Pride Month celebrants with traditional Rainbow flag!
June is the widely accepted month for GLBTQ+ Pride!
Background:
The evening of June 28, 1969, is considered by many of us as the actual “beginning” of the modern equality movement for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + (GLBTQ+) persons and their inclusion within society. It is the date of the Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) in New York City, USA. This is the recognized event that launched the ongoing struggle for acceptance, equality and recognition of one of the longest and most oppressed community and cultures of humanity. Despite the more than 50 years since, the fight for acceptance, equality, recognition and survival remains valid for many even today!
Dr. King quote!
The observation of the late Reverend Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., remains a respected and and shared value of the GLBTQ+ communities and cultures.
In honour of the SIR, June is internationally considered as GLBTQ+ Pride Month in dedication to the lives sacrificed for the causes of freedom and justice that multitudes seek.
As ardent bare practitioners (same gender loving naturists/nudists) both my spouse, Aaron, and I observe the month of June, annually, as GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month. Our reasoning for this endorsement is, hopefully, obvious to all!
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The current Progress rainbow flag of the GBLTQ+ Community and Culture!
A more informative post entry of the SIR event of June 28, 1969, is planned for the actual date of that occasion. I feel that we should all remind ourselves of the situations that initiated the necessity of those riots. One of the many reasons that our community and culture celebrates our pride is to prevent the past from returning ever again!
Our PRIDE is enjoyed by all!
Why should we have a GLBTQ+ Pride Month?
After centuries of condemnation, denial, judgment, oppression and ridicule, the arrival of the 1960’s introduced people – globally – to an ideal of honesty, openness, and the expectation of equality for all. World War II united humanity an a conflict against subjugation and tyranny. Human rights became a concept of universal acceptance rather than a lofty distant dream. Millions had sacrificed and suffered against hate and totalitarianism. Freedom and justice moved from the status of a hopeful goal to the acceptance as a reality of life.
The 1960’s in motion!
Throughout the decade of the 1960’s, African-American, Hispanic-American, Indigenous peoples, women, farm workers and countless others emerged demanding acceptance, freedom and equality. The movement to halt the Vietnam War gained importance and international attention. Same gender loving people became one of the last “degraded” communities to join the exodus for the end of discrimination and restriction.
Creative Pride observance!
It doesn’t matter how we celebrate our pride in our collective membership within our GLBTQ+ community and culture. It is more important that all of us strive and work to enjoy, experience and to feel our confidence and pride in being the person that we truly are!
Vintage image!
Many of us grew in environments that were critical, hateful, and judgmental against our community and culture. We lacked companionship and support – especially during adolescence when it is most needed – and only later realized our full potential. Now is the time for us to collaborate and develop our resources to eliminate this situation from recurrence!
Happy GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month, 2023!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, June 2, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Pride!”
May is the final full month of the Springtime for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere. This is reason enough for us to engage in a welcome exchange of kisses to those that we love while posing our buttocks for yet another picture together!
Bottoms-up! hitting the surf!
And also time for our brethren residing in the Southern Hemisphere to direct their buttocks surfside for a final floatation as they prepare for the arrival of another season “Down Under!”
XL posing in a designer jock-strap!
Our openly same gender loving model and adult actor, XL, poses his buttocks in a fashionable jock-strap (athletic supporter) so that we can all view his booty-ful buttocks!
Gio: aquatic bottoms-up!
Whether it’s a pool, lake or an ocean, the pleasures of skinny-dipping (swimming naked) afford us all the opportunity to boldly show everyone the spectacular buttocks that we are endowed!
Nap-time in the sunshine!
Relax and let the rest of the world worry about what tomorrow may bring! Being a bottoms-up! enthusiast allows us to bestow our booty-ful buttocks for admiration and desire!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Thursday, June 1, 2013, and the proposed topic is: “Happy Pride Month, 2023!”
