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!
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!”
It has been quite some time – at least three years – since I have referenced my bare and gay modeling job and/or the two years that I was involved with it. I have no embarrassment, guilt or shame over that fact/reality. After all, it was an enormous milestone in my life that contributed to the publication of ReNude Pride (this site). Credit should go where it is due!
While earning and learning my baccalaureate degree at my university, I was an active member of the Lavender Club. This was the student club for bisexuals, gays and lesbians. At that time, those three were the sole identities professed by our community and our membership. The overwhelming majority of us considered ourselves gay.
The second largest component group identified as bisexual and was predominantly male followed by the third grouping: lesbian. To our knowledge, there was no census, survey or research done to uncover the discrepancy in numerical memberships. The unofficial reasoning that circulated among us students was that none of the women wanted to be known as a “lavenderlesbian!” This observation was often repeated in jest!
As a student member of the Lavender Club (please make a note of: lavender), our faculty advisor was Dr. Rose (please note: rose). He also was the coordinator of the university’s programme of using graduate students, if interested, as nude models for the art and/or photography classes. Lavender? Rose? Were the university administrators attempting to organize a “rainbow” of surnames for the bisexual, gay and lesbian students?
Bare Professional:
Autumn posing!
As referenced above, Dr. Rose was the sole coordinator for the university’s naked models for the School of Art and he was the one who interviewed all prospective candidates. My situation was different from the others as he was aware of my comfort and familiarity with nudity as well as membership in several Washington, D.C. area clothes free social clubs. He approached me into joining his group of bare models. Of course I agreed! My first assignment as a naked model was to pose for a photography class interacting with fallen leaves the autumn after my graduation. Interacting with a pile of Autumn leaves while the students photographed me? Really?
A simple task that was a nightmare of a challenge. How “creative” could I be with a pile of leaves? Dr. Rose repeatedly emphasized to my modeling partner and myself that the project entailed both our nudity and nature (the leaves). Using the leaves to cover our anatomy was absolutely not an option. Little did he know that was never considered as a possibility by me! My goal: naked, front and center!
As for my modeling partner, he was obsessed with the wearing of a facial Halloween mask for the project. When I asked: why? He answered that he didn’t want his family or friends to know that he was posing nude. I convinced him that this was a project for the photography students, not creating pictures for an art gallery.
Once the project began and working with the leaves developed a pattern, the job became somewhat easier. It was no longer a tedious task. The camera (photography) students started to interact with us and we performed, danced, showered and countless other methods of socialization with the leaves ensued! The class became enthusiastic about the assignment and the focus evolved into having fun!
I realized how fortunate I was. An openly (out-of-the-closet) gay man who was being paid for having fun being naked! The center of attention of this group of photography students as we manually communicated (using ASL) suggestions and ideas as to what to attempt next! A very cool situation considering the fact that we were outside and it was already late October!
Leaves everywhere!
While posing, I began to fancy myself as a performer (actor) in the gay porn industry! Naked with all cameras and everyone’s attention focused on my every move and every whim with no one judging or shocked by my body and clothes freedom or the obvious fact that my man-to-man attraction was not a “taboo” (forbidden) subject! An ideal career aspiration for a 21-year-old man!
Author’s note: imagine me, nude and gay, entertaining the world with my talents! Unlimited financial success due to my superlative relationship with leaves!
While posing, I began to notice that the sunlight seemed to fade and then return. Dizziness one minute and then disappearing the next. Suddenly, after gasping for air, I lost my sense of connection with reality. I felt as though I were floating on waves. The next cognizant thought I had I was on a gurney in the back of a trauma vehicle on the way to a local hospital. I had fainted!
I had lost consciousness and stopped breathing while labouring among the leaves! I had never experienced such an episode in my life! I was kept in hospital for two days and informed that I was allergic to pollen from my co-stars – the leaves! My identical twin brother, Alex, nor I had ever experienced any allergy reactions before! This was actually a first for the both of us as well as all of our brothers!
