Coming Out/Awareness Day!

Coming Out Day!

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ Awareness Day!

October 11, annually!

Introduction:

Coming Out Day was first observed in 1988 during the critical and tragic years of the onset of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. For far too many men, their diagnosis with the disease often was their “official coming out” of the proverbial closet to family, friends and co-workers. Unfortunately, the beginning of their coming out process was also the fatal and sad beginning of their farewell process.

National Coming Out Day was scheduled on the very first anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights. It was also the occasion of the first complete public display of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Origins of the Phrase:

For centuries, persons who today constitute the GLBTQ+ community and culture were intentionally and legally marginalized (set aside) and segregated (separated) from the remainder of society. They were condemned and judged by church, clerics, government, law, legal enforcement, etc. as “homosexuals,” “perverts,” “queers,” and “sexual deviants.” These were among the more acceptable social labels.

Closets are for clothes only!

Many of “our kind” lived their entire lives without ever sharing exactly what and who they really and truly were with anyone. Some even led a life that was totally false, they married and raised families without revealing their honest identity. This anonymous, concealed, obscure and secretive way of living was colloquially referenced as “being closeted” or as “living in the closet.” The closet being behind closed doors, thus hidden and unavailable for others to see or witness.

Purpose:

Coming out day was the signal for the post Stonewall Inn Riot (SIR) folks to openly and proudly accept, acknowledge and own their identity, their sexual orientation, the what and the who they indeed are. To step “out of the closet and into their life!” As previously mentioned, regrettably, the HIV/AIDS crisis was happening simultaneously.

“Closets are for clothes” was an expression used by body and clothes freedom enthusiasts who were also same gender loving (SGL) – bare practitioners today – to encourage and empower our community and culture in recognizing ourselves for being ourselves; there’s nothing wrong with us!

Artist Keith Haring created this art for the first Coming Out Day, October 11, 1988!

The late world renown artist, Keith Haring, himself an openly gay man living with AIDS, designed the above artwork in honour of the occasion. It remains prominent today as the globally recognized symbol for bravely, confidently, openly and proudly coming out about individual sexuality and for us bare practitioners, our position on body and clothes freedom.

The original concept for Coming Out Day was to combine the personal notification of sexuality with the political message that individual sexual preference was no longer a secret admission of disgrace and shame. There was nothing degrading about sexuality and consequently, there is nothing abnormal or guilty concerning nakedness. In reality, it’s okay for me to be me!

The emphasis on making the personal act of coming out into a political statement is a basic form of activism. Openly coming out (self identification) to family, friends and colleagues and then living life as a confident person publicly refuting bias and marginalization was in the eyes and minds of many as an extension of the SIR. The fact that homophobia (fear of same gender lovers) thrives in an atmosphere or environment of silence and/or ignorance was reality. Once people realize they either know or are related to someone who is indeed GLBTQ+ they are less than willing to remain with discriminatory, hateful and repressive individuals. “Familiarity breeds the seeds of tolerance.”

Coming out of the closet!

Coming Out Day was extensively reported in the media of the 1980’s (broadcast and press). Keith Haring’s art created attention and notice; overall, the response was well received and several noted celebrities did indeed “come out” themselves and/or encouraged their fans and followers to do the same. However, it did not reach the projected multitudes as hoped. The HIV/AIDS dilemma continued to devastate and even mainline Christian fundamentalist clergy began to involve themselves and their faithful in disease care, education and protection efforts. Slowly and hesitantly, the GLBTQ+ population began to identify with the necessity of the campaign to step forward and to “come out!”

Opening doors!

Evolution:

Since the very first National Coming Out Day on 11 October, 1988, so much has happened in our world, specifically in the attainment of GLBTQ+ civil rights, equality and freedoms. In the USA, the removal of the military ban/restriction on service, marriage equality and broad non-discrimination policies and protocols (just to name a few). There is now an almost general acceptance and acknowledgment of our existence and our humanity.

The struggle against HIV/AIDS is no longer seen as an absolute fatality. With proper treatment and care, it is now widely interpreted as a now “manageable” condition. It is not necessary for avoidance and/or isolation.

