One serious project, as the author of the ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!, is to constantly identify new topics to address concerning bare practitioners as well as subjects relating to our being same gender loving (SGL) – bisexual or gay – in addition to our preference for nakedness. It is indeed far easier and simpler to complacently repeat over and over concepts, ideas and topics already covered in previous post entries here. However, that quickly becomes boring, lackluster and very repetitious!
In trying to keep informative, interesting and thoughtful, one must also be both creative and imaginative while pursuing newer aspects of being a bare practitioner in today’s world. This search presents challenges, experiences and opportunities to expand our knowledge, help us to grow as members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) community and culture and as proponents of the nakedness community and culture.
The respected ancient adage: “Variety is the spice of life!” is applicable and current today as it was centuries ago!
Jason Vario (left) and Daymin Voss (right)!
Introduction:
The result of the most recent research for different and resourceful items to offer here is the title of this particular post entry here today: The Bare/Dare Series, 2025! The intended purpose of this series is to examine our nakedness and how it is influenced by our life experiences, attitudes and social factors. We’ll explore how we, personally, determine our own limitations on our being bare and how that decision impacts our lives. Then we will focus on the various ways we adapt our levels of expectations and tolerances of our levels of nakedness, both individually and/or socially.
This The Bare/Dare Series, 2025! will consist of three (3) post entries here. The plan is to publish all three postings before the end of the current summer season in the Northern Hemisphere. This deadline serves two purposes: a) those in the Northern Hemisphere who wish to “sample” the bare practitioner experience will be able to do so before the external weather evolves and b) those living in the Southern Hemisphere have the chance to incorporate any new concepts/ideals into their routines prior to the advent of their summertime.
In both hemispheres, regardless of the season, anyone curious about nudity can use the presentations in whatever manner they desire/prefer.
Felipe Ferreira: a sandy profile!
A reminder to all that there is, to the best of our knowledge, no official “rule book” or guideline for engaging in nakedness. Both Aaron, my spouse, and I know of many persons and/or organizations who consider themselves in an authoritative capacity or position but we are unable to determine what entitled that distinction.
It remains the responsibility of each person to decide their personal level of comfort with their nudity!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, July 31, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! July, 2025!”
Simply: the choice is yours. Please read and act responsibly.
A sunny beach stroll!
Introduction:
Hopefully, the title of today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! has caught your attention and curiosity as to the content. If not, the equation covered in the Prologue was intended to eliminate all and any doubt. The purpose and theme are to remind us of the importance of sunscreen in our health needs and especially our skincare.
This hopefully serves as a serious reminder to all of us of the need to incorporate protection strategies into our nakedness. We are all born body and clothes free. That fact allows us an option in determining how we pursue our lives. The intent of this X-Factor component is to reinforce our healthy, honest and informed choices.
This photo-essay offering concludes with an accessible link to my most recent posting on this topic. If anyone needs detailed information on the concerns of sunscreen, please use the linkage featured prior to the signature below.
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Sunscreen!
For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, our season of “natural bare living” is in the process of happening now! As our Springtime unfolds, our opportunities for natural revelation increase daily. The need for clothing diminishes at an accelerated rate and the freedom to express our bare practitioner inclinations expands considerably! The necessity for the aid and protection of sunscreen grows beyond imagination.
For persons living in the Southern Hemisphere, even though the season of intense solar exposure is months away, sunscreen protection is always warranted for any sun exposure, regardless of sunray intensity. A secondary purpose of this post entry is to refresh everyone’s memory: sunscreen is essential for our health and well-being all year long, no matter where we live!
Application!
Each sunscreen is available commercially in a variety of containers, formats and styles. It is a topical product specifically designed to protect skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays from the sun can cause premature skin aging, sunburn and skin cancer – including melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen daily is essential in reducing these harmful effects.
The goal of any sunscreen product is to shield the skin from sun exposure and a broad-spectrum formula that helps block UVA and UVB sunrays is basic for all skin types, ethnicities and races.
