Category: relationships

N*B*H*A*A*D*!

February 7, annually!

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!

Background:

As we entered into the 21st century, alarming, distressing, and potentially fatal statistics continued to confront us all as the HIV/AIDS epidemic grew in both intensity and number globally. Here in the USA, African-Americans constituted slightly over 14% of the total population, yet they represented almost 50% of all categories in HIV/AIDS-related statistics reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disproportionate impact indicated an approaching catastrophic outcome.

The first two decades of the HIV/AIDS crisis, in addition to the ignorance and neglect of then-president, Ronald Reagan, was likewise ignored and condemned by African-Americans as well. The blame and cause of the disease was the “white homosexuals and their sinful ways!” At long last, Black Americans were able to point their fingers at the White community and condemn them for “inventing” a disease that was fatal.

By this time, it was evident to all – health professionals, legislators and in particular, the American public – that more decisive, effective and resourceful actions and measures were needed to combat the alarming rates of infection with HIV/AIDS.

In 1999, concerns and fear over the effects of the disease on the Black American population led the CDC, the US Public Health Service, executive representatives of nationwide organizations serving African-Americans and communities of faith met to address issues with the rising infection conditions. One of the results of these meetings was the decision to observe February 7, annually, as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD).

With excitement, athletic and celebrity endorsements, fanfare and media attention, the very first NBHAAD was held from coast-to-coast on February 7, 2000.

Subtle manner!

HIV Infection:

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, is transmitted (spread) from one person to another through contact with one or more of four (4) human body fluids. These four fluids are: blood, semen, vaginal fluid breast milk. Other body fluids such as tears, saliva, mucus (congestion), urine do not spread HIV. Remember the four: blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk. Avoid all contact with those four body fluids.

Any contact with one or more of these body fluids contact your local health department immediately for treatment! The earlier treatment begins, the greater chances are for success.

Latex, a synthetic material, has been proven repeatedly to significantly reduce (lower) the risk of HIV infection. Latex is used to make condoms and gloves because it prevents the exchange of bodily fluids. The latex product must be intact – no puncture or tear. Dispose (throw away) latex products in a marked biohazard container.

The important message!

Testing:

A simple blood test can determine if a person is infected with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). Persons are encouraged to get tested for HIV regularly. In the USA, test results are supposed to be confidential (private) even though the data is reported to the health department for statistical purposes.

When test results are given, information is also provided on services available and possible treatment options. Counseling is also offered.

Major challenge:

Despite all of the advances in HIV testing, counseling treatment options and massive HIV/AIDS public education/treatment efforts, it remains estimated that almost 25% (one quarter) of persons who are infected with HIV (HIV+) are honestly unaware of their personal HIV status. They have not been tested. This factor represents not only a failure of education and outreach efforts nationwide, but also the serious potential for a major health crisis. Get tested! Know your status!

Knowledge is power!

Key components:

NBHAAD guidelines mandate four (4) key components that must be present in order for an awareness campaign to be considered a success. Each component is designed to build individual and community strengths in combatting HIV/AIDS. The four essential elements are:

Get educated: Know and learn the facts about transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Get involved: Explore opportunities available in individual and community prevention efforts.

Get tested: Know your HIV status and encourage/empower others to do the same.

Get treated: Receive proper healthcare and support needed to successfully live as HIV+.

Analysis proves that people learn and retain knowledge most effectively from people they perceive as most like themselves. NBHAAD is an African-American based to provide direction, guidance and implementation to the Black population specifically. It represents a resource that is both accessible, authentic and dependable.

Elimination of the unknown!

Knowledge is power:

The more that we know, the better we become in enjoying not only good health but also successful living. NBHAAD and sponsored programs increase the amount of knowledge within a community and the opportunities for discussions concerning issues surrounding HIV/AIDS that individuals may face. It helps to create an environment where the virus that causes AIDS is a comfortable topic without fear of judgment.

Recently, the coronavirus COVID-19 and variants have received attention in health circles that have surpassed the attention focused on HIV/AIDS. Both infections need our attention and because HIV/AIDS has been with us longer, it still is prevalent and warrants action and continued education. Our health deserves all the attention we can offer to it!

Endorsements:

Kory Mitchell, cross on his lower left abdomen!

Now retired from his career in the gay porn industry, proud bare practitioner, Kory Mitchell, himself a certified American Red Cross prevention education instructor trainer (as myself) has visual tattoos to accentuate his status as HIV+ and in support of NBHAAD. We both collaborated on several HIV/AIDS prevention education projects for the Red Cross nationally. Early in his film career, Kory had “blessed” tattooed on his shoulder and a cross inked on his abdomen to remind his fans of his Christian faith.

“Blessed on his shoulder, “hope” on his neck!

Shortly after his diagnosis as HIV+ and just before his retirement, he had the word “hope” tattooed on his neck. Instead of the letter “o” in hope, he had a red HIV/AIDS awareness ribbon substituted instead. Very creative and imaginative, Kory!

Phoenix Fellington, bare, smiling and on the right!

Phoenix Fellington, as documented in the previous post entry here on Monday, 3 February, 2025, “Bare Is Real!” We are truly fortunate to offer his reasoning for being employed in the gay porn industry not once but twice in the same week! His message compliments NBHAAD!

“Why do I do gay porn? To teach men how to have sex. Responsibly and safely!” ~ Phoenix Fellington ~ openly gay pornography actor, ReNude Pride spokes-model

Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA athlete, Brooklyn Nets!

Now retired NBA professional player, Jason Collins, formerly of the Brooklyn Nets. Jason was the very first NBA professional to “come out” as gay while still playing in the NBA. His sentiments here reflect prejudice, whether over a person’s sexuality or over their HIV status.

