Purple: Spirit Day!

Purple Spirit Day!

Purple: Spirit Day is officially observed on the third Thursday of October, annually. This posting entry is offered in anticipation of the official observance!

On the Progress Rainbow Pride flag, the colour of purple at the bottom of the original rainbow field of six stripes represents the ideal of spirit. The colour also denotes pride and is considered a calming colour. It also connects us to the spiritual realm. For a great many of us, this is symbolic of our reflective nature and signifies the soul of the GLBTQ+ quest for our equality and freedom. In the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth, purple is a royal colour and often is representative of the Crown.

Purple: Spirit Day is an annual anti-bullying, anti-coercion date that is held during National Bullying Prevention Month. It is particularly focused combatting damaging or threatening behaviour based on a person’s perceived or real same gender loving status. The Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) of 1969 and the National Coming Out Day observance that commenced on October 11, 1988, reduced the suicide rate among the GLBTQ+ community and culture but it was never completely eradicated as a cause, even with the millennial transition.

A significant increase in GLBTQ+-related suicides committed not only raised the awareness of this problem within our community and culture but also in the minds of the general public. Clearly, more attention and efforts were necessary.

The commemoration of Purple: Spirit Day began on October 20, 2010, at the advocacy and inspiration of one Canadian teenager on her FaceBook social media. It is an awareness day of recent development in response to a USA suicide that gained international attention. On September 22, 2010, eighteen year old student Tyler Clementi, of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA, jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge over the Hudson River. On September 19, Tyler’s roommate, Dharen Ravi, had posted to his Twitter social media account a clip showing Tyler kissing another man and announced to all his followers that he is gay. All of this was done without the permission of Tyler or his encounter partner.

Purple: Spirit Day!

The resulting media explosion that followed the suicide led Brittany McMillan, a secondary school student in Canada to respond to her conscience and launch the Purple: Spirit Day campaign on her own. The concept was undertaken by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) who immediately assumed sponsorship after consulting with Brittany.

Promoted by GLAAD, participants wear the colour purple as a visible sign of awareness and support for GLBTQ+ young people and opposition to bullying (for whatever reason) in general. It is also a gesture in tribute to all GLBTQ+ victims of suicide.

Cartoon in support of GLBTQ+ Purple: Spirit Day!

The very first Purple: Spirit Day was held on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Later observances were on Thursday, October 20, 2011, and on Friday, October 20, 2012. After that time, GLAAD enacted the official date of the third Thursday in October as the annual occasion.

For those persons restricted by requirements of uniform, a purple awareness ribbon may be worn to show agreement with the cause. If a pre-printed purple ribbon isn’t immediately available, a plain one suffices. Use a regular safety pin to attach the ribbon to your collar or shirt.

I remember the very first Purple: Spirit Day. Aaron, my spouse and I were simply living together at the time, and there wasn’t much notice given in advance of the first occasion. We decided to make purple ribbons to distribute on our jobsites promoting the cause and spent the night before staying up late to create the awareness tokens. We assorted 150 ribbons for each of our jobs. By mid-morning the next day, we exchanged emails and we had both given out of ribbons!

Supporting Purple: Spirit Day!

For bare practitioners the event may be signified by painting a purple ribbon on the left side of the chest. It is important to promote attention to this worthy cause!

For additional information on Purple: Spirit Day! please click onto the link below:

Purple: Spirit Day

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 20, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “A Brief Synopsis!”

National Coming Out Day!

National Coming Out of Closet, October 11, annually!

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY: OCTOBER 11

Preliminary notation:

National Coming Out Day is actually on Wednesday of this week. It is my Monday offering here on ReNude Pride so that everyone can be prepared to “hail” to the big day when it arrives! Come out based on your sexuality! Come out because you’re proud to be bare! Come out everywhere! Enjoy a day of just “being you!”

During the expanding global HIV/AIDS pandemic, openly gay artist Keith Haring created the below graphic to salute the initial National Coming Out Day commemoration on October 11, 1988. The event was created in order to encourage all GLBTQ+ people to “come out of the closet of their secrecy and shame” and to take pride in who they are! The date selected for the first National Coming Out Day was the first anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights.

The HIV/AIDS crisis was unfortunately “outing” an alarming number of gay men only after they had succumbed (died) from the ravages of the disease. The initial public display of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt happened in conjunction with the 1987 March. The purpose of the National Coming Out Day was to enable the SGL community to boldly self-identify itself notoriously and numerically! It also was in the tradition of several celebrities publicly “coming out” in honour of the 1987 March on Washington.

