and in an environment accepting of their SGL attraction.
The result of this situation is the plethora of pictures created by professional photographers (paid by the studios) featuring the casual and playful actors in various situations not requiring their erections at full potential! A totally different promotional picture session than the routine!
The engagement of those who are experienced and familiar with the needs and skills of posing as camera subjects offers all viewers with pictures that provide better content and quality. These enhance reality and understanding. They also provide identity and recognition.
The availability of the photos offered is free online and financed by the film industry studios. This access increases the sales of the particular sales of the items offered and this increases the studio’s income (profits)! It benefits everyone involved! Admittedly, Aaron and I both enjoy the ability to view these images although at times it does test patience!
Another, slightly less prominent justification for the use of seasoned performers is that the majority of those are indeed bare practitioners (SGL nakedness) so they instinctively are aware what captures the immediate attention of those of similar identification. They also know what information persons seek and where these interests proceed. So the professionals, in order to both increase their audience base and to reward their loyalty are more than happy to at least respond to any legitimate request.
Footnote #2: Bare Celebrities #3! is already in draft format and will be published soon!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 10, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Armistice Day/Remembrance Day!”
August is here! The last full month of the summer of 2025! Honestly, it feels like it was only yesterday that I was busy making notes for postings of the rapidly approaching Pride Month (June, 2025)! In reality, not only are we beyond Pride Month, 2025; July has fallen past, too! Why do summers disappear so fast?
Play-Month:
Instead of referring to an “August Play-Day,” I should rename this post entry “August Play-Month!” As far back as I am able to remember, the month of August seemed synonymous as an entirely “fun” month, a totally “play-month” despite it also being the very final full month of summer. A season that has remained my favourite of the entire year. Those “jolly and joyous” days of summer!
A Trail to Hike:
The group of bare buttocks featured in the heading image (above) are in line to proceed on a hike along The Trail through a shaded and cool local public park. At this time, before beginning the hike, I should mention that this particular trail is special as it is completely “pesky insect free!” All mosquitoes, spiders and other bothersome insects (such as fleas, lyme, etc.) were evicted from this park site years ago!
Not a surprise, our trusted bare practitioner hike coordinator is none other than ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! very own unofficial “official” celebrity spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington (born: Tre` Leron Fenderson)! He has both the ability and the devotion to nakedness to orchestrate all of us “out” of our clothes whenever and wherever he so desires! One of the many reasons Phoenix has a leadership role of all of us is because the “leads by example” (clothes free)!
Footnote #1: As our hike coordinator, Phoenix determined this photograph to be the first one depicted. “In line” (one behind the other) he wanted everyone to have a full preview of exactly “who could see what” while hiking!
Now, I realize that yesterday was Bottoms-Up! July, 2025! publishing day, so if any of you failed to recognize our spokes-model’s buttocks above, he’s the third set of buttocks from the right!
Footnote #2: More on Phoenix’s buttocks is offered below!
Return from Play-Day hike! Phoenix is 4th from right!
Our August Play-Day, 2025! hiking crew returned to the park trail entrance once the entire course was accomplished. No one looked exhausted or overly fatigued in any manner. Our excursion event for our August Play-Day, 2025! celebration was indeed an overwhelming success for all and also 100% body and clothes free!
The halfway cul-de-sac along The Trail!
We made it to the halfway point with everyone accounted for and intact. Our bare practitioner celebrity spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington, once again proved himself worthy of all of our trust in his leadership and true to his oft quoted philosophy:
“I love to be outside and naked with others!”
In the cul-de-sac photo (above) Phoenix is facing the photographer, second from the left! Halfway finished and still ahead!
Phoenix and His Buttock’s Poses!
The above .gif image depicts Phoenix modelling his buttocks while kneeling on a picnic table in the park. In an effort to avoid any additional confusion or mistake regarding Phoenix’s buttocks. This one shows him “in action” offering himself as a special “treat” to everyone surrounding the table! Excellent job, Phoenix Fellington!
Phoenix: same park, same picnic table!
Aaron, my spouse, located another “still” picture of Phoenix in now familiar neighbourhood! Obviously, he’s thrilled with the photo-shoot! Thanks for the picture, Aaron!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 4, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Marvelous Monday: Skinny-Dipping, 2025!”
The exterior view of The Stonewall Inn, Christopher Street, New York City, New York, USA, where history happened the evening of 27/28 June, 1969!