This incident brought an immediate termination of my exceptional career in pornography with leaves! I continued to work as a bare model for the university’s School of Art and Photography for the remainder of that scholastic year and the next. Henceforth, I restricted my assignments to avoid contact with fallen leaf pollen!
Carpet of leaves!
My diagnosis with an allergy served notice to my parents and siblings to undergo testing. Growing up, there were no serious or urgent health issues for any of us. Fortunately, only Twin (the familiar name Alex and I use in referring to one another) and I were the only ones determined to be susceptible to pollen. Another amazing distinction to being identical twins: Deaf, gay, nudists and now allergy sufferers. Our unique notoriety qualifications listing continued to grow!
Upon being informed of his pollen allergy, Twin immediately asked the doctor if he was certain his allergy was to pollen and not to our shared preference for nakedness! Our physician assured him that it was solely a pollen allergy. Even today, we continue to laugh over his concern as to the cause of our allergy! In his defence, he reminds us that we were “only” 21 years old at the time!
As a footnote to the allergy theme here, in our paternal family we do indeed have a cousin, Michael, who is also a Deaf and an active bare practitioner. Within our family, his own “claim-to-fame” is that he does not suffer a pollen allergy!
Landscaping!
Another footnote to my career as a bare model, I was relieved of any consideration for any future leaf responsibilities! However, in response to my incident, no engagements involving leaves was ever taken again by the School of Art! No one affiliated with the now School of Media wanted a repetition of my reaction and hospitalization. Evidently, once was quite enough!
A humourous closing note, shortly after my return to graduate studies at my university, a notice was anonymously posted on campus: “Warning! Roger does not play well with leaves!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 11, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Armistice Day/Remembrance Day!”
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!”
One of the purposes for us as students in a state-maintained residential school for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing to learn and memorize poetry was to help us gain an appreciation, knowledge and understanding of the English language. American Sign Language (ASL) and English are two distinctly different languages that may share a vocabulary (words) and little else. Twin and I can remember this poem as it was one of the first we had to commit to memory but it was also a major challenge.
The references to all of the varieties of flowering growth was not something easy for us to deal with. None of the plants were familiar to us, either in Virginia or in Greece. In order to finger-spell the names of all the different types, we had to first learn how to properly spell the actual name. We both recall the relief and satisfaction we both felt once this task was finished and we performed our assigned recital, in front of our class. Over and done!
Neither one of us have any particular attachment, appreciation, attraction or desire for anything related to the month of October! It’s another month, one out of twelve annually!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 11, 2014, and the proposed topic is: “Coming Out/Awareness Day!”
Today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride is the title of the most recent novel from Virginia-native author, David Baldacci. The first edition of ACalamityofSouls was published by Grand Central Publishing in April, 2024. For more than two decades, David Baldacci has been among my favourite contemporary authors. Up until Papa’s death in 2018, whenever a new hardback by Baldacci was released, I always purchased two copies: one for me and the other for Papa. Baldacci, like Aaron and myself, still resides in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Background on ACalamityofSouls:
In my twenty years of reading David Baldacci’s books, I was aware of his Virginia birth and residency but was totally clueless that he grew up in the City of Richmond during the 1960s and 1970s. When my parents and oldest brother emigrated from Greece in the early 1970s, they purchased our family home in the Stonewall neighborhood, located in south Richmond between Semmes Avenue and the James River. The neighborhood where we grew up in was a primarily African-American area and one of the few in Richmond that accepted arriving emigrants. In ACalamityofSouls Baldacci acknowledges that with a “foreign” surname (Italian), Richmond was not a very welcoming municipality. We share that similarity. Same city. Different timeframe.
Richmond, Virginia, has the distinction of being the capital city of the failed Confederacy during the American Civil War over the future of slavery. Up until the arrival of the 21st Century, this fact was blatantly obvious. The undertones of racial inequality and and segregation based on skin colour were broadcast rather than hidden. The inability of the Virginia lawyer, Jack Lee, in ACalamityofSouls to comprehend the extent of the bigotry and hatred evident in 1968 in understood through the experienced eyes of the author, David Baldacci, and through his personal life experiences.