Reapply as per instructions!
The length of time for the purpose of sunscreen is recommended for each product. Everyone is encouraged to follow the commercial instructions as closely as possible and to individually decide the effectiveness. Variations are based on personal needs and the products overall rating. Not every product is identical. It is highly encouraged to all persons that when purchasing a new type of sunscreen product to apply a little to a small area of the body to test the product and individual reaction to it.
When applying the sunscreen, numerous bare practitioners – Aaron and myself included – recommend a “dual application” process. This involves rubbing the product into the skin and awaiting time for the product to be absorbed and then repeating the process. This reduces the chance of any area of skin being accidentally uncovered and unprotected.
Sunscreen application!
If at all possible, having an acquaintance, family member or a friend helping to spread the protection is advised. Their assistance helps to cover areas difficult to reach if applying alone and also guarantees thorough coverage of the entire body with protection. This cooperation also encourages us to share experiences and problems with others that we otherwise would not be able to exchange.
The growing market of sunscreen products offer many different varieties. This interaction gives us an opportunity to gain experience, knowledge and a sampling of products that we might not have accessibility to or reason to try.
Sunscreen is for everyone!
Despite extensive outreach efforts, there is still a significant number of persons who are of the erroneous mindset that Black people (persons of African descent) do not need to use sunscreen. This misconception is based on the false belief that their melanin-infused skin completely eliminates the need for sunscreen for protection. Yes, darker skin does protect from some UV sunrays, but all persons, regardless of their skin tones, need the protection of sunscreen.
Darker skin tones indeed have a greater genetic protection than fairer skin tones, however, humans have no natural blockage of all ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Everyone has a natural deficiency.
For a more detailed information offering on sunscreen, please visit the post entry linked below:
Up until this post entry here on ReNude Pride, our encouragement has been to continue posing alone. The purpose of this recommendation/suggestion was to gain and increase awareness of a) what an individual is able to accomplish in front of a camera lens and b) what poses (angles, locations, positions, etc.) look and work best for oneself, personally. It also increases our experience being the actual subject in a photograph.
Online time simultaneously!
Now, it is reasonable to assume we have someone special (close friend, bromantic interest, partner, etc.) that we trust explicitly and confide this project and our involvement and… our selfies! If there is perhaps an additional friend to include, that increases the chance for “fun” and success of this phase of the project. Remember the adage: “the more, the merrier?” Those words prove to be accurate and true!
My friends, Kalvin (left) and Darren (right)!
Myself and Kalvin posing!
My friends, Darren and Kalvin, join with me in posing while Aaron, my spouse, operates the camera. All of us posing and with a camera potentially leads to trouble! Selfie images remain appropriate, so a separate photographer isn’t an absolute essential but it is a beneficial option and resource. That person can either be the photographer or join in with all for posing! One thought of advice, keep the number of persons involved in the project manageable. Too many participating and the focus and purpose become obscured!
The increasing of at least one additional person affords us a larger range of considerations and ideas for activities to engage and a selection of poses. It presents an opportunity for us to interact and to react and to lose the “statue” effect that solo posing sometimes conveys.
An outdoor mixed message!
Advice: Inviting others to join with us in posing does present us with the need for a careful review of our pictures. Some poses may be misinterpreted as being more provocative or more suggestive than others. This caution advice is offered to eliminate a potentially embarrassing moment! Better safe now than sorry later!
The bottoms-up! poses, shown above and below, illustrate the advice caution offered in the previous paragraph. For some, the above picture implies or hints of a possible intimate (sexual) interaction whereas the image below this paragraph is of buttocks in a more casual and neutral pose depicting simply buttocks!
Buttocks: an urban view!
For many persons, professional models to amateurs who are adjusting to posing bare (such as we are doing here), posing one’s buttocks is less stressful than facing the camera lens directly. Buttocks are a common anatomical feature for both genders although they do vary from person to person. The majority of people are basically comfortable posing their buttocks rather than their personal genitalia.
