Tag: education

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!”

Towel Dilemma!

Solution to his dilemma!

A satirical and whimsical post today on the useless absurdity of trying to conceal and to cover our nakedness with a towel!

News Dispatch:

There is an extreme crisis that is rapidly gaining in both popularity and in practice! Without warning, it is now appearing in alarming frequency not only online and social media but in actual reality the world over. So much widespread attention is now being focused on this matter that analysts are engaged until the late-night hours in a frantic attempt to contain the damage!

Before presenting a detailed examination of this serious emergency, we’ll pause here at this moment to offer some background on this situation…

Fig-leaf transparency!

Background:

From the earliest possible days, humans for some unknown reason became ashamed and embarrassed over the fact that they were not only born naked (without covering) but also lived their lives completely exposed – their physical bodies visible to everyone.

This blatant public exposure disgusted the masses as they sought escape from this senseless invasion of their privacy: their very own personal anatomy! Not only assaulted with the prying eyes of family and friends, but openly seen by all those they encountered – complete strangers!

So they adopted the fig leaf to ensure their discretion. Suddenly, you had to “stop” before going about and cover yourself with a fig leaf!

Stop and grab a fig-leaf!

Modesty and the Towel:

People responded to the idea of the fig-leaf and to the habit of concealing and covering certain parts of their body. Especially those anatomical parts revealed their gender. After all, they preferred remaining anonymous and their female/male status was viewed as “top secret!” They did not want the entire world to know every aspect about themselves!

The fig was a common food item and the fig tree was prevalent all around. Thus, the fig-leaf was accessible and plentiful – and a perfect natural cover! Soon, everyone had their own choice of fig-leaf: species/type, size, whatever they desired. Gradually, the issues of uniqueness and vanity evolved as it was now apparent that everyone possessed a fig-leaf!

The weaving of natural strands together to create cloth – for covering – developed to erase the monotony of every human attached to a fig-leaf. The approaching Ice Age introduced the additional need of cloth not just to hide one’s gender anatomy but also for comfort (warmth) as the outdoor temperatures dropped from tropical to cold.

Somewhere along the way of the “fig-leaf-to-cloth-weaving-to-cloth-covering-to-clothes” journey the necessity of cleaning and washing of all this increasing amount of cloth and clothing was realized. This reality was followed by the discovery that clean clothes on a dirty body was not compatible and the thought of doing this was absurd. Personal hygiene came into existence as did the birth of the towel!

No clothing, simply a towel!

The Towel Alternative:

The definition of a towel is: ” a piece of absorbent cloth or paper used for wiping and/or drying.” Over a period of time and for convenience, people began to modify this usage towards their personal needs. For many, once they dried after their bath/shower, they simply wrapped a cloth towel around their waist and proceeded with life. Actor Max Konnor demonstrates in the above .gif image. Life goes on!

As bare practitioners, my spouse, Aaron, and I recognize the ridiculous substitution of the towel for clothing. One of the undisputed reasons offered by practically everyone – both naturists/nudists and the textile (clothes wearers) – for the use of clothes is to conceal, cover, disguise or to hide one’s nakedness.

The generally accepted routine of using a towel instead of clothing for protection from being perceived as naked makes no sense. If anything, the casual nature of the towel alone infers our total nudity underneath. Obviously, we’re bare. An accidental/intentional slip of just one finger into the top of the towel and the entire “cover” drops to the floor! Instant body and clothes freedom – and in full view! No imagination necessary or required!

Assorted Dilemmas:

Brave removal!

Our man on the right (above) wants to return to the freedom and independence of nakedness. His identically toweled partner is instead deciding to continue to protect his privacy and keeps his towel covering his waist! Which practice will endure?

The useless towel is apparent to all!

Even among seasoned towel proponents, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the usefulness of this absorbent piece of cloth is nothing more than an illusion. Why bother to waste time wrapping it around your waist when all that’s necessary is hold onto it if you must (out of habit) and deposit it in the laundry while returning to your life? More than likely, serious thought will cause you to discard the towel altogether! Single handedly grasping the towel is no guarantee it will work!

Felipe Ferreira removes Raphael Horst’s towel!

