Category: relationships

Making Memories #1!

Memory maker!

A salute to all bare practitioner photographers everywhere!

As we enter into the final half of the month of August, 2022, it is appropriate to acknowledge all of those of us who help the rest of us recall and ponder the wonderful events and friends that have made our lives so much fun! Thank you for enabling the cold and frigid days of the winter to become somewhat enjoyable and filled with fun and laughter and photographs of our bare times together!

Forward Notation:

I apologize for the confusion here. Last Friday I published today’s post entry as “Is Pride Necessary.” I had completely forgotten about today’s post entry as being already scheduled. “Is Pride Necessary” will publish this upcoming Friday, August 26, 2022, and once again, I regret the confusion on my part!

Natural photographer in nature!

I especially want to commend my spouse, Aaron, for all of his work with his camera in capturing the images of myself and our families and friends. They may not all be bare practitioners with the both of us, but they do liven up our photo albums at home! Aaron will author a post one week from today dealing with posing clothes free and creating a bare practitioner photo album.

Indoor photographer!

For the bare practitioner community, there is no mandate or rule that our photographers must be just as bare as we are. However, it is a common courtesy that in order to make everyone comfortable and relaxed, a naked camera operator is a welcome addition to any gathering. Her/his presence with a camera and without clothing encourages everyone to concentrate on the company and the purpose – taking pictures, posing and having a good time!

Ready to shoot: bare with camera!

Creating photographs and images while totally naked eliminates the distinction between the photographer (camera operator) and those being photographed (posers, subjects). All of a sudden, removing all clothing, everyone becomes equal and relaxed. A separation (clothing versus nakedness) is eradicated and is easily replaced by trust.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 26, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Is Pride Necessary?”

Solitude!

Contemplative!

My spouse, Aaron, and I were having lunch with some friends and somehow, the topic “solitude nudes” emerged. Upon later reflection, I recalled several of the comments and the idea for this post entry here was developed. I’ve published quite a number of issues involving social nudity here, but recent features covering solo bare practitioners have all but disappeared. Hopefully, that reality will change!

The bare practitioner community is as diverse as our general society. There are some bare practitioners who prefer solitude over companionship, just as that preference extends to mainstream society. All of us have different personalities and levels of comfort and this is exemplified in our natures related to body and clothes freedom.

Skinny-dipping!

Human beings, by a majority, are a very social species. We tend to function and thrive when in the company and interacting with others. Individually and collectively we strive for acceptance and encouragement from our similarly oriented cohorts. Recognition enables optimal achievement and performance for our associates and for ourselves.

Like other living species, there are exceptions. Among humanity, not all of us react identical to social interaction. For most of us, socialization is no problem, whatsoever. For others, it may be an inconvenience and not always welcome. A few see it as a serious blunder that causes anxiety and dread. We all need to be aware of these feelings and the concerns they create. Our sensitivity in this matter enables bare practitioners of different levels of comfort with socialization a degree of respect and tolerance. It is also an example of consideration and cooperation.

Natural solitude!

There are a number of bare practitioners who plan and project daily to enjoy and take full advantage of their solitary life. They have no desire to socialize with others during their leisure or personal time. Their needs for companionship and interaction with others is totally satisfied in their work and commercial contacts. No need is felt to extending this any further.

These same persons have no inclination to invite others to join with them and to participate in their solitary body and clothes freedom undertakings. Some of them may relish being naked around others, individually or as a group. The mere presence of other bare practitioners indeed satisfies the concept of socialization with no additional interaction necessary.

Solo bare practitioner!

Some bare practitioners prefer the company of just themselves – alone. Whatever their feelings for companionship and camaraderie, personal preference is the priority and the absence of others within their general vicinity is their choice. Many of us often may not understand this decision but we all need to respect it. No law or rule exists that mandates nudity must occur in the company of two or more persons.

There are many of us without any socialization issues or preferences who, for one reason or another, find a day when it is beneficial to contemplate decisions alone while away from others. This one day desire for solitude allows us time to work through particular choices that we may face in our personal and/or professional lives. We utilize this time for promise or reassurance of facets while considering all available options. This alone time is important and helps us sort our reaction or response to the particular situation. Again, it is vital that we offer respect of our needs and allow space when necessary.

