In preparation of the upcoming Halloween observance (31 October, annually) a look at suggestions to retain our bare practitioner identity and still appear a part of the Halloween social custom.The Halloween season provides an opportunity for costumed social gatherings and this upcoming weekend, which is the final weekend before the occasion happens is time for many to host their own costumed events!
Halloween is traditionally a time for costume wearing and fun. Nonsensical spirited occasion that emerged as the general population sought a means to escape the western churches custom of honouring the deceased on All Soul’s Day and All Saint’s Day – the goodness of humanity and the sacredness of human life. The costume culture grew in popularity as persons sought ways to anonymously express themselves in a way that originally would keep them free from reproach.
This soon became associated with both horror and humour as well as frightening others into avoiding evil actions by the offering of treats (candies) to “save” their souls (well-being). It is now an obsession in many communities as participants vie to represent terror and life-threatening instances that often reflect crime and tortuous enterprising instead of humour, fantasy and fun!
The elaborate costuming now offers another fashion trend that encourages revelers to continue to conceal or to “cover-up” their bodies beneath these extravagant costumes. Many argue that this presents an ideal situation for bare practitioners to celebrate being themselves by hiding their nakedness and joining in the frivolous fun of adorning ourselves with the fabulous costumes!
Since a majority of us of the body and clothes freedom community must comply with “dress” (clothes wearing) codes on a daily basis for legal and professional compliance, the use of a costume – especially in a social engagement – is a most inconvenient and restrictive reminder of our repetitive surrender of our joy of our nakedness. Conformity too often is oppression magnified and extremely frustrating!
My spouse, Aaron, and I offer this post entry here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! in an effort to enlighten the Halloween enthusiasts among our bare practitioner community and culture these alternative options and possibilities for their horrific and specific pleasure. The trio of “the wild man” (cave man) clubber offered in the introduction of this posting involves the body painting of our nudity without concealing or disguising our pride and pleasure in our nakedness.
We’re employing colour and imagination in addition to enjoying, promoting and relaxing in our nakedness! A live testimony to our creativity and to our social nature! Using these depictions as an example, we encourage all to mimic (copy) this scenario or to improvise with a more personal favourite! The body painting featured here requires the material body paint but does not require intense artistic skill!
Another idea is the utilization of body paint in the designing of a message that proclaims our confidence in our bare practitioner status and our natural (naked) state-of-being! Announcing our enthusiasm and joy in our public display of our body and of ourselves! Simply: us being us! Join with us in our clothes freedom! Join with us and receive your due reward: a kiss!
While the body paint remains available, we can focus attention on our natural freedom and commemorate our natural (anatomical) ability to flaunt our disregard for conformity and a restrictive society! We can embrace our origin! We all entered this world without guilt or shame, why should we even be bothered by any false sense of embarrassment now?
The plentiful supply of body paint during this Halloween time of the year allows us to decorate ourselves with the colours of our rainbow heritage and incorporate not only our comfort in our nakedness but our pride in our same gender loving (SGL) character as well!
As authentic bare practitioners, we are equally comprised of the benefits of our clothes freedom and our sexuality heritages!
Essentially, we’re all qualified as Guys Without Boxers! no matter what style of underwear we prefer – or if we wear any at all! Our contentment, happiness and satisfaction is exemplified in our basic celebration of us being ourselves: nakedness and same gender loving!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Original!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 26, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Pumpkin Party!”
Continuing our examination of the USA observance as October being GLBTQ+ history month. This post entry introduces the various visual banners that have and currently are symbolic of the growth of our movement for civil rights and equality not only within the USA but also throughout the world.
The Lambda:
The graphic flag represented above is the Greek letter “lambda.” This designation as representative of the rapidly emerging gay rights movement was determined by Tom Doerr, a professional graphic artist and one of the founding members of the hastily assembled Gay Activists Alliance (GAA). Doerr chose this symbol because in chemistry, it was a sign for “catalyst.”
Other GAA members argue that Doerr selected the lambda because it symbolized a complete exchange of energy – synergy – the idea that the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts. In December 1969, when the lambda was adopted, it was less than six months following the Stonewall Inn riots (SIR), the birth of the modern gay liberation movement.