Basic truth!

A very simple truth that regrettably centuries of oppression and torture could not be easily acknowledged by many. National Coming Out Day sought to end the marginalization and ostracism felt by many due to their sexuality. The encouragement of persons to willingly identify themselves without embarrassment and shame forced many to see that bisexuals, gays and lesbians included family and friends. One of the goals of National Coming Out Day is to prove to the mainstream population that the GLBTQ+ population is as diverse as ever and also includes persons they never thought as “being that way” (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+)!

A man-2-man embrace!

This forced many persons who had remained passive and silent while the same gender loving community and culture were being harassed, marginalized and ridiculed to finally face the reality that some members of their family and some of their friends were honestly members of the very community that was being condemned. This sudden “truth” forced multitudes to examine their consciences and confront their prejudices. The result initiated a gradual transition in society’s thinking and views on the GLBTQ+ people.

Proud proclamation!

The original concept of the National Coming Out Day was for the same gender loving communities to openly acknowledge their sexuality. The personal evolved into being the political. The emphasis is on the basic form of activism as openly being same gender loving to colleagues, family and friends. Here on this site, ReNude Pride, we go an additional step and include our bare practitioner affiliation!

Felipe Ferreira and Rhyheim Shabazz kiss!

There is absolutely no reason for any of us to feel any guilt, humiliation or shame in being what and who we are. No matter who we love and no matter whether we are dressed in clothing or proudly bare, we are entitled to be ourselves! As long as we aren’t hurting anyone else, what difference does it make? All of us have the very human right to be ourselves every day of our lives without any fear or penalty for different!

Bare practitioners come out, too!
Sibling pride in being bare!

A bare practitioner is calm, content and relaxed when either publicly (socially) or privately appearing in their native “natural” state. There is no anxious or nervous concern over appearance or the opinions of others. We accept all of our physical differences and limitations as making each one of us as unique and then we move forward in our lives. The priority is our quest to be the very best what and who we are not only for ourselves but also for all others around us!

Have a great and openly proud National Coming Out Day!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 13, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “The Rainbow Emerges!”

GLBTQ+ Bare History Month!

2023 Icon History Month honourees!

In the USA, October, annually, is featured as GLBTQ+ History Month. During this time, outstanding gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ persons, both current and past, are honoured for their achievements and contributions to their communities and culture’s history as well as to services rendered to history and to society in general. The image above offers the facial representation of some of this year’s winners.

Artistic interpretation!

The USA observance was founded in 1994 a Missouri secondary (high school) history teacher named Rodney Wilson. His original intent was to provide role models, build community, instill pride and to provide a civil rights statement of the achievements and efforts of the entire GLBTQ+ community and culture. Prior to the Stonewall Inn Riots of June 28, 1969, there was little, if any, information about the accomplishments and struggles suffered by the previously-known “homosexual” community in the USA and elsewhere in the world. Before the Stonewall uprising, it was the custom for the members of this community to remain closeted (anonymous, secretive).

“There was no gay pride before Stonewall. Only gay fear and gay isolation and gay distrust and gay self-hatred.” ~ Edmund White ~ USA gay novelist, historian

Gay rioting outside the Stonewall Inn, New York City, June, 1969!

For many, the Stonewall Inn riots marked the beginning of the movement for same gender loving (GLBTQ+) civil rights in the USA. However, in retrospect, it is now recognized as the catalyst (inspiration) that encouraged the community and culture – long abused, discriminated against and ostracized – to adapt a more activist approach in the journey towards equality and freedom.

Because of the existence of GLBTQ+ History Month, there are now forums, historical foundations and societies and institutions themselves dedicated to examining and exploring the topic and others within the community and outside. This is one of the many benefits not only of the Stonewall Riots but also of the observance of our community and cultural history.

The Stonewall Inn Historic Site!

The very first commemoration of GLBTQ+ History Month was endorsed by the Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Gay Lesbian Students Educators Network (GLSEN), the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association (NEA), and other national organizations.

Equality Forum is a national GLBTQ+ civil rights organization with an educational focus. It coordinates GLBTQ+ History Month, produces documentary films, sponsors high impact social initiatives and sponsors an annual GLBTQ+ civil rights conference. It also maintains the GLBTQ+ history month website which is linked below.

http://lgbthistorymonth.com

Below are listed the 2023 honourees. The number of the individual is the date they are honoured. Click the link above for additional information.