It is important that we, as bare practitioner advocates, all recognize the needs and rights of individual circumstances in attaining our comfort level within the realm of our nakedness and nudity. We are all distinct individuals and few, if any of us, are identical. Awareness, respect and tolerance is essential for the harmony of everyone in our community and our culture!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 22, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Is Pride Necessary?”

Home With Mom!

Kory Mitchell poses thoughtfully under a palm tree!

Before commencing today’s post entry, I’ll let you know that Mom is good! No problems with diet, health, etc.! I arrived here this past Saturday and will spend two weeks before returning home in time for the new academic university schedule gets underway. It will be Mom and I for this week; Aaron flies here one week from today and will be here with us for the remainder of the time.

No pressing family business or concerns, just time to relax and “be ourselves” with Mom before another frantic and often hectic work related calender becomes the daily routine. It has been almost four whole years since Papa died and I know she’s lonely without him. This time is merely a gesture to offer relief to all my brothers and their families from being with her.

Last year, Twin (my identical, Alex) and I spent most of the month of August together with our Mom. This time, we’re taking a two-week period each so that she gets the attention and love that she deserves and has earned. We’ll have a three-day overlap in our times on Skyros.

As of this moment, Mom has no prominent desires that have to be met. In her own way, she enjoys the time alone with her sons and their partners/spouses. However, knowing Mom as I do, I’m certain within a day she will have several “projects” that she will feel the need to have accomplished! So much for the “relaxation” aspect of the two-week trip home!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, August 12, 2022, and the proposed topic is “August Good Signs! ”

August: Time To Skinny-Dip!

A race to the ocean!

This bare practitioner couple feel the urgent need to share a skinny-dipping (swimming naked) experience together as they welcome the last full-month of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere.

Closer and closer!

As they race towards the oceanic destination, their excitement increases as they seek to satisfy their desire for aquatic antics!

The surf rolls in!

The surf welcomes their energy and enthusiasm and invites their participation in its vast area of fun and games!

Mounting his shoulders!

Their joy and pleasure knows no limits as they laughingly engage in a turn of mutual summer glee and happiness!

The fun begins!

One atop another, they both anticipate a day of bare practitioner delight as the warmth of the summer sun fuels their play!

Charge!

The month of August stands before them ready to offer itself for their exploration well deserved fulfillment!

Best August wishes to all!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, August 5, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “August Playdays!”

Aaron and I both agree this particular graphic ideally represents “Skinny-dipping!”

Bare Practitioner’s Day!

Bare practitioner couple kissing!

As are most observances within the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + communities (GLBTQ+), Bare Practitioner’s Day (today) is a recent celebration that is slowly gaining acceptance and recognition within both the naturist/nudist culture and the GLBTQ+ world. Prior to 2008, there were few, if any, references to “homosexual” – GLBTQ+ – naturist/nudist events outside the limited number of social organizations promoting same gender loving nudity.

Before I progress any further on this topic, I should explain or remind everyone that “Bare practitioner” is the term that I prefer to use for self-identification as well as describe who and what we are. I believe the overwhelming majority utilize the term “gay naturist/nudist.” In most social settings, sexual actions are not permitted. That’s the reason I’d much rather be a bare practitioner as opposed to gay naturist/nudist. “Gay” (unfortunately) has simply too much sexual baggage or innuendo.

Gay trio naked together!

There is a paucity of information available on the existence of a social nudity movement within the homosexual/same gender loving community before the June, 1969, Stonewall Inn Riots. There is no doubt individual interest in the practice, but societal norms and restrictions prevented any acknowledgment and the development of any support within our culture. Religion and society created, empowered and enabled a legal system that fanatically and zealously prohibited and severely punished any semblance of sexual deviancy.

The 1969 Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) opened the door and introduced the concept and ideal of equality to our same gender loving clothes freedom community and culture. Soon, “homosexual rights” and “gay liberation” were prevalent and relevant themes to our growing list of actions and concerns that needed to be addressed. Our “time” in history had arrived!

Bare practitioner pride: a substantial force!

