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!”

Bottoms-Up! September, 2023

Farewell surf!

September is one of the most confusing months of the calendar for me. It has pleasurable weather but it also marks the end of the summer season here in the Northern Hemisphere. The seasonal change itself isn’t all that bad – autumn can be enjoyable – it is what follows afterwards that causes me grief! I always have a difficult time with winter!

Sandy bottoms-up!

So as we bid a fond farewell to the Summer of 2023 (Northern Hemisphere), we salute our bare practitioners in the Southern Hemisphere who begin the welcome their season of naked freedom and prosperity!

Landscaping bottoms-up!

No matter where we live, almost all of us have the distinct advantage of being able to naturally enjoy the pleasures of an outdoor bottoms-up! showcase as our seasons transition from one to another, at least during the beginnings of this time of the year!

Bottoms-Up! lookout!

Plus, there’s always the opportunity to view the outside world from the comfort and luxury of our own familiar surroundings before we parade our buttocks out in full public view!

Bottoms-up! with pride!

Of course, throughout the entire year, our cause and purpose is always clear: Bottoms-up! with confidence and pride!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post here is planned for tomorrow, Sunday, October 1, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “October: GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month!”

Finale For Summer, 2023!

A roof-top skinny-dip!

The time is now to enjoy and to experience the last full week of the glorious summer of 2023!

The Autumn Equinox occurs on September 23, 2023, and our summer pleasure will soon be over forever! We have a full week remaining in our “official” summer season, everyone is encouraged to be as resourceful as possible to enjoy each and every day!

A totally natural skinny-dip!

There is no doubt that skinny-dipping (swimming naked) is by far the most popular body and clothes freedom activity here in the USA. Even recreation researchers and specialists with no ties to the naturist/nudist communities acknowledge the dynamics of this undertaking all over this country. Many participants who enjoy and experience bare water events don’t even otherwise admit to having any additional bare tendencies. Stripping out of and tossing one’s clothing aside is remarkably in greater popularity than modeling a swimsuit!

Communal stripping!

However, we all know that the more who strip bare the increase for fun everywhere! Make sure your fun-level is increased excitedly! Caution: Please remember where you discarded your swimsuit – you may need it for your trip home!

Skinny-dipping is fun but add some food and games to make each day complete!

Cooking totally naturally!

“Grilling” (cooking outdoors on a grille) is a favoured summer past-time and is enjoyed by the natural chef as well as the natural feasters! Good food, good friends and good times are compatible no matter where the activity occurs! One thing that we all know, wherever there are outdoor activities, there always exist healthy appetites!

A picnic in the park!

As to appetites, it is also true that we don’t need to be a crowd of activists to have the need for nourishment. Simply lounging around outside, no matter alone or in a large group, is enough to provide us all with a need to devour what we have packed to bring with us!

“Twister” an outdoor game of fun!

Sometimes, a diversion from our usual routine of summer antics offers excitement and fun for many who become bored with the repetitive nature of events that help us to pass the time of day. These games and other undertakings offer the variety that w all know adds to the “spice of life!”

A hike to seek new spaces!

Then we all have the option for an exploratory hike to locate a fresh setting for future bare practitioner adventures!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, September 22, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Heat Relief!”

Bare Aquatic Antics!

Remove clothes!

Prologue notation:

Before I begin composing today’s entry, let me remind everyone that the stripper-soon-to-be-skinny-dipper (above) not only has an inviting and enticing grin but he also has his hairy armpit growth intact. As I’ve published here previously, one of my favourite aspects of a man’s anatomy: underarm fur! I honestly am grateful for our man today keeping his intact and natural!

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

Before the seasonal transition from summer into autumn arrives, there’s still time for a free frolic into a bare aquatic adventure! While the weather cooperates, rid yourself of those cumbersome threads of body concealment and enjoy the liberation of being all-natural in the freedom of the outdoors! In other words, let’s skinny-dip (swim naked) as often as possible before the seasons and the outdoor temperatures change!

Carefully!

Rid yourself of the garments of shame and be yourself! Your true and real self! Additionally, when stripping for an audience, it offers one the chance to produce for the benefit not only of our community but also our entire bare practitioner culture! So grin with pride and get off the gear and enjoy the freedom of skin and sun! As we all know, these days of leisure and luxury won’t be here with us forever! Time to make every moment count in order to have a sufficient supply of memories to last us until next summer!

Totally stripped?

We need to enjoy these wonderful days while we can. Colder weather and precipitation will be upon us all-too-soon! Let’s take advantage of every opportunity for fun, sun and outdoor social nudity while nature and the weather are both compatible! Stripping down to our “basics” – skin – permits us the total freedom of the aquatics and our body, with nothing else in-between! In order to skinny-dip that’s all that we need! The fun begins once everything is

Time to skinny-dip (swim naked)!