  1. Marin Alsop – trailblazing conductor
  2. Chasen Buttigieg – GLBTQ+ activist
  3. Madeline Davis – GLBTQ+ activist and historian
  4. Elana Dykewomon – author and activist
  5. Tessa Ganserer – transgender German politician
  6. Roxane Gay – author
  7. Lesley Gore – composer and singer
  8. Miss Major Griffin-Gracy – transgender activist
  9. Brittney Griner – WNBA superstar
  10. Maura Healey – Governor of Massachusetts
  11. Jazmine Hughes – editor and writer
  12. Eddie Izzard – British actor and comedian
  13. Michael R. Jackson – Pulitzer award playwright
  14. Leslie Jordan – actor and comedian
  15. Tina Kotek – Governor of Oregon
  16. Marijane Meeker – pulp fiction pioneer
  17. Scott Minerd – Wall Street innovator
  18. Ryan Murphy – writer, director, producer
  19. Carl Nassib – first out active NFL player
  20. Stu Rasmussen – first out transgender mayor
  21. Allen Schindler, Jr. – slain naval officer
  22. Charles Silverstein – psychologist, activist
  23. Andrew Solomon – writer
  24. Michael Stipe – rock performer
  25. Kara Swisher – tech journalist
  26. Andre Leon Talley – fashion journalist
  27. Doris Taylor – medical scientist
  28. Evelyn Thomas – military activist
  29. Mpho Tutu Van Furth – South African Anglican priest
  30. Samira Wiley – actor
  31. Penny Wong – Australian foreign minister

As is our standard here on ReNude Pride, we combine the best of both of our bare practitioner exceptional qualities and celebrate all of October as GLBTQ+ Bare History Month. This observance will feature both our same gender loving heritage as well as our bare pride and heritage. Ours is a culture and life that needs to be honoured and saluted in many ways throughout not only the month but all year long!

Please take time and explore interesting facets of our historical community and culture! Happy GLBTQ+ Bare History Month to all!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 2, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Return to Regularity!”

Mid-Summer Dream!

Reflective relaxation!

My spouse, Aaron, and I are unable to find a compromise as to precisely when “mid-summer” occurs. Trust me, we aren’t the only two who are clueless as to the date. None of our acquaintances or friends offer any solutions. Somehow, it seems that this the existence of a “mid-summer” date is actually is a myth created to confuse us all or to make chaos for everyone.

But no matter if it is imagined or real, it does serve as an inspiration for this post entry and as a name for this photographic series, “Mid-Summer Dream” – so christened by my spouse. The reasoning for his naming? It’s a bromantic skinny-dipping fantasy! Also, the pictures themselves have a somewhat vague, dream-like quality. Besides, the very concept of something as being so very mid-summer is itself appealing and mysterious!

Artistic posing!

A vague time and date but quite a very soothing and tranquil setting: a body of water with both of the subjects confidently and conveniently bare and relaxed. The aqua serves as a reflective tool for what we observe shared between the interracial couple: intimacy and trust.

Intensity together!

The duo transpire the message of “equal partners.” Neither one offers any suggestion of the notion of dominance or superiority. They seem very comfortable and on equal footing in every posing.

Their nakedness is unashamed!

An integral aspect of their relationship is their acceptance of one another and the absence of any concern in their being clothes free and open for all to see.

Calm and collected as one!

There’s no denying their affection and devotion to one another as they together experience a skinny-dip to refresh themselves from the summer heat. The message conveyed through their body language is one of contented relaxation!

Eye-to-eye contact!

Once they’re free from the stress of wearing clothing, it’s indeed amazing at how free the body responds in really tranquil situations. We can finally focus on simply being together with one another!

Together as one!

Side-by-side and hip-to-hip are ideal ways to pose to convey the message of togetherness. Of unity and complete commitment: a couple!

Hand-in-hand!

Holding onto one another is another example of body language that represents “joined” to the rest of the world. It suggests a union that is unable to be destroyed!

Together!

Their devotion and intimacy not only resounds through their poses together but also in the figures they convey through the positioning of their bodies. It is obvious to everyone viewing these images that something comforting, relaxing, peaceful and passionate exists between these two men. This, essentially, is the ultimate dream of the majority of us. Our foundation – together!

Aaron and I appreciate the subtle messages shared in these images here. Our upcoming anniversary next month is on display through this posting.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 24, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “July Captivity!”