July 14, annually, is observed as Bare Practitioner’s Day here on ReNude Pride. This date is also known as Gay Naturist Day, Gay Nudist Day and as Gay Naturist/Nudist Day. Just as there is no need for us to feel any disgrace or shame as being body and clothes freedom enthusiasts, there is likewise no reason to remain closeted or secretive as bisexual or same gender loving. We should all be proud of ourselves every day!

Jason Collins, Brooklyn Nets (retired)

“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” ~ Jason Collins ~

Jason Collins, professional basketball player (retired). Jason is the very first openly same gender loving man to play not only in the National Basketball Association (NBA) but also for any of the four professional American sports leagues. He retired from the Brooklyn Nets team in the NBA.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 18, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “In Memory of: E. Lynn Harris!”

National HIV Testing Day!

Red ribbon = HIV/AIDS awareness!

The red ribbon adorning our bare practitioner in the photograph above represents or symbolizes HIV/AIDS awareness (knowledge). It is featured here as a serious reminder that HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Despite advances in medication, there exists no cure for HIV infection; however, with proper care HIV is now manageable disease with medical supervision.

Undiagnosed, HIV remains a serious health threat. That is the reason this day is important for all of us. In order to receive life-saving treatment, we must know our HIV status. Testing provides us the power to seek treatment and take the process that allows us to manage our lives.

Gain control over your life!

HIV/AIDS Basic Facts

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

AIDS is a result of HIV infection.

HIV is not spread through everyday casual contact.

Only a doctor can diagnose AIDS.

The coronavirus COVID-19 and variants have overtaken health news reports recently but HIV/AIDS remains a major and, if undiagnosed, often fatal infection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises more than 630,000 AIDS-related deaths for 2020. Testing gives us the opportunity to reestablish and to regain direction in our lives through counseling, education, medication and treatment.

Take the test.

Know your HIV status.

Control your life.

Testing is knowledge and knowledge is power!

Even now, a significant number of persons living with HIV have no idea that they are even infected. This not only deteriorates their own health but also the health of others they hold dear. Knowledge of one’s HIV status and regular testing keeps all of us healthy and safe!

Become involved in the efforts to remain healthy. Get tested and know your status. Encourage your family and friends to get tested so they can protect themselves and others. Encourage them to get involved in HIV/AIDS prevention education efforts within their own communities. It has been a long, slow process, but we are finally seeing progress in prevention efforts!

During the many years that I was a volunteer HIV/AIDS prevention education instructor to the American Red Cross, I was always amazed at the number of certification candidates who revealed they had never been tested for HIV. I truly believed then – as well a now – that a test should have been a prerequisite for enrolling to seek certification.

Don’t be a transmitter! Protect yourself and others! Take the test!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for tomorrow, June 28, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “SIR: 1969!”

Pride Time!

Paul: halfway to destiny!

Paul is the older brother of Aaron – my spouse. Paul is also a practicing Roman Catholic and was born almost three years before Aaron. While an early adolescent, my Aaron was exploring both his nudity and his sexuality, Paul continued to adhere to the dogma endorsed and taught by his church.

By the time that Aaron reached his fifteenth birthday, he had already accepted and announced to his family and close friends that he was gay. Just prior to his high school (secondary) graduation, he disclosed his preference for social nudity. Paul remained comfortable and compliant in his religious exercise.

Relaxation!

When marriage equality became legal in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2014, Paul had already “come-out” as bisexual to Aaron and I. Once that was accomplished, he gradually began attending clothing optional gatherings with us. Just prior to our actual marriage (August 15, 2015), Paul acknowledged his comfort with his public nakedness (social nudity) and amended his sexuality status to exclusively same gender loving.

For the past several years, Paul has lived with the same partner, named Sudhir. Together, they’ve created a very informal bare practitioner community near where they live in the western part of this state. Now that the coronavirus COVID-19 seems to be in recession, they’re planning their first potluck pride picnic on land owned by an acquaintance they share.

Skinny-dipping!

Aaron and I are leaving Arlington tomorrow and going to visit them and be with them as they host this Pride social event. The owner has a small lake on the property so, weather permitting, we can all skinny-dip and picnic while we socialize together. It should be a summer fun-time (hopefully) for us all!