Background:
Friday, 27 June, 1969, was a very hot and humid day in New York City. Everyone was anxiously awaiting the approaching weekend and the freedom from having to struggle for relief from the oppressive weather.
At that time, the same gender loving people were known, at least in “polite” society, as “homosexuals” (a name now considered derogatory). The popular nickname was “homos.” This segment of the New York City population was not only oppressed by the weather but also by the bias, discrimination, hatred, marginalization and violence of the general population against all persons seen as homos.
There were laws prohibiting homosexuality socially on record in 49 of the fifty states of the USA. Illinois had repealed its anti-homosexuality legal restrictions in 1961. All segments of society: general, government, legal and religious were united against the “deviant” (homosexual) peoples.
It was unlawful for homosexuals to gather together in public. They were fired from their jobs for being thought of as being homosexual without any legal recourse. They were ridiculed and attacked publicly often without any consequence for those assaulting them. Simply being a homosexual was considered a criminal act.
Everyone was required, by law, to wear clothing appropriate to their birth gender. The only legal exception was for Halloween.
The Stonewall Inn:
The Stonewall Inn (it was never a hotel) opened as a bar catering to the homosexual community in 1967. Prior to that, it had been a stable (for horses), a French bakery, a tearoom and lastly a restaurant that had burned out of business. Upon renovation, it opened as a tavern (bar) on 18 March, 1967, under Mafia-affiliated management and owned by the Genovese crime family.
The establishment consisted of two main rooms, each with its own dance floor. The front room was popular with older clientele and the back room attracted the younger ones.
“The door of the Stonewall had wrought-iron bars across this little “peephole,” a little wooden thing that slid open. The man inside would look at you and, it you looked like you belonged there, he would let you in.” ~ Chris Babick ~ describing the entrance to the Stonewall Inn
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Friday evening, 27 June 1969:
Most of the patrons gathered inside the Stonewall Inn were looking forward to a night of dancing with their friends, relaxing with watered-down cocktails and enjoying a summer’s Friday night in New York City in a place relatively comfortable and safe for homosexual acquaintances. They had no idea that they were about to witness an historical event that would change their lives – and the homosexual world – forever.
Both the dance floors at Stonewall Inn were full of dancing homosexual couples. It was now just after midnight and 28 June, 1969, was now in its infancy. Suddenly, the music stopped. The lights that were dimmed to enhance the atmosphere came back on in a bright glare that caught everyone by surprise. Almost simultaneously, the realization dawned on the festive crowds: New York City police were raiding the bar!
The New York City Police Department was long familiar with conducting raids on homosexual bars (both female and male). Their process for the procedure was fairly routine and standard. They recognized homosexuals as a relatively compliant and passive crowd. For this reason, only one police transport vehicle (“paddy-wagon”) and one marked police squad car were involved in the raid.
Less than a dozen officers were assigned the task of managing and segregating the clientele, confiscating all the alcohol and arresting the Stonewall Inn employees.
Patrons outside Stonewall Inn, early evening, Friday, 27 June, 1969!
Early Saturday morning, 28 June, 1969:
“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 Lanigan-Schmidt ~ Stonewall Inn patron and participant
The arrival of the police raiding force caused pandemonium to erupt inside the Stonewall Inn. Customers searched in vain for an escape route or for a place to hide. The police immediately began confiscating both liquor and beer as evidence against the establishment and segregating the bar crowd: bar employees, cross-dressers (transgender persons) and the “regular” homosexuals.
The bar employees and cross-dressers were to be arrested for their individual violating the law. The “regular” homosexuals, once they showed officers their proper identification, were to be given citations and then permitted to leave.
The year, 1969, was at the end of a decade that had witnessed massive social unrest. The African-American protests for civil rights, the birth of the feminist and women’s rights movements, the anti-Vietnam war and peace demonstrations and the equal pay marches for primarily Latino/Latina immigrant farm workers were underway during this time. The homosexuals who had participated in some of these public unrests were energized and many wondered when their time for equality would happen. Little did they, and the police raiding the Stonewall Inn, realize that moment had arrived!
As the police began checking the identities of those inside the Stonewall Inn, those with proper credentials were released and herded outside the bar. Only this time, instead of simply leaving the premises, they congregated on the sidewalks and across the street at the Christopher Street Park. Once law enforcement attempted to disperse them, they grew confrontational and belligerent.