Our spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington!
ReNude Pride’s very own celebrity unofficial official spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington, shares with us an observation on posing bare. A reminder that Phoenix is not quoted here attempting to recruit future porn performers,he is offering insightful inspiration on the advantages of posing bare!
“Posing naked is an ideal way to strengthen your body self-image and to impress others with your confidence and poise.” ~ Phoenix Fellington ~ openly gay pornography actor ReNude Pride spokes-model
Hands joining them together!
The trio pictured here have no problems with being photographed with others of different ethnicities/races nor are they uncomfortable revealing their genitalia on camera. Even today, in the 21st century, there remain persons who have issues with those conditions. It is unfortunately more common than one would expect.
A person’s body language can and often does convey messages to viewers. In the trio, their hands join them together and all three have jovial smiles on their faces. The information shared may or may not be understood by the individuals posing. Many times, a person with a prejudice against another fails to recognize this aspect about themselves. Awareness of this trait in others helps us to prepare for any situation that may arise.
Anticipating potential concerns when inviting others to participate in posing projects enables us to have different options available as possible solutions.
Engrossed in reading!
The sibling duo above are too “busy” or engrossed in their reading. Their being naked becomes a secondary consideration for them both and to those looking at the picture. The primary thought for many is: “What is so important/interesting?” Again, the action shown (reading) detracts from the plainly visible nudity. An item as simple as a book attracts and captures the attention of others!
The more common, everyday and routine nude posing becomes, the less sensational it seems to be. It begins to lose the uniqueness many want to award it!
Author’s Notation: There may be a “Posing Bare: Part 4” supplement posting. I have a draft for the posting I just need more possible content.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, February 14, 2025,and the proposed topic is: “Cupidity!”
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!”
It makes very little difference exactly where we live, either the Northern or the Southern Hemispheres, the month of December affords to the overwhelming majority of us a festive occasion to celebrate our cultural and social heritage!
In selecting a title for today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride, I am once again sensitive that a general, generic title is almost impossible. No matter how it is constructed, someone, somewhere will undoubtedly be offended. For many, avoiding the label “Christmas” is publicly repudiating Christians everywhere. Even though a significant number of persons living on this planet are not actually of the Christian belief system.
Winter holidays is another useless term as not everyone resides in the Northern Hemisphere where the winter season is fast approaching. Season’s greetings is equally unacceptable as summer enthusiasts who live in the Northern Hemisphere, such as my spouse, Aaron, and myself are in no way pleasantly receptive to any season that hinders or restricts our outdoor expressions of our joy of nakedness!
I’m certain that there are those who live in the Southern Hemisphere who prefer the “thrill of the chill” (cooler, if not even colder) outside air temperatures than what is about to encompass them! Perhaps December holidays is an appropriate title for today’s composition, even though I’m certain that more than likely is considered rude and thoughtless by some.
Then again, I am cognizant of the fact that being same gender loving (SGL) and clothes free is also offensive to many! Therefore, in an attempt to be as inclusive as possible, Aaron and I offer to everyone here as complete an attachment as currently available that acknowledges the multitude of seasonal festivities observed during the month of December! We also recognize that one holiday, happens on 1 January, annually. An entirely different month and year. Please allow us another year to creatively address and explore that issue!
There are additional celebrations, events, feasts, observances that were not included in the above listing. No offence is intended!
In the meantime, enjoy this month of December, 2024!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, December 9, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Semester Outing!”
It has been quite some time – at least three years – since I have referenced my bare and gay modeling job and/or the two years that I was involved with it. I have no embarrassment, guilt or shame over that fact/reality. After all, it was an enormous milestone in my life that contributed to the publication of ReNude Pride (this site). Credit should go where it is due!
While earning and learning my baccalaureate degree at my university, I was an active member of the Lavender Club. This was the student club for bisexuals, gays and lesbians. At that time, those three were the sole identities professed by our community and our membership. The overwhelming majority of us considered ourselves gay.