What makes me laugh? Laughter is the best medicine. But it’s something we -including myself take for granted. I love to laugh. I love a good joke. I believe I have a dark sense of humor and nothing to me like stand up. Dice Clay, Chris Rock, Margaret Cho, Carol Burnett are some of my […]
Re-bloggers Note: I strongly encourage all of my readers to seriously consider to follow my “blogging brother and buddy” site here! The next scheduled post entry for my site is planned for Wednesday, May 31, 2013, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! May, 2013!”
The purpose of this post entry is to educate, encourage and remind us all on the benefits and health values of sunscreen. This post is published here annually and is constantly updated to offer new alternatives, ideas, suggestions etc. Please use the “comments” application for any concerns. Thank you!
If anyone has specific questions, consult your local health care provider or their assistant. Some solutions or resolutions may be available online. Otherwise, check with your local pharmacist or health agency.
Tyson Kobe: skinny-dipping pool exit!
Introduction:
Allow me to explain the title. I am in no way encouraging anyone to actually put on any article of clothing! That is simply not in my nature as a dedicated bare practitioner. What I am referring to by the title here is to remind us all – myself included – of the vital importance of the use of sunscreen whenever we go outdoors. No matter the length of time in either the direct or indirect sunlight; sunscreen is essential in the preservation of a healthy and protective skin covering!
While we’re reviewing the topic, another piece of information that is often overlooked. Sunscreen is equally important in the wintertime as it is during the summer! The UV rays from the sun are definitely not a seasonal spectacle. Unlike our nakedness, the UV rays do not hibernate!
During the colder seasons of the year, no matter which hemisphere one resides, the sun’s rays are reflected and intensified by the snow and ice. The use of sunscreen remains necessary on all exposed areas of the skin. Failure to do so may cause severe consequences.
Beach visitation!
In the Northern Hemisphere, the 2023 Summer season does not officially begin until June 21, annually. This also happens to be the absolute longest day of sunlight within this particular hemisphere. Due to the excessive amount of daylight on this date, in some countries, especially in continental Europe, it is also observed as Naked Hiking Day. The logic for this activitybeing the longer the natural daylight lasts, the greater the length of time for hiking clothes free! Now that we have noted Europe’s special designation, the USA claims it deserves equality.
In 2023, in the USA, the Memorial Day holiday (a three-day weekend) falls on May 29. This is the day on which the USA honours all the war dead. This holiday is also considered – at least in the USA and Puerto Rico – as the unofficial start of the summer season.
Confused? I am, too! That’s the reason why here on ReNude Pride we follow the official commencement of the 2023 summer: June 21!
Sunscreen spray!
Justification:
For many persons, the summertime is synonymous as the legendary season of “fun-in-the-sun!” No matter which date one prefers for the arrival, there’s no denying the fact that warmer outdoor temperatures and longer periods of daylight are here. This means that the textile (clothed) folks are wearing less and that we bare practitioners are, as usual, nude. If we’re able to survive the winter naked, why expect anything differently from us during the summer?
It stands to reason that most (if not all) of us, bare or otherwise, are outside more than we were a month ago. While we are outdoors, we’re all exposing more of our skin to the sun’s rays. This baring of ourselves in all of this sunshine is a welcome change and relief from the barren dullness of winter and the colder temperatures.
In our eagerness to get out and frolic in the fresh air and warmer weather, many of us forget one of the basic rules of outside freedom and health: skin protection! We all need to cover up (protect) our skin before we uncover any part or all of our body. This protection entails the use of an appropriate sunscreen applied correctly, adequately (sufficient quantity) and, when necessary, reapplied diligently.
Using sunscreen allows most of us to make the most of whatever opportunities our summer plans may offer. The purpose of sunscreen is to protect ourselves from sunburn and other conditions of sun ray excess or worse.
Sunburn!
Sunburn:
Sunburn is caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and not heat. It is important to remember that multiple layers of the skin can burn even on overcast or cloudy days, cold winter days and while under shade (shelter from direct sunlight). Sunburn damages or destroys the skin, which controls the amount of heat our body retains or releases, holds in fluids (hydration) and protects us from infection.
Reactions to sunburn range from mild irritation to serious pain. Sunburn may cause fevers and nausea (depending on the severity of the burn) and makes the dead skin peel away. Sunburn may lead to serious health complications later in life.