Please refer to the author’s note below for the next publication date here!

Take care and stay bare!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 27, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “National HIV Testing Day!”

Deaf Pride!

“I Love You” handsign body painted on his bare chest!

My brother, Alex, and I are monozygotic (identical) twins. We were both conceived of the same egg inside our mother’s womb. We share all the same physical characteristics, including our DNA. We’re both ardent and enthusiastic bare practitioners. In fact, the only distinguishing physical difference between us are our fingerprints. We are both Deaf from birth.

Even our sign language (manual communication) skills are, for all intents and purposes, identical. Whether interacting in American Sign Language (ASL), Canadian Sign Language (CSL) or Greek Sign Language (GSL) – our primary language – our hand-shapes, rhythm and speed reflect minimal variation. The only discrepancy appears when professional concerns or issues transpire.

Our Deafness, along with our same gender loving nature and our preference for living bare, is a part of what makes us unique. Surprisingly for some people, it does not cause us embarrassment or shame. It is also a trait that we share with others throughout the world. It is most definitely not a reason to run and hide from others nor to deny it in any way.

Me sharing the “I Love You” handsign totally natural!

Alex and I both recall the times that while at university, we seemed to create confusion and chaos when others learned that were both gay and nudists. Many seemed to wonder how we, being Deaf, could be publicly naked. (Interesting question: all you need to do is to remove clothing)!

Others were even more obsessed with the fact that as Deaf men, how did we know that we were gay. (I guess Deaf men are completely unaware of their individual physical attraction)!

Obviously, the notion that whatever inspires the hearing population is totally useless within the Deaf community never entered their minds. After all, it is simply a much too defiant and radical concept! How can it be possible for the Deaf and the hearing to be influenced in the same way?

Deaf pride: personified!

We may have divergent methods of communication; but the emotions and feelings have very little variance. What works well for one world generally does the same for another. After all, we are all human!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Tuesday, June 21, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Summer, 2022!”

Bare Practitioner Pride!

Bare Practitioners Trail entrance!

As bare practitioners (same gender loving naturists/nudists) we wholeheartedly embrace, encourage and endorse the following character traits of our community and our culture:

Acceptance: of our body and clothes freedom nature and our sexuality.

Belief: in our inalienable and natural right to determine and to be ourselves.

Confidence: in all of us to be what and who we basically and honestly are without any apology, guilt or shame.

Dedication: in advocating and supporting these principles for everyone, no matter who they are and where they live.

Pride: our shining star!

As bare practitioners we all know that we are entitled to and experience our pride throughout the entire year. Confidence and self-expression are not limited and/or restricted to just the month of June, annually. Pride month is when we, as both a community and a culture, remind the the rest of humanity of who we all are and to celebrate our collective accomplishments and achievements! This is the time of the year for all of us to join together in celebrating, demonstrating, exhibiting, representing, sharing and showing our confidence and pride in being ourselves!

Unknowingly for many but consciously for a few, our pride in ourselves as bare practitioners casts us into the status of role model. Unwittingly, countless numbers of others exploring our community and culture may look upon each one of us as an example – a role model – of a life they find appealing. We may never be aware of this service to others. Simply being who and what we truly are often can and does inspire other.

Back-up plans!

As an accidental as well as an unintentional bare practitioner example, our “option for action” is to continue to live our life. Our nakedness and our sexuality combined have determined us as “unique.” This uniqueness, in turn, awarded us the unsolicited position of role model to anyone observing our community and our culture.

If someone is curious about our lifestyle as same gender loving and as a naturist/nudist, we should all strive to be as welcoming as possible and reply to their questions. It is also beneficial to know someone of our community who is very receptive and has the dedication and the patience to spend with those seeking knowledge of our lives. The vast majority of us can recall our own exploration of the community and what proved helpful and informative for us.

Coming together as a community!

When Alex, my identical twin brother, and I first began exploring the openly nude skinny-dipping riverside site in the city where we grew up, we were the youngest there in a group of primarily university ages and older. As we are both Deaf, no one around seemed bothered by reading our questions and writing their answers. The major problem for all of us seemed to be reading the handwriting! All the guys there were patient and ready to respond. No one appeared to resent our “joining” their beach!