The second largest component group identified as bisexual and was predominantly male followed by the third grouping: lesbian. To our knowledge, there was no census, survey or research done to uncover the discrepancy in numerical memberships. The unofficial reasoning that circulated among us students was that none of the women wanted to be known as a “lavenderlesbian!” This observation was often repeated in jest!
As a student member of the Lavender Club (please make a note of: lavender), our faculty advisor was Dr. Rose (please note: rose). He also was the coordinator of the university’s programme of using graduate students, if interested, as nude models for the art and/or photography classes. Lavender? Rose? Were the university administrators attempting to organize a “rainbow” of surnames for the bisexual, gay and lesbian students?
Bare Professional:
Autumn posing!
As referenced above, Dr. Rose was the sole coordinator for the university’s naked models for the School of Art and he was the one who interviewed all prospective candidates. My situation was different from the others as he was aware of my comfort and familiarity with nudity as well as membership in several Washington, D.C. area clothes free social clubs. He approached me into joining his group of bare models. Of course I agreed! My first assignment as a naked model was to pose for a photography class interacting with fallen leaves the autumn after my graduation. Interacting with a pile of Autumn leaves while the students photographed me? Really?
A simple task that was a nightmare of a challenge. How “creative” could I be with a pile of leaves? Dr. Rose repeatedly emphasized to my modeling partner and myself that the project entailed both our nudity and nature (the leaves). Using the leaves to cover our anatomy was absolutely not an option. Little did he know that was never considered as a possibility by me! My goal: naked, front and center!
As for my modeling partner, he was obsessed with the wearing of a facial Halloween mask for the project. When I asked: why? He answered that he didn’t want his family or friends to know that he was posing nude. I convinced him that this was a project for the photography students, not creating pictures for an art gallery.
Once the project began and working with the leaves developed a pattern, the job became somewhat easier. It was no longer a tedious task. The camera (photography) students started to interact with us and we performed, danced, showered and countless other methods of socialization with the leaves ensued! The class became enthusiastic about the assignment and the focus evolved into having fun!
I realized how fortunate I was. An openly (out-of-the-closet) gay man who was being paid for having fun being naked! The center of attention of this group of photography students as we manually communicated (using ASL) suggestions and ideas as to what to attempt next! A very cool situation considering the fact that we were outside and it was already late October!
Leaves everywhere!
While posing, I began to fancy myself as a performer (actor) in the gay porn industry! Naked with all cameras and everyone’s attention focused on my every move and every whim with no one judging or shocked by my body and clothes freedom or the obvious fact that my man-to-man attraction was not a “taboo” (forbidden) subject! An ideal career aspiration for a 21-year-old man!
Author’s note: imagine me, nude and gay, entertaining the world with my talents! Unlimited financial success due to my superlative relationship with leaves!
While posing, I began to notice that the sunlight seemed to fade and then return. Dizziness one minute and then disappearing the next. Suddenly, after gasping for air, I lost my sense of connection with reality. I felt as though I were floating on waves. The next cognizant thought I had I was on a gurney in the back of a trauma vehicle on the way to a local hospital. I had fainted!
I had lost consciousness and stopped breathing while labouring among the leaves! I had never experienced such an episode in my life! I was kept in hospital for two days and informed that I was allergic to pollen from my co-stars – the leaves! My identical twin brother, Alex, nor I had ever experienced any allergy reactions before! This was actually a first for the both of us as well as all of our brothers!
This incident brought an immediate termination of my exceptional career in pornography with leaves! I continued to work as a bare model for the university’s School of Art and Photography for the remainder of that scholastic year and the next. Henceforth, I restricted my assignments to avoid contact with fallen leaf pollen!
Carpet of leaves!