Sunscreen product!
Sunscreen information:
The information below is very general and is offered as a guide to use in selecting the type of sunscreen that’s best for personal protection. Keep in mind that every individual is just that, an individual: a unique person. What is applicable for one may or may not be the same for another. When in doubt, consult a health practitioner. It’s better to ask questions now than to suffer later! Please remember that everyone may or may not be allergic to certain ingredients contained within sunscreen.
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a chemical that, to a certain degree, prevents UV (ultraviolet) radiation in sunrays from reaching the skin. While there is no product that totally eliminates UV radiation damage, many variations, when used properly, can and do protect the skin adequately.
What should I look for in a sunscreen?
Regardless of where the sun activity is taking place, backyard, ball-playing field, park or beach, etc., the product should contain two elements for effective protection. Always look for a “broad spectrum” sunscreen that contains chemicals that block or prevent both UV-A and UV-B radiation from penetrating the skin surface.
While no product is completely waterproof, select a “water resistant” type that is designed for long-lasting wear, especially if swimming or sweating. Choose a variation that is both easy to apply and feels good on the skin. There are numerous commercial brands available: creams, lotions, moisturizers, gels, sprays and solid stick types.
What is SPF?
The initials SPF refer to the phrase: sun protection factor. It is the measure of the effectiveness of the sunscreen in absorbing UV-B radiation. If someone sunburns after about 10 minutes of sun exposure, using a product of SPF15 extends the amount of time before sunburn occurs to 150 minutes or two-and-a-half hours. After this time, it should be reapplied to continue protection.
In terms of percentages, a product of SPF15 blocks 93% of the UV-B rays. One of SPF30 blocks 97% of radiation and one of SPF50 blocks 99%. The difference in protection may not justify the added expense of higher SPF sunscreens.
Sunscreen application!
What is the best sunscreen for me?
This depends on many factors, including age, skin type, racial identity, gender, activity, time of day, location (proximity to the equator) and the UV index. For most skin types, a sunscreen with a minimum SPF15 is recommended. Mem with fair or lighter skin tones (of all races) and low sun tolerance (burn easily) should use a SPF30. For minimal sun exposure, 90 minutes or less, a moisturizer cream may suffice (with correct SPF level).
For extended periods of sun exposure and higher activity engagement, use a longer-lasting product such as a cream, gel or lotion. Spray (aerosol or pump) are beneficial for hairy parts of the body, including the arms, the armpits, back, chest, legs and the pubic region. If a person is acne-prone, choose sunscreens that are oil-free or non-carnodegenic.
For persons with sensitive skin, the chemicals in some sunscreen variants may cause skin irritation. Use a product that contains only physical blockers (zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide). A physical blocker does not penetrate the skin layers as do chemicals. Physical blockers stay only on the skin surface to provide protection.
Applying sunscreen to his partner’s back!
What’s the best way to use sunscreen?
If you’ve used sunscreen before and received a sunburn, it was either a) applied incorrectly, b) the wrong SPF, c) a very cheap deviant, d) insufficient amount of sunscreen, or e) expired product. Before purchasing a sunscreen product, check the expiration date. Verify the SPF level with your particular needs. Make certain that the instructions for the use of the selected variety of sunscreen are with the product.
For sunscreen to be effective, it must be in sufficient quantity, applied correctly and thoroughly applied prior to sun exposure. Reapply sunscreen as instructed following the recommended timeline.
Remember the lips! Use a lip balm with a minimum SPF15!
How much?
One ounce (the equivalent of a full shot glass) per adult per application is the minimally recommended dosage for the average person. Apply liberally all over the body, including behind the ears, on the ears both edges and ear lobes. Everyone should remember to apply sunscreen in the armpits and behind the knees.
When to apply?
Sunscreen should be placed on the body – entirely – at least 30 minutes before going into the sun. Reapply approximately 15 minutes later. The extra initial application helps to ensure that all exposed body areas have been covered, including those that may have been missed the first time. Once in the sunlight, either directly or indirectly, repeat the application process according to the instructions or at least every couple of hours, especially if swimming, perspiring and/or towel drying.