The purpose of National Coming Out Day has, in keeping with the progress, evolved into a GLBTQ+ awareness day, reminding our general society that we’re still here and yes, we’re still queer! Our sexuality no longer forces us to remain anonymous, invisible and obscure. We have the freedom and the right to be exactly what and who we truly are! The days of guilt and shame are in the past, gone but not forgotten!

For us bare practitioners, our next step forward is that our proclivity for our nakedness is no longer a concern nor a judgment to be determined by others. As long as we respect others, we should expect the equal and same respect for ourselves! Equality works both ways for everyone!

Out and proud!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 14, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Cultural Imagery!”

October’s Bright Blue Weather!

October’s Bright Blue Weather

by Helen Hunt Jackson

O suns and skies and clouds of June,

And flowers of June together,

Ye cannot rival for one hour

October’s bright blue weather.

When loud the bumblebee makes haste,

Belated, thriftless vagrant,

And goldenrod is dying fast,

And lanes with grapes are fragrant;

When gentians roll their fringes tight

To save them for the morning,

And chestnuts fall from satin burrs

Without a sound of warning;

When on the ground red apples lie

In piles like jewels shining,

And redder still on old stone walls

Are leaves of woodbine twining;

When all the lovely wayside things

Their white-winged seeds are sowing,

And in the fields still green and fair,

Late aftermaths are growing;

When springs run low, and on the brooks,

In idle golden freighting,

Bright leaves sink noiseless in the hush

Of woods, for winter waiting;

When comrades seek sweet country haunts,

By twos and twos together,

And count like misers, hour by hour,

October’s bright blue weather.

O suns and skies and clouds of June,

Count all your boasts together,

Love loveth best of all the year,

October’s bright blue weather.

One of the purposes for us as students in a state-maintained residential school for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing to learn and memorize poetry was to help us gain an appreciation, knowledge and understanding of the English language. American Sign Language (ASL) and English are two distinctly different languages that may share a vocabulary (words) and little else. Twin and I can remember this poem as it was one of the first we had to commit to memory but it was also a major challenge.

The references to all of the varieties of flowering growth was not something easy for us to deal with. None of the plants were familiar to us, either in Virginia or in Greece. In order to finger-spell the names of all the different types, we had to first learn how to properly spell the actual name. We both recall the relief and satisfaction we both felt once this task was finished and we performed our assigned recital, in front of our class. Over and done!

Neither one of us have any particular attachment, appreciation, attraction or desire for anything related to the month of October! It’s another month, one out of twelve annually!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 11, 2014, and the proposed topic is: “Coming Out/Awareness Day!”

Historic Questions!

Comparisons?

Does size matter?

For this post entry here today on ReNude Pride, that question is indeed historical as it refers to the “size” of a man’s penis. As this site – and probably the majority of readers – are same gender loving (SGL) men who are either bisexual or gay who are also body and clothes freedom oriented (bare practitioners) it is intended that the penis is the size in question. Thus, the heading shows Landon (Black man) and his friend obviously referring to one another’s manly anatomy!

They’re both pointing to their penis as the subject of their appearance together. Neither one of them are disappointed nor disturbed by their own or the other’s manhood. Their body language – through gestures and facial expressions convey their comfort and confidence with what they each offer to one another and to the camera.

Yes, Landon is an openly (public) gay pornography performer and this particular scene is from one of his films. Yes, it is evident to all that this scenario is sexually-oriented. That is the legitimate recognized purpose of the porn industry. Both men are at ease and relaxed about their nakedness.

Yes, SGL surpasses sexuality. What it is important to note here is that the essential question, Does size matter? extends beyond the theme of sex. Within the male population, the question is asked of all men, regardless of their individual sexual preference. The inquiry is indifferent to SGL or to heterosexual. An overwhelming majority of men, from both backgrounds, acknowledge asking themselves the identical question and wondering where they rank individually.

Curiosity comparison!

Exactly how long have men been curious about the size of their personal genitalia? Historically, we’ll probably never know for certain. However, human nature is an aspect that we all share. It is common to both genders and to all sexualities. Once a man is aware of his anatomy, the question soon follows. Once Adam and Eve were proverbially expelled from the Garden of Eden, the use of covering a person’s genitalia soon followed. When the “covering” practice was introduced, that is probably when the natural curiosity as to the ranking of one’s penis more than likely commenced.