In 1974, the lambda was officially adopted by the International Gay Rights Congress at their meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. It immediately became the symbol for gay and lesbian civil rights throughout the world. Unfortunately, a large number of persons interpreted the lambda as applicable to males only.
The Pink Triangle:
The pink triangle flag is a reclaimed (renewed, renude) GLBTQ+ symbol. It was originally used in National Socialist (Nazi) concentration camps – under the Third Reich (Adolph Hitler) – to identify inferior “homosexual” men. Over time, it evolved into the representation of contempt, oppression, and persecution. Lesbians were labelled as “asocial” and identified with a solid black triangle.
In the 1970s, GLBTQ+ activists resurrected the pink triangle on a black field (background) as a positive image of self-identity and a protest of homophobia. This resurrection was largely accepted throughout the world.
At the end of World War II, many of the men imprisoned for homosexuality by the Nazis were kept in prisons instead of concentration camps and re-incarcerated by the Western Allies. This was due to the fact that Nazi laws banning homosexuality were not repealed until 1968.
Rudolf Brazda, the last known concentration camp survivors interred because of homosexuality, died on 3 August 2011, at the age of 98.
In 2002, the government of Germany finally issued official pardons to all gay men who were convicted by the Nazis. Later that same year, an apology was reluctantly issued publicly to all gay men who were imprisoned by the Nazis. The belated reasoning was justified because the government was unable to apologize for an act that was actually illegal.
The Rainbow Flag:
The Rainbow Flag and author!
The Rainbow Flag representing the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + (GLBTQ+) communities and cultures was first publicly raised on 25 June 1978 in San Francisco, California, USA, in the United Nations Plaza in honour of gay pride at the 1978 San Francisco Freedom Day parade. The original flag consisted of eight coloured stripes was designed by Gilbert Baker and hand-stitched and dyed with the help of volunteers and friends Lynn Segerblum, James McNamara, Glenne McElhinny, Joe Duran and Paul Langlotz.
The eight stripes original was soon revised to six stripes with pink (symbolizing “sex”) and turquoise (for “art” and “magic”) eliminated as the colours weren’t available in flag fabric. Baker conceived the flag would empower his “tribe” and that a “rainbow of humanity” motif would represent the movement’s diversity.
The Rainbow Flag revised design was welcome globally and rapidly became accepted as a GLBTQ+ icon.
A Rainbow Flag with two joined male genetic emblems!
The Progress Rainbow Flag:
The Progress Pride Flag, University of Nottingham!
The Progress Pride Flag was developed by non-binary artist and designer Daniel Quasar in 2018. Based on Gilbert Baker’s 1978 Rainbow flag, Quasar’s redesign celebrates the diversity of the GLBTQ+ community and culture and encourages a more inclusive community and cultural acceptance and manifestation. The Progress Pride version has increased the representation of discriminated minority identities covered by the GLBTQ+ umbrella.
The Progress Pride Flag!transgender and
Quasar’s creation adds black and brown stripes (representing peoples of colour) and light blue, pink and white stripes (representing transgender and non-binary persons) in the shape of an arrow on the left of original Rainbow Flag field. In Daniel Quasar’s own words “…the arrow points to the right to show forward movement and illustrates that progress towards inclusivity still needs to be made.”
The black stripe has a double meaning. In addition to persons who are Black, it is also intended for “those who are living with HIV/AIDS and the prejudice and stigma surrounding them and those who have been lost to the disease.”
The Progress Pride flag was an immediate success. On the evening of 6 June 2018, Quasar posted the design on social media and woke up the next day to find that it had gone viral.
GLBTQ+ safe space!
The above logo, a pink triangle surrounded by a green circle or displayed within a green field represents a “safe space” or comfort zone for GLBTQ+ persons. This visual image delivers an inclusive message and representation for a variety of individuals. This designation offers a nonjudgmental environment and welcoming atmosphere to all.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
The Original!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 23, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Prevention Proposals!”
Our Bad!
Jogging by myself lacks companionship but reduces chances of disease transmission!
For the remainder of this month, October, there will be some minor variations in the publishing schedule here at ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! This is due to the additional professional responsibilities that I have been assigned and a professional conference that I must attend – I am actually presenting a workshop for attendees that lasts three days. Actually, that conference is in November, so please be attentive to the upcoming publication announcements at the conclusion of each post entry!