Following the disrobing/stripping, the only thing left to complete the task is entry into the body of water. Our man here is at a private residence, either that of a friend or his own. He evidently is tired of making a splashing entrance and for today he merely “drops” into the pool! Not much effort was exerted and he has sufficient energy to skinny-dip for the remainder of the afternoon! Perfect as at this time there are not that many afternoons remaining in this summer season!

BTW: our buddy disappeared. He should be really enjoying his skinny-dip!

Stripping out of clothes is basically liberating!

Of course, once our man’s buddies get a sight of the fun times he’s having, it soon becomes a fevered “let’s all strip and skinny-dip” event. Soon, the fun frenzy fills the pool! Given the brief time remaining for summer, who can blame them for their enthusiasm?

Skinny-dip fever!

Plan now to skinny-dip as often as possible before it becomes too cold!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, September 15, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Revelation!”

USA: Labour Day!

Kory Mitchell, construction pose #1!

A holiday that is now observed on the first Monday in the month of September, annually, Labour Day is designed to salute and offer tribute to the working people throughout the USA. In today’s concept, it honours all workers, no matter the nature of their contribution or their profession. There is no distinction between manual labourers and office management. Practically everyone observes the holiday! Openly bare practitioner film legend, Kory Mitchell, poses in these images with industrial construction equipment as he depicts natural tasks in the sunlight!

Kory Mitchell, construction pose #2!

Unfortunately, only a very few workers have the privilege to work while clothes free. Perhaps this should be the next distinction awarded to all for the Labour Day holiday! It is evident that the workers pictured here are carefree and happy in their clothes free jobs!

Posing for and making photography!

The existence of nude models and bare photographers is recognized on Labour Day! They are also “hard labourers” just as the rest of us!

Relaxing for the holiday weekend!

In the above photograph, our featured film-star, Kory Mitchell, models for us his skill and talent in “chilling” (laid back) and enjoying the three-day holiday weekend!

Happy Labour Day!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, September 8, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Back to School!”

Bottoms-Up! August, 2023

Peeking over the wall!

The end of August is here upon us! The end of summer is rapidly approaching all of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere. This action marks the disappearance of our freedom to bare our buttocks and skinny-dip in our outdoor settings!

Pool exit!

So, until the season officially changes, it is to our advantage to bare ourselves and enjoy fine aquatic sunshine as much as possible!

A lazy sunny day in bed!

Sometimes, sleeping late offers a great opportunity for bottoms-up!

Buttocks after a dive!

Exiting the pool is a terrific time for observing the bottoms-up! routine!

Stripping to celebrate bottoms-up!

Join in and experience your bottoms-up! opportunity before the summer disappears away!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, September 1, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bare in September!”

August Fun: A Photo-Essay!

Skinny-dipping!

There are many fellow bare practitioners (same gender loving naturists/nudists) who relish the summer months, especially the final full month of summertime: August. Back when the days of the season were free from school, it was the “last chance” for carefree antics and spontaneous play. The 31 days of August encouraged all of us to fill every moment with enough fun and good times to last until the next summer arrived, almost a full year away!

Within two decades, a majority of primary and secondary academic calendars have adopted a year-around approach to education and summers are no longer a universal break in the scholastic routine. The recent COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic contributed to this situation. The almost three complete months of summer holiday may now be a memory from the past, but the legends of the extended vacation from knowledge and responsibility will last for years yet to come.

This posting is intended to provide a recall moment in time for many of us to ponder the days of freedom, fun and August laughter. Good times are rarely forgotten!

August theme: Get naked!

One of the infamous advantages of the month of August in the Northern Hemisphere is the ability to strip off our clothes, no matter if we’re inside or outside! Clothes freedom often created an ideal environment for unlimited adventure and excitement! There is absolutely no need to “cover-up” all the fun!

Roger and Darren!

Darren and I have been friends for years. We’re both Deaf, gay and share a preference for being proponents of the bare practitioner lifestyle. When we initially met one another, we found ourselves severely limited in building acquaintanceship with others at a clothes-free riverside park in central Virginia – our mutual home state.

Kalvin, a new and friendly acquaintance!

Darren and I first met Kalvin when we arrived back at our usual hang-out along the riverside. It only took minutes for him to show us that he understood American Sign Language (ASL). Of course, friendship happened almost instantaneously! It was fortunate that the three of us were there simultaneously!

Kalvin and I: fun pose!

Kalvin had no problems relating to Darren and I and enjoyed a similar sense of humour. We all exchanged email addresses and numbers for texting. He also relieved Darren the burden of being the “odd man out” as Aaron (my current spouse) and I were seriously becoming a definite couple by the time we all met.