Size Matters: Buttocks?

Dallas “Flash” Wade models his buttocks!

For centuries, if not longer, humans (both genders) have posed the question of size to the male penis. However, now that we are living in the 21st century, the bias and stigma that was forced upon men who preferred the “penetrated” (bottom) role in male-on-male sexual encounters is now rapidly disappearing. It is no longer considered degrading, effeminate, “sissy” or any less masculine to be in the “penetrated” or “receiver” role in strictly gay sexual encounters. The current trend is in versatility or performing in both alpha (top, penetrator) and beta (bottom, receiver) roles sexually.

This trending permits both partners flexibility and avoids the judgments being passed between men. With both men being versatile, they engage in both sexual positions and gain skills necessary to allow them to improve delivery and satisfaction. Multi-skilled and multi-talented!

Because of this sexual phenomenon, more men are now focusing attention on their own buttocks as well as those around them. Now, they’re questioning the size and prominence of their “rear ends.” Is it tight? Does it get the attention and desire of others? For many men, having a bouncy, bubbly pair of buttocks is the goal, and there are now fitness routines geared specifically toward developing and enhancing the masculine derrière! Want more notice? Get better fit! BUYA: “bubble-up-your-ass! There is even commercial padding to enrich one’s size! Just be aware that an intimate moment reveals the truth!

The passive or penetrated partner in male-on-male relationships was often conceived strictly as a pleasure toy subservient to their dominant or active (penetrator) partner. The term passive was derived for the recipient because all required from them was to simply lay on their stomach and to surrender their buttocks to their active (dominant) male partner. For centuries, in what is now known as same gender loving (SGL) male relationships, the person performing the passive role was considered lowly and a very degraded individual. They were consistently looked down upon by all.

Now that the 21st century has arrived, the prejudicial stereotypes that have plagued the SGL population are now dissipating from the routine. It is no longer absolutely necessary for us to encourage everyone to “come out of the closet.” The overwhelming majority of us were never in a situation when “closeting” (discretely being SGL) is even possible. Nor is hiding one’s sexuality from family and friends even practical. At the very least, most people now understand that SGL persons exist and no longer fear being what and who they are.

Reality!

One’s preferred position during sexual intimacy is no longer a criteria for judgment for or against a person. Versatility (being flexible) in sexual roles is now the popular trend, as well it should be. The individuals involved in an encounter should be the only one’s concerned with the outcome. Biased stereotypes have no role to play in our fulfillment and happiness!

Of course, the historical question being: does size matter? There is no perfect probable way to determine the answer to that question. The responses would more than likely equal the number of times the question was offered. It is relatively certain that the honest and simplest reply is that it all is contingent upon the preference of the engaged individuals. After all, as far as others are concerned, it is no one’s business except their own!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 7, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “October’s Bright Blue Weather!”

USA: GLBTQ+ History Month!

Website GLBTQ+ Icon, 2024!

The Observance:

The USA observance of a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) history month was founded in 1994 by a Missouri secondary (high school) history teacher named Rodney Wilson. This happened as the 25th anniversary year of the Stonewall Inn Riots was in process. The original riot occurred at the Stonewall Inn in New York City early in the morning of 28 June, 1969. His intent was to provide role models to guide, to build community and to provide a civil rights statement of the achievements and the efforts of the GLBTQ+ community and culture.

The month of October was chosen for the observance as it was already the month of Coming Out Day, first observed in 1988. The two events, both historical, were thought to be a perfect match as they were related in character and theme.

A gay and lesbian history month website was created and posted online in 2006. Click the website’s name below to link:

http://lgbthistorymonth.com

Very early on, the GLBTQ+ History Month movement was endorsed by Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association (NEA), Gay Lesbian Students Educators Network (GLSEN) and other prominent US national organizations.

Equality Forum maintains the website and hosts the nominations for recognition. Equality Forum coordinates GLBTQ+ History Month, produces documentary films, sponsors high impact social initiatives and offers an annual GLBTQ+ civil rights conference.