“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” ~ Jason Collins ~ openly gay NBA professional, Brooklyn Nets

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 10, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Posing Bare: Part 3!”

The Bare Is Real!

Phoenix Fellington: Bare, beached and bold!

Phoenix Fellington, ReNude Pride’s Celebrity!

Prologue:

An ideal way to commemorate the start of the first full week of Black History Month, 2025, is with a post entry featuring the unofficial (unpaid) official (celebrity) spokes-model of ReNude Pride, Phoenix Fellington! The end of this first full week of Black History Month is on the actual date of the observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), February 7. A week in tribute to our fellow bare practitioners of African descent! Who knows when an opportunity such as this aligns itself with perfection again? That’s the reason we’ll take full advantage of the situation!

A brief note on the header photograph of our site’s spokes-model (above). Our themes here on ReNude Pride are a) same gender love (SGL) and b) nakedness. Beyond any doubt, Phoenix meets and surpasses both themes without any explanation necessary! The reason his tongue is protruding? Aaron, my spouse, deemed it the “exact” image of Phoenix’s reaction upon learning, back in 2023, that he was now – unofficially – ReNude Pride’s official spokes-model! Indeed, there are some distinguishing honours that are just too fun and playful to ignore!

Phoenix poses bare and proud with fellow co-stars from Lucas films!

Background:

Aaron and I selected the widely popular gay porn star, Phoenix Fellington, as our site’s unofficial (not paid) official (chosen by us) spokes-model because of his successful celebrity status, his huge following within the same gender loving (SGL) population, and his fighting for rights against bias and prejudice against Black and gay porn-stars by Lucas Films and other studios in the gay porn industry. He’s also friendly, likeable and most importantly, he’d rather be without clothes as opposed to actually wearing them!

“I love being nude outside – all in the open!”

Phoenix Fellington, openly gay porn-star, ReNude Pride spokes-model

The announcing of Phoenix as celebrity spokes-model here raised some issues that were expected. He is an openly gay pornography performer who engages in sex in front of a camera – and he’s paid to do so! However, the policy here on ReNude Pride is that our nakedness is not about sex and none of the photos/images depicting him will reflect him doing so. Social nudity is shared nakedness. It is not an orgy!

We endorse and promote the bare practitioner experience and lifestyle. Our sexuality is supported but not us engaging in the sexual acts. Our openly featuring Phoenix as our spokes-model is based on his appreciation and attitude on being publicly SGL himself and his open preference for nakedness, either social or solo (alone). While we are not promoting his career choice, we are also not denying it. That’s Phoenix’s prerogative, not ours.

Phoenix providing directions to his fellow actors!

A former member of the US Marine Corps, Phoenix acknowledges the varying levels of acceptance, comfort and tolerance others have for him due to his nakedness, his race and his sexuality. As to his race and his same gender love, he knows that he’s unable to change who he truly is. As regarding his clothes freedom, if he absolutely must wear clothing, he complies.

Phoenix emphatic about being himself!

He is a firm advocate of his freedom and his right to be a public Black, gay nudist without any embarrassment, guilt or shame. He encourages all of us to be mindful of the diversity of levels of acceptance, comfort and tolerance; especially concerning or race, our sexuality and our nakedness.

Phoenix is very active in lobbying within the gay porn industry on the behalf of equality for all, regardless of their race, sexual orientation and their nakedness. For too often, the studios and their management executives looked upon the actors – the “gold mine” of the industry – as unworthy of their attention. They chose to ignore that these were the men who earned for them their money!

Recent photo of Phoenix!

The picture (above) is the most recent one we have featuring “our man!” Listed below are Phoenix’s outlined information:

Stage name: Phoenix Fellington

Birth name: Tre Leron Fenderson

Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, USA

Birthday: 18 October, 1994

Height: 5′ 8″ (173 cm)

Weight: 165 lbs. (75 kg)

Tattoos: Yes

Body hair: armpit, pubic

Sexuality: Gay (versatile beta)

Outspoken Spokes-Model:

Phoenix Fellington is known throughout the gay porn industry as an outspoken advocate and militant for the interests and the rights of both the performers (actors) and populations the industry thrives upon: same gender loving (SGL) men who prefer to engage in their nakedness. Basically, all of us who are bare practitioners.

Studio executives regularly entertain investors to socials where their actors are required to mingle and socialize naked with the moneyed guests. Phoenix has a reputation of attending these functions, proudly nude and stressing the importance of treating all the guests with integrity and respect, whether they are wearing clothes or not!

In conclusion of this featured tribute to our unofficial official celebrity spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington, he shares with us all his sensitive and unique purpose as for being a porn-star:

“Why do I do gay porn? To teach men how to have sex. Responsibly and safely!” Phoenix Fellington, openly gay pornographic actor, ReNude Pride spokes-model

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, February 7, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “N*B*H*A*A*D*!”

Towel Dilemma!

Solution to his dilemma!

A satirical and whimsical post today on the useless absurdity of trying to conceal and to cover our nakedness with a towel!

News Dispatch:

There is an extreme crisis that is rapidly gaining in both popularity and in practice! Without warning, it is now appearing in alarming frequency not only online and social media but in actual reality the world over. So much widespread attention is now being focused on this matter that analysts are engaged until the late-night hours in a frantic attempt to contain the damage!

Before presenting a detailed examination of this serious emergency, we’ll pause here at this moment to offer some background on this situation…

Fig-leaf transparency!

Background:

From the earliest possible days, humans for some unknown reason became ashamed and embarrassed over the fact that they were not only born naked (without covering) but also lived their lives completely exposed – their physical bodies visible to everyone.