Kalvin and Darren!

That particular August, we gained a certain amount of infamy from other regulars at our SGL (same gender loving) area of the riverside beach. As the month progressed, other folks soon recognized “our space” and our style of communication (manual language) and respected the fact that our interaction depended on eye contact as opposed to strictly hearing.

Adimu and Roger!

Both Aaron and Kalvin heard conversations from our SGL river neighbours that let them know that our crowd involved persons who were either Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing. They also relayed that ASL was understood and used as our primary communication tool. Other SGL Deaf men soon happened upon us and joined in our fun!

Adimu and Roger: again!

The weeks of August passed and our somewhat limited bare practitioner Deaf gang grew as we met more people who welcomed not only our shared communication ability but also our inclusive nature. In relating to some of our newer acquaintances, not all of the riverside people were favourable to our presence but were grateful to have a resource to refer others.

Aaron, my spouse!

Through all this August Fun, Aaron had his own special type of fun behind his camera lens! I’ve frequently published here of his preference for being the photographer instead of posing for pictures. However, that didn’t ban others from grabbing the camera and capturing him unaware! Notation: This image was not my undertaking!

The bare truth!

Not only is socializing friendlier when clothes free, but socializing is much easier when nude!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 25, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Summer Chuckles!”

Aaron & Roger!

Together!

Tomorrow, August 15, we celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary!

The year was 2015. Marriage equality had finally arrived in the USA one year earlier. Both of our sets of parents had been advocating and conniving for an official and legal marriage ever since the previous summer. Neither one of us could withstand the pressure any longer.

We became as one!

Strategic kiss!

And we still remain that way today!

Anniversary cake!

We’ve sent anniversary treat to each one of you! Enjoy!

Anniversary embrace!

We have reservations to enjoy our anniversary week at a lakeside clothing optional resort within our home Commonwealth of Virginia!

Naked hugs!

Aaron and Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 18, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Lose the Fig-Leaf!”

Bare Practitioner Model?

Unobstructed view!

During today’s frantic and hectic lifestyle, I’m sometimes asked how do we bare practitioners promote (spread the word about) ourselves? A valid question that does require some form of acknowledgment if not a complete answer. Most of our “promotion” comes by way of face-to-face communication between one who is already a bare practitioner and one who is curious to learn more about what it is to become one. The prerequisite here being the inquiry, how did the person inquiring even know about them?

Familiarity induces curiosity which often leads to questions. Some examples being: How does one become one? What is the difference between gay social nudity and bare practitioner? How much does it cost to become a bare practitioner? The list can and often does become endless.

To my knowledge, there is no book published that offers a step-by-step approach to becoming a bare practitioner. Anyone reading here has an understanding of the concept and those who personally are acquainted with my spouse, our family and friends and few others have some knowledge on the subject and then it all returns to the face-to-face communication stage.

Buttocks and penis!

Which leads to todays post entry here. The guy modelling here probably has no earthly idea of what or who a bare practitioner indeed is. Given the label on the bottom corner of the images that picture him, he’s employed either directly or indirectly for an adult studio that produces same gender loving pornography. Aside from that reality, we really don’t know that much about him.

The exception being the plainly obvious fact that he does seem very content on modelling (demonstrating or showing off) his physical attributes. He has no hesitation nor inhibition in featuring himself and, of course, his body. He’s very comfortable and relaxed in sharing his nakedness to others and allowing them to admire his anatomy. He’s also confident of their approval of himself.

Is he a stereotypical bare practitioner? Are we, as a community, overly-assured of ourselves as examples or models of the lifestyle of living with body acceptance and clothes freedom? Do we represent the naturist/nudist philosophy in such a provocative manner? Is this “what” we’re all about?

Inhibited?

In reality and truth, the best response to the questions offered above is “no!” There exists not a single answer to all of the proposed inquiries. Like every other community or group within our human species, there are some of us who are more bold and brave in our lives just as there are some who are more humble and shy. There are then the rest of us who are compliant with the idea or notion letting each of us determine our own level of comfort in being ourselves, no matter the categories or classifications we individually decide we fall or fit into. We are our “own” judge and jury.

According to our respective background, belief, role-model and upbringing, we are a collection of what we’ve experienced and been taught. Few, if any, of us are absolutely identical. Similar, perhaps but there is no predetermined standard that applies to all of us. There are as many varieties among us as there are number of us.

Boldness and modesty!

And this diversity is a benefit for us all! It is one of the major factors that makes our lives as varied and as different as possible. It keeps us curious and as interested in precisely what and who we all are. It gives us the value of being ourselves in a very chaotic and complex world! It affords us the chance to be unique in our own special way!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 11, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Anxious in August!”