Nude Recreation Week: Week-End!

Week-End is here!

2023 NUDE RECREATION WEEK

July 10 – 17, 2023

Week’s end naked antics and nude frolics!

Bare abduction!
Truth!
Sunshine freedom!
Backyard contest!

A shoreline stroll!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 17, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Nude Recreation Week: Recuperation!”

Why Pride?

Question?

Frequently, the question is raised in the media as to why we, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) communities and cultures have the need for a pride celebration. This concern is not only presented in the media networks focused primarily on the general populations but also on those geared towards our own featured community and culture. Many feel we have enjoyed all we can of our different lives. Why even bother to continue?

A pose of pride!

Another question often expressed by my spouse, Aaron, and I between ourselves and when in the company of our friends is: of all the communities and cultures present in this country today, why is the question insistently raised concerning our community and culture specifically? If the issue is of the concern of others, why isn’t the same question asked of others? We’re not the only ones to have a month dedicated to celebrating and saluting our own.

Bare happiness and fun!

Fortunately, not everyone is aware of the fact that we here on ReNude Pride endorse not only GLBTQ+ Pride but we also include the bare practitioners within our observance. Thankfully, this aspect remains beyond the realm of appreciation and comprehension for many of those who are critical of our inclusiveness!

Among us bare practitioners, when the question of Why pride? is imposed, very often the response is delivered as Why not? One question deserves more than the reply with another interrogation. However, the inquiry does warrant some investigation.

Teaser!

The endless questioning of the continuance of the necessity of pride by our community and culture supports the existence of prejudice against us all. It may not be as blatant and prevalent as it once was, however, it remains present. As long as this discrimination is evident and felt, yes, pride is needed. Until we communally and culturally receive the same amount of consideration and respect as shown to others, no matter their race, ethnicity, ability, gender, age or heritage, yes, pride is needed! Distrust is a detriment to acceptance and equality.

The determination that a certain action or behaviour is illegal by legislative or parliamentary approval or even a royal proclamation doesn’t immediately erase the behaviour out of existence. It isn’t innate – it is learned – from parents, teachers, clergy, et al. A learned behaviour is the most difficult to eliminate.

Siblings with pride!

A learned behaviour is a prejudice, plain and simple. It is not based on concrete knowledge or scientific fact. It is solely attributed on the often unsupported opinion of others, usually substantiated by myth or rumour. As such, it is virtually impossible to eradicate and generally increases in intensity.

The persistence of prejudice thus acquired ensures the continuation of prejudice. An act of parliament may outlaw the prejudice but it doesn’t eliminate it.

The reality of someone, questioning their emotional and physical feelings, experiencing confusion, turmoil and confrontation with prejudice. This person, alone or in the company of others, justifies the celebration and observation of pride. Everyone deserves the chance to develop and grow in happiness, security and pride!

Pride!

On a global/international scale, some countries and/or societies are developed and progressive and others are conservative, slower and still a few remain isolated and stagnant. Each nation and society pursues the course according beliefs, needs and traditions – of the power structure (politics) or of the population in general. Hence the diversity of cultures, religions, values, etc. As in individual cases, inherited values are the same as learned behaviours. These are likewise the most difficult to alter or to change. For this reason, deviation from the custom or tradition evolves slowly and tediously. Progress, especially to new ideals and philosophies, is very cautious and relaxed.

In my humble opinion, as long as there is – at the very least – one person who benefits from the observance of a pride event, then yes, it remains necessary and valid. I understand those who feel that pride has become too redundant and too repetitive. I only want to encourage them to get involved in planning the next activity and to offer creativity and variety into the format.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, June 27, 2023, and the proposed topic is “HIV Testing Day!” On Wednesday, the anniversary of Stonewall, “Pride: SIR!” is planned for posting.

World Naked Bike Ride!

Throngs cycling together!

World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR)

” We face automobile traffic with our naked bodies as the best way of defending our dignity and exposing the unique dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians as well as the negative consequences we all face due to dependence on oil and other forms of nonrenewable energy.” ~ World Naked Bike Ride Mission Statement ~

Body message!

There is no official date for the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR). Each ride, wherever it occurs, is considered an individual event and is sponsored and happens accordingly. The mission and message are the same for all the rides. The dress code motto for the WNBR is: “bare as you dare.”

The WNBR utilizes nudity as a tool to focus on cycling and the folly of oil dependency. It is believed that nudity represents human vulnerability.