Helping his partner cover his body with sunscreen!
Who should use sunscreen?
Everyone needs skin protection. All races and ethnicities are susceptible to sunburn. Men with darker skin complexions may have a higher tolerance for sun exposure but at some point, will begin to experience sunburn. Bear and bare in mind that skin damage and serious, sometimes fatal, complications later are a result of the failure to protect the skin.
Do darker-skinned people need sunscreen?
Within the Black-toned and Brown-toned skin communities, it’s a common misconception that their melanin-infused (darker skin tone) skin completely eliminates the necessity for sunscreen as protection. Yes, darker skin does protect from some UV rays, but all persons, regardless of their skin tone, need to wear sunscreen.
For a long time, all races believed that the darker complexions of persons of African and Middle Eastern ancestry/descent were fully protected from the harmful rays of the sun. Despite the fact that darker skin tones have greater genetic protection than fairer/lighter skin tones, everyone has a natural deficiency.
At minimum, human skin needs at least an SPF30 for full protection from UV rays. Black people, on average, have at least a deficit of about SPF17 because their only offers a protection level of SPF13.
What does the expiration date mean?
Sunscreen usually remains effective and stable for a period of three years. After the expiration date, the contents (ingredients) will begin to decompose and will not offer the intended protection. Always check the expiration date before application. Discard any product that is past the expiration date!
For the bare practitioner/naturist/nudist:
Apply sunscreen to the entire body. This includes the anus, armpits, penis and testicles (both front and back). Follow the reapplication guidelines every couple of hours. Body areas that may not receive direct sunlight absorb UV-A and UV-B radiation indirectly.
Manscaping (body hair removal), no matter the method used, creates sensitive areas on the skin surface. First apply a gentle body lotion, wait 15 minutes and then cover with sunscreen.
Sunglasses!
Eyes:
It is extremely important to wear sunglasses to prevent harmful UV radiation from damaging the eyes. Select a pair (and a spare) with UV filtering lenses.
Summary:
Summer is a naturist/nudist paradise for a variety of nudecentric outdoor activities: aquatics, athletics, barbecues and cookouts, events, festivals and socials. It is also a time for quiet solitude such as gardening, hiking, reading a book outside or a casual stroll along a nature trail. No matter how we choose to spend our leisure time, proper prevention against sunburn and other skin damage ensures all of us freedom from concerns over sun exposure. One less worry as we go about our business of having fun in the sun!
In adhering to the above practices, protocols and our own common sense, we’ll all be able to look back in the autumn and know a good time was had by all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, May 26, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Skinny-Dip Duo!”
Give your buttocks the historic significance they deserve!
During USA: GLBTQ+ History Month
~ October, 2023 ~
Bottoms-Up! on October 31, 2023, will feature submitted post entries from fellow bloggers and ReNude Pride followers! Send images of your historic buttocks to share with a wide audience!
Dreaming!
Please note: Submissions accepted only in .jpeg, .pnp or ,gif formats only!
Totally anonymous submissions. If you prefer, use only a username or create your own special name plus province/shire/state/country of residency. City acceptable.
E-mail your image to: renudepride@gmail.com
Historic bottoms-up!
“Full nakedness! All joys are due to thee,
As souls unbodied, bodies unclothed must be,
To taste whole joys.”
John Donne, poet and priest
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, May 22, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Cover Yourself!”
The above sign poses two distinct purposes for being posted. First, it serves as a warning to clothed persons of the textile persuasion (clothes-wearing) that they are now entering into a clothing optional area. The secondary reason for the public notice is to allow bare practitioners to relax: they are finally in tolerant territory! A lesser important reason for the sign is of major significance for us bare practitioners. The message alerts us that Spring is here and the weather encourages humanity to forego their garments and to be comfortable, inside and/or outdoors, naked or nude!
A clothing optional beach!