Our original GLBTQ+ flag!

The Legacy:

One of the best, exciting and superb purposes of any facet of herstory/history is the knowledge and the reality it grants, instills and provides all of us. Our story is one of the most recent “stories” that is underway. It is gaining acceptance and recognition throughout the world while we are reading what is published here now.

For an endless amount of time, what is currently identified as the GLBTQ+ community and culture was obscure and unrecognized due to the fact that our forebearers, being what and who they were, were judged by society, most religions and all governments as being outcasts and perverts. Our people were determined by society in general to be less and lower than sub-human and we were deliberately, historically and intentionally excluded, ignored and overlooked.

Thus, being classified as “not human,” we had no story to share. Our existence was eliminated as often as were our lives. If and when we were ever publicly acknowledged, it was simply for the reason to condemn and to expel.

When Rodney Wilson witnessed the first of what is now known as GLBTQ+ history month observance in 1994, the focus was on the contemporary examples the lives of accomplishment and achievement within our specific community and culture. Rightly so as the earliest steps in acceptance and recognition needed to identify exactly “where” and “who” we were. Now, we are developing beyond that limited scope and can now include those from our past! Our growth is in our appreciation, accepting, knowing, learning and understanding our story, our past.

Then, we can advance to explore where we need to go in our future!

A representation of the Stonewall First Anniversary!

Celebrating Our Story and Our Time and Our People!

A champion and achiever!

GLBTQ+ 2024 History Month Honourees:

Equality Forum is currently seeking nominations for GLBTQ+ 2025 History Month honourees. To submit your nomination offering, visit the website at:

GLBTQ+ history month.com

This year’s recipients are listed below. There are 31 honourees, one for each and every day of the month of October. The day of the month that each one is featured on the website is the numerical order presented. Click on the above link to learn of their accomplishment!

2024 Honorees:

  1. Ron Ansin activist and philanthropist
  2. Laphonza Butler, first out Black U.S. senator
  3. Maki Carrousel, Japanese transgender actor
  4. Desmond Child, award winning songwriter
  5. Margaret Chung, first female Chines American doctor
  6. Christian Cooper, writer and New York City birder
  7. River Gallo, intersex filmmaker and activist
  8. Robert Garcia, U.S. congressman
  9. Rob Halford, heavy metal musician
  10. Jeanne Hoff, transgender trailblazer
  11. Susan Love, breast-health pioneer
  12. George Michael, pop superstar
  13. Kevin Naff, Washington Blade editor
  14. Fabian Nelson, Mississippi state representative
  15. Yannick Nezet-Seguin, conductor
  16. Robin Ochs, bisexual activist
  17. Pat Parker, poet activist
  18. Mark Pocan, U. S. congressman
  19. Herb Ritts, photographer
  20. Beth Robinson, U. S. Court of Appeals judge
  21. Richard Schneider, editor and publisher
  22. Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber, social justice activist
  23. Jackie Shane, transgender singer
  24. Ari Shapiro, NPR host and performer
  25. Sam Smith, singer and songwriter
  26. William Dorsey Swann, pioneering drag queen
  27. Peter Tutchell, human rights activist
  28. Diana Taurasi, WNBA superstar
  29. Colton Underwood, athlete and TV personality
  30. Luther Vandross, Grammy-winning singer
  31. Joel Wachs, Warhol Foundation president

Congratulations to all of the GLBTQ+ 2024 History Month Honourees! Thank you for all of your efforts!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 4, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Historical Questions!”

Bottoms-Up! September, 2024!

Final skinny-dipping!

Summer, 2024, officially ended a week ago! Our man took advantage of the change and took his final skinny-dip on the very last full day of this month. He didn’t wait until the “last minute” – he actually made it his very first skinny-dip for Autumn, 2024!

A communal glimpsing to observe a bottoms-up! view of the skyline before the season of Summer, 2024, officially ends, once and for all! Even though the season may end, the majority of us know that our bottoms-up! opportunities will continue all year long!

Curled toes!

Submerged (underwater) bottoms-up! in the outdoor pool. Cooling himself before the upcoming autumn chill arrives!