This blatant public exposure disgusted the masses as they sought escape from this senseless invasion of their privacy: their very own personal anatomy! Not only assaulted with the prying eyes of family and friends, but openly seen by all those they encountered – complete strangers!

So they adopted the fig leaf to ensure their discretion. Suddenly, you had to “stop” before going about and cover yourself with a fig leaf!

Stop and grab a fig-leaf!

Modesty and the Towel:

People responded to the idea of the fig-leaf and to the habit of concealing and covering certain parts of their body. Especially those anatomical parts revealed their gender. After all, they preferred remaining anonymous and their female/male status was viewed as “top secret!” They did not want the entire world to know every aspect about themselves!

The fig was a common food item and the fig tree was prevalent all around. Thus, the fig-leaf was accessible and plentiful – and a perfect natural cover! Soon, everyone had their own choice of fig-leaf: species/type, size, whatever they desired. Gradually, the issues of uniqueness and vanity evolved as it was now apparent that everyone possessed a fig-leaf!

The weaving of natural strands together to create cloth – for covering – developed to erase the monotony of every human attached to a fig-leaf. The approaching Ice Age introduced the additional need of cloth not just to hide one’s gender anatomy but also for comfort (warmth) as the outdoor temperatures dropped from tropical to cold.

Somewhere along the way of the “fig-leaf-to-cloth-weaving-to-cloth-covering-to-clothes” journey the necessity of cleaning and washing of all this increasing amount of cloth and clothing was realized. This reality was followed by the discovery that clean clothes on a dirty body was not compatible and the thought of doing this was absurd. Personal hygiene came into existence as did the birth of the towel!

No clothing, simply a towel!

The Towel Alternative:

The definition of a towel is: ” a piece of absorbent cloth or paper used for wiping and/or drying.” Over a period of time and for convenience, people began to modify this usage towards their personal needs. For many, once they dried after their bath/shower, they simply wrapped a cloth towel around their waist and proceeded with life. Actor Max Konnor demonstrates in the above .gif image. Life goes on!

As bare practitioners, my spouse, Aaron, and I recognize the ridiculous substitution of the towel for clothing. One of the undisputed reasons offered by practically everyone – both naturists/nudists and the textile (clothes wearers) – for the use of clothes is to conceal, cover, disguise or to hide one’s nakedness.

The generally accepted routine of using a towel instead of clothing for protection from being perceived as naked makes no sense. If anything, the casual nature of the towel alone infers our total nudity underneath. Obviously, we’re bare. An accidental/intentional slip of just one finger into the top of the towel and the entire “cover” drops to the floor! Instant body and clothes freedom – and in full view! No imagination necessary or required!

Assorted Dilemmas:

Brave removal!

Our man on the right (above) wants to return to the freedom and independence of nakedness. His identically toweled partner is instead deciding to continue to protect his privacy and keeps his towel covering his waist! Which practice will endure?

The useless towel is apparent to all!

Even among seasoned towel proponents, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the usefulness of this absorbent piece of cloth is nothing more than an illusion. Why bother to waste time wrapping it around your waist when all that’s necessary is hold onto it if you must (out of habit) and deposit it in the laundry while returning to your life? More than likely, serious thought will cause you to discard the towel altogether! Single handedly grasping the towel is no guarantee it will work!

Felipe Ferreira removes Raphael Horst’s towel!

The fearless and loyal bare practitioner, Felipe Ferreira, his towel-wrapped friend, Raphael Horst, to recover his glory and pride in body and clothes freedom! Which of the two will dominate and emerge victorious?

Traditional towel use returns!

Final Triumph:

At long last, common sense, decency and justice prevail! The senseless and shallow experiment of the towel as an absorbent and protective cloth of convenience – however misdirected and misguided – finally is following the ill-fated fig-leaf into obscurity. The demise of deceit is upon us all and bare practitioners are in jubilation over the outcome! The towel itself now resumes the role of a cloth to dry the body!

A growing amount of evidence is now determining that the delightful comfort of nakedness – whether social (communal or group) or solo (alone) – is returning to popular demand!

Towel-less domination!

All hail, bare practitioners! The wicked witch of cover-up, discretion and modesty is dead! Ding-dong the witch is dead!

Ding-dong the witch is dead!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 31, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! January, 2025!”

Comfortable Routine!

A cup of hot cocoa!

Introduction:

Probably all of us have some semblance of a routine that we follow daily, whether in the morning when we wake up or at the end of the day before we crawl back into bed. This routine can be varied and replaced when necessary, but it does provide us with a sense of familiarity, relaxation, and security. Basically, our very own “comfort zone” that helps us to survive the extraordinary circumstances of our everyday lives.

In the heading (image) above, Sean Xavier, our bare practitioner subject for this portion of today’s post, incorporates time into his awakening routine, regardless of the location or the season, for his cup of cocoa as he prepares to begin his daily business. He contemplates his schedule while enjoying the opportunity to reflect on necessities and priorities. A calm and peaceful launch of another day in his life!

Sean is also very thoughtful during his morning quality time. He uses this opportunity to respond to fans of his films, both online and through the postal service. Sometimes criticized for being too strict in insisting on retaining his body hair, he confesses to shaving himself when he was younger and first entered the SGL porn industry as a male model (bare) and then later as a film actor. He admits to lacking the experience, was intimidated by others and in awe of the film executives who ordered him to shave his chest hair.

Now, he is confident, experienced, mature, wiser and “proud of myself and all of my body hair – armpits, chest and pubic!” Once Sean was recognized as a gay porn icon, his contract with Lucas Entertainment was re-negotiated to allow him determination in retaining his chest hair.