Unaccustomed to homosexual defiance, the police continued to press the order to vacate the area. The growing crowd, emboldened by their frustration with being treated as “deviants” and second-class citizens, began to chant and to empty nearby trash cans and hurl the garbage at the officers.
By this time, passers-by, curious as to what was happening, joined the upset homosexuals to express their dissatisfaction with the raid. The crowd outside the Stonewall Inn began to grow in both number, anger and curiosity. When word of what had transpired inside the tavern began to spread, even more homosexuals started to descend into the inn’s neighborhood and amass in the bar’s vicinity.
Angry crowd outside Stonewall Inn, early Saturday morning, 28 June 1969!
SIR: Stonewall Inn Riot commences:
By now, the police, trapped inside the facility by the large crowd outside, understood that the situation had gotten beyond their control. They tried to call for reinforcements but were unable to reach any source for assistance. They had secured the bar but were confined inside and the crowd outside was swelling in both size and fury. A few hundred bar patrons had now increased into an angry mob of several thousand and more were joining by the minute.
“You could hear screaming outside, a lot of noise from the protesters, 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 customer detained inside the bar under siege
No one in the New York City Police Department had anticipated the homosexuals, always believed to be “meek and mild,” would fight back. The years of abuse, neglect, oppression, and ridicule had taken their toll, and the frustration had now become revolution; the time for retribution was at hand. Unfortunately for law enforcement, the pent-up anger toward the police was now being released and returned in kind. They were now prisoners inside the Stonewall Inn.
Two hours after the raid was initiated, the raiders and their detainees were trapped and no immediate relief was available. The two-way communication devices between the raiding party and their office weren’t working and the only public telephone inside the tavern wasn’t able to connect with any local police precincts. The “passive” homosexuals had finally achieved a “first” in their spontaneous riot: the police were contained, surrounded and they were all very nervous. By now, the mob outside the Greenwich Village bar numbered several thousand with a full-fledged riot underway.
SIR: Stonewall Inn Riot!Multiple police attack a protester early Saturday morning, 28 June, 1969!
In an effort to relieve the inflammatory predicament, the isolated police decided to send the detainees and half the officers trapped inside the tavern, using the two police vehicles on site, to the closest local precinct. There, the detainees would be formally charged with arrest, and the officers could make arrangements for a police riot force to assemble and rescue the remaining law enforcement personnel. This relief effort finally returned to the bar and eventually dispersed the angry mob of homosexuals and curious onlookers several hours later.
Saturday evening, 28 June, 1969:
Despite damage to the Stonewall Inn, the bar opened for business (dancing and socializing) the following night, Saturday, 28 June. by then, word of the disturbance the previous evening had spread throughout the city’s largely closeted (anonymous) homosexual community (primarily by word of mouth). The city officials and law enforcement superior officers were hesitant to release information that would encourage more aggressive reaction.
A larger than usual crowd gathered both inside and outside the Greenwich Village establishment. Most didn’t expect a repeat raid of the night before and a significant number of those in attendance mainly wanted to inspect the damage. The police, however, had different ideas. They were strictly outside the facility in full force with a large number in riot gear. They had learned their lesson and were determined to remain in complete control should the patrons become unruly again.
The homosexuals and the neighbourhood residents had been empowered by the riot the night before and of the mindset not to bullied into submission again. As the large police presence attempted to disperse those gathered outside the Stonewall Inn, they were confronted by verbal insults and an array of street-savvy tactics that set law enforcement chase off onlookers, only to have them run around the city block and return again.
Silent obedience to uniformed policemen was no longer a fact of life for New York City’s homosexuals. They were tired of suffering abuse, disrespect, ridicule and treatment as second-class citizens.
A crowd lining the sidewalk on the Stonewall Inn city block watched by police, Saturday evening, 28 June, 1969!
The second night of the Stonewall Inn congregation wasn’t as aggressively disruptive as the previous night. No further damage was done to the tavern facility. However, an awakening consciousness was raised within the municipal homosexual community that would change the way society viewed them and – most importantly – the way they perceived themselves.
For the first time, the often assumed obedient and passive homosexuals joined together and defended their rights and demonstrated that they, as a community, had finally and long last, “had enough!”
“There was no gay pride before Stonewall. Only gay fear and gay isolation and gay distrust and gay self-hatred.” ~ Edmond White ~ American gay novelist and Stonewall witness
Our GLBTQ+ Progress Pride flag!
