education – Page 5 – ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

NBHAAD: Part I!

Official notification!

Introduction:

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) occurs annually on February 7. This year, 2024, that date happens in the middle of the week on a Wednesday. Using the calendar to our benefit, publishing this post entry two days in advance affords us the chance to provide information of the significance of this occasion for all of us, not just African-Americans. That is the reason for today’s offering entitled:

“The Disproportionate Impact of HIV/AIDS on the Black Community!”

The purpose is to explore specific examples of disparities based on race that produced the multitude of deaths and infections within the African-American population here in the USA. “Disproportionate impact” refers to factors – beyond the control of those affected – that cause harm or injury to those being affected.

“NBHAAD: Part II!” is offered here on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, – the actual date for NBHAAD. It features an overall look at the offerings and provisions of the NBHAAD campaign.

Black SGL couple!

The Disproportionate Impact of HIV/AIDS on the Black Community!

To this day, there are some misinformation and myths surrounding the HIV/AIDS pandemic that remain within the minds of many Americans, even in the days of competition with the coronavirus COVID-19 period. One of the strongest of these untruths is that HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is an exclusively gay (same gender loving: SGL) disease. No matter of the scientific proof to the contrary, this falsehood remains. A close second place to this misconception is the unsubstantiated notion that Black people are highly susceptible to HIV.

In all honesty, it is the White population in the USA that has caused the alarmingly high rate of death and infection from HIV factors among African Americans. The serious mistrust of the public health services by persons of colour was caused and created by people of European descent (Caucasian/White) through bias, discrimination, hate, ignorance, prejudice and segregation. For generations, Black people suffered under the “Jim Crow” laws and separation. This resulted in numerous incidents and instances where the African Americans were subjected to trials and tribulations as “second class” recipients of poor care and mistreatment from the U.S. Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the local and state health services.

The most infamous and notorious of this disasters is known simply as the Tuskegee Experiment that was underway under the watch of the federal government from 1932 until 1972. It involved 400 Black men “officially” untreated by medicine in order to document and monitor the deterioration of health after being infected with syphilis. It was conducted in the deep south at the then Tuskegee Institute by doctors working for the federal government. Click the link below to see the study details on wikipedia:

Tuskegee Syphilis Study

Personally, when I first learned of this project, I was shocked that it was permitted to continue after the passage of legislation for equality in the 1960s. I was appalled that social consciousness didn’t end the study and that it was never an issue.

NBHAAD Awareness Ribbon

The results of this maltreatment is the overwhelming reason for the deep and profound distrust of the CDC and the U.S. Public Health Service by the Black population. It was one of the major obstacles that resulted in the delay by the community of colour to the realities of the HIV/AIDS crisis. This, in turn, created the explosion of the new disease within this particular community and culture.

With the issue of distrust of the public health agencies as the primary source of the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS in the Black American community and culture, another very important factor was the cultural and racial insensitivity of educational and prevention information distributed among this population specifically and the general population as a whole. Too often, vague and ambiguous language and reasoning was employed when direct and simple language should have been presented and used.

The majority of Black adults were the products of segregated educational facilities – often resulting in limited comprehension of the materials provided to them. This unclear information caused confusion and misinterpretation that strengthened frustration and resentment. Government and politicians were well aware of this disparity and failed to address this problem.

Important reality!

For example, instead of “negotiating” the “effectiveness” of the use of a condom, the direct action approach: “tell him if he’s not wearing one, he’s not getting any!” would have deliberately delivered the message in a clear and concise manner. Minimal room for confusion and hesitation with a response such as that! The meaning is plain no matter the gender of the individual receiving the reply.

Distrust and insensitivity in communication are two of the examples offered for the high rates of HIV/AIDS deaths and infections within the African-American community and culture. Another example of almost equal importance is the prolonged inaction and inertia from the government departments over the staggering statistics. Prompt examination over the reported data clearly indicated a major breakdown and inappropriate flaw in the materials and methods long before a serious problem arose. Had discrimination and segregation not existed prior to the outbreak of HIV, the results could and probably would have been significantly different.