My diagnosis with an allergy served notice to my parents and siblings to undergo testing. Growing up, there were no serious or urgent health issues for any of us. Fortunately, only Twin (the familiar name Alex and I use in referring to one another) and I were the only ones determined to be susceptible to pollen. Another amazing distinction to being identical twins: Deaf, gay, nudists and now allergy sufferers. Our unique notoriety qualifications listing continued to grow!
Upon being informed of his pollen allergy, Twin immediately asked the doctor if he was certain his allergy was to pollen and not to our shared preference for nakedness! Our physician assured him that it was solely a pollen allergy. Even today, we continue to laugh over his concern as to the cause of our allergy! In his defence, he reminds us that we were “only” 21 years old at the time!
As a footnote to the allergy theme here, in our paternal family we do indeed have a cousin, Michael, who is also a Deaf and an active bare practitioner. Within our family, his own “claim-to-fame” is that he does not suffer a pollen allergy!
Landscaping!
Another footnote to my career as a bare model, I was relieved of any consideration for any future leaf responsibilities! However, in response to my incident, no engagements involving leaves was ever taken again by the School of Art! No one affiliated with the now School of Media wanted a repetition of my reaction and hospitalization. Evidently, once was quite enough!
A humourous closing note, shortly after my return to graduate studies at my university, a notice was anonymously posted on campus: “Warning! Roger does not play well with leaves!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 11, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Armistice Day/Remembrance Day!”
Autumn is officially here! Daylight Savings Time (DST) officially ends!
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, 2:00 a.m. (local time), all clocks need to be reset to reflect the return to the regular timing schedule. Each time zone drops back one hour. Thus, 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2024, reverts back to 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2024!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Monday, November 4, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Vote Tuesday!”
As the month of October, 2024, fast approaches closing, a tribute to our celebration of GLBTQ+ History Month is worthy of a final notation. Why? First and foremost, it helps all of us as we continue to build (construct, develop) an even greater sense and understanding of our very own story: our herstory/history/ourstory! There are extremely few, if any, references to nakedness in any commemoration – official or unofficial – throughout our collective community and culture.
Secondly, as a distinct minority within the GLBTQ+ population, bare practitioner ourstory (bare practitioner herstory/history) has a very justifiable and viable consideration to be explored and shared. Not only for us bare practitioners, but for all body and clothes freedom enthusiasts no matter their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Thirdly and primarily is the fact that I owe to everyone here – at least – an apology and brief explanation for the announced and scheduled posting of: “Our History: No Briefs!” for Friday, 18 October, 2024. My seasonal pollen allergies caused a serious disruption of my health and myself for that day. I sincerely apologize to all for any confusion and inconvenience!
Ourstory: Definition:
Ourstory is simply an all gender inclusive description – not herstory nor history – that defines our experiences and lives as same gender loving (SGL) and body and clothes freedom humans. Being gender neutral, the intention is to be recognized and understood as being accepting us all in a respectful manner, regardless of our gender identity.
Ourstory, as a word, was initially introduced to me by my spouse, Aaron. He’s unable to identify or recall any source for the term except himself!
The Danish Trio:
Today’s heading (opening image above) depicts a photograph of the confident and proud gay artist, Ainor Bagner, (himself nude), painting a naked man reading a book on the coast of Denmark. The artist himself is obviously comfortable with his nudity. The same is true of the subject posing for him (the reader). Bagner’s photographer is visually mysterious, however, Bagner later confirmed that he was also a gay naked man. In the lower right-hand corner of the picture image is etched “1910.”
One common trait apparent in the above vintage photo is the comfort and confidence of both the known same gender loving artist, Ainor Bagner, and his artistic subject (the reader) have being photographed in their nakedness. Keep in mind the notation of “1910” in the lower right-hand corner of the picture. More than a century ago – long before the Stonewall Inn riots of 1969! Another bonus: their photographer joined them in their clothes freedom, too!