The ability for body and clothes freedom is a privilege that appeals to many beyond the naturist/nudist communities. The experience of being among nature and completely natural (without any clothing) attracts persons who throughout the remainder of the year give absolutely no thought to nudity whatsoever. The excitement of being different is greater than the habit of complacency. Many persons find their casual attitude towards a single naked moment as nothing more than a curiosity that they are able to indulge.
Nude freedom!
Depending on the harshness and severity of the winter season, the spaces to enjoy the warming days of the springtime may become quite congested with masses of bodies trying to gain a sliver of “turf!” In many popular areas, we’re piled literally body-to-body in seeking the sunshine.
Overcrowding beaches!
No longer confined to cramped conditions under one roof with four enclosing walls, we often find ourselves craving nature and open freedom. All too soon, the amount of available landscaping for our perusal is lessened due to demand and popularity!
Skinny-dipping option!
In many places, the overcrowded conditions result in many of our bare practitioner kindred souls taking to the water in order to escape into an open space! Could this be the origin of the skinny-dipping trends? No one can blame any of the freedom seekers for taking refuge in the water. The openness is the desired goal and the oceans often appear endless.
Roaming inside!
It doesn’t make much difference the size of our apartment or home. Several months of inclement winter inside instill a need for fresh air, sunshine and unlimited spatial confinement. The wait for the rewards of springtime seem endless and pronounced during the transition period from cold to moderate. If only we knew how to switch the time from the transitional wait to the actual time for body and clothes freedom everywhere!
Energetic endeavours!
The enthusiasm to be bare (naked, nude, clothes free) does lead some of our energetic and excited fellow nudists to take extreme measures in order to increase clothes freedom followers. However, remember that such efforts are in contrast to our philosophy of voluntary bare practitioners! Hostage taking is not of a volunteer basis!
Of course there is one question involved. What does one accomplish with a naked hostage? Hold him captive until he puts on clothes? What benefit is derived from that situation?
Nude hiking!
Being bare practitioners, we appreciate the times of the year when we can experience our body and clothes freedom, without the worry about the extreme weather conditions outside. We suffer through the trying times of the year in order to enjoy ourselves fully when nature is convenient for all of us!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is for Monday, May 15, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “World Naked Bike Ride!”
A simple thought on posing as a bare practitioner in today’s chaotic and hectic world. Today’s man, his stage name is Reign, (above) reminds us all of his bold and proud assurance of his nakedness. He has the label “unashamed” tattooed onto his groin area, just above his pubic hairline. Confess your confidence! Be you!
Clothing conceals us. Nudity empowers us!
Bare practitioners do not view the body as an object of shame. We all learned “body shame” from somewhere – it isn’t a natural instinct. Bare practitioners are simply people who realize that we learned wrong. Our society equates skin with sex, sex with sin and sin with evil. Bare practitioners are better able to separate skin from sex. The irony is that by covering only “private” parts that these anatomical parts become the focus of attention thus creating sexual (evil) thoughts. Uncovering those very same parts they lose their mystery and become just another feature of our anatomy.
In wearing a pair of shorts in the above picture, Reign assures us that his message of “unashamed” isn’t misplaced whatsoever should the situation arise where he must wear clothing. The pair of shorts above only heighten our awareness of his unashamed tattoo!
Too often, and for far too long, the “massive multitude of mankind” (humanity) has assigned, associated and equated bare, naked, nude with evil, sex and sin. This rendering against body and clothes freedom caused the condition of “being natural” – without concealment or covering – as synonymous with depraved and disgusting. The result? The endless circle of condemnation and judgment against all bare practitioners for simply being themselves.
Reign, today’s man, through his personal tattoo consciously within full view of his genitalia, reminds us all that confidence and pride in what and who he is is not an aspect of his personality. Whoever disagrees with his advocacy is of no concern or consequence to him. He has no apology or regret for being himself!
The black-white version of the opening image!
On a personal sentiment, although no tattoo on my own body – nor does my spouse, Aaron – we both do have admiration and respect for the subject of the images shared! It took both a bold initiative and courage to have “unashamed” inked just above his pubic hairline. First reason: The location of the “tat” (tattoo). It is only visible when he’s clothes free. Why else pay the cost/expense in having the tattoo artist create it?
