Tag: education

USA: Juneteenth Holiday!

Artist representation: Juneteenth!

Background:

The proper name of this date is Juneteenth National Independence Day. It is the most recent federal (national) holiday in the USA, first enacted by then-President Joseph Biden in 2021. It is an annual celebration observed on 19 June (exempt from the Monday holiday policy) to commemorate the formal and official emancipation (freedom) from slavery of the African-American and Indigenous Peoples (Native Americans) in the USA.

The name of this occasion is a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth” (in the vernacular of the populations freed) because on this exact date, 19 June 1865, Major General Gordon Granger ordered the official enforcement of the declaration of the Emancipation Proclamation of the late President Lincoln. This enactment occurred throughout the entire state of Texas at the end of the U.S. Civil War.

Introduction:

The initial celebrations of this happening began as early as 1866 throughout the state known as Texas. Initially, because of the shortages and financial burdens of the civil war and the Union occupation, the events were in the format of local church sponsored community gatherings often featuring a large communal meal with each family/household contributing a special food. Observances soon spread beyond the borders of Texas and into surrounding former slave-owning states, still limited to the liberated enslaved peoples.

Once the Reconstruction (military occupation and administration of the South by the Union army) Period ended, a period known as “Jim Crow” government (racial oppression and legal segregation) ensued throughout the former Confederacy. During this time, the continued unofficial celebrations of the Juneteenth date were held under the auspices of local churches but gradually expanded from food festivals to include music and dancing.

Juneteenth Expansion:

The exceptionally large number of former slaves and their families continued to live in the South due to limited financial resources and travel availability. The U.S. involvement in The Great War (World War I) in 1917 allowed Blacks a chance to improve their economic circumstances by fighting in France. Following the war ending in 1918, The Great Migration happened with hundreds of thousands of African-Americans moving from the rural Southern sharecropping to Nothern and Western industrial factories and a regular paycheck.

This reality opened the doors to introduction and expansion of Juneteenth festivities to local church communities in both northern and western areas of the U.S. The growth increased awareness of and observances of the occasion and its importance to this particular population. Gradually, among churches, statewide and soon national recognition of this event followed.

The success of the civil rights struggle and the repeal of systemic segregation policies in the 1970s and 1980s, a movement emerged urging support of a Juneteenth official observance. This culminated finally in then President Biden signing into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in 2021.

Togetherness!

Juneteenth Myth:

A popular myth/rumor surrounding the earlier observances of the Juneteenth event was the fact that Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia to Union General Ulysses Grant on 9 April, 1865, in the town of Appomattox, Virginia, many hundreds of miles from Texas.

The Southern plantation/slave owners were extremely reluctant to inform their enslaved “property” that they were now free. The myth evolved that the news of the emancipated slaves receiving liberation was only orally repeated from plantation-to-plantation. The Texans were the last to learn of their terminated bondage on 19 June, 1865. Hence the Juneteenth designation.

This word-of-mouth only conveying of the news of freedom from slavery was how many justified the delay in the information of Lee’s surrender to Grant two months earlier.

A Closer Look:

Given the speed of internet, social media and technological marvels, it is almost impossible to comprehend the validity of the myths/rumours of delayed news transmission concerning freedom. However, with the timeline and the reality that the exclusive Southern “upper class” was totally Caucasian, slave-owning and severely financially impacted by the defeat of the rebellious Confederacy, there’s a possibility of some vague truth here.

In addition, the wealth of plantation owners and the upper level of Southern society was frequently based on and measured by the values of those held in servitude. The eradication of slavery as a legality would and did bankrupt an empowered class of that society. Combined with the conclusion of a five-year-long devastating Civil War in which an overwhelming number of battles – and destruction – occurred in the strictly segregated South, this provided circumstances that could lead to some verification of the unsubstantiated Juneteenth myth.

The Unanswered Question:

Why did it take 156 years to designate a holiday to commemorate a major event in this nation’s history? A country that was built for democracy and freedom.

Happy Juneteenth holiday and naked hugs to all!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Saturday, June 21, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Summer, 2025!”

M vs. A!

Canadian stamp honouring King Charles III and his Ascension to the Throne of Canada in 2023!

Alternate Title: Majesty Versus Arrogance!