Synopsis:
Set in the tumultuous year of 1968 in southern Virginia, a racially charged murder case sets a duo of Black and White lawyers against a deeply unfair legal system as they work to defend their wrongfully accused Black defendants in this courtroom drama. The two are professionally joined by chance without any prior legal connection.
Jack Lee is a White attorney from Freeman County, Virginia (fictional), who has never done anything to push back against racism until he decides to represent Jerome Washington, a Black man charged with brutally killing an elderly and wealthy White couple. Doubting his decision, Lee fears that his professional skills may not be enough to prevail in a case where the odds are already piling up against both himself and his client. He soon recognizes that he is far removed not only from his expertise but also from his obligation to best portray his client as innocent from the verdict in a murder trial.
Desiree DuBose is a Black attorney from Chicago, Illinois, who has dedicated her professional focus in advancing the causes of equality and justice for everyone, no matter their gender and/or race. She comes to Freeman County in rural southwest Virginia and joins with Jack Lee in a fractious and unwieldly partnership in an escalating legal conflict with the best and popular prosecutor in the Commonwealth of Virginia: the duly elected Attorney General. DuBose is cognizant of the reality that powerful archconservative alliances outside the state are uniting to counter the achievements and progress attained by the civil rights movement.
Lee and DuBose are practically exact opposites. Neither one of them alone can halt the official prosecutorial direction towards a guilty verdict and the death penalty. Yet combining together they forge forth towards a balanced and fair trial with the ultimate goal of true justice.
One of my Hellenic (Greek) comrades, a noted NewYorkTimes bestselling author himself, offered this comment on Baldacci’s ACalamityofSouls: “An instant classic. Not just a great American crime story this is a great American novel.” ~ Alex Michaelides ~
I’ve read the entire book – twice; as has Aaron, my spouse. The second reading brought forth details not captured in the initial exploration of the book. Aaron insists that I add here that the ending of the novel is absolutely not the ending anticipated or expected!
One of the aspects of Baldacci’s writing that is very impressive is his use of the interactions of the two attorneys, Jack Lee and Desiree DuBose, to illustrate the subtle use of conversation and the two different views of racism inferred from the same dialogue. Bias and racism are based upon personal experience. Thus, the situation will present different connotations and meanings to all the individuals involved.
Summary:A fitting irony
In his opening Author’s Note, Baldacci writes briefly of Richmond’s infamous Monument Avenue where Confederate celebrities were featured statues. When Richmond native international tennis legend Arthur Ashe, an African-American, died from an AIDS transfusion, a major controversy erupted when plans were announced to erect a statue in his memory along Monument Avenue. The conflict focused that Monument Avenue memorials featured White Confederate images. Ashe was Black even though he was actually born and grew up inside of the City of Richmond! Evidently, he was too “coloured” for the Confederacy!
Following the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in early 2020, the City removed all the Confederate statuary. Today, Arthur Ashe’s statue is the only remaining one an all of Monument Avenue. A commitment to justice served! Obviously, the others were too White to be featured in the city!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Saturday,August31, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! August, 2024!”
As the above statistical data chart demonstrates, clearly the observance of HIV Testing Day is providing some worthwhile results. The African-American population had repeatedly reported the highest incident rates of any racial/ethnic group within USA borders. Now that same community is offering rising rates of HIV testing throughout its population. The higher the testing, the lower the rates of infection. Progress is being made – at last!
Testing Day!
First observed in the USA as National HIV Testing Day on 27 June, 1995, the main purpose of the date was to encourage persons to take the test, get the results and know their HIV status. Since that time, it has gained importance and is now promoted as an international effort for all peoples, no matter where they live. The goal has now expanded to empower individuals to seek treatment if they are HIV+ and to expand research into seeking a cure.