The fearless and loyal bare practitioner, Felipe Ferreira, his towel-wrapped friend, Raphael Horst, to recover his glory and pride in body and clothes freedom! Which of the two will dominate and emerge victorious?

Traditional towel use returns!

Final Triumph:

At long last, common sense, decency and justice prevail! The senseless and shallow experiment of the towel as an absorbent and protective cloth of convenience – however misdirected and misguided – finally is following the ill-fated fig-leaf into obscurity. The demise of deceit is upon us all and bare practitioners are in jubilation over the outcome! The towel itself now resumes the role of a cloth to dry the body!

A growing amount of evidence is now determining that the delightful comfort of nakedness – whether social (communal or group) or solo (alone) – is returning to popular demand!

Towel-less domination!

All hail, bare practitioners! The wicked witch of cover-up, discretion and modesty is dead! Ding-dong the witch is dead!

Ding-dong the witch is dead!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 31, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! January, 2025!”

Posing Bare: Part 2!

Arm-in-Arm biracial couple posing!

Alternate Title:

Be Bold! Be Brave! Be You!

Introduction:

One of the complaints/excuses/reasons that many offer for not having pictures of their nudity is they lack experience in posing as a bare practitioner! My normal response to that statement is usually a simple question back to them: “What does a bare practitioner do?” A very basic inquiry that is more often than not answered with either a blank stare, a shrug of the shoulders and/or a combination of both!

Sadly, even if I rephrased my initial question into “What do naked people do?” the reaction would probably be identical. Beyond comprehension! Even if I asked this of seasoned bare practitioners, their reply, more often than not, would be consistent: no idea. Clueless! Apparently, the concept and/or the question is just too difficult for people to understand.

A unipod selfie poser!

Unsure of what to do? Take it easy and slow. Make a selfie! If you’re baffled. just strip off (remove) all your clothes – if you’re even wearing any – and pose for a photograph of yourself an no one else. Suggestion: A full frontal pose (like the above picture) is highly recommended. Regardless of one’s naked experience, most men are awkward posing with their penis visible. It’s best to deal with the most difficult task and then move on! So, go ahead and take your selfie now!

There, in one basic action you have met and satisfied the complete alternate title for this post! You were bold in taking off all your clothes, You were brave by posing front-facing and completely nude and you were your natural person by being solo (alone)!

Congratulations! You have now completed your first assignment! Remember this process! Now, if you’re ever asked: “What do naked people do?” you already have an answer. “We take selfies of our nakedness!” You now have proof: a picture of yourself posing bare!

Regrettably, we all know that the creation of one self-image does not qualify us for identity as an experienced model, but it does – at the very least – present us the notion that posing bare isn’t as foreign as it may seem. Maybe this project is a possibility after all!

A seated pose!

Assignment:

Set aside a specific day and time to shoot additional solo selfies of yourself. Try a variety of poses and some need to be full frontal so your penis doesn’t become “camera-shy!” This gives you the idea of how to appear (look) nude while helping to build camera-comfort and camera-confidence.

A kneeling pose!

Repetition! Repetition! Repetition! The more we repeat an action, the easier it becomes. Changing the location of the camera and/or the position you’re using (seated, kneeling, standing) offers a variety of pictures as a resource and it prevents boredom. This enables your harshest critic (yourself) to decide which pose looks/works best and which to discard or erase.

A standing pose showing modesty!

Perform these solo selfie undertakings on a daily or weekly basis, whichever is convenient for you. Keep in mind that you are the judge of what’s acceptable and what is not. No one else needs to know what you’re doing or why you’re doing it! You decide who views the results and/or makes recommendations! Be you! You pose! You make the image! You decide!

Michael Ealy: reading interest!

Share you:

During your convenient “camera-comfort” and “camera-confident” times, rather than let your mind wander aimlessly, carefully consider any subtle messages to include in your pictures (selfies). Some examples are hobbies, special interests, sports, etc. Anything that conveys to a viewer an aspect that you appreciate about or in your life.