Today, 27 May, 2025, His Majesty, Charles III of Canada and Commonwealth Realms, will open and address the Canadian Parliament from the Throne of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He makes history as the second reigning sovereign to address the politicians from the Throne. The first was his mother, the beloved, gracious and late Queen Elizabeth II who delivered her first address on 14 October, 1957, and her second celebrating her Silver Jubilee on 18 October, 1977.

Queen Elizabeth II delivering Throne Speech, 1957!

The newly elected Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Mark Carney, announced the occasion earlier this month upon his audience with the King at Buckingham Palace in London, UK. The Royal Speech will outline the Liberal Party’s priorities as it stares down the USA’s clown of state, trumpster-dumpster’s (a dumpster is a commercial container for trash) trade war and remarks regarding the annexation of Canada to the USA. The idiot is also known as “Vladimir Putin, Jr.” Footnote: Any disrespect, direct and/or implied, towards the USA’s corrupt, deceitful, MAGA-lomaniac tyrant is deliberately intentional. He has yet to earn any respect from either my spouse, Aaron (who is African-Canadian) and/or me.

Aaron and I both apologize for any offence taken by those reading here.

His Majesty, King Charles III (left) and Mr. Mark Carney (right) in Buckingham Palace!

God save the King and bless all Canadians and Commonwealth subjects! In this day and age, our planet needs all the help that is available!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, May30, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! May, 2025!” Reminder: note the new date for this monthly posting series.

USA: Memorial Day!

USA: Memorial Day Holiday!

A day originally conceived as a time to remember and offer tribute to all persons who sacrificed their lives while fighting to defend this country.

A worthy salute to those who were inspired by patriotism. Unfortunately, the season of the year is more conducive to “fun-in-the-sun” rather than the spirit it initially encouraged.

Patriotic!

Originally known in the USA as Decoration Day, the holiday was created and first observed in the USA on May 30, 1868. It was to honour all the soldiers who had died in the USA Civil War which ended in 1865. By 1890, all the states in the US were commemoration the occasion which was annual.

The world wars during the twentieth century turned it into a day of remembrance for all who had died defending the country. In 1968, an act of congress changed the date of the occasion to the last Monday in May, annually. In 1971, the name was altered by legislation to Memorial Day.

The tradition, now largely ignored, was for flags to fly at half-mast to honour all the deceased. Later, the tradition was altered to fly flags at half-mast until noon then raise them to full-mast. That custom is no longer expected or featured.

Unofficially, Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer holiday season.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “M vs. A!” Also, be advised that the “Bottoms-Up! May, 2025!” posting this month will publish on Friday, May 30, 2025.

X-Factor!

Sand, sun, surf and importantly: no clothes!

Prologue:

X = exposure

Y = sunscreen

Therefore:

X + Y = protection!

X – Y = danger!

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:

SOS

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, May 23, 2025, and the planned topic is: “Swing Batter!”

Mayhem!

Mayhem: A state of disorder or riotous confusion. Havoc or uncertainty.

That is absolutely a description of the theme of this month – unfortunately, today is only the fifth day of a thirty-one-day May! What will happen next? This month is usually one that is relatively predictable and set. It is the ending of the Spring semester at university and allows me the commencement of my “all-too-brief” Summer holiday!

Notation: The above situation was presented by a colleague of mine to her class. With her permission, I “borrowed” the theme and developed the post entry here today.

What is happening?

Is 2025 destined to be a totally unfortunate and completely unlucky year? The reason I question this is that the final days of our academic year are nothing except chaos and confusion—beyond any sane expectation! The official ending of this semester doesn’t occur until 15 May, so the madness isn’t even over yet!

Normally, the ending of the scholastic year brings no “last minute” changes in our routine. As faculty, our final month is fairly routine: grades due and plans due. This year, the last month contained one surprise after another and all with the due date of 15 May – no exceptions.

This year, there was an outstanding exception to every expectation of normal and routine. And not just in my school, but throughout the entire university. It was as if the administration was giving awards to which school, department or division could render the most disruption possible!

The school where I’m a professor implemented a review of curricula and evaluations during the month of September 2024. Fine. Not a problem. The goal, as explained to all of us, was to revise, update, and modify the offerings within a three-year period. There were no complaints from any of us as the process was most definitely long overdue. That was the last the subject was addressed with us.

Then, the end of March, 2025, it was announced that the entire revision of our school was due by the end of the academic year! The middle of May of our current year! What happened to our timely and coordinated efforts? Why the rush?