Since 1995, treatment options have expanded and now include prevention choices that allow persons to continue living productive lives. HIV, when treated, no longer carries the fatal outcome it once generated.
If you haven’t already done so, please get tested and know your HIV status!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 28, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “SIR: Legacy!”
For many years now, there has been and endless amount of questioning, from both outside and from within the GLBTQ+ movement as for the necessity of Pride events. This argument, minimally, supports the existence of a marginalization and of a prejudice against us all from a broad spectrum of the general population. It may not be as blatant and as prevalent as it once was, however, it remains present. even into the 21st century! As long as these biases are evident and felt, then, yes; pride observances are most definitely needed!
Until our communities and cultures as GLBTQ+ peoples receive the same amount of consideration and respect as shown to others, no matter their race, ethnicity, ability, gender, age or heritage, yes; pride activities are needed. Distrust is a serious detriment to equality acceptance and respect.
The determination that a certain action and/or behaviour is illegal by legislative or parliamentary procedure or even a royal proclamation doesn’t immediately eliminate or erase the offence out of existence. .A behaviour or a belief isn’t innate, it is learned – from parents, teachers, clergy, adult authority figures, et al. A learned behaviour is among the most difficult to eradicate from memory and practice.
A learned behaviour is a prejudice, plain and simple. It is not based on concrete knowledge or scientific fact. It is solely and usually based on the unsupported opinions of others, more often than not substantiated by fear, hate, myth, rumour or a combination of all. As such, it is almost impossible to refute with reasoning and any alternate proposition generally only increases its intensity.
The persistence of marginalization (setting aside of the perceived “normal”) and prejudice based on a person’s sexual attraction is often illegal in a growing number of countries globally but frequently remains inside people’s minds (and their hearts). The learned behaviour that has never been completely discarded or removed. Thus, their actions nominally are based on other aspects beyond sexual orientation in order to circumvent the judging of their negativity as being prejudicial. This type of “cover-up” has repeatedly happened throughout the various societies in the world, especially in the USA.
This situation justifies the existence and observation of pride events and their continuation. Among humanity, everyone deserves a chance to develop and grow in happiness, security and tolerance.
On a communal/social level, some societies are developed, liberal and progressive. Then there are others that are conservative, traditional and unyielding. There remain other social orders that are isolated from development and are stagnant. They keep closed to those of different beliefs, creeds and values. They are intolerant to all concepts and persons outside of their nature. These circumstances justify pride experiences. As in individual cases, inherited values are learned values and these, likewise, are the most difficult to alter or to change.
Contemplation!
In composing this post entry, my spouse, Aaron, and I have had numerous discussions about the various reasons for the continued hosting of pride-related activities for our communities and cultures. We even held talks with friends on a person-to-person basis. Ideas and thoughts were shared and the above represents a summary of what appears to be the most popular argument in favour of the ongoing necessity of our pride heritage.
There are remaining GLBTQ+ persons who have very limited knowledge of our culture and the diversity of our community and the many facets offered. They seek information and many times just the contact with another person who is seeking the same or has actually experienced the same. A pride occasion is an opportunity for them to socialize, become acquainted and to observe as well as seek answers. Some travel distances for such contact. No matter where we live, there are always those for whatever reason benefit from the casual opportunity to mingle with others who may help provide them “the way.” Sometimes, merely being in an accepting environment is rewarding in and of itself.
As to persons who are active within our culture, an informative pride event allows us to assimilate with others of our lifestyle that we would otherwise never encounter. It is also an invaluable tool that permits us to stay abreast of current news, trends and emerging information. This hopefully keeps us “in the know” so we’re better qualified to determine what is beneficial not only in our own lives but also to those we hold dear.
Pride functions as an enabler that keeps us current as to the latest legal, political and social challenges and issues that we may confront, in our personal lives as well as a community. We not only remain informed on topics but we are also able to learn of different opportunities of involvement in order to share our cares and concerns with others.