Second reason: you now “own” the confidence, my man! Remind us all that you feel no guilt and no shame in being you! You are an example to us all. Third reason: you decided to place the tattoo at an anatomical location on your body that you assuredly knew we would all notice! Wise decision, sir! Your public service is exceptional!
Reign: unashamed selfie!
Today’s model, Reign, in posing for these photographs, understood his subtle message to us all: be you! Do you! His self-acceptance of being a bare practitioner (gentle reminder: bisexual or gay naturist/nudist) and his self-assurance in posing publicly for the distribution of both that ideal, image and message earns not only my admiration but my sincere gratitude and honour. Your effort serves as an inspiration for all of us to strip off our clothes and give an entire world a view of a true bare practitioner! I salute you, my man! You are worthy of the dedication and loyalty of the entire bare practitioner community and culture.
We appreciate you, Reign, our man! We stand in awe of your creativity and foresight!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, April 21, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Delayed April Fool!”
Daymin Voss: Openly bare practitioner and gay pornographic star!
The purpose of today’s post entry originally was to endorse Daymin Voss (pictured above) as the personification of this site. About a year ago, I published a tribute to him extolling his bare practitioner attributes as well as his dedication to social nudity and his proud representation of his maschalagnia (hairy armpit obsession). My fascination with Daymin Voss has by no means subsided, but in composing this post entry, I have altered the focus from one individual to a collection of aspects of commendable admiration that I feel are equally important to our community and our culture. Hence, an expansion of the personification theme!
Personification!
Regardless of the multitude of characteristics of our personality, there are certain “truths” that very few – if any – of us are able to conceal. The above “header” (image) is a prime example. One of the purposes of ReNude Pride is to offer some semblance of guidance and inspiration to fellow bare practitioners everywhere. Since one of the identifying qualities of being a bare practitioner is same gender loving (gay, lesbian or bisexual), the above opening becomes self-explained. I’m a same gender loving man (gay). Honestly, I doubt that anyone here ever needed that detail published.
Roger and the rainbow flag!
I’ll readily own the fact that now I’m fast approaching redundancy here. The above picture confirms my same gender attraction (gay rainbow flag) and my body and clothes freedom nature (naturist/nudist). It’s also a photo that my spouse, Aaron, (photo below) took of me several years ago before the Progress rainbow flag was adopted. Also, Aaron and I were legally married in 2015. And yes, we are both committed bare practitioners.
My spouse, Aaron!
Another aspect to share is that I am a very amateur photographer. Although I enjoy using a camera and personally captured the above of Aaron, my skills in this art are, at best, non-existent. Usually, I decapitate my subject – photo-wise only!
Kory Mitchell, tats and underarm fur!
I freely acknowledge my maschalagnia! The more than 700+ post entries here are evidence of this fact as is the picture of my spouse shared previously. While we’re on the subject of body hair and nakedness, here is a quote from my beloved:
“Body hair and nakedness are compatible and natural. They compliment one another; like a rose blooming an a bush.” ~ Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos ~ March 28, 2022
“I love you” International Sign Language and body art!
I was born profoundly Deaf. My identical twin brother and I attended Deaf schools our entire lives. Aaron learned American Sign Language (ASL) because of a Deaf cousin (before we met). His proficiency in that skill has expanded since we’ve been together and he is now fluent (manually) in Greek Sign Language (my first language). This situation has introduced us both into increased advocacy and awareness for equality for all persons with differing abilities (disabilities). Physical, emotional and mental challenges are no reason to deny anyone equality or human rights.
Interracial bromance!
As an interracial couple – in particular, a bare practitioner interracial couple – we have experienced first-hand and personally the discrepancies in behaviour and reactions that others have endured. Likewise, we have also had very courteous treatment where it was least expected. Not just here, but also abroad (overseas).
The USA most definitely needs to seriously adjust and improve the treatment it offers the communities of people with differing abilities. If one espouses equality then one should practice equality. Simple “lip-service” to a concept or ideal in no way combats bigotry and prejudice.
A textile minority!