Totally clueless!

Needless to add, pure pandemonium followed. That, in turn, was then followed by anger, more anger, frustration, then anger (again) to be followed by fury! Those were the reactions on the “good” days!

Flexing and fists!

That issue was slowly resolved by the end of the month of April. No one is actually certain as to how all hell came into being, simply that the original resolution deadline of September 2027, implementation was returned. The threat of fist fighting on the faculty level was diminished!

We’re continuing to wait for a more detailed explanation as to what precisely caused the serious mismanagement of the change process. Someone blatantly miscalculated their professional position and the professional reaction to their error.

Celebrating a return to normalcy!

In the meantime, the “rank and file” of the university – us, the educators – have resumed our anticipation of a summer of freedom and fun, maybe not in that order!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, May 9, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Canada and USA: Mother’s Day, 2025!”

Armenia: Genocide Remembrance Day

Flag of Armenia!

24 April, annually, is the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

This date is recognized as the first modern genocide of the 20th Century.

Genocide is the crime of intentionally destroying part or all of a national, ethnic, racial or religious group by killing people. It is understood by most people to be the gravest crime against humanity.

Prologue:

The presence of the Armenian peoples in Anatolia, the region in modern Turkey that borders Iran and the Caucus) has been documented since the sixth century BCE – about 1,500years prior to the arrival of the Turkmens (first Turkish immigrants) under the Seljuk dynasty. The independent Kingdom of Armenia adopted Christianity as its national religion early in the fourth century CE.

The Genocide:

Photograph by U.S. Ambassador Morganthau of Armenian corpses left roadside.

Before the Great War (World War I; 1914 – 1918), there were limited exterminations of Armenian inhabitants of Turkey during the 1890s and in 1909. During World War I, The Ottoman Empire (Turkey) allied itself with Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and Germany. This led to the power transfer to the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) by the civilian authorities.

On 24 April, 1915, the CUP ordered the deportation and expulsion of Armenian residents in the Ottoman capital, Constantinople. Soon, this order was extended throughout all the Ottoman Empire and massive crowds were forced to march into the Syrian Desert, without food and water. They were raped, robbed and brutally beaten.

Soon, the extermination of the Armenian residents throughout the Ottoman Empire was endorsed and enforced. The massive deportations and deaths became real and prevalent. The involvement in the Great War and the political instability which followed prevented the Western powers from monitoring the conditions within the former Ottoman state.

The overthrow of the monarchy and the division of the lands formerly occupied by the CUP allowed atrocities against the Armenians and other religious minorities until almost midway through the 1920s. By that time, an estimated 1.6 million Armenians had been exterminated. The emerging Turkish country had reduced the population of Armenians from almost 2.5 million to less than 400,000.

The Genocide Memorial, Yerevan, capital city of Armenia

Tsitsernakaberd: Armenian Genocide Memorial

The Genocide Memorial was built in 1967 on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd, just outside the capital city of Yerevan, Armenia. The Genocide Memorial Museum-Institute was added later and officially opened in 1995.

Every year, on 24 April, the complex hosts the national Remembrance Day Ceremony, where hundreds of thousands line for hours to place floral and prayer tributes to the victims.

Remembering those murdered.
A profile of prayer

Personal Connection:

My maternal grandfather was half-Armenian. His mother was a resident of the Ottoman Empire. He remembered the Turkish soldiers congregating the Armenian population – including all of his family – inside their village church prior to setting the entire structure on fire. He and several friends were being absent from school that day and they climbed trees when they witnessed the soldiers assaulting the village.

A Turkish family helped them escape to safety.

My mother doesn’t remember his discussing the incident when she and her siblings were growing up. It was only when his grandchildren were born that he felt the need to share his past.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, April 28, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Charge!”

April Environmental!

International Earth Day, tomorrow!

Earth Day!

Earth Day is a recent event that has grown both in popularity and scope. It is now a universal observation officially celebrated on April 22, but commemorations are held according to local custom and on appropriate dates. The very first Earth Day occurred on 22 April, 1970. This year, 2025, is the 55th anniversary of this event and the international theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.” The day is dedicated to demonstrating support for environmental protection and encourages global participation in various activities.

The essential truth!

The very first Earth Day events were long overdue. Humanity has spent eternity abusing this planet – our home – without any regard for maintenance and/or replenishment. Finally, people began to recognize the fact that this destructive behavior could not go on forever without serious repercussions. It was time for a change in direction and environmentalists led the way!