Footnote: This posting entry was from a research paper that I composed for class distribution that I taught at my university, 2015 – 2018.
Sources:
Bausman, Ann “Stonewall: Breaking Out for Gay Rights”
Doberman, Martin F. “Stonewall: A History”
Naked hugs!
Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 30, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! June, 2025!
As we are, this week, approaching the actual dates of the Stonewall Inn riots of 1969, my spouse, Aaron, and I agreed that a look at the historic site of SIR (Stonewall Inn riots) that ignited our movement for equality and justice was appropriate and fitting. A sense of irony that the dates of 2025 coincide in reality with the corresponding days and dates of SIR in 1969!
The purpose of this posting entry today is to offer a visual image of the facilities that played an important role in the SIR event, 1969. It may serve as a reference for those traveling to New York City in the future. A scene from our shared past as it appears today: a glimpse of our history. One that was ignored and overlooked for decades!
The Stonewall Inn, June, 2016!
The image above is of The Stonewall Inn as it was decorated for Pride Month, 2016. The facility was renovated, both externally and internally, in 2007. The Stonewall Inn and surrounding area was designated as a national monument by then-President Barack Hussein Obama on 24 June, 2016. It was the first such designation associated with the GLBTQ+ community and culture.
Footnote #1:The current gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer+ (GLBTQ+) flag was not created nor adopted until June, 2018. The above flag was displayed in honour of then-President Obama’s signing of the Stonewall Inn National Monument status two years earlier.
The Stonewall National Monument is the very first site in the USA exclusively dedicated to the commemoration of anything specifically related to the GLBTQ+ community and culture. The fact that the site underscores the beginning of the struggle for the equality, freedom and justice of that particular community and culture keeps it within the supposed national tradition of all persons being equal under the guise of this country, this government and the law.
Footnote #2: On 13 February, 2025, the National Park Service eliminated all references to transgender persons from the Stonewall National Monument facilities and website. This action was taken so public park facilities would comply with the felon-in-chief executive order denying the history of the Stonewall Inn riots. What was originally promoted as GLBTQ+ is now simply GLB (gay, lesbian, bisexual).
Inresponse, the Stonewall Gives Back Initiative and The Stonewall Inn replied with an appropriate, mature and respectful statement immediately following the issuance of Executive Order #14168:
“This blatant act of erasure not only distorts the truth of our history, but it also dishonors the immense contributions of transgender individuals – especially transgender women of color – who were at the forefront of the Stonewall Riots and the broader fight for GLBTQ+ rights.”
The Stonewall National Monument!
The Monument Property:
The monument includes and surrounds Christopher Park (formerly known as the Christopher Street Park) that was originally owned by the New Netherlands Director-General, Wouter van Twiller, as a tobacco farm from 1633 until his death in 1638. When he died, the property was divided into smaller farms.
European immigration to New York City (following the Netherlands ceding the New Netherlands colony to the British) magnified and streets and neighborhoods developed. In 1835, the Great Fire of New York City burned the area known as Greenwich Village. The new Christopher Street Park opened in 1837 on the land of the old tobacco farm. The Stonewall Inn, which consisted of two adjacent stables, was built across the street from the park in 1843.
Entrance to Christopher Park, Stonewall National Monument!
The Stonewall National Monument is located in the West Village neighbourhood of Greenwich Village in lower Manhattan, New York City. The site includes the actual Stonewall Inn, Christopher Street and Christopher Park (formerly known as the Christopher Street Park).
Then U. S. President, Mr. Barack Obama
“But the arc of history is clear – it’s an arc of progress. And a lot of that progress can be traced back to Stonewall. So, this week, I’m designating the Stonewall National Monument as the newest addition to America’s national park system. Stonewall will be our first national monument to tell the story of GLBT rights.” ~ President Barack Obama ~ Weekly Address, The White House 25 June 2016
Stonewall National Monument, Christopher Park statues!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, June 26, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “HIV Testing Day!”
The arrival of our annual GLBTQ+ Pride Month celebrations encourages many within our community to experiment with the contemporary phenomena of selfie photography and/or posing. This engagement not only satisfies the curiosity and desire to explore the current obsession but to also provide them with a resource as to their appearance “in the eyes” of others.