In the photo (above), Hollywood actor Michael Ealy nonchalantly poses bare with a pile of books. He’s suggesting his pleasure in reading during his leisure (free) time time as well as his comfort with his nakedness. A replication of this image by you relays the same. If books and/or reading holds no value for you, consider something that does.

Athletics and sports significant? Grab a basketball or a tennis racquet! Swimming? Put on a pair of goggles and pose in imitation of taking a dive into a pool. Creativity has no limits – after all, we are posing bare! It’s common knowledge that all observations are focused on the nudity of the subject and not the objects featured!

Basketball fan!

Subtle messages:

In concluding this second segment of the “Posing Bare” series here on ReNude Pride, please return your attention to the header (first photograph) offered of the two men pictured with full frontal nudity. Both my spouse, Aaron and I are a proud biracial couple. He’s African-Canadian and I’m Greek. This fact is implied in the selection of this particular photo. We’re both bare practitioners, our skin is simply a different colour.

Also, we’re depicted “arm-in-arm;” not holding hands or embracing. As a profoundly Deaf man since birth, I communicate manually (sign language). Therefore, holding hands is just not convenient or practical for me. Aaron accepts, supports and understands this reality. If we’re walking holding hands, how would we communicate with one another?

Remember the adage: “Every picture tells many stories?” More truth than you can ever imagine!

Notation: The next segment of this series, “Posing Bare: Part 3!” will be published on Monday, 10 February, 2025!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, January 27, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Towel Dilemma!”

Double Holiday Notes!

Becoming acquainted!
Pursuit!

Note #1: Nakation Planning!

Nakation: naked + vacation = nakation!

Bare hiking trail!

As the introductory buttocks (above) remind us, we don’t abandon our acquaintances, friendships and good times as we soon depart 2024 and welcome 2025! Now is an excellent time to anticipate our future and commence planning for another upcoming nakation! No matter how we travel, airplane, boat, car or foot, there are affordable arrangements that can be made this far in advance!

Investigate opportunities, share with others, look around you and research what is appealing, available and cost options. Removing the frustration and stress of immediate deadlines and time constraints provide us the chance to prepare ahead and to budget in advance of an overload of frantic tasks to complete within a limited amount of time.

Nakation planning does not require a detailed and elaborate availability. The time factor of a particular length of nakation can vary between a set number of hours each week to an entire month of freedom. It’s important that we all remember the basic: what truly matters is that the arrangements and desires are both accessible, affordable, convenient and satisfactory for us.

Bottom-line: it is our nakation! There is another benefit that I failed to include above. It is a naked vacation! There is very limited concern or worry over any type of “dress code!” Hopefully, as bare as possible!

Seeking!

Of course, a relaxing and successful nakation is not specifically guaranteed the expense, alone. Some of the best, the most relaxing ones and the most productive ones are the least expensive and simplest ones we create with our acquaintances and/or family and friends. As easy to organize as a one-day skinny dipping (swimming naked), the next day a bare picnic or cook-out, to be followed by a trip to a secluded site, sunbathing while natural with a good book.

The ability and freedom to be natural in nature often provides the comfort that we value. Another option is to enjoy the time away from the jobsite while bare and alone!

Confusion!

Many bare practitioners become so overwhelmed by family, social obligations and other demands and expectations during this festive season that the customary habit of enacting the tradition of New Year’s resolutions often is too burdensome, too restrictive or just “too much” to even consider. The chaotic, frantic and hectic nature of life experienced throughout this time of the year surpasses all the fun and joy that we’re supposed to be having! Where is it written that all resolutions must be made only on New Year’s Day?

My spouse, Aaron, and I are both frustrated and tired of this ridiculous and unfair custom. Our solution to this dilemma is basic, simple and thus far, manageable. Instead of New Year’s resolutions, we observe and participate in First Day of Spring resolutions!

New Year’s Day happens annually during the coldest season of the year. This always follows a very busy major holiday period where practically every waking moment is filled to capacity. Do any of us have the time to seriously examine and explore improvements we want to implement into our lives?

Treadmill fitness!

My husband and I prefer a less demanding and more relaxed occasion to introduce variations in our lives and in our routines. The First Day of Spring isn’t magical. It may not automatically begin an overnight change in the temperature and weather conditions but it lacks the urgency of the New Year’s season. The first of spring does offer a sense of rebirth and renewal, and that reality increases the chance of success in the resolution undertaking!