Sean Xavier: hairy and smiling!

Sean Xavier: Vitals

Birthdate: January 16, 1988

Birthname: Kyle Overton

Birthplace: Victorville, California, USA

Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)

Weight: 169 lbs. (77kg)

Head Hair: Natural, close cropped

Body Hair: Natural, moderate (armpits, chest, pubic)

Sexuality: Gay

A relaxing glass of wine!

In the image above, we are now joined on this portion of today’s post entry by Gio Dell, our celebrity escort, model and fellow bare practitioner. He hails from Venezuela, South America, and appears in more photographs without clothing than he does wearing garments. A true model from the very “core” of both our community and culture! One unique aspect of his model career is his reluctance to pose when one of the contract guidelines require the removal of his body hair. His head may be bald but his hirsute nakedness is a source of pride!

Gio has also appeared in more than a few SGL film scenes produced by independent and/or private studios. Evidently, the notoriety of an extremely publicly successful gay porn star doesn’t align with his pleasurable male escort service that also features his half-brother, Armani! His home office is in New York City and both he and Armani are willing to travel wherever they’re needed.

Both Gio and Armani openly acknowledge growing up in a household that accepted nudity as a lifestyle not in conflict with their Catholic faith. Gio, the older of the two, is more enthusiastic about being clothes free. Clothing optional beaches are always popular destinations for them both!

As he welcomes an end of a day in his life, Gio sips some wine and reads a book in order to calm himself before retiring for the night. He takes the time necessary to relax and focus away from his daily routine. This enables him to distance himself – emotionally, mentally and physically – from all and any challenges and/or conflicts he may have endured.

Gio Dell: skinny-dipping in the pool!

Gio Dell: Vitals

Origin: near Caracas, Venezuela, South America

Height: 6’1′ (185 cm)

Weight: 198 lbs. (88 kg)

Eyes: Green

Head Hair: Bald (shaved)

Body Hair: Natural, profuse (armpits, buttocks, chest, pubic)

Sexuality: Gay

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

The Comfort Message:

Both of the bare practitioners pictured here today, Sean Xavier and Gio Dell, involve their nakedness into their tranquility strategy. They’re both comfortable bare; this inclusion allows them to eliminate distraction and to use this aspect to process the “change of direction” they are preparing to undergo. A “fresh start” to a new day or a “safe return” to home at the end. Sean and Gio recognize and understand the role comfort and familiarity have in building habit and normalcy into their existence.

As this new year of 2025 progresses, hopefully, the majority of us will return to the pattern of comfort and familiarity – routine – in our daily lives. This restoration encourages a sense of balance between both the known and the unknown. It enables our daily resumption of habit and of hope!

After all, if each day begins and ends by way of custom or habit, then what is in between – the spontaneous – approaches tolerable! It affords us the prime opportunity for a different and exciting new adventure every day!

Following our established pathways towards calm and comfort gives us “permission” to bridge our journey from the “spontaneous” into the routine. It offers each of us a loving and supportive “pat-on-the-back” for what we have accomplished and survived: a job well done!

Notation:

The purpose of this post entry is to reinforce the importance of relaxation and rest in our lives. Even though Sean presented the “start” of the day and Gio the “end,” there is no rule against performing them both on the same day, as often as needed. An extra step towards mental health, peace and success!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, January 20, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr Day!”

Word-Play Post!

A Vintage Image!

Alternate Title: ReNude Bare Meet!

A word-play is the use of wording (words) to convey a mixed meaning or unusual idea.

Jay and Roger meet!

Translated Title: Renewed Nude Encounter!

Headline: On this historic date, 3 January, 2009, Jay and Roger first met…

The amicable bonding, camaraderie, companionship, friendship, and trust that was initiated through chance, destiny, fate, spontaneity and “being at the right place at the right time” happened at a gay bar, downtown Washington, D.C., USA, when on this afternoon a SGL nudist oriented social club held a naked cocktail hour social…

Abbreviated version: Today marks the day of the start of our friendship…that began in an atmosphere of excitement and hope! Barack Obama had just been elected as the next president after eight long, boring, dull years of the reign of George II (Bush)! A new year had just arrived and the energetic uplifting of spirits flowed throughout the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area and beyond!

To our knowledge and recollection, Jay and I had never seen one another before this day. This meeting occurred on an unseasonably warm Saturday afternoon in January. In a region not noted for unusually warm temperatures during this month. The event was a monthly social nudity “cocktail hour” that rarely attracted the large attendance as it achieved on that particular day. The balmy weather may have impacted the crowd, as the majority arrived wearing T-shirts and shorts before stripping naked!

Naked truth!

When I arrived at the bar, I registered and paid my admission fee. The line waiting to enter the ground floor changing room was long, so I decided to use the changing room on the second floor. After stripping and storing my street clothes, I descended the stairs into the bar area. It was packed with wall-to-wall bare men! I noticed one vacant table-for-two in the far corner and that became my goal!

The crowd was elbow-to-elbow (frequently accidental penis-to buttocks)! The friendliest and largest good-natured crowd I’d ever seen at a “naked cocktail” event. Once I’d finally arrived in the corner area, the table-for-two I’d seen from the stairs was occupied by Jay – solo. I wrote him a note explaining my being Deaf and asked if he was sitting alone. He welcomed me to join him and we exchanged first names.

We passed notes back and forth while becoming acquainted. After about an hour, Jay let me know that he took 3 years of American Sign Language (ASL) at university to satisfy his foreign language requirement but his skills were awkward and underused. I encouraged him to renew his experience and soon we were communicating totally manually. His fluency returned quickly and what he couldn’t recall we employed fingerspelling.