Bottoms-up! with a warning!

The last day of summer and he’s bottoms-up! with an advisory warning: completely bare practitioners area. No time for any type of clothing: period!

Beach: bottoms-up! trio!

The threesome here are wasting no time even considering covering their buttocks. It’s the last day of the month of September and the new autumn season is already underway! Enjoy the sun’s rays while it is possible!

Bottoms up! and removing!

Our enthusiast can’t wait until he strips off his wet bikini and becomes a total bottoms-up! man!

Have a happy last day of September, 2024!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, October 1, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “GLBTQ+ 2024 History Month!”

Autumn Road Trip!

Road trip passenger!

The upcoming weekend is the very first one now that the Autumn season has arrived here in the Northern Hemisphere. We all know that the seasonal transition does not generate an immediate change in our outdoor temperatures. A majority of us have the luxury of comfortable and moderate weather during the beginning of the Autumn season, as we likewise briefly experience the lasting effects of the winter when spring arrives.

Probably, no drastic and immediate change in our weather patterns when seasons transit from one to another is for our benefit and comfort. The gradual nature of the adjustment gives us the relief of not being frozen solid overnight. For us bare practitioners, we avoid the loathsome burden of clothing ourselves for a few extra weeks! It also presents us with the opportunity to relax and relish in the glory of body and clothes freedom for a brief period longer!

Bare practitioner: behind the steering wheel!

An early Autumn road trip, especially in a vehicle with fellow bare practitioners, allows us all to have our social companionship and our body and clothes freedom simultaneously. The best of both worlds combined over a set of car wheels and an open highway! If the seasons absolutely must change, then this is one exceptional advantage from evolving from a season of pleasure into one of moderation!

My spouse, Aaron, does insist that I offer a word of caution here. In the interest of both transport and public safety, his advice is that we all remember when we’re behind an automobile’s steering wheel, our primary responsibility are our passengers and all others driving along the roadways. Everyone has a destination and wish to arrive alive and well.

Unlike our driver, above, keep eyes on the road ahead! Anticipate moves from other drivers and watch for vehicular patterns. Not all drivers are as attentive and focused as we are. Unfortunately, erratic and impulsive behaviour is more common now as the number of autos travelling increases. Be aware and take care!

Active passenger!

Driving a road trip is an enormous responsibility. It involves and requires all of our attention throughout the entire trip, no matter what season of the year. As much as our passengers would like our undivided attention, our goal is alive and well for us all! Remind those in the vehicle with us that signals can wait until the destination is reached!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 30, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-up! September, 2024!”

Sticky Note!

Sticky: the texture of the syrup!

Background:

The title of today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride refers to the adhesive texture of the syrup overflowing down the buttocks of the header! The texture is what is “sticky.”

Here on ReNude Pride, our habit is to avoid the customary New Year’s resolutions and to implement our resolutions on the first day of Spring, annually. Aaron, my spouse, and I both feel that behaviour change is more effective in the springtime instead of the dreary days of winter. Spring encourages optimism, a renewal of self and a brighter and livelier attitude. A mindset more conducive to adapting more efficient and new practices as part of our routine.

A “post-it” note is a pad of small “sticky notes” that people use to make notations on documents, items that need attention and/or other brief messages. I’ve sometimes arrived at my university office and discovered my door covered from top-to-bottom in “sticky notes” left to me by fellow faculty colleagues and students! Thankfully – thus far – no confidential messages have been left in this manner!

A selfie image!

In an effort to aid everyone in the development of their goals and objectives for the upcoming “season of resolutions” (whether as part of the traditional new year or as a promise for Spring, 2025), our “sticky-notation” for today is to encourage readers to take a selfie image of themselves to use in creating a resolution. In making a photo, it is helpful in being the point of reference when considering if any specific need is necessary for personal physical improvement. Often, when trying to decide what is worthwhile, especially in the season of the winter holidays, too many of us are unable to conceive of possibilities.

Serious selfie!

If people are uncomfortable in selfies, asking the assistance of a trusted friend or partner to recommend suggestions may alleviate the task. They also can be resourceful in creating a photographic sticky-note! At times, a spontaneous picture, taken by another and not posed, helps in relaxing the anxious reality of a selfie image!