From the inception in 1970, Earth Day activities and events focused on the need to demonstrate, educate and inform. In making the people aware of the seriousness of the cause and the benefits of change, a bond has formed that preserves not only our environment but also the excitement of each individual taking simple steps in making a positive difference.

This interactive approach has guaranteed the continued popularity of Earth Day among both the general public and commercial enterprises. Sharing the awareness of progress promotes the concept of the event and the ideal of preservation of our planet, our home!

Trash collection!

Bare practitioners engage in a community inspired project: the removal of discarded trash from a local beach property. This effort benefits not only the beach facility but also the local water source.

Earth Day Beach team!

A job well done and the pride in completion! A cleaner beach for everyone to appreciate and enjoy, thanks to the efforts of these two bare practitioners!

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National Arbor Day, Friday, 25 April, 2025!

Arbor Day is a secular day of observance in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. The designated National Arbor Day is on Friday, 25 April, 2025. The majority of states in the USA hold their Arbor Day on a variety of days, based on the best tree planting season within their particular area.

In many municipalities, Arbor Day celebrations and events are now held in conjunction with Earth Day activities as the two observances are closely related. In some cases, the tendency is to host two separate festivities in order to remind people of the need to conserve in order to preserve. What is most important is that we realize that the replenishment of our tree growth is of vital importance to us all!

Hugging a tree!

The very first documented Arbor Day happened in Villanueva de la Sierra, Spain, in 1594. It was celebrated city-wide beginning in 1805. In the United States, then-president Theodore Roosevelt in 1907, issued his “Arbor Day Proclamation to the School Children of the United States” announcing the importance of trees and that forestry deserves to be taught in all the U.S. schools.

Initially used as an intentional derogatory description of arborists and environmentalists, the term “tree hugger” rapidly gained the opposite effect. It was adopted by both groups as an honourable distinction.

A municipal Arbor Day happening!

A local municipality hosts an exclusive Arbor Day event. The majority of Arbor Day activities occur regardless of the weather conditions. Rain or sunshine, both are necessary for the growth and health of the planted tree!

April: the first full (complete) month of the Spring season in the Northern Hemisphere. The perfect time to celebrate our natural environment!

Remember Arbor Day whenever you view a tree!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, April 24, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Armenia: Genocide Remembrance Day!”

Bottoms-Up! March, 2025: Jockstraps!

Jockstraps (profiled) two sharing kisses in the changing/dressing room!

Jockstraps – also known as “athletic supporters” are the male exercise/fitness intimate garment worn to offer protection and support to a man’s genitalia (penis and especially testicles) while physically active. The popular apparel is traditionally a pouch for the anatomy and a waistband. That’s it!

Openly gay porn actor, XL, in his multi-strapped jock-strap!

Straps, usually one holding each buttock cheek, help keep the garment “in place.” However, our model here, XL, is wearing a version that features multiple straps to secure his jockstrap to his bountiful buttocks!

Unlimited and easy accessibility!

Here, our anonymous model shows his “regular” athletic supporter with the traditional two straps!

Mounted on the shoulders of his partner, his straps remain visible!

Our mounted rider (above) has only his straps apparent as his partner walks him along the sandy beach!

Felipe Ferreira gives a full rotation wearing his jockstrap!

Brazilian-born Felipe Ferreira is proudly comfortable twirling around and giving us all a glimpse of his buttocks inside his fashionable jockstrap!

Furry buttocks covering his jockstrap!

If his hairy buttocks continue to grow the follicles may eventually conceal his secure straps completely!

Gay actor Marc Williams stretches and offers a complete picture!

Muscular Marc Williams had a favourite colour for his undergarment: orange! That colour and his shapely bottom combined to make his Halloween costume very life-like!

Francois Sagat: jockstrap!

Retired gay porn star, Francois Sagat, offers his jockstrap in patriotic colours for all to wear! There is more Francois Sagat planned for April, 2025!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author Notes: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, April 1, 2015, and the proposed topic is: “April Arrives!”

Spring Resolutions, 2025!

Phoenix Fellington, our “unofficial” official spokes-model, (left) offering advice to a co-star!