The more than three hours that we spent together revealed to us both a substantial “shared interest” in numerous topics, authors, sports, entertainment, etc. Of particular was our similar adaptation and familiarity with nudity in our lives and awareness of our same gender attraction. Before we even finished our bottles of water, the “naked cocktail” happy hour was ending and clothed patrons were arriving. Before we departed to our changing areas, we exchanged email addresses and messaging contacts and vowed to keep connected.

Bare friendship!

Surprisingly, we both commenced sharing emails that same Saturday evening. Our communication continued several emails per day throughout the following week. We approached the topic of meeting again the next Saturday but were uncertain as to exactly what that day entailed as we each had a previous engagement to attend. Not one that we were comfortable bringing another new friend to include.

The following Saturday arrived with weather the exact opposite – actually, extreme opposite – of the day that we met. It was blustering winds and the outside temperatures hovered at freezing even in the full sun. I ventured to a local bookstore before my early afternoon encounter with friends. While browsing in the aisles of books, several times I passed a man who was vaguely familiar. Each passing we made eye contact but I was unable to identify him. I found a title that interested me and lined up to make my purchase.

In an exchange of emails that evening, one week after we met, Jay mentioned that he was in a bookshop in Arlington and as he was leaving he saw me in line buying a book! All bundled in coats, scarves, gloves and hats, neither of us recognized the other! We’d only interacted together while bare, never while wearing clothes! Now, had we visited the booksellers in our respective nakedness…?

Bare support!

Jay nor I had ever had this “identity-crisis” happen before despite our years of nudity experiences. Nor could we relate to others who shared similar circumstances. Jay remarked that we needed to create and to edit a naked book of world records along the lines of Guinness!

Later, I did inquire how Jay identified me buying a book. He responded that I had removed my knit cap and that he recognized my shaved head! Once we begin to remove our coverings (concealment), familiarity returns! Nude does indeed work as an identification essential!

Naked truth!

The proverbial words of wisdom: “clothes make the man” obviously failed in this instance between Jay and myself. Clothes determined only chaos and confusion! Left to our body and clothes freedom preference, I’m quite certain we would not have suffered any confusion regarding having previously met – although the frigid outdoor temperatures would have caused discomfort!

Both Jay and I agree this incident – which helped build our friendship – offers proof that nude is both better and simpler! As ardent bare practitioners, we know the message above extols both reality and honest truth!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, January 6, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “9!”

Seasonal Adjustment!

Felipe Ferreira: Nipple relaxation!
Felipe Ferreira: Chest massage!

Felipe Ferreira and Rhyheim Shabazz!

As 2024 rapidly begins to fade into closure, perhaps it is appropriate and fitting that we here at ReNude Pride once again visit with a popular couple of our bare practitioner community and culture who are celebrity models, DJ’s, producers and performers on screen and media sensations. Let us start with Brazilian-born Felipe Ferreira. He’s been featured here several times over the past few years as we explored and witnessed his expanded and rising comfort level with not only his public display of his same gender loving (SGL) identity and sexuality but also his acceptance and acknowledgement of his preference and pride of his nakedness!

As offered in the chest and nipple images above, he has no concern over confidently proclaiming his pride in being himself. However, the journey to accomplish this task was slow and conflicted!

Felipe: early naked photo displaying his pride tattoo!

Felipe initially captured the attention of both Aaron, my spouse, and myself when Aaron discovered the above photo and brought it to me to research his identity. Neither one of us knew who he was or what initiated the notable and obvious tattoo on his upper torso! Slowly, I learned his name, origin and that the tattoo was his idea of sharing his sexual preference as a bisexual man (at the time, that was the “accepted” identification his public relations advisor and modelling agency allowed him to disclose). This caused him some conflict was soon countered when the modelling agency terminated his contract and he retaliated by publicly asserting himself as exclusively gay! So, pride in his sexuality and in his slowly emerging confidence in his modest nakedness!

He cautiously managed to restore a modelling career and began to pose clothes free but without any full frontal bare images. This displeased his already dissatisfied public relations advisors who quickly abandoned him and began to spread rumours concerning his lifestyle. The notoriety surrounding his being turned away from modelling and media advisors gained him the attention of the SGL community as well as a growing number of body and clothes freedom enthusiasts. Instead of harming his job situation, this enhanced his popularity as well as his support base!

Felipe Ferreira embracing and kissing Rhyheim Shabazz!

He tentatively sought out modelling and posing opportunities into the expanding gay porn industry. This led to the mutual friendship with a local neighbour, gay porn magnet Rhyheim Shabazz! They developed into a close relationship, first platonically but soon intimately as they joined together both personally and professionally. Their clip (above) soon became a trademark of the rapidly growing community and culture of bare practitioners globally!

Rhyheim understood the needs of Felipe in establishing a comfort zone for himself regarding his sexuality and his nakedness – especially in appearing with his pubic hair and his penis in full view! Their growing relationship provided them the opportunity to collaborate on developing and producing a video of them together, unashamed and free from guilt. Felipe began to gain confidence in himself and his preference for nudity and he became more honest and open in his bare practitioner status. Their collaboration before the video camera and staff led to the photo scenes posted below.

Rhyheim recognized his partner’s discomfort in revealing his preferred sexual position and helped him surmount this difficulty and accept himself as he is most comfortable: being the man that he naturally is!

Felipe accepted his guidance and continued the journey of awareness and discovery of himself personally and professionally. His self-confidence began to increase and this raised his level of self-acceptance!