That factor alone aids in the improvement of the attitude towards flexibility and helps create an environment and mindset conducive to progress. It also enables the reduction of feelings of frustration and stress!

Subtle Example!

The opening!

Update:

My apology! This is not the announced post entry for today! I humbly am sorry to disappoint but the projected topic simply didn’t quite meet my expectations and I was very disappointed in the final composition. The late JFK Jr. deserved better than what I composed.

Fitness Routine!

As the winter holiday season is now upon us, a very gentle and subtle reminder of keeping our fitness a priority. It doesn’t have to be an intensive or strenuous routine. It can be a simple series of exercises to encourage circulation and mobility.

The examples depicted here today are not the only ones recommended, They show us a few options that we can utilize in order to preserve ourselves throughout the inclement season!

Use the examples featured here or create your own! The important thing to remember is to stay healthy and enjoy yourself!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 25, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Thanksgiving, 2024!”

Bare + Gay = Pay!

A bed of leaves!

Background:

It has been quite some time – at least three years – since I have referenced my bare and gay modeling job and/or the two years that I was involved with it. I have no embarrassment, guilt or shame over that fact/reality. After all, it was an enormous milestone in my life that contributed to the publication of ReNude Pride (this site). Credit should go where it is due!

While earning and learning my baccalaureate degree at my university, I was an active member of the Lavender Club. This was the student club for bisexuals, gays and lesbians. At that time, those three were the sole identities professed by our community and our membership. The overwhelming majority of us considered ourselves gay.

The second largest component group identified as bisexual and was predominantly male followed by the third grouping: lesbian. To our knowledge, there was no census, survey or research done to uncover the discrepancy in numerical memberships. The unofficial reasoning that circulated among us students was that none of the women wanted to be known as a “lavender lesbian!” This observation was often repeated in jest!

As a student member of the Lavender Club (please make a note of: lavender), our faculty advisor was Dr. Rose (please note: rose). He also was the coordinator of the university’s programme of using graduate students, if interested, as nude models for the art and/or photography classes. Lavender? Rose? Were the university administrators attempting to organize a “rainbow” of surnames for the bisexual, gay and lesbian students?

Bare Professional:

Autumn posing!

As referenced above, Dr. Rose was the sole coordinator for the university’s naked models for the School of Art and he was the one who interviewed all prospective candidates. My situation was different from the others as he was aware of my comfort and familiarity with nudity as well as membership in several Washington, D.C. area clothes free social clubs. He approached me into joining his group of bare models. Of course I agreed! My first assignment as a naked model was to pose for a photography class interacting with fallen leaves the autumn after my graduation. Interacting with a pile of Autumn leaves while the students photographed me? Really?

A simple task that was a nightmare of a challenge. How “creative” could I be with a pile of leaves? Dr. Rose repeatedly emphasized to my modeling partner and myself that the project entailed both our nudity and nature (the leaves). Using the leaves to cover our anatomy was absolutely not an option. Little did he know that was never considered as a possibility by me! My goal: naked, front and center!

As for my modeling partner, he was obsessed with the wearing of a facial Halloween mask for the project. When I asked: why? He answered that he didn’t want his family or friends to know that he was posing nude. I convinced him that this was a project for the photography students, not creating pictures for an art gallery.

Once the project began and working with the leaves developed a pattern, the job became somewhat easier. It was no longer a tedious task. The camera (photography) students started to interact with us and we performed, danced, showered and countless other methods of socialization with the leaves ensued! The class became enthusiastic about the assignment and the focus evolved into having fun!

I realized how fortunate I was. An openly (out-of-the-closet) gay man who was being paid for having fun being naked! The center of attention of this group of photography students as we manually communicated (using ASL) suggestions and ideas as to what to attempt next! A very cool situation considering the fact that we were outside and it was already late October!

Leaves everywhere!

While posing, I began to fancy myself as a performer (actor) in the gay porn industry! Naked with all cameras and everyone’s attention focused on my every move and every whim with no one judging or shocked by my body and clothes freedom or the obvious fact that my man-to-man attraction was not a “taboo” (forbidden) subject! An ideal career aspiration for a 21-year-old man!