Bottoms-up!

Twin and I always remembered to thank our role models for both their patience and their tolerance. We had already acknowledged our sexuality so the majority of our questions regarded interacting among the same gender loving (gay) nude community. There were two of so, so we were often laughed at as being the groups “class.” Neither of us are able to recall if any of our “tutors” had shared with us their major as being education.

As bare practitioners, we recognize the importance of our service as role-models. In order for future generations of bare practitioners to be happy and succeed, it is our duty to explain and represent our community and culture as best as possible. Our level of comfort in being a role-model often is seen by others as a determination of our dedication to our lifestyle. Nothing could be further from the truth. The personal interaction between role-model and the person we’re mentoring is often the determining factor as to level of comfort.

All of us, as either role-model or as the one being tutored, cooperating together for our common good are making for a better and stronger bare practitioner movement, a community and culture based on confidence and pride!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, June 13, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “World Naked Bike Ride Pride!”

Sunshine Pride!

The PROGRESS Rainbow Flag!

In the USA, which is where yours truly (myself) resides, the annual celebration of GLBTQ+ and Bare Pride Month occurs during the month of June. The Stonewall Inn Riots – which are attributed as the onset of equal rights struggle – happened on the evening of June 28, 1969. This uprising is credited as triggering the global campaign for the recognition and respect for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + people everywhere.

The header image (above) depicts the Progress Rainbow flag , the relatively new official banner of the GLBTQ+ community and culture, and this flag represents our diverse inclusion of all of us in our fight for equality, respect and unity. We are, after all, humanity!

The USA is located in the Northern Hemisphere where June commences the season of summer, a sacred occasion for us bare practitioners (GLBTQ+ naturists/nudists) and the theme for this posting here on ReNude Pride!

Royal command!

As bare practitioners, our struggle for acceptance and inclusion within the GLBTQ+ community and culture continues today. We also strive for the same within our clothes freedom (naturist/nudist) community and culture. Bigotry and prejudice, unfortunately. is a “people” trait that isn’t limited to one certain group of humans.

That is the reason that our confidence and pride is of paramount importance to us all. It is our acceptance, acknowledgement and joy in being simply who and what we essentially are with no feelings of guilt or shame!

Bare beach pair #1

Summertime is traditionally the season for “outdoor fun in the sun.” We bare practitioners both embrace, honour and understand this wholesome philosophy. Sunshine is often considered synonymous with the summer season. Why not get outside in order to appreciate and to enjoy what is rightfully ours? After all, summer is only one brief season of the entire year!

During our celebration of GLBTQ+ and Bare Pride Month, 2022, there’s no cause or excuse for us to keep ourselves inside and away from the sun. As bare practitioners, we’ve spent enough time burdened under excessive layers of clothing. Now is the time we are motivated by delight in our freedom of stripping off our baggage and “hanging out” naturally within our community and culture!

“Our pride in our bare practitioner community and culture is a result of our confidence in striving for what is decent and good, for sacrificing for what is fair and just and in believing that we can make a positive difference.” ~ Roger Poladopoulos ~ June 6, 2022

Bare beach pair #2!

Sunbathing “in the buff” (nude) allows us to showcase our nakedness and our confidence in our bodies as well as in ourselves. It conveys the joy and pleasure that we obtain from being natural with nature and in the rays of the sun!

“Our commitment and dedication to the cause of equality is beyond the limits of ethnicity and/or race. All of us are entitled to freedom and justice no matter who we love.” ~ Roger Poladopoulos ~ June 6, 2022

Bare beach pair #3!

“Acceptance and tolerance enables patience, respect and understanding. These ideals reflect our shared hope for a better future for us all!” ~ Roger Poladopoulos ~ June 6, 2022

Important reminders:

Sunscreen protection!

Before the season becomes too advanced, please remember to use sunscreen for skin protection every time you’re in the sun!

Sunglasses!

Safeguard your eyes and vision from the UV radiation in the sun’s rays! Wear sunglasses!

********************

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next proudly planned posting entry for here is planned for Friday, June 10, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Practitioner Pride!”