These scenes together aided both men to next face the challenge of confronting one of the hardest tasks they needed to defy: the “unlearning” of the learned behaviour that assaults many bare practitioners; the learned ideal that naked intimacy is unclean and totally unnatural and vulgar.

Felipe and Rhyheim!

Fortunately for our bare practitioner community and culture, Felipe was able to follow Rhyheim’s advice and encouragement and is now more receptive and relaxed in being publicly seen both modeling and posing his pubic hairline and images of his penis and in acknowledging his support. They both are also aware of their roles as educators in the process of helping others in abandoning the stifling taboos about being overly sensitive about their respective behaviours regarding masculinity, nakedness, and sexuality.

Thank you, Felipe and Rhyheim, for your dedication in sharing your expertise and knowledge of our bare practitioner community and culture! After all, we’re all natural (clothes free), normal and proud of both what and who we truly are inside our hearts, minds and souls: bare practitioners!

Outstanding Example of Fortitude and Generosity!

There is yet another reason for the composition and publishing of this feature on Felipe and Rhyheim. That cause is outreach and support. At this festive season of the year, a great number of us are constantly bombarded by appeals regard and remember that there are many people among us who are far less fortunate than many of us. There are the differently enabled, the lonely, the infirm and the sick. Also, the elderly, the orphaned, the hungry, the lost, the rejected, the homeless, the oppressed and the dying. An endless listing of circumstances and situations that few of us can even imagine.

Felipe had a need. Rhyheim had the time, the expertise and the patience. They joined together and created a rapport that enabled them both to offer themselves as an example of what two individuals can accomplish and achieve simply by cooperating and being communicating with one another. In relying on one another, they met a challenge and overcame several obstacles. Probably the nakedness issue, the SGL issue and the personal insecurity issue doesn’t appear applicable to the majority here, however, it is an example of what two can do – together!

Some may laugh, shrug their shoulders, roll their eyes and shake their head. Yet before you cast aside my plea, please look around you. If someone is crying, offer them a smile. It doesn’t cost you anything and you very well may brighten their day. In return, they may be more noticing of others and reach out to lighten their troubles.

Sometimes, just reaching out to acknowledge someone is the most important and meaningful gesture any of us can offer. Yet it may indeed change the life of another! Follow the example of both Felipe and Rhyheim! Give and receive with gratitude and respect!

Rhyheim and Felipe share a couch!

The sad truth is that an enormous number of us fall into the category of “those-in-need.” We lack the skills in acceptance, knowledge, and recognition of ourselves as a potential beneficiary of services from others. Regrettably, many of our community and culture fail to realize that we similarly – like Felipe – having demons to confront in our personal lives.

In accepting Rhyheim’s guidance, mentoring, and tutelage, Felipe enhanced and expanded his own popularity and visibility. Together, they broadened both their reputations and notable accomplishments. Their collective efforts have touched and enriched bare practitioners everywhere! Thank you, Felipe Ferreira and Rhyheim Shabazz! Your example of compassion inspires us all to strive!

Felipe selfie of his penis!

Proof of modesty overcome and Rhyheim’s outstanding tutoring!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, December 16, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Double Seasonal Notes!”

Sunday Supplement!

Happy birthday, Makagutu! My Kenyan brother!

A special birthday wish for my fellow blogger, friend and Kenyan brother. He’s the author of the site, Random Thoughts here on wordpress.

To visit his site, please use the link following this encouragement: Random Thoughts

I sincerely apologize to Makagutu for failing to include his celebration in my recent post entry of Winter Holidays!

Have a great birthday month!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Autumn Twist!

The Twister game being played in a park!

Background:

Before I create any confusion and/or misunderstanding, this post entry for ReNude Pride is most definitely not a cocktail (mixed drink) recipe. The “twist” in the title above is involved in a popular social game – actual title “Twister” – so there is no twist of a citrus fruit necessary to be added to alcohol!

The Game:

Twister is not a convenient board game that is undertaken while seated at a table. It is an active challenge requiring minimal equipment: a chart that is unfolded on the floor or ground and a spin device that denotes particular colours (either red, blue, green or yellow). A spin of the device indicates the colour that the players must physically connect with using either their hands and/or feet.

Originally geared primarily for children, the activity soon became popular with young adults. As the number of clothes free enthusiasts grew, so did the “fun-to-play-naked” fans. The close proximity of the audience and the curious and sometimes compromising positions the players endured added to the excitement of involvement in the game of Twister! Among the bare and same gender loving population, the Twister engagement was astronomical!

As the game progresses, bodies – while nude – often become entangled which provides interesting and unusual encounters with the bodies of others, either a close friend, a casual acquaintance or a complete stranger! A very roundabout way to “break-the-ice” (introduce) oneself to others in a fun and non-threatening (uncomfortable) manner! The results can create lasting friendships or episodes of awkward familiarity!

The fun entailed with Twister is best experienced rather than explained! There are indeed some things that words just are unable to describe! Fortunately, the activity is suitable for play both inside a dwelling or outside in nature as a bare practitioner or clothed.

A pair of identical twins!

If and when a pair of identical twins are entered into the Twister situation, the contortions as well as the game itself can occasionally create unexpected consequences! For two devious minds, in particular, my spouse, Aaron, and my identical sibling, Alex, the opportunity is simply too rich to ignore!

The Devious Duo: Aaron and Alex

The situation that I am referencing took place back in 2010, the year that Aaron and I initiated our relationship. We had met one another that Spring and by that Autumn we were introducing ourselves to acquaintances, family and friends – a somewhat lengthy and involved process that is, at times, very time consuming!