This process offers them not only self-assurance but self-confidence as well. It affords them the opportunity to analyze their image but also judge themselves without making a public spectacle of their efforts. The privacy of their home environment enables them to comfortably express themselves as they have witnessed celebrities posing.
Creating these selfie pictures gives the self-photographer images to share with close friends to gain their thoughts on his posing. This additional insight often increases the number of poses a person may consider sharing with others and/or saving.
For those selfie creators who are unfamiliar with posing and photographing their nakedness, this presents them an ideal opportunity capture themselves in the bare practitioner mode (environment, setting). While gaining confidence with exposing their nakedness, it affords them the chance to share themselves with others through sharing their images.
This enables familiarity with body and clothes freedom. It no longer is a distant and foreign concept or practice but one that comes closer to comfort and reality – a sense of “normal” and routine. Another step in the journey towards bare practitioner! The process of exploration awakens knowledge and understanding.
This experience affords to some all that is necessary to pursue the lifestyle of an active bare practitioner. For the majority, it offers insight – a glimpse – into the community and culture and what it entails and promotes. This introduction does, hopefully, give birth to a respect and a tolerance towards all persons who are or become bare practitioners!
Advice!
My spouse, Aaron, offers the thought below:
“Same gender loving and nakedness are compatible and natural. They compliment one another; like a rose blooming on a bush.” ~ Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos ~ 28 March, 2022
In a more exemplary manner, I offer the following summation for today’s theme here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! for pondering:
“Man designs fashions. Man makes clothes. Man makes mistakes! The measure of a man isn’t based on the clothes that he wears. The true measure of a man is determined by the clothes that he is not wearing! Bare is the perfection of the human body without the mistakes.” ~ Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos ~
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, June 19, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “USA: Juneteenth Holiday!”
It is GLBTQ+ Pride Month, 2025! My professional experience and training is in education which includes challenges and creativity in conveying information and ideas using whatever methods available. This enables me to assess my effectiveness in communication. From this point until you receive your naked hugs in conclusion, everyone proceeds at their own comfort level.
Background:
In reality, today is Sunday, 25 May, 2025. I am composing this for publication on Friday, 13 June, 2025, here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! This removes me from having to write an entry for the proverbial “bad luck” (unlucky) day of Friday, the 13th. This also spares each and every one of you from reacting to a post created on that unpopular date!
Can You?
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 16, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Confident Selfies!”
Phoenix Fellington, our “unofficial” official spokes-model, (left) offering advice to a co-star!
Background:
As a casual introduction to today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride, our featured host is our very own man, Phoenix Fellington, (pictured above, left) worldwide celebrated performer/director in the gay porn industry and the “official” unofficial (not financially compensated) spokes-model (representative) of this site! Not only is he proudly and publicly an advocate for our distinguished bare practitioner lifestyle – he personally demonstrates and vocalizes his confidence and support whenever possible!
A few reminder notes on our successful spokes-model. His birthname is TreLeron Fenderson and he was born on 18 October, 1994, in the city of Detroit, Michigan, USA. He is a former U.S. Marine now very active in the gay pornography industry.
He never tires of proclaiming to the media, “I love being naked outside!”
Directions for his co-starring actors!
Ever since he began his professional career as an honest and openly clothes free and same gender loving man, he’s always been demonstrative and inspirational for us all to “truly be ourselves, to be real!” He had no serious regrets serving in the military under the “DADT” (don’t ask, don’t tell) restrictive guidelines in effect. Like the majority of us, he’s full of gratitude to then-President Obama for his executive order terminating that unfortunate exclusion during his first term of office.
Phoenix Fellington, encouraging the bare and gay experience!
The two .gif images displayed here are Phoenix as he was beginning his professional experience after his military service. He wasted no time in extolling others to take pride in themselves as same gender loving and in their nakedness. If that was their destiny in life, then be the best that you can possibly be doing what makes you happy. It’s all part of life!
A confident inspiration for us all!
Thank you, Phoenix Fellington, both for your encouragement and for all your inspiration! You are an example for us all!
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Creative exercise!
Routine maintenance!
Conclusion!
New Year’s Resolutions versus Spring Resolutions:
Self-improvement is one of the primary motivations for introducing changes into our lives. We all want to “feel better” about ourselves and we want to look better. The desire may very well be present, but our timing is probably not an encouraging factor. The arrival of the winter season, coupled with the bleakness of the weather for the next three months, seriously reduces the likelihood of success.