As a summary for the benefits of pride for us all, Aaron and I see it as an important tool that we, as a culture need, so as to prevent any of us from being alienated/isolated from those around us. We are a minority within a broader culture and society. In keeping ourselves connected to others, we can make a difference not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 10, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “A Seasonal Disguise!”
This is my annual post entry here on ReNude Pride to remind everyone (follower and/or visitor) of the healthy and lifesaving capability and importance – and necessity – of sunscreen and the essence of applying it daily. Even though I publish this notification as the summer season approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, I need to reiterate that sunscreen is essential all throughout the year! The UV sunrays are not reduced due to colder/cooler temperatures. The UV sunrays are effective regardless of the season!
My initial posting was repeated, verbatim, for the period of the first several postings here. It was then that I realized that I could offer updates and extra information. I instituted this editing and practice through a section entitled – initially – “update.” I soon realized that this was a faulty habit and now post this announcement that from henceforth, I will revise the information based on the relevant topic agenda. I continue this procedure even today. New topics and details are added throughout each annual post entry.
A sunscreen in a lotion format!
The summer doesn’t officially begin until 21 June, 2024, in the Northern Hemisphere. However, in the USA, this upcoming weekend is a three-day holiday and most people here consider this occasion as the unofficial beginning of the legendary season of “fun in the sun!” No matter which day one prefers for the arrival of summer, there’s no denying the fact that warmer temperatures and longer hours of daylight are here! This means that the textile people are wearing less clothing and those of us who live in the glory of our nakedness are, as usual, basking in our freedom!
The Important Reminder:
In our eagerness to get out and frolic in the fresh air and warm sun, many of us forget one of the essentials elements of our health: We all need to protect our skin before we uncover any part of or all of our body! This protection entails the use of an appropriate sunscreen applied correctly, adequately (sufficient quantity) and, when necessary, reapplied diligently. The purpose of sunscreen is to protect ourselves from the harmful rays of sunlight, whatever season of the year. Sunscreen should be used all year long not just during the summertime!
A sunburned back!
What is sunburn?
Sunburn is caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and not heat. It is important to remember that human skin can and does burn even on overcast or cloudy days, cold winter days and while under a shade (sheltered from direct sunlight). Sunburn damages or destroys the skin, which controls the amount of heat our body retains or releases, hold in fluids (hydration) and protects us from infection.
Reactions to sunburn range from mild irritation to serious pain. Sunburn may cause fevers and nausea (depending on the severity of the burn) and makes the dead skin peel away. Sunburn may lead to serious health complications later in life.
The information published in this post entry is very general and is offered as a guide to use in selecting the type of sunscreen that’s best for personal protection. Keep in mind that every individual is just that, an individual: a unique person. What is applicable for one may not be the same for another. When in doubt, consult a health practitioner. It is better to ask now than to be sorry later!
Application!
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a chemical that, to a certain degree, prevents UV radiation from reaching the skin. While there is no product that totally eliminates UV radiation damage, many variations, when used properly, can and do protect the skin adequately.
What should I look for in a sunscreen?
Regardless of where sun activity is happening: backyard, ball-playing field, park or beach, etc., the product should contain two elements for effective protection. Always use a “broad spectrum” sunscreen that contains chemicals that block both UV-A and UV-B radiation from penetrating the skin surface.
While no product is completely waterproof, select a water-resistant type that is designed for long-lasting wear, especially if swimming or sweating (perspiring). Choose a variation that is both easy to apply and feels good on the skin. There are numerous commercial qualities available: creams, lotions, moisturizers, gels, sprays and solid stick types.
What is SPF?
The initials SPF refer to the sun protection factor. It is the measure of the effectiveness of the sunscreen in absorbing UV radiation. If someone sunburns after about 10 minutes of sun exposure, using a product of SPF15 extends the amount of time before sunburn occurs to approximately 150 minutes or roughly two and a half hours. After this time, it should be reapplied to continue protection.