Aaron’s oldest brother, Paul, was undergoing the “coming out” stage of his life and uncertain as to his status, whether he was a bisexual man or a gay man. Aaron and Alex had the idea that the four of us spend a weekend together, especially as I had never before met Paul. The details were arranged by the “devious duo” (Aaron and Alex), the date arrived – early October – and the weekend was underway!

Paul, aware of his attraction to men, remained in limbo (confused) as to whether he is a gay man (male attraction only) or if he is a bisexual man (attracted to both men and women). Aaron and Alex adopted the idea of a weekend “exploratory” gathering in order to provide Paul the chance to determine his status in the SGL world. I thought this a nice gesture and was honestly surprised that they conceived of this idea! Neither one of them were quite that perceptive!

Confused!

Aaron had invited me to his family over the winter holidays – our first together – so I was eager to meet Paul. We had exchanged emails, and I believed that as this was a crucial time in his life, I could offer advice and help in any way possible. I imagined it would allow us to build a bonding together.

I also knew that Aaron and Alex were conspiring some sort of “initiation” for Paul into the “world of twins!” They were both insisting on my collaboration, but I was adamantly refusing to be a co-conspirator in this episode. Aaron had already let Twin and I know that Paul’s American Sign Language (ASL) skills were not as advanced as his plus his confusion over his sexual identity and if that wasn’t enough, he was spending a weekend with identical twins! Give the man some breathing room! No type of “initiation” required!

The “devious duo” despicable plan was to create confusion for Paul involving Alex and I and our identical buttocks! They thought it would be funny, innocent and engage Paul through humour! I appreciated the humourous aspect but remained firmly opposed to any complicity in their conspiracy! My intention was to meet and assist Paul, not to embarrass him! I knew for a fact that Twin (Alex) could manage that reality solo!

Identical twin buttocks!

Just prior to our weekend gathering, Paul sent to me a confidential email and asking my help. Before this planned gathering, we’d exchanged emails but never met. He had overheard two of his sisters gossiping about our approaching weekend. They had shared that Aaron (their brother), and my Twin were planning a surprise episode and that I had declined to be involved. This prompted his request for my assistance.

My response to his message was a negative. I had refused to cooperate with our brothers in their plot to embarrass him (Paul), therefore, I couldn’t, in clear conscious, collaborate in his scheme. I did assure him that I had not violated Aaron and Twin’s trust in me and that I would respect his need for confidentiality.

Realizing that I now had two conspiring forces vying for my attention, I knew that I needed to proceed with care and caution. The planned weekend arrived. Aaron and I had readied our apartment for our guests, my brother Alex and his brother, Paul.

Twister game competition!

Being aware of the probability of some sort of competitive contest between Paul and Aaron and Alex, I reached a decision to try to avoid any resentment and/or conflict. I knew that we planned our meals out in local restaurants which limited our time together to basically Saturday afternoon/early evening and then again early Sunday afternoon. Not too much “free” time but enough for a possible problem to occur.

If there’s one lesson that I remember from my undergraduate education, it is to plan ahead to keep the students busy and involved. No matter what age or level of education, this lesson is applicable to almost everyone. To ease my self-appointed role as “peace-maker,” I had a Twister game available so that we would have an introductory game and then had a secondary activity, body painting, in place so that we could engage either separately or combine them both together. If we needed a third, I figured we could use charades. A last resort was our selection of dvds.

If we needed the dvd option, then I concluded that the entire weekend was a failure and let everyone fend for themselves! We were all supposed to be adults!

The weekend was fun and successful! Twister was a dynamic twist for all! Body painting was postponed until Halloween!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 18, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Through the Eyes of Another!”

Our Offertory!

Dynamic duo!

How is history made? Through the eyes, hearts and minds of the people who live their lives as completely and as fully as they indeed are able!

Offering!

Who share what they have with all others to expand the goodness of life and the wonders of our world!

Lip-to-lip!

ReNude Pride: Our Offertory, Our Story!

Today, Aaron (my spouse) and I offer a gallery of our exploration of visual images that hopefully render to everyone a glimpse into the culture and the community of bare practitioners throughout the world. Here on ReNude Pride, we extol ourselves as accepting advocates and proponents of not only our same gender loving capacity but also of our nakedness! Now, during the 2024 celebration of our GLBTQ+ History Month, we seek to share with everyone here a festive and inspirational reality of what we indeed are: ourselves!

Clarification!

Bare practitioners are sometimes misinterpreted as militants about their nakedness. While this may be true for some, our belief and support of body and clothes freedom is in no way a fair and just assumption of all of us. Here on ReNude Pride, Aaron and I encourage us all to enjoy our ability to freely engage in our nudity to our individual levels of comfort. Some are satisfied with limited and/or occasional forays while without any covering, such as our gentleman (above) resting while visibly exposing his tan-line buttocks. Obviously, he’s bare when he wants to be!

Phoenix Fellington, ReNude Prides’s spokes-model!

Whereas others, such as this site’s unofficial representative, Phoenix Fellington, (above) is gloriously naked and completely unashamed whenever the opportunity is available! Publicly, he has no qualms in acknowledging his “I love being naked in nature!” status to all those within any audience available and interested. At this time, it is appropriate to remind everyone here of his professional qualification as a same gender loving (SGL) actor in the gay porn industry.

A comfortable pose!

Posing for others provides many of us with a chance to attain greater comfort and confidence in ourselves and our nakedness. It affords us the opportunity to examine ourselves as we appear through the eyes of others. Many take advantage of these opportunities to determine exactly how they feel about sharing their genitalia with those they may not know.

Discrete posing!
Discrete posing!
Discrete posing!