Although nudity is a integral part of the event and its concept, the policy is not necessarily exclusively naked. It is understood that some persons as well as cultures have issues with public nudity. Therefore, participation in WNBR isn’t restricted by any clothing concern. Participants are all welcome, nude or clothed (textile).

WNBR with his Rainbow flower garland!

Similarly, the event is considered a bike ride but isn’t limited to just bicycles. Skateboarding, online skating, unicycling, are encourages in addition to bicycles. Jogging, running and walking is also allowed. Participants are known to transport themselves using their own wheelchairs, either manually or powered. The WNBR strives to be inclusive for all persons with differing abilities.

The ideals espoused by WNBR are to raise awareness of bicycling safety and rights, as well as those of pedestrians, raise awareness of ending dependence on fossil-fuels, to offer attention to our natural ecosystems. A secondary essence in recent years has been awareness of naturism and nudism.

WNBR participant!

There is no recommended date or time for WNBR. The global audience allows each organizing group to determine the best season and time of the year for each event. This results in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres the ability to host events when the weather is best for the local participants. The specific details for hosting WNBR events vary from location to location in addition to national boundaries.

One of the major advantages of the WNBR is that because it happens throughout the world, not only does it occur all during the entire year, it also caters to the weather conditions within both of the hemispheres. This enables more participation, awareness and encourages fund-raising activities. Each event is responsible for generating the cost of providing services.

WNBR, London, UK!

For additional information on the World Naked Bike Ride, visit their website:

World Naked Bike Ride

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, May 19, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Your Buttocks = Historic Artifacts!”

World Naked Gardening Day, 2023!

World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD)!

World Naked Gardening Day, Saturday, 6 May, 2023!

World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) is a fun event celebrated on the first Saturday of May, annually. In 2023, it occurs on tomorrow, 6 May. Gardeners from all over the world get together – at least, in spirit, – to attend to their flowers and plants wearing no clothes or shoes, although hats and sunglasses are permitted!

World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) is a recent occasion it was first observed in September, 2005, and the same month in 2006. In 2007, the official date was determined to be the first Saturday in May and has remained so since. Due to the differences in the climate globally, some countries hold their own date for the event, such as Canada (June, every year) and New Zealand (October).

Indoor gardening!

Prior to the coronavirus COVID-19 quarantine and restrictions, my spouse, Aaron, and I hosted a World Naked Gardening Day indoor plant re-potting event in our condominium. We invite several other bare practitioner couples to participate and offer them a luncheon. The guests would arrive, we’d all strip out of our clothing and collectively re-pot our indoor plants from one pot into another one, slightly larger. The actual repotting would happen on our small balcony. We’d attach bedsheets to the balcony railing so as not to discomfort neighbors and to allow us our nude freedom.

Aaron and I plan to hang these bedsheets today, the day before WNGD. This enables our curious neighbors to already notice the feature and to become acquainted with it in place. It also helps to insure our privacy from voyeurs! To assure us from any breezes causing a flapping of the sheets, we have extra-large safety pins to keep the sheet layers intact.

The coronavirus quarantine suspended our World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) festivities for 2020, 2021 and 2022. This year will be our first hosting of our WNGD tradition and we have made certain our guests are as enthusiastic about the resumption of the activity, just as Aaron and I both are! Adhering to recent practices, the number of guests we’ve invited for WNGD, 2023, is considerably reduced. We simply don’t have the space inside our condominium to allow everyone a comfortable distance apart. In addition, we need to be respectful of our neighbors and their concerns.

World Naked Gardening Day celebration!

Aaron and I are careful to make certain that the safety and health of our fellow gardeners is a primary issue. Hopefully, we can eliminate any transmission of any variant, known or unknown, of the infectious coronavirus. We are providing disposable facial masks and hand sanitizer for all guests. We also have disposable gloves available.

My spouse, as our WNGD chef, has always concocted delicious brunch delights for our consumption. In keeping with safety guidelines, this year we’re offering baked goods only and fresh fruit. Aaron is disappointed his culinary abilities aren’t being utilized but he understands the need for caution. A repeat massive mandatory quarantine is not on anyone’s “wish list!”

The routine for the actual gardening aspect this year basically is the same as in previous times. The focus is on repotting an indoor plant for personal use. As urban residents, a pot and a plant is our only option as a naked gardener. Our shared circumstances enable us to grow a body and clothes freedom community!

We offer what we are able for all to enjoy! Happy World Naked Gardening Day!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Saturday, May 6, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Commonwealth Coronation Day!”