Author’s note: imagine me, nude and gay, entertaining the world with my talents! Unlimited financial success due to my superlative relationship with leaves!

While posing, I began to notice that the sunlight seemed to fade and then return. Dizziness one minute and then disappearing the next. Suddenly, after gasping for air, I lost my sense of connection with reality. I felt as though I were floating on waves. The next cognizant thought I had I was on a gurney in the back of a trauma vehicle on the way to a local hospital. I had fainted!

I had lost consciousness and stopped breathing while labouring among the leaves! I had never experienced such an episode in my life! I was kept in hospital for two days and informed that I was allergic to pollen from my co-stars – the leaves! My identical twin brother, Alex, nor I had ever experienced any allergy reactions before! This was actually a first for the both of us as well as all of our brothers!

This incident brought an immediate termination of my exceptional career in pornography with leaves! I continued to work as a bare model for the university’s School of Art and Photography for the remainder of that scholastic year and the next. Henceforth, I restricted my assignments to avoid contact with fallen leaf pollen!

Carpet of leaves!

My diagnosis with an allergy served notice to my parents and siblings to undergo testing. Growing up, there were no serious or urgent health issues for any of us. Fortunately, only Twin (the familiar name Alex and I use in referring to one another) and I were the only ones determined to be susceptible to pollen. Another amazing distinction to being identical twins: Deaf, gay, nudists and now allergy sufferers. Our unique notoriety qualifications listing continued to grow!

Upon being informed of his pollen allergy, Twin immediately asked the doctor if he was certain his allergy was to pollen and not to our shared preference for nakedness! Our physician assured him that it was solely a pollen allergy. Even today, we continue to laugh over his concern as to the cause of our allergy! In his defence, he reminds us that we were “only” 21 years old at the time!

As a footnote to the allergy theme here, in our paternal family we do indeed have a cousin, Michael, who is also a Deaf and an active bare practitioner. Within our family, his own “claim-to-fame” is that he does not suffer a pollen allergy!

Landscaping!

Another footnote to my career as a bare model, I was relieved of any consideration for any future leaf responsibilities! However, in response to my incident, no engagements involving leaves was ever taken again by the School of Art! No one affiliated with the now School of Media wanted a repetition of my reaction and hospitalization. Evidently, once was quite enough!

A humourous closing note, shortly after my return to graduate studies at my university, a notice was anonymously posted on campus: “Warning! Roger does not play well with leaves!”

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 11, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Armistice Day/Remembrance Day!”

Cultural Imagery!

After SIR, 1969: gay begins to appear!

Emergence of Gay:

For numerous decades, the term “homosexual” was used to describe same gender loving people as both a definition and as a term synonymous with despicable and/or perverted. The late 1950s and early 1960s marked the transition of the meaning of the word “gay” from that of being “carefree and happy” to that meaning “homosexual” in British usage. The British interpretation slowly began to make its way into American language. By the time of the Stonewall Inn riots (SIR) of 1969, the British term was embraced by the same gender loving rioters and other protesters. For far too long and for too many, “homosexual” was too degrading and too prejudicial.

Vintage buttons proclaiming “gay!”

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Lambda!

Lambda:

The Greek alphabet letter “lambda” was designated in December, 1969, by the graphic artist of the Gay Activist Alliance (GAA), founding member Tom Doerr. Doerr chose it because in chemistry it was the sign for “catalyst.” In this context, Doerr offered that the lambda involved the complete exchange of energy. Tom Doerr also felt that the Greek lambda was symbolic of self-identification, unity and pride. Others argue that lambda denotes synergy of the growing gay movement: the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

In 1970, the lambda was adopted by New York City’s GAA as the emblem of their growing movement for gay liberation. In 1974, it was subsequently proclaimed by the International Gay Rights Congress at their meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, as their symbol for gay and lesbian civil rights. Following their designation, lambda became internationally popular and recognized globally with the same gender loving community.

Unfortunately, many women viewed the lambda symbol as relevant for males only.

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The Pink Triangle!