What is today?
Columbus Day:
Legislation to create Columbus Day as a federal holiday was signed by then-president Lyndon Baines Johnson on 28 June 1968, to be effective beginning in 1971. It became part of the Monday holiday observance and is now traditionally the second Monday in October. As a federal holiday, it is observed by the USA government but it is not binding in all states.
The honouring of the holiday is declining throughout the country and is rapidly being replaced by IndigenousPeople’s Day. This commemoration pays tribute to the original people living here and who have no recognition for the hardships and suffering they endured once the Europeans began immigration here.
Many municipalities have begun dismantling statues erected of Columbus. For years he was credited with “discovering” when actually he merely landed here after the Vikings had visited and settled here centuries earlier.
Happy Indigenous People’s Day!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Original!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, October 15, 2026, and the Proposed topic is: “Spirit Day, 2026!”
This observance was originally designed to encourage all to confidently, honestly, openly and proudly acknowledge their sexuality (sexual orientation)!
Recently, some bare practitioners have adopted elements of this strategy for urging all to acknowledge their affinity for nakedness!
It really makes little or no difference the reasoning for our “coming out!” What is important is the message that we share with others. We are accepting and are comfortable with being the person that we truly are regardless of what we may or may not be wearing or who we really are attracted to or love.
National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + (GLBTQ+) awareness day in support of all persons being honestly, openly and publicly what and who they really are without any embarrassment, fear, guilt and/or shame!
The original concept of National Coming Out Day was to make the personal identity a very political identity! The emphasis being that the basic form of activism as everyone “coming out” (acknowledging) their sexual orientation to family, friends and colleagues and living life as a confident bisexual, gay or lesbian person.
The term “coming out” references that for generations the GLBTQ+ community has lived “in the closet” (secretly) in order to avoid arrest and punishment (or worse). “Coming out” meant going public, tearing open the proverbial closet door!
Remember: closets are for clothes, only!
The fact that homophobia (fear of same gender loving persons) thrives in an atmosphere of distrust, fear, ignorance, and silence encourages separation between “us” and “them.” Once people learned that they have loved ones and friends who are GLBTQ+ they are less likely and less willing to remain associated with persons who are homophobic and/or have repressive inclinations. Instead, they become more accepting, tolerant and understanding.
Why the 11 October date?
The first observance of National Coming Out Day was the actual first anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights. It was the first-ever massive gathering of bisexual, gay, and lesbian people in the nation’s capital!
The date also marked the first public display of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt – in its entirety! This display took place on the National Mall between the U.S. Capital and the White House.
First NCOD Logo designed by Keith Haring!
Keith Haring
4 May 1958 – 16 February 1990
Keith Haring was an American graffiti artist who designed the classic icon for the very first National Coming Out Day (above). His pop art emerged in New York City subculture in the 1980s. Haring was openly gay and a frequent message in his early art was safe sex. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1984 and with AIDS in the autumn of 1988. During the last years of his life he used his art to generate activism and awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Remember to Remind!
For those of us who have already boldly and with courage identified ourselves as GLBTQ+ community and culture, today, as National Coming Out Day is a prime opportunity for us all to publicly renew (renude) our identity. We can remind others of our comfort and satisfaction in being ourselves within the community and culture to which we belong. Wave a rainbow banner, wear a GLBTQ+ T-shirt and/or support a GLBTQ+ business. Our day to confidently show our affiliation!
If our nakedness is an equal component of what and who we are, we can body paint or otherwise adorn our skin with exposing our confidence and pride in our uniqueness! Our celebration has no hesitation and no limits!
As for advocating for us all to “come out” in our nakedness, nothing surpasses our being bare – without clothes! Our state of body and clothes freedom proclaims itself without any language or words necessary! Likewise, the theme, “closets are for clothes” is both applicable and appropriate in promoting nudity as it is in announcing our GLBTQ+ identity!
As bare practitioners, we have a distinct advantage in bestowing equality to our coming out observance. Appearing in our nakedness with our GLBTQ+ identity body painted, written or otherwise publicly visible leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind as to how or where we owe our affinity and/or allegience!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 12, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Variances!”
Splashman!