Background:

As a casual introduction to today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride, our featured host is our very own man, Phoenix Fellington, (pictured above, left) worldwide celebrated performer/director in the gay porn industry and the “official” unofficial (not financially compensated) spokes-model (representative) of this site! Not only is he proudly and publicly an advocate for our distinguished bare practitioner lifestyle – he personally demonstrates and vocalizes his confidence and support whenever possible!

A few reminder notes on our successful spokes-model. His birthname is TreLeron Fenderson and he was born on 18 October, 1994, in the city of Detroit, Michigan, USA. He is a former U.S. Marine now very active in the gay pornography industry.

He never tires of proclaiming to the media, “I love being naked outside!”

Directions for his co-starring actors!

Ever since he began his professional career as an honest and openly clothes free and same gender loving man, he’s always been demonstrative and inspirational for us all to “truly be ourselves, to be real!” He had no serious regrets serving in the military under the “DADT” (don’t ask, don’t tell) restrictive guidelines in effect. Like the majority of us, he’s full of gratitude to then-President Obama for his executive order terminating that unfortunate exclusion during his first term of office.

Phoenix Fellington, encouraging the bare and gay experience!

The two .gif images displayed here are Phoenix as he was beginning his professional experience after his military service. He wasted no time in extolling others to take pride in themselves as same gender loving and in their nakedness. If that was their destiny in life, then be the best that you can possibly be doing what makes you happy. It’s all part of life!

A confident inspiration for us all!

Thank you, Phoenix Fellington, both for your encouragement and for all your inspiration! You are an example for us all!

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Creative exercise!
Routine maintenance!
Conclusion!

New Year’s Resolutions versus Spring Resolutions:

Self-improvement is one of the primary motivations for introducing changes into our lives. We all want to “feel better” about ourselves and we want to look better. The desire may very well be present, but our timing is probably not an encouraging factor. The arrival of the winter season, coupled with the bleakness of the weather for the next three months, seriously reduces the likelihood of success.

Our commitment and determination may be strong, but the reality of rolling over in bed for an extra hour of comfort, sleep, and warmth is the reality that often overcomes our resolve. Procrastination trumps positive productivity. Human nature is a trait our species battles on a daily basis. Why add another stress factor as a part of our routine?

A return to reality! The arrival of the Spring season and our renude (renewed) environment (nature) accompanied by our positive attitudes are much better and conducive for the success of any changes. Every step forward brings us closer to our final reward!

Affectionate kissing!






One of the major goals (purposes) for the creation of ReNude Pride (this site) in January 2017 was to provide a space that is receptive and welcoming for same-gender-loving (SGL) people (bisexual or gay) who prefer nakedness (clothes freedom). Our community and culture embrace the descriptive label bare practitioner. It avoids the terms/words that usually invoke bias and judgment. My spouse, Aaron, and I both believed bare practitioner was neutral in the minds of most people who were inclined to marginalize both our community and our culture.

Race Cooper!

“As a Black Canadian gay nudist man in the USA porn industry, I know and have witnessed bias, hatred and prejudice because of race and sexual orientation. It is unfair and unjust. It is wrong. As an actor/performer, I’ve never experienced “in my face” criticism for being and public nudist. But I know of fellow nudists who are judged because of their nakedness. Clothes freedom is a part of who we all are. Just like race a sexuality, we don’t have a choice.

In Canada, race, sexuality and nudity is just a difference. You shave your pubic hair, I let mine grow naturally. We’re both gay men, we’re just different in some ways. “

~ Race Cooper ~ Joseph Ross Anderson ~ The Pink News London, UK June 2020

Interracial couple!

Aaron and I are an interracial married SGL couple. He’s African-Canadian and I’m Greek and we both believe that the above quote from Race Cooper may possibly ease any alienation and/or discomfort sensed by other interracial couples within our bare practitioner community and culture. Hopefully, this inclusion sets a welcoming message for everyone.

For several post entries on this topic from the past, click the links below to access:

https://renudepride.com/2024/03/

https://renudepride.com/2022/12/

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, March 28, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Commando Command!”

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

February 7, annually!

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!

Background:

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

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

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

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

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

Subtle manner!

HIV Infection:

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

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

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

The important message!

Testing:

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

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

Major challenge:

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

Knowledge is power!

Key components:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elimination of the unknown!

Knowledge is power:

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

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

Endorsements:

Kory Mitchell, cross on his lower left abdomen!

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

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

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

Phoenix Fellington, bare, smiling and on the right!

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

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

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

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

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

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

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