Our commitment and determination may be strong, but the reality of rolling over in bed for an extra hour of comfort, sleep, and warmth is the reality that often overcomes our resolve. Procrastination trumps positive productivity. Human nature is a trait our species battles on a daily basis. Why add another stress factor as a part of our routine?
A return to reality! The arrival of the Spring season and our renude (renewed) environment (nature) accompanied by our positive attitudes are much better and conducive for the success of any changes. Every step forward brings us closer to our final reward!
Affectionate kissing!
One of the major goals (purposes) for the creation of ReNude Pride (this site) in January 2017 was to provide a space that is receptive and welcoming for same-gender-loving (SGL) people (bisexual or gay) who prefer nakedness (clothes freedom). Our community and culture embrace the descriptive label bare practitioner. It avoids the terms/words that usually invoke bias and judgment. My spouse, Aaron, and I both believed bare practitioner was neutral in the minds of most people who were inclined to marginalize both our community and our culture.
Race Cooper!
“As a Black Canadian gay nudist man in the USA porn industry, I know and have witnessed bias, hatred and prejudice because of race and sexual orientation. It is unfair and unjust. It is wrong. As an actor/performer, I’ve never experienced “in my face” criticism for being and public nudist. But I know of fellow nudists who are judged because of their nakedness. Clothes freedom is a part of who we all are. Just like race a sexuality, we don’t have a choice.
In Canada, race, sexuality and nudity 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 ~ Joseph Ross Anderson ~ The Pink News London, UK June 2020
Interracial couple!
Aaron and I are an interracial married SGL couple. He’s African-Canadian and I’m Greek and we both believe that the above quote from Race Cooper may possibly ease any alienation and/or discomfort sensed by other interracial couples within our bare practitioner community and culture. Hopefully, this inclusion sets a welcoming message for everyone.
For several post entries on this topic from the past, click the links below to access:
In an examination and exploration on the policies and practices of race and racism in the United States gay porn industry, The Pink News, a GLBTQ+ news service in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, interviewed Race Cooper, a Canadian subject of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Race had worked several jobs at a gay porn studio, the last being as an actor which he retired from in 2014. In the interview, Mr. Cooper could not appear naked. He opted for appearing shirtless, as close to being nude as possible!
Theinterview was exceedingly popular. Curiosity concerning USA racism in the gay pornography business generated a sizeable audience! Race’s interview was informative and insightful!
While he was acting in films, Race Cooper posted online at Blogger.com. I honestly am unable to remember the exact title of the blog. I discovered the site shortly after he made his film debut in 2009. His blog became a personal favourite of mine and many other followers. Race had the distinct habit of keeping no secrets from his fans and followers, consistently posting of his experiences with his fellow actors, both flattering and…real!
His descriptions and observations of their intimate abilities and their anatomical attributes made his blog a success for multitudes and a regular “must read” for not only his fans but his peers in the film industry as well!
Race was often reprimanded by studio executive for his blog as being “too revealing!” A typical Race answer: “Yes! I reveal! You pay me to be naked! You expect me to reveal! That’s why I sell movies. People by the porn to watch me reveal!”
Race: animated interview subject!
Race’s writing skills hastened to dispel the stereotype of the gay porn actor as all effeminate, egotistical, “flakey” and self-obsessed. He wasted no time denying his preference for the “bottom” role and he openly and rigorously advocated for equality for Black gay performers in pay, ratings and in roles offered!
Background:
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, and beyond!
Regrettably, racism (discrimination and/or hatred) is often a “learned” (taught) behaviour – usually passed down 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, two years ago on 6 March, 2023. Click the title to link. My spouse, Aaron, and I both offer this expanded version of that posting in the hope of overcoming our need to be reminded of the importance of this reality into our lives. For this reason, ReNude Pride does not restrict the issue or topic of race exclusively to the period of Black History Month.
Race Cooper, casual!
Introduction:
“Race Cooper” is the stage name – performance name – (pseudonym) of Joseph Ross Anderson, a talented and thoughtful star of same gender loving (SGL) – bisexual or gay – pornography and outspoken advocate for bare (naked/nudist) rights, sexuality rights and racial equality. He was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on 5 December, 1973.