Splashing his dual identity for us all to celebrate!
“Body hair and nakedness are compatible and natural. They compliment one another; like a rose blooming on a bush.” ~ Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos ~ 28 March 2022
Me, asleep! June, 2013
As the often awful subject of body hair was a part of the recent posting of Bare Celebrity Series #11: Brazilian Foreplay here, I wanted to include my feelings on our all natural growth. As for me (above), my body hair is very limited: basically my armpits, my genital region and of course, my head. Aside from that, I’m naturally smooth skin.
So, when I am skinny-dipping (swimming naked), it really is mostly all skin that gets dipped!
As a mature, professional man (hospital nursing supervisor), I know that whatever amount of natural body hair that I have doesn’t automatically make me into a responsible man. Yet it does help to send the message that I am aware of impressions and that I’m not some foolish wannabe (want-to-be) who is afraid to “man-up” (be a man)! Besides, when I am working, I wear clothes (uniform) and my armpits and genitals aren’t visible!
“Bare is a true gauge of equality. The significant discrepancy being some have more body hair than others.” ~ Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos ~ 1 June 2020
My accepting my natural state-of-being (body hair) I use as a statement of my being a decent man who tries his best to do what is expected, needed and right.
“Body hair adds dignity and integrity to our nudity.” ~ Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos ~ 1 June 2020
I don’t try to avoid, hide or to be invisible. I know what is required and I do what I can best do to succeed.
I try to set an example. I am happiest in my nakedness and I want others to see and understand that. I am a natural man with my hairy armpits and my hairy penis. I just try to keep it simple and real!
If I grow it, then I am confident and proud to show it! My nakedness makes that happen!
“Body hair – a little or a lot – is part of being manly. Like our armpits, nipples, penis and testicles, it is what combined makes us the what and who we are. Bisexual or gay, we know what is good for us!” ~ Sean Xavier ~ bare practitioner and gay celebrity Spring, 2009
Sean Xavier (birth name: Kyle Overton)!
Naked hugs!
Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Original!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! September, 2026!”
11 September is not a national holiday. It was declared Patriot Day in honour of those sacrificed in the attacks on the World Trade Center and The Pentagon.
This posting is commemorating the 25th Anniversary of this tragedy. Originally, plans were to share my own thoughts and emotions surrounding this event. However, reading over my notes, despite the amount of time, the experience remains too catastrophic to post here. I was not impacted by the actual crashing, but rather by coping with the chaos and confusion that happened as a result of the disaster.
This post entry here is offered in memory of and a tribute to all those who have suffered and/or perished.
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Original!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 14, 2026, and the proposed topic is TBA: to-be-announced.
An ideal way to approach a less-than-ideal time of the month: the ending of the last full month of the 2026 summer season! The serious expression on our subject’s face (above) allows us to surmise that he is of a similar opinion! Many of us are reluctant to witness the end of the season!
Nudescape view #2!
An almost identical facial message from our second nudescape poser reinforces the belief that both are dedicated bare practitioners! Evidently, nudescaping and nakedness are extremely compatible and enjoyed by many! Apparently, we are in a very relaxed and friendly crowd! What other type of audience would frequent a clothing optional beach?
Together!
It is extremely doubtful that we would find many beach clothes wearing persons on these clothing optional shores, especially during this time of year, the final days of the summer season! Why go somewhere that restricts your freedom to be yourself? Our days of outside clothes free are winding away, soon the autumn chill will be upon us. We deserve every moment of natural nakedness that we can have!
Phoenix Fellington, our unofficial official spokes-model!
As our very own Phoenix Fellington demonstrates above, skinny-dipping and/or naked swimming as well as certain clothing optional or mandatory nude beaches aren’t the only locations that promote “nudescaping” (bare landscaping). His public picnic table in a park setting provide us an excellent view of himself and his environment! It is also a very subtle way to invite us all to his very public picnic!
Bromantic nudescape!
Of course, a same gender loving (SGL) couple demonstrate the true nudescape dimension of our bromance and of our nakedness! Fortunately for us, neither our nakedness nor our bromance is restricted to just our summer season. At other times throughout the year, we can move inside until summer, once again, appears in our lives!
Here’s to wishing everyone the best that nakedness has to offer us all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Original!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Sunday, August 30, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “A Penny For My Thoughts!”