Personal:
I encountered this picture in the early days of my online exploration. It’s very nature and vintage captured my immediate appreciation and attention due to the nude subjects and their interaction. I remember thinking this is an important visual artifact of gay and nude history! Upon remembering the date the picture was inscribed, my theory on the historical was confirmed! Throughout all these years, it has remained one of my all-time favourites due to it being a classic example of nakedness and same gender love not being a contemporary novelty but instead being a lasting artistic tradition!
The emergence of the bare practitioner community and culture within the mainstream GLBTQ+ movement is a product of the 21st century. This picture is an integral part of ourstory!
Camaraderie:
Bare camaraderie early 1960s!
During a time when there was limited and rare acceptance, tolerance and understanding of what we now refer to as same gender love (SGL), the two young men featured in this series of photographs here interact in harmony with one another. Totally out of character and in direct conflict with social norms for both their time (early 1960s) and their type: one being Black and the other being White. Physically, besides their obvious nakedness, they are both in fitness and good health.
Racial equality was practically non-existent during this time period. Segregation (separation by race) was legally mandated throughout most of the country and was considered the “normal” routine. Photographs depicting or suggesting camaraderie and/or friendship between the two races were not permitted and attracted unwanted attention.
Friendly and bare, early 1960s!
Their body and clothes-free appearance – together – would be viewed by the overwhelming majority of people as despicable, illegal, immoral and offensive. Any hint of any type of intimacy (touching) between the two young men was disgraceful and repulsive and condemned by church, society and state. During this time period, few would promote their camaraderie as admirable and progressive. Then-president Harry Truman was strongly criticized by many for having integrated the U. S. armed forces by executive order in 1948.
The fact that these two young men were actually touching one another in the initial image (under the subtitle above) and the one below would have caused an uproar!
Leaning and supporting together!
This series of pictures represents an effort by the photographer in a subtle delivery of a message of artistic expression of equality. The photographer is unknown to us as is his clothing status (bare or clothed). No information is available on the two young men in the photos.
As bare practitioners, the ourstorical (historical) expression of the majesty of our nakedness is our artistic contribution!
Personal:
This photograph series on no way implies or suggests that the concept or ideal of racial equality is exclusive to us as bare practitioners. I’m certain of the existence of segregationists of both races. However, Aaron and I both believe our nakedness does make us inclined to greater acceptance of equality for all!
Heritage:
Early warrior!
The inclusion of this visual series serves as a reminder of the human heritage that we all share: nakedness. None of us were born with garments to wear. All of us were born bare, natural, or nude. Body and clothes freedom is the original “state of being” of us all!
Taking aim!
Taking advantage of our natural (from nature) resources, our ancestors created colors and designs to adorn, decorate, and distinguish our bare bodies. The purpose of this was not to conceal or hide but rather to embellish and enrich ourselves. Please note the natural “club” (stick) here is representative of “protection” (preservation) of our nakedness!
Pride!
Our shared ouristorical heritage is both majestic and noble. Be confident and be proud!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, October 31, 2014, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! October, 2024!”
Halloween is a festive day here in the USA that often involves the wearing of a costume and children roaming their neighbourhoods at night seeking sweet treats from their terrified neighbours! Many adults use the occasion to dress up in costumes and to enjoy socializing. Frequently bare practitioners, in spirit with the occasion, body paint themselves rather than engage in the boring, mundane custom of actually wearing some type of costume! To each their own!
Halloween is observed annually on 31 October. As this is the weekend prior to the observance, for many adult enthusiasts, it is often the occasion for many Halloween parties!
Temptation!
This body painted person reflects the biblical legend concerning the temptation of Adam and Eve with the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden. People opt for total body painting to reflect popular characters of films, social media and television shows. Others utilize images from books or tales of horror.
Surprise!
There are some who prefer abstract designs painted on their body. Perhaps these denote the concept of a “human canvas?”
“Trick or treating” pumpkins!
Covered faces conceal personal identity from neighbours as frolicking “trick or treat” (knocking on doors to obtain a special “Halloween treat” go from house-to-house to gather as many sweet treats as possible!
Happy Halloween!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 28, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Practitioners: Ourstories!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 