Our own spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington, clowns for his photographer!

Another sticky (adhesive) notation to offer today is that as it is now early in the Autumn season, outdoor nakedness remains an option for the majority of our Northern Hemisphere residents. When available, the middle-of-the-day timeframe offers the best sunlight and comfortable temperatures. The soon to arrive foliage, especially in the tree leaves, provide some very colourful backgrounds.

Indoor naked companionship!

A probably needless reminder is that as summer fades away, our opportunities for bare practitioner antics and camaraderie conveniently move inside where weather conditions and extremities have a profoundly reduced impact on us all!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, September 27, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Autumn Road Trip!”

End of Summer, 2024!

An embracing farewell to Summer, 2024!

In the Northern Hemisphere, Summer, 2024, officially ends – local date and time – 22 September, 2024, at 8:44 a.m. The season of Autumn follows immediately thereafter!

Looking towards a new season!

Personally, for almost my entire life, I dreaded the transition from summer into autumn. The change of the seasons meant the return of colder weather – accompanied by ice, snow and misery! As I have written here repeatedly, I am a “heat and humidity” man! As temperatures drop, so do my spirits!

I have matured over the past years, and the passing of the seasons is no longer as traumatic as it once was. Aging may have finally enabled me to become somewhat more tolerant of cooler weather, although I remain discomforted by the freezing extremes of winter-time!

The transition from the glorious summertime into Autumn has eased with the presence of my spouse, Aaron. He is as much of a fan of the summers as me, but the Autumn season arrival was not as depressing for him as it often was for me. His attitude is more along the lines of “one-day-at-a-time” instead of my “here-it-is-disaster-approaches!”

Sunset to Summer, 2024!

Our plans for this upcoming weekend are to be outside as much as possible, and as bare as possible! There’s nothing special or unique in those assignments. We’re joining with two other bare practitioner couples on Saturday (weather cooperating) for a riverside hike hike, picnic and skinny-dip into the river. Sunday is a lazy day with no concrete plans (at the moment). It is, after all, the arrival of the autumn!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 23, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Sticky-Note!”

What the ?

What did he do now?

When encountering the image depicted above, the initial question that occurred to me was: What did he do now? Then, I remembered the proverbial communication expression: “it’s as plain as the nose on your face!” First, unless I have a mirror in front of my face, there is no nose conveniently visible to my naked eye (intentional pun) and if our man hiding his face doesn’t move his hand, then there is no nose for him to see, either!

Now, let’s take one step backwards. The subject in the referenced photo is male – his penis is apparent. Probably, he’s not embarrassed about being seen in his total nakedness. In that type of situation, most people would automatically attempt to conceal their genitalia. That’s not a masculine trait, that is essentially a human reaction!

Manual concealment!

Our man hiding his face evidently has no issue or problem with giving us a full view of him, frontally, complete with his penis! His bare confidence is commendable. He is a living tribute to our community of bare practitioners!

There are quite a number of persons who are hesitant – if not outright hostile – to having their picture taken while nude. Primarily if they are unfamiliar with the photographer and/or are skeptical about what the photo’s purpose may be. These considerations are understandable with countless people having conflicts over unauthorized postings of themselves onto the internet.

On a more positive notation, perhaps it is our man’s birthday. He is indeed surprised at a birthday celebration secretly planned in his honour – one with him wearing only his infamous “birthday suit” (clothes free)!

Happy birthday, man!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, September 20, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “End of Summer, 2024!”

Friday Footnote: 13!

Background:

For all of my life, I had matured with the understanding that the date, Friday, the 13th, was always associated with being unfortunate and unlucky. A practically universal date that was to be avoided at any cost and time. It wasn’t until I met Aaron, my spouse, in 2010, that I ever learned the specific reason for this distinction. Unsure of how widespread this knowledge is, I’d like to share that information with all of you now.

His misfortune? Unable to strip off his partner’s boxers!

Prologue:

There are approximately three major reasons for the association of the cause of Friday the 13th being considered unlucky. One reason is from a Norse legend and the other two are from the Christian religion.