Our Bad!
A rush to join in the Penny For My Thoughts line to read!
Erectile phobia/erection phobia are colloquial common terms for any man – no matter his sexual preference – who allows his fear (phobia) of possibly having an erection (arousal) in public to actually prevent him from experiencing social nudity or, more appropriately, engaging as a bare practitioner. This fear is not based on sexual attraction. The most unfortunate aspect of this situation is that there is an an equal possibility that the same man will not have a public erection and therefore he is allowing his phobia to deny him the camaraderie and joys of communal nakedness. Arousals (erections) are not always available so none of us are immune from this happening. Most of us are realists and refuse to let the possibility deter and prevent our enjoyment.
Our nakedness is optional for all of us. It is an individual decision that we are afforded throughout our lifetime and we are free to determine when and where we engage in the activity. Our personal preference for public nudity/social nudity can and does change and vary according to situation, friends, family and other social determinants.
A posed image!
Background:
There are two official terms used to label the fear of seeing, thinking about and/or having a public erection. The first of these is ithyphallophobia. “Ithy” is taken from the ancient Greek word for straight and “phallo” is the same for penis. Thus, a “straight penis” or erection. The use of the word straight refers to direction rather than the colloquial for sexual preference.
The second of these is medorthophobia which is also identified as the fear of seeing, thinking or having a public erection. These terms are applicable to both genders although in the female category there is no fear of actually having a public erection.
Erections, or arousals, are a natural male response to sexual stimulation, imagined or real. It is perfectly healthy and normal with absolutely no reason for any feeling of shame. The enlargement of the man’s penis can and does happen when we are alone or in a group setting (social nudity). There are always those occasional awkward moments when a man’s penis really does have a “mind of its own” and reacts accordingly.
Spontaneous moment!
Practically every male who has survived puberty is aware that often we have minimal or no control over when and where our erections occur. It simply happens, regardless of the environment and/or situation. Without warning it grows and continues to do so until we’re miserable and ready to die of embarrassment and shame. What’s important to remember here is that none of us ever died from having a spontaneous (unplanned) erection.
Unfortunately, EP (erectile phobia) – ithyphallophobia, medorthophobia – inhibits and prevents some men (no matter their sexual attraction) from enjoying and participating in clothes free (naturist/nudist) activities. They are afraid of humiliation in the presence of their family, friends and peers. This is by no means an exclusive “queer fear!”
Unbothered by an emerging erection!
Aaron, my spouse, and I offer this post entry here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! as a resource to calm and help erase the anxieties and guilt that some men have with involuntary public erections. All of us deserve the freedom to experience life without the burden of a penile surprise!
Introduction:
We’ll start with attempting to dispel a few commonly believed myths surrounding public erections. These are misconceptions that frequently hinder the exploration of the bare practitioner life by those who are curious or tempted. Next, we’ll offer suggestions on coping should an unintentional penis enlargement occur.
It is important to remind everyone that erections are naturally spontaneous.
Myths/Misconceptions:
Everyone will automatically know that I’m an inexperienced social nudist.
This is a false premise. It is true that those who are “newbie nude” or unfamiliar with communal nakedness are possibly prone to public arousals, this is not an absolute. Veteran or experienced social nudists get erections, too! It happens to all of us. Regardless of the man, erections appear naturally and randomly. They don’t discriminate based on the number of times an individual has been communally bare.
If I get an erection around a group of naked men, everyone will know that I’m bisexual or gay.
News flash: heterosexual (opposite gender attraction) men get erections in public, also! Whether or nor they are in the company of women! An arousal, once a guy is past his early adolescent years, is generally caused by an increase in blood flow and/or by excitement, not necessarily because he is physically attracted to someone in close proximity. Practically all men will grow erect regardless of what gender they determine attractive.
People will think that I’m an exhibitionist or trolling for sex.
First of all, one of the very last places for an exhibitionist to visit is a socially nude environment. Exhibitionists are excited about exposing themselves and people’s reaction to their behaviour. A communal nudist event or location, practically everyone is clothes free. Exhibitionists would blend with the crowd and be practically invisible. Thus, there is no reward (thrill) for them.