As advocates and proponents of bare practitioners and equality, we both, Aaron and myself, accept and acknowledge that there are persons who, for whatever the reason, are genuinely unclear and uncomfortable with a unique situation – especially one that puts them in the minority status, be it race, same gender love, nudity, differing ability, communication, equality, heritage, etc. Whatever the insecurity, it causes an anxious response. In this environment, patience, tolerance and understanding help to reduce anxiety and calm the involvement. Discomfort is a natural reaction that produces anger, distrust and resentment.
Happiness!
Sharing happiness is one of my personal Spring resolutions, 2023! One of the available tools is through ReNude Pride. Thank you all for providing me this opportunity!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, April 7, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Environment!”
The arrival of the Spring season is usually noted as a time of rebirth, renewal and hope. Our world opens up, gradually, as nature returns and the barren, cold and drab days of winter slowly begin to disappear. Growth and foliage are restored to our environment.
For those of us who are loyal bare practitioners, excitement accompanies this transition from one season into the next. Why all the anxious energy? Anticipation! A return to our home, our essence – and our nakedness in our natural world!
I know at this point some people are rolling their eyes, shaking their heads and thinking, “What the hell is his problem?” Seasons change. True. It happens annually. True. Why all the excitement? Anticipation!
Let us face reality. Some people become eager at Christmas. Some for weddings. The same is true for graduations. For births. For retirement. For the arrival of yet another weekend away from the job.
For those of us who are bare practitioners (gentle reminder: same gender loving naturists/nudists), our eagerness is the return of Spring and our return – clothes free, of course – to nature! Anticipation! Our excitement is based on the fact that we view nature as part of our bare existence: our home. This phenomena becomes our homecoming!
Spring stripper!
The 19th Century American author, poet, essayist, journalist and humanist Walt Whitman (May 31, 1819 – March 26, 1892) was an advocate for both nature and clothes freedom during his lifetime. Below is a sampling of his thoughts entitled: “ASun-bathed Nakedness.”
“Never before did I get so close to Nature; never before did she come so close to me…Nature was naked, and I was also…Sweet, sane, still Nakedness in Nature! – ah if poor, sick, prurient humanity in cities might really know you once more! Is not nakedness indecent? No, not inherently. It is your thought, your sophistication, your fear, your respectability, that is indecent. There come moods when these clothes of ours are not only too irksome to wear, but are themselves indecent.”
Given the title and theme of his work, Whitman leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind on his observations regarding nature and nudity. Both my spouse, Aaron, and I agree with his opinions – to a certain extent. Our dissention is based on his generalizations about urban (city dwellers) feelings about nudity.
Even though his observations are from an earlier era and ours are on a more contemporary basis and the variations in language usage, the reality is that persons, regardless of where they live, usually have similar reactions to nudity. Aaron and I live in an urban environment (Arlington, Virginia – less than five miles south of Washington, D.C.) and despite the congestion, we were able to get bare together in an expansive neighborhood public park. The first picture above confirms this.
A park trails entrance!
The above photograph supports our position on urban bare practitioners. Just as in our own personal experiences, Aaron and I are most definitely not the only two in our neighborhood who consider natural social nudity as “indecent.” We may be a minority, but we are absolutely not alone!
Be fore we condemn through assumptions and stereotypes, we should all take a moment and carefully consider every alternative. Certainly, not all of Walt Whitman’s neighbors endorsed his philosophy on the compatibility of nature and nakedness!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Wednesday, March 29, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Your Buttocks = Historic Artifact!” (reprint)
The examination and exploration of the topic of “race” extends beyond the limited concepts of Black people and White people. It includes all of us, no matter our skin tone. Race, unfortunately, is also aligned with culture, religion and value systems. For this reason, among others, ReNude Pride does not restrict the issue exclusively to the period within Black History Month.
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“Race Cooper” is the stage name (professional name) of Joseph Ross Anderson, who was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on December 5, 1973. Amazing, he didn’t initiate his “mid-life” crisis into gay pornography until 2009 when he was 36 years old – an age when most same gender loving men retire from acting and posing. In the same year that he began his film career, he also began publishing his own blog on blogspot.com and soon acquired notoriety in both worlds as a “man-who-tells-it-all!”