Heart of a Man. — CROSSING THE STYX

Heart of a Lion Mosy in bed Being a nomad in this no man’s land isn’t always death, despair and sorrow. It also has treasures, and magical life changing encounters. That’s exactly how I’d describe my encounter with Mosy. As it turned out, we were both most battered and wounded. We immediately became each other’s […]

Heart of a Man. — CROSSING THE STYX

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Sunday, April 30, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! April, 2023!”

Notation: I really was inspired by this posting by my fellow bare practitioner. blogging buddy and friend, Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai! If not already, follow his site for future postings of insight and delight! Naked hugs!

ReNude Pride: Personified!

Daymin Voss: Openly bare practitioner and gay pornographic star!

The purpose of today’s post entry originally was to endorse Daymin Voss (pictured above) as the personification of this site. About a year ago, I published a tribute to him extolling his bare practitioner attributes as well as his dedication to social nudity and his proud representation of his maschalagnia (hairy armpit obsession). My fascination with Daymin Voss has by no means subsided, but in composing this post entry, I have altered the focus from one individual to a collection of aspects of commendable admiration that I feel are equally important to our community and our culture. Hence, an expansion of the personification theme!

Personification!

Regardless of the multitude of characteristics of our personality, there are certain “truths” that very few – if any – of us are able to conceal. The above “header” (image) is a prime example. One of the purposes of ReNude Pride is to offer some semblance of guidance and inspiration to fellow bare practitioners everywhere. Since one of the identifying qualities of being a bare practitioner is same gender loving (gay, lesbian or bisexual), the above opening becomes self-explained. I’m a same gender loving man (gay). Honestly, I doubt that anyone here ever needed that detail published.

Roger and the rainbow flag!

I’ll readily own the fact that now I’m fast approaching redundancy here. The above picture confirms my same gender attraction (gay rainbow flag) and my body and clothes freedom nature (naturist/nudist). It’s also a photo that my spouse, Aaron, (photo below) took of me several years ago before the Progress rainbow flag was adopted. Also, Aaron and I were legally married in 2015. And yes, we are both committed bare practitioners.

My spouse, Aaron!

Another aspect to share is that I am a very amateur photographer. Although I enjoy using a camera and personally captured the above of Aaron, my skills in this art are, at best, non-existent. Usually, I decapitate my subject – photo-wise only!

Kory Mitchell, tats and underarm fur!

I freely acknowledge my maschalagnia! The more than 700+ post entries here are evidence of this fact as is the picture of my spouse shared previously. While we’re on the subject of body hair and nakedness, here is a quote from my beloved:

“Body hair and nakedness are compatible and natural. They compliment one another; like a rose blooming an a bush.” ~ Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos ~ March 28, 2022

“I love you” International Sign Language and body art!

I was born profoundly Deaf. My identical twin brother and I attended Deaf schools our entire lives. Aaron learned American Sign Language (ASL) because of a Deaf cousin (before we met). His proficiency in that skill has expanded since we’ve been together and he is now fluent (manually) in Greek Sign Language (my first language). This situation has introduced us both into increased advocacy and awareness for equality for all persons with differing abilities (disabilities). Physical, emotional and mental challenges are no reason to deny anyone equality or human rights.

Interracial bromance!

As an interracial couple – in particular, a bare practitioner interracial couple – we have experienced first-hand and personally the discrepancies in behaviour and reactions that others have endured. Likewise, we have also had very courteous treatment where it was least expected. Not just here, but also abroad (overseas).

The USA most definitely needs to seriously adjust and improve the treatment it offers the communities of people with differing abilities. If one espouses equality then one should practice equality. Simple “lip-service” to a concept or ideal in no way combats bigotry and prejudice.

A textile minority!

As advocates and proponents of bare practitioners and equality, we both, Aaron and myself, accept and acknowledge that there are persons who, for whatever the reason, are genuinely unclear and uncomfortable with a unique situation – especially one that puts them in the minority status, be it race, same gender love, nudity, differing ability, communication, equality, heritage, etc. Whatever the insecurity, it causes an anxious response. In this environment, patience, tolerance and understanding help to reduce anxiety and calm the involvement. Discomfort is a natural reaction that produces anger, distrust and resentment.

Happiness!

Sharing happiness is one of my personal Spring resolutions, 2023! One of the available tools is through ReNude Pride. Thank you all for providing me this opportunity!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, April 7, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Environment!”