If they are so bold as to masturbate in public, they are ignored, shunned, and soon escorted off the property (and informed never to return)!
Secondly, almost every social nudist is aware of erectile spontaneity and simply choose to ignore the condition. In a predominantly same gender loving (SGL) environment, we have all been there, had a public erection or two and understand (sympathize).
Everybody will laugh at me or worse.
This is simply not true, mainly for the reasons posed above. Most experienced naturists/nudists are sympathetic to this situation and too polite to call attention to a man with an erection. Unless the person is behaving in an offensive or provocative manner, few will give the arousal a second thought. There are no “erection control police” to embarrass or punish a man for being normal.
I’ll be humiliated!
If an erection does happen and understand that the key word here is “if,” this may be true. Remember that the discomfort will last only as long as the erection does. This is usually a few minutes. Once it returns to normal, enjoy the company of others who are around you. Relax and appreciate the freedom of having fun, naturally!
With the recent arrival of summer and the accompanying increase of bare or clothing optional social events (barbecues, cookouts, cocktail parties, sports opportunities, etc.) this post is offered as a resource to calm and erase the anxieties that some of us may have with visible erections. Everyone – bisexual, gay or otherwise – deserves the privilege to experience the season bare and without the concern of a spontaneous “surprise!”
Suggested solutions:
There are some options if a man begins to feel the onset of an arousal of his penis. Listed below are a few alternative actions that we’ve used or friends have recommended when in this predicament. Keep in mind that these are personal strategies and not from any official document or guide (I doubt that one exists). Remember, what may work well for one person may not be as successful for another.
If lying on a towel or a chaise lounge, simply roll over onto your stomach until the penis subsides (calms).
Common sense, right? “Out-of-sight, out-of-mind.” The penis is removed from public view.
A quick dive into the water and a brisk swim usually conceal an erection and the physical exertion relaxes the penis.
It also helps to take our mind off the situation and to focus our thoughts elsewhere. The swimming activity releases some of the energy retained.
If standing, either physically turn away (if possible, without being rude) or focus on maintaining eye contact directly with those around you. Concentrate on the dialogue and not the erection. Continue to interact as though nothing is amiss.
If this is done when you first notice your penis becoming aroused, it generally prevents a full erection. If the erection is underway, continue to focus on the group activity.
If you become aroused during a sports game (one-on-one or a team) or during a social game (charades, board game, cards) remain focused on the activity and not the physical reaction.
Becoming more involved in the activity often decreases the genital reaction, especially if movement is possible. Sometimes, using the hands or a game accessory to block visibility is also beneficial. Keep in mind that more probably, the attention is focused on the activity/game and not the physical reaction of one player.
If this happens during a meal, there is a convenience available known as a napkin. Use it to cover your lap while savouring the company and the food.
Just knowing that you’re no longer publicly exposed usually relaxes the penis. A meal generally involves an extended period of time so there is no pressure to discard the napkin.
If appropriate, use self-deprecating humour. Laughter shared with friends changes the mood and helps eliminate any tensions. Seeing the humour often dissipates the problem (erection).
Remember the proverb: “Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.”
If all else fails, mentally envision the opposite of the situation. Picture castration or the affliction of a penile dysfunction. Those thoughts alone may quickly erase any unexpected and unwelcome natural urge.
Photographers get erections, too!
Familiarity with both nakedness and photography does not create immunity to physical responses to bare imaging. Photographers – both amateur and professional – get spontaneous erections, too! There is no guaranteed exemption from this natural occurrence, it afflicts us all!
Recognizing erectile phobia (ithyphallophobia, medorthophobia) for what it is, understanding that it is both natural and normal and knowing that others are sympathetic hopefully will reduce any concerns or issues about participating in social nudity. Sometimes, just realizing that there is a name for a particular problem helps to ease anxiety.
The above suggested solutions if (that word, “if” again) an arousal or erection does occur hopefully provide possible strategies to use in the situation. Occasionally, knowing there is a “back-up” (alternate) plan (or several) eliminates the need for intensive preparation.
Any bare practitioner acquaintances or friends to discuss or explore these concerns with are excellent resources and potential allies. They may offer better suggestions for effective and helpful ideas than the ones offered by Aaron and I above!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Original!
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, August 28, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “August Nudescapes!”