“Racism takes many forms and our thoughts on racism and sex need to change.” ~ Race Cooper ~ June 10, 2020
Race started his blog in late 2009, and when I discovered the site in 2010, he had already become famous not only as a gay actor but also as the man who often opened the public’s eyes to what happens to men behind the camera! He frequently published copies of letters he received from studio executives complaining of his public disclosure of actions “behind the scenes!”
Race Cooper, “bottoms-up!”
Like my spouse, Aaron, Race grew up in Canada and is baffled at the differences in racism between Canada and the USA. Many people are unaware that slavery existed in both places during the colonial times. Slavery never achieved the institutional status that it enjoyed in the USA south. Canada, being further north, could not grow the cotton, sugar and other products that accompanied slavery. Also, the violent revolutionary war brought an end to British rule in the USA but Canada evolved to the confederation of a dominion under the British crown. Parliament banned slavery within the British Empire in 1833. The civil war ended slavery in the USA in 1865.
In his perspective, Race Cooper based on his own experience in the gay porn industry, views racism as “a daily constant in the USA.” He began working as a casting director for the same gender loving studio = Raging Stallion – before he moved to performing in front of the camera in 2009. He acknowledges that he was paid considerably less than his White peers and regularly and repeatedly had his work ethic and intelligence questioned. He honestly believes that he was only hired initially in order for the studio to appear “less racist.”
Race was interviewed by The Pink News, a same gender loving – GLBTQ+ – news service in London, England, United Kingdom. He was a presenter at a Commonwealth Conference on GLBTQ+ Persons happening there. The Pink News Service wanted his views on racial inequality in the bisexual and gay pornography profession in light of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. He also wants the porn studios to openly admit that many White men (straight) have been cast into roles catering to same gender loving audiences instead of actual Black gay men.
As a path forward, he’d like to see studios, pornography or otherwise, hire “diversity mentors” to help with casting and hopefully these mentors could help advance the careers of actors of colour. He also advocates the ending of “gay-for-pay” performers and an end to the shunning of HIV+ actors.
Racism in the USA is the reasoning for discrimination and prejudice. It is a direct part of the legacy of the legal institution of slavery. In Canada, race is quite simply a difference. For example, you shave your pubic hair, I let mine grow naturally. We’re both gay men, we’re just different in some ways.
Race Cooper: tunnel!
Canada had slavery in the early years; it just wasn’t a permanent status like in the USA. You were bought, you worked a couple of years and earned your freedom and then you were neighbors and moved on. No one was ever subservient for their entire lives.
“As a Black gay man, I know and have witnessed bias, hatred and prejudice because of race and sexual orientation. It is unfair and unjust. It is wrong. As a performer in the porn industry, I’ve never been criticized for being publicly nude. But I do know of fellow nudists who are judged because of their being naked. Our nakedness is part of who we are. Like race and sexuality, we don’t have a choice.”~ Race Cooper ~ June 10, 2020
In the conclusion of his interview, Race Cooper offered – in my own humble opinion – his most daring and profound argument against bigotry, discrimination and judgment based not only on race, sexual orientation but on nakedness as well. This statement was made own his own initiative and observation when asked if he had any additional thoughts to add.
Addendum: The interviewer added this notation to their article with The Pink News. Race Cooper had given this in addition to the regular questioning. When appearing at a bisexual and gay men’s event at the Raging Stallion’s studio, he excused himself and removed all of his clothing. He then returned to the gathering. Silence took over before the few other Black performers started stripping off their clothing, too. The White men present, both bisexual, gay or straight, simply sat there, staring, their mouths hanging open.
Race, upon being asked why he was naked, replied: We’re all paid to perform nude. Why not socialize nude, too?
Proof positive that Joseph Ross Anderson (Race Cooper) is – heart and soul – a brother bare practitioner and all of us welcome him and embrace his inclusiveness in our community and in our culture. True equality is a basic human right for everyone of us!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, March 10, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “DST Is Back!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 