Others, realizing their comfort-level isn’t as bold, may opt to pose discretely and with modesty. It is an individual choice based on personal comfort, confidence and preference!

Happy GLBTQ+ History Month!

Naked hugs!

Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos

and

Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 25, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Colourful Club-Man!”

Cultural Imagery!

After SIR, 1969: gay begins to appear!

Emergence of Gay:

For numerous decades, the term “homosexual” was used to describe same gender loving people as both a definition and as a term synonymous with despicable and/or perverted. The late 1950s and early 1960s marked the transition of the meaning of the word “gay” from that of being “carefree and happy” to that meaning “homosexual” in British usage. The British interpretation slowly began to make its way into American language. By the time of the Stonewall Inn riots (SIR) of 1969, the British term was embraced by the same gender loving rioters and other protesters. For far too long and for too many, “homosexual” was too degrading and too prejudicial.

Vintage buttons proclaiming “gay!”

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Lambda!

Lambda:

The Greek alphabet letter “lambda” was designated in December, 1969, by the graphic artist of the Gay Activist Alliance (GAA), founding member Tom Doerr. Doerr chose it because in chemistry it was the sign for “catalyst.” In this context, Doerr offered that the lambda involved the complete exchange of energy. Tom Doerr also felt that the Greek lambda was symbolic of self-identification, unity and pride. Others argue that lambda denotes synergy of the growing gay movement: the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

In 1970, the lambda was adopted by New York City’s GAA as the emblem of their growing movement for gay liberation. In 1974, it was subsequently proclaimed by the International Gay Rights Congress at their meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, as their symbol for gay and lesbian civil rights. Following their designation, lambda became internationally popular and recognized globally with the same gender loving community.

Unfortunately, many women viewed the lambda symbol as relevant for males only.

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The Pink Triangle!

The Pink Triangle:

Just as the Nazi’s forced Jewish people to wear a yellow star of David, they forced men they identified as homosexual to wear an inverted pink triangle (die Rosa-Winkel) to identify their male gender preference. Those forced to do so were treated as the “lowest of the low in the concentration camp hierarchy.” It is estimated that 65% of those incarcerated as homosexuals died in captivity. Adolph Hitler perceived gay men as an impediment to purify Germany and as a serious threat to Aryan superiority.

After the concentration camps were liberated at the end of World War II, men imprisoned for homosexuality remained locked up. East Germany (communist) didn’t rescind the criminality of homosexuals until 1968. West Germany (democracy) didn’t repeal Nazi laws against homosexuality until 1969. Reunited Germany removed the illegality of homosexuality in 1994.

In 2002, the German government issued an official apology to all gay men who were imprisoned during the war. Rudolph Brazda, the last known concentration camp survivor who wore a pink triangle, died on August 3, 2011, at the age of 98.

Notation: The inverted Pink Triangle, located inside a green circle, is frequently used today to designate “safe” (protected) environments, facilities and spaces for GLBTQ+ persons.

A designated comfort zone for GLBTQ+ persons!

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The Rainbow Pride Flag!

Notation: The Rainbow Pride flag consists of six rainbow stripes. The colours are red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. The red stripe is always the top, the purple the bottom. When first flown, it held eight stripes but was soon revised to six stripes only. The colours represent the ideals below:

The Rainbow Pride Flag:

This flag was first publicly raised on June 25, 1978, in San Francisco, California, USA. It was unfurled over the city’s United Nations Plaza in honour of gay pride at the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. The original flag contained eight coloured stripes and was designed for the event and the occasion by Gilbert Baker. The initial banner was hand-stitched and dyed by Baker with the help of volunteers and friends Lynn Segerblum, James McNamara, Glenne McElhinney, Joe Duran and Paul Langlotz.

The original flag was reconfigured after the unveiling as the banner soared in popularity and the demand became widespread. The new design featured six stripes matching the natural rainbow. The flag discontinued the stripes pink (symbolizing “sex”) and turquoise (“art and magic”) as those two colours were unavailable in flag fabric.

Gilbert Baker conceived the flag would “empower his tribe” (the growing GLBTQ+ community) into a “rainbow of humanity.” The motif represented the movement’s diversity.

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The new Progress Flag among Rainbow Pride Flags!

Evolution: Pride to Progress:

Forty years after the appearance of the Rainbow Pride flag, the Progress Flag debuted as the new banner of the worldwide GLBTQ+ community and culture. The Progress flag incorporated the six stripes of the Rainbow Pride flag along with colours and designs that depict our movement as we march together into the future.

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The Progress Flag!

The Progress Flag of the GLBTQ+ Community and Culture

The Progress Pride flag was developed by non-binary (not conforming gender identity) artist and designer Daniel Quasar in 2018, forty years after the initiation of the Rainbow Pride flag. Based on the six stripes of Gilbert Baker’s 1978 Rainbow Pride flag, Quasar’s redesign celebrates the expanded diversity of today’s GLBTQ+ community and culture and encourages a more inclusive general society. The banner has increased the representation of discriminated minority identities covered by the GLBTQ+ umbrella.

Quasar’s creation placing black and brown stripes (emblems 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 the Progress Pride flag. 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.”

In the Progress Pride flag, the black stripe has a double meaning as it, in Quasar’s intent, to represent not only the African race and their descendants but also “those living with HIV/AIDS and the stigma and prejudice surrounding them as well as all those who have succumbed to the disease.”

On the evening of June 6, 2018, Quasar posted the design for the Progress Pride flag on social media. When he woke up the following day, he discovered that the posting had gone viral. It was an immediate success!

Progress Pride flying over the University of Nottingham!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, October 17, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Spirit: Stop Bullying Day!”