The very first time that Aaron, my spouse, and I ever saw one another, we were both bare and comfortable, relaxed and at a social event along a river where skinny dipping (naked swimming) was encouraged! A “home-away-from-home” situation that would attest to our bare practitioner nature!
A park setting along a riverfront, not a beach as offered above. Yet, nakedness and socialization were on the agenda for that event and we were both in compliance before we even met! To be honest, we were both amenable to the theme of the gathering for most of our lives!
We never knew one another prior to our meeting in late May, 2010. However, we shared an appreciation and joy in being bare long before acknowledging and understanding our same gender loving (SGL) preference. In my case, Alex, my identical twin and I were engaged in being clothes free when our parents began to try to teach us how to actually dress in garments!
Our same gender attraction was recognized at the development of puberty. For Twin (Alex) and I, it was almost the same time. We simply discussed our “feelings” one day and that was our acceptance of the matter. We had a few discussions with acquaintances on the subject and then our oldest brother (gay) broached the topic and the rest we learned through skinny-dipping at a local riverside park.
When Aaron and I first encountered one another, I immediately indicated to him in the use of my hands that I’m Deaf. He responded instantly in American Sign Language (ASL) asking if I was fluent in ASL and what was my name. Fortunately, we both understood manual communication became an “unofficial” item from that moment on!
Actually, we sat on some large rocks riverside and became acquainted for almost two hours before we even thought about joining others in the water! For us, skinny-dipping wasn’t the priority anymore as we learned more about one another and our experiences in the gay and nudist communities and also the Deaf community.
Funny how we always remember the good points of our relationships – why we stayed with one another and gave almost no attention to others at the social gathering. We were both interested in learning as much as possible about our pasts, due in part because the more we shared, we became aware of many more common factors and similarities!
One of the last aspects that we passed along to one another was our mutual fondness for skinny-dipping (swimming nude). That was the theme for this social activity so we probably just assumed that was why we were there.
Of course, it was one of the many “key points” of our initial and fast-growing relationship with one another. Growing up, we both enjoyed the forbidden activity of swimming naked – long before we even learned the meaning of the term: skinny-dipping. Equally as long as we learned of the actual existence of one another. Perhaps this proves true the adage: “the best things in life are worth waiting for.”
Our eight days in Greece provided us with time to indulge in our shared aquatic excursion – especially as my family home is on an island. Plenty of secluded spaces to engage ourselves in some very bare fun! My mother does enjoy her daily afternoon “naps!”
So now, eleven years after marriage, we continue to enjoy swimming nude/skinny-dipping with one another. Even on an island, in a sea, far, far away!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Original!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 24, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Erectile Phobia!”
Strippers!
Skinny-dipping is much easier and more fun when done nude!
A body and clothes freedom day near the end of the month of July. Because of the warmth of the season, it is also an ideal time of the year for swimming naked – skinny-dipping! Of course, few of us bare practitioners need temperature and weather conditions to determine our aquatic attire (if any)! The majority of us automatically adhere to the “without” option regardless of environmental conditions!
My spouse, Aaron, and I are avid and enthusiastic skinny-dippers no matter what the weather situation may be. Swimming naked involves getting wet, so the rain is no problem as water is already delivering wetness! A little more or a little less makes no difference to us!
Our preference is to skinny-dip, as often as possible together or in the company of other bare practitioner couples. There is one new trend that we’re noticing more often now, a combination of “mixed-couples” (one skinny-dipping and the other clothed). Perhaps the adage is true: opposites attract!
Aaron wonders how they cope with socially nude situations. Is one bare and one fully dressed, or do they seek a compromise, both half-dressed? It potentially poses somewhat of a dilemma, but does anyone keep a scorecard? Now that my curiosity is aroused I admit to wanting to know the results!
At functions and gatherings where clothing is optional, a mixed-couple would not offer any type of conflict or confusion. They would blend with any other variation of the assorted guests. In situations where a strict bare or clothed policy exists, the issue surfaces. Compliance with the rule likely ensures that at least one of the partners will be offended, uncomfortable and probably unwelcome.
A strictly “stay-at-home” couple does not a very happy couple create! Explore options and proceed with caution!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Original!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, July 30, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “A Penny For My Thoughts!”