The Pink Triangle:

Just as the Nazi’s forced Jewish people to wear a yellow star of David, they forced men they identified as homosexual to wear an inverted pink triangle (die Rosa-Winkel) to identify their male gender preference. Those forced to do so were treated as the “lowest of the low in the concentration camp hierarchy.” It is estimated that 65% of those incarcerated as homosexuals died in captivity. Adolph Hitler perceived gay men as an impediment to purify Germany and as a serious threat to Aryan superiority.

After the concentration camps were liberated at the end of World War II, men imprisoned for homosexuality remained locked up. East Germany (communist) didn’t rescind the criminality of homosexuals until 1968. West Germany (democracy) didn’t repeal Nazi laws against homosexuality until 1969. Reunited Germany removed the illegality of homosexuality in 1994.

In 2002, the German government issued an official apology to all gay men who were imprisoned during the war. Rudolph Brazda, the last known concentration camp survivor who wore a pink triangle, died on August 3, 2011, at the age of 98.

Notation: The inverted Pink Triangle, located inside a green circle, is frequently used today to designate “safe” (protected) environments, facilities and spaces for GLBTQ+ persons.

A designated comfort zone for GLBTQ+ persons!

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The Rainbow Pride Flag!

Notation: The Rainbow Pride flag consists of six rainbow stripes. The colours are red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. The red stripe is always the top, the purple the bottom. When first flown, it held eight stripes but was soon revised to six stripes only. The colours represent the ideals below:

The Rainbow Pride Flag:

This flag was first publicly raised on June 25, 1978, in San Francisco, California, USA. It was unfurled over the city’s United Nations Plaza in honour of gay pride at the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. The original flag contained eight coloured stripes and was designed for the event and the occasion by Gilbert Baker. The initial banner was hand-stitched and dyed by Baker with the help of volunteers and friends Lynn Segerblum, James McNamara, Glenne McElhinney, Joe Duran and Paul Langlotz.

The original flag was reconfigured after the unveiling as the banner soared in popularity and the demand became widespread. The new design featured six stripes matching the natural rainbow. The flag discontinued the stripes pink (symbolizing “sex”) and turquoise (“art and magic”) as those two colours were unavailable in flag fabric.

Gilbert Baker conceived the flag would “empower his tribe” (the growing GLBTQ+ community) into a “rainbow of humanity.” The motif represented the movement’s diversity.

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The new Progress Flag among Rainbow Pride Flags!

Evolution: Pride to Progress:

Forty years after the appearance of the Rainbow Pride flag, the Progress Flag debuted as the new banner of the worldwide GLBTQ+ community and culture. The Progress flag incorporated the six stripes of the Rainbow Pride flag along with colours and designs that depict our movement as we march together into the future.

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The Progress Flag!

The Progress Flag of the GLBTQ+ Community and Culture

The Progress Pride flag was developed by non-binary (not conforming gender identity) artist and designer Daniel Quasar in 2018, forty years after the initiation of the Rainbow Pride flag. Based on the six stripes of Gilbert Baker’s 1978 Rainbow Pride flag, Quasar’s redesign celebrates the expanded diversity of today’s GLBTQ+ community and culture and encourages a more inclusive general society. The banner has increased the representation of discriminated minority identities covered by the GLBTQ+ umbrella.

Quasar’s creation placing black and brown stripes (emblems representing peoples of colour) and light blue, pink and white stripes (representing transgender and non-binary persons) in the shape of an arrow on the left of the Progress Pride flag. In Daniel Quasar’s own words “…the arrow points to the right to show forward movement and illustrates that progress towards inclusivity still needs to be made.”

In the Progress Pride flag, the black stripe has a double meaning as it, in Quasar’s intent, to represent not only the African race and their descendants but also “those living with HIV/AIDS and the stigma and prejudice surrounding them as well as all those who have succumbed to the disease.”

On the evening of June 6, 2018, Quasar posted the design for the Progress Pride flag on social media. When he woke up the following day, he discovered that the posting had gone viral. It was an immediate success!

Progress Pride flying over the University of Nottingham!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, October 17, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Spirit: Stop Bullying Day!”