The Norse (Viking) legend relates how twelve of their gods were having a dinner while in Valhalla. The trickster god, Loki, wasn’t invited but he arrived anyway. He caused a disturbance that resulted in the god, Hoor, shooting and killing the god, Balder, with a mistletoe-tipped arrow. Upon his death, the Earth darkened and mourned.

One of the Christian origins is that when the Last Supper was held, the evening before his Crucifixion, twelve disciples shared the meal with Jesus Christ. Judas, who would betray him, would have been the thirteenth person present at that meal.

The second Christianity inspired tale concerns the Crusader initiated Order of the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon (Knights Templar). They were the order created by a papal edict and charged with the protection of the holy relics and sites in Jerusalem after the Crusades. They also established the first international banking system and financed Christian pilgrims who traveled to the Holy Lands.

On Friday, 13 October, 1307, King Philip IV of France, who was heavily in debt to the order, commanded their arrest and torture before having them burned at the stake. Philip IV then had the papal edict dissolved and revoked.

Introduction:

All of us, no matter our textile (clothing, covering) status nor our sexuality, have endured predicaments and situations in our lives when we’ve felt ourselves depressed, doomed, failure and unlucky. For some, those attitudes/emotions were perhaps, in some way, associated with the “unlucky number 13.” More than likely, the unfortunate number was in no way related to the actual circumstance. It happened and our planet continued to rotate around the sun (life continued).

For the Knights Templar, the fate of the established order and the lives of many of their members was indeed a tragedy and it began on Friday the 13th. An historical fact based on the infamous greed of the French king and his unwillingness to honour his legitimate and valid debt. Some of the Knights Templar survived the abandonment of their order. their vows and the prestige surrounding it. Even today, numerous rumour and tales of the continued existence of the Knights Templar are believed by some and investigated by others.

Once again, human nature manages to survive and to thrive. We may never know the actual truth; that’s the reason we have a word such as “legend.” It simply may or it may not be reality. While we know historical facts, we are free to contemplate alternate realities.

Their misfortune? Their inability to remove their briefs!

One of the unfortunate reasons that the tale of the Friday the 13th catastrophe remains with us now in the 21st Century is that it provides us with an explanation as to what actually happened to the Knights Templar. They were an exceptional order and organization created by a pope entrusted with the care and preservation of the holy sites of Christianity and the safety of the pilgrims who visited there.

It is convenient and easy to place the blame for their abandonment, betrayal and destruction on the incompetent and irresponsible actions of the French king. It helps to enhance their legacy and their memory throughout history. No one should blame them. The order itself was above reproach! After all, it was the fault of Philip IV and it was caused by his greed and blatant lack of any sort of obligation and/or responsibility for his massive debts.

Undoubtedly, the inefficiency of the monarch did provide an excuse for many. Philip IV’s reputation was common knowledge among the elite of his time. After all, he was a flagrant fool who chose greed as more important than his deity.

Misfortune? He is an exhibitionist, unable to be a bare practitioner!

Addendum:

The above .gif image shows us one of the unfortunate and extremely unlucky predicaments suffered by humanity. The depicted man is only an exhibitionist. He’s only able to try to confuse, degrade, impose, intimidate and insult sincere and true bare practitioners! His purpose is not to exalt his nakedness. His evil intent is to shock and surprise others, not matter their clothing status and/or sexuality by exposing his anatomical features to all. In reality, he, himself, is too afraid, embarrassed and humiliated by his personal nudity!

His discomfort and his insecurity surrounding his guilt and shame over his body is the fact that he’s unsure of his appearance if he’s clothes free. Therefore, he can only exhibit his genitalia and little else. He’s also apprehensive and vulnerable about his total nakedness! He seriously lacks attention and recognition from his peers and resorts to exhibitionism to try to affirm himself! He has absolutely no courage and no self-confidence whatsoever!

It is indeed regrettable that he is has no feelings nor sense of self-esteem or self-worth!

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Perhaps it is time for us all to pause for a moment and consider an examination of this numerical “name game.” After all, none of us want to earn the designation of “Triple F!” Flagrant Fool Follower!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 16, 2024, and the proposed title is: “What the ?”