In terms of percentages, a product of SPF15 blocks 93% of the UV-B rays. One of SPF30 blocks 90%. The difference in protection may not justify the added expense of higher SPF sunscreens, in particular those manufactured in the USA.
USA: SPF Inconsistencies
Most consumers choose a sunscreen product based on it’s sun protection factor (SPF) rating, often selecting those with a higher SPF, convinced they’re getting the protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
In the USA, SPF values are an unreliable measure of a products sunscreen effectiveness. A good and effective sunscreen should provide equal broad-spectrum protection from both UV-A and UV-B rays. Within the USA, the SPF rating reflects only how well a particular product protects from UV-B rays. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are available, but the SPF rating values do not stipulate the difference.
Sunning themselves!
What’s the best sunscreen for me?
This depends on may aspects, including age, skin type, activity, time of day, location (proximity to the Equator) and the UV index. For most skin types, a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum minimum SPF15 is recommended. Men with fair or lighter skin tones (of all ethnicities and races) and low sun tolerance (burn easily) should use a broad-spectrum SPF30. For minimal sun exposure, 90 minutes or less, a moisturizer cream may suffice (with correct SPF level). For extended periods of sun exposure and higher activity engagement, use a longer-lasting product such as a cream, gel or lotion.
Spray (aerosol or pump) are beneficial for hairier parts of the body, including the arms and armpits, back. chest, legs and the pubic region. If a person is acne-prone, choose sunscreens that are oil-free or non-carnodegenic.
For persons with sensitive skin, the chemicals in some sunscreens may cause irritation. Use a product that contains only physical blockers (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). A physical blocker does not penetrate the skin layers as do chemicals. Physical blockers stay on the skin surface to provide protection.
What’s the best way to use sunscreen?
If you’ve used sunscreen before and suffered sunburn, it was either applied incorrectly or the wrong SPF. For sunscreen to be effective, it must be in sufficient quantity, applied correctly and thoroughly, applied prior to sun exposure and reapplied when necessary.
Remember the lips! Use a lip balm with a minimum SPF15.
How much?
One ounce (a full shot glass) per adult body per application (minimally). Apply liberally all over the body, including behind the ears and on the edges of the ear and ear lobes.
When to apply?
At least 30 minutes before going into the sun. Reapply 15 minutes later. The extra application helps to cover body areas that may have been missed the first time. Once in sunlight, reapply every couple of hours, especially if swimming, perspiring or towel drying.
Sunscreen for a friend!
Who should use sunscreen?
Everyone needs skin protection. All ethnicities and races are susceptible to sunburn. Persons with darker skin complexions may have a higher tolerance for sun exposure but at some point, will begin to experience sunburn. Keep in mind that skin damage and serious complications later in life are a result of the failure to protect the skin.
Do persons of African descent need sunscreen?
All persons need to protect themselves from UV-A and UV-B sunrays. A common misconception is that Black people and others with darker skin tones is that their melanin-infused skin completely eliminates the necessity for sunscreen as protection. Yes, darker skin does offer limited additional tolerance but all persons, no matter their skin tone, need to wear sunscreen.
For a long time, all races mistakenly believed that the darker skin needs at least an SPF30complexions of persons of African, Middle Eastern and Indigenous American and Australian heritage were immune from the damaging and harmful rays of the sun. Despite the fact that melanin-infused skin have a higher genetic tolerance than fairer (lighter) skin tones, everyone has a natural deficiency of SPF.
At minimum, skin needs at least an SPF30 broad-spectrum for full protection. from UV-A and UV-B. Black people (on average) have a natural deficit of about SPF17 because melanin naturally provides a SPF13.
Sunglasses!
What about my eyes?
Ultraviolet rays do have an adverse effect on eyes as well as vision. Sunglasses that are able to filter the sun’s rays are available without a prescription. Protect yourself!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, May 24, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Almost Here!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 