Amazing, he didn’t begin his film career (porn) until 2009 – he was 36 years old! An age when many openly gay porn actors are considering retiring from performing live! In the same year that he launched his film performing, he began blogging on blogger.com about his newfound job as appearing in gay porn and his encounters with his fellow performers. He very quickly acquired notoriety as “a-man-who-tells-it-all!”
He also became a very spirited advocate for the expansion of the gay sexual identities to encourage the acceptance of versatility (both alpha and beta) as an option. This was especially relevant as actors were often limited in the roles they were offered professionally because of sexual labelling.
Additional realities of Race Cooper are summarized below:
Race gives a fellow a kiss!
Race Cooper
Birthname: Joseph Ross Anderson
Birthdate: 5 December, 1973
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Height: 6 ‘ (183 cm)
Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg)
Hair: Head: shaved
Body: armpit, pubic, natural
Sexuality: Gay
Sexual position: Versatile (preference: beta)
Clothing status: Bare
Porn acting 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 ~ Pink News Interview
Race Cooper, based on his personal experience in the SGL pornography industry, views racism as “a daily constant in the USA.” He initially began working as a casting director for the exclusively SGL studio – Raging Stallion – before he moved to performing in front of the camera lens. He readily acknowledges that he was paid considerably less than his White peers and regularly and repeatedly had his work ethic and intelligence questioned by executives – all White. He honestly believes that he was only hired initially in order for the studio to appear “less racist.”
Race: film star!
“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
Author’s Notation: Another aspect that both my spouse, Aaron, and I have in common with today’s interview subject, the talented Race Cooper is our appreciation of body hair, abundant (profuse) or sparse. In the above quote, Race references his keeping his pubic hair natural. Gay men have the option to either remove retain their body hair. It is their decision. We just prefer to let it all grow!
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. Like an indentured servant. Enslavement was never a source of distrust and hatred. You worked, earned freedom, and then became a neighbor – equal – not inferior or subservient.
“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 gay porn industry, I’ve never experienced criticism for being publicly or for being socially naked. But I do know of fellow 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 Interview
The interview with The Pink News Service was conducted as part of an investigation on racial inequality in the USA gay porn industry in conjunction with the killing of the late George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Although a Canadian subject, his years involved in the gay porn career and living in San Francisco, California, USA, provided Race with both foresight and history.
He also wants the gay porn industry to openly admit that many White men – straight (heterosexual) – have been cast into roles designed for SGL African-American men with no regard as to the impact on gay Black actors.
Race on race!
As a path forward, Race advocates the studios hire “diversity mentors” to help with casting concerns and issues as well as advance the careers of porn actors of colour. He also pursues for the ending of the “gay-for-pay” policy of movie studios and for the immediate cessation of the policy that allows studios to terminate the careers of HIV+ actors.
In the conclusion of his interview with The Pink News, Race offered – in my own humble opinion – his most daring and profound argument against bigotry, discrimination and judgment based not only just upon race but sexuality and nudity as well. This statement was made on his own initiative and observation and not in response to a specific question.
“I’ve made numerous naked appearances at gay studio event socials. The newcomers to our profession are often intimidated by us who’ve been around. Usually, fellow Black actors are gathered, made to strip out of their apparel and to parade 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 Interview
Race Cooper: contemplating!
Joseph Ross Anderson (a.k.a. Race Cooper) has undeniable and unique experiences that qualify his assessments and observations on the existence of racial practices and stereotyping within the gay pornography profession. It is important to note that these judgmental instances are not restricted solely to the gay porn business. They occur frequently and regularly throughout the USA in both personal and professional circumstances.
His perspectives on the effects of racism are determined not only from personal experience but also from shared observations with not only African-Americans but other Black Canadians. These reflect learned behaviours that are repeated, without thought, endlessly with little or no consequence. The sad reality is that these occasions of discrimination and marginalization happen not only against Black people but against others of a differing heritage than White Americans.
Will the effects and energies of Race Cooper have any impact on the tolerance of racism in the growing gay porn industry? One positive result is that the actions are now bringing closer media attention to the matter. That publicity is not going to disappear or evaporate overnight. Studio executives and their investors are “less” than pleased when revenue is affected and negative focus is generated.
The levels of consciousness raised when issues of racial impropriety are addressed benefit not only African-American performers but also others of varying racial, ethnic and social abilities. The fact that inequality was applicable in one instance justifies the question: “How many more suffered the same?”
Not a consideration studio executives want pursued!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 24, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Stories!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 