Due to budget constraints and the executive and legislative blindness of the republican politicians, funds for public health concerns and programs were severely hampered while defense spending soared.

This situation initiated a dilemma rarely believable in the supposedly wealthiest country in the world. Repeatedly, funds were scarce and demands on the necessity of compliance skyrocketed. Resources were completely unavailable and politicians refused to even consider any concession to ease the crisis for “those” people – the Blacks and other ethnic and racial minorities, the gays and the drug injectors. Evidently, the republican belief was that society could only benefit from the death of “those” people!

Vital message!

Financial assistance and grants to local public service agencies and not-for-profit organizations working within the Black community on a local basis would have greatly reduced the widespread gap between mistrust and trust that existed. A local establishment would have afforded both at atmosphere of credibility and recognition that would enhance the information and message delivered. This would have alleviated the stigma of HIV/AIDS as being a “homosexual White man’s disease.”

Awareness and pride!

“As committed, dedicated, honest, open and sincere bare practitioners (same gender loving naturists/nudists), all we desire is for the world to see us as we perceive ourselves: all naked, all natural. We have nothing to hide and are without reason for shame. We are proud of our nudity and our same gender love. They are not cause for embarrassment, fear or guilt. That is simply what and who we are in our life.” ~ Roger Poladopoulos-Peterson ~ Deaf Gay Alliance speech Washington, D.C., 4 December 2022

Yet another barrier created by both the republican executive and legislative arms of the federal government that fatally delayed and hindered any productive reaction from the community of colour to the ravages of this pandemic.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Wednesday, February 7, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “NBHAAD Part II!”

World AIDS Day, 2023!

Our Global Annual Observance!

Introduction:

Once again, we globally acknowledge the impact that HIV/AIDS has inflicted upon our people; we recognize that education is vital in combatting HIV/AIDS; we understand that responsibility is essential in preventing HIV/AIDS; and we remember those who have died from HIV/AIDS and those who have fought the battle against HIV/AIDS.

Even though we are all living with the consequences of yet another pandemic, coronavirus COVID-19 and all the variants, we continue to struggle against HIV/AIDS. We understand the necessity of efforts to identify and establish a cure from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. We share the hope that our awareness of HIV/AIDS brings an end to this disease in the very near future.

Observation against HIV/AIDS by the late Princess Diana.

Background Observation:

In the early 1980’s – even before there was an official name for it – health officials and medical doctors noted cases of a new infection that fatally compromised (weakened) then destroyed the immune systems of patients. A significant number of those suffering from this infection were same gender loving men (also derogatorily referred to as “homosexuals”). Soon, the unofficial name for this affliction became “gay cancer” or the “gay plague.” Later, the name for the infecting virus became human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the disease it caused was named acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Due to the overall stigma attached to the same gender loving populations, it was several years before sufficient monies were appropriated for fighting against this disease. As a result, many lives were lost and many rumours and misinformation abounded.

Blame/Forgiveness:

Fundamentalist and radical clergypersons and prejudiced politicians joined in the growing hysterical outcry against the “homosexual” community for the rapidly rising numbers of HIV infected persons. In churches throughout the USA, countless clergy regularly and repeatedly condemned the “homosexuals” for their ungodly living. Political aspirants, not to be left out of the hate-fest, raged against the sexual deviants and their un-American way of life.

The majority of the clergy and the politicians who denounced the same gender loving people falsely believed that the fatality of HIV/AIDS fully justified their homophobia and marginalization of the affected community and the infected people. Fortunately, this hatred was only widely practiced within the USA. The rest of the world reacted without the extreme hatred and prejudice present in the USA.

Later, as the facts concerning HIV/AIDS became common knowledge, no clergy or politician apologized for their blame, condemnation, or hate of the same-gender-loving people. No one ever asked for forgiveness for their unfounded hatred and their hypocrisy.

The bigoted and discriminatory clergy and politicians needed someone to blame for the HIV/AIDS situation. We, the same-gender loving community and culture, were awarded the honor. We were condemned, judged, and vilified. The disease is still here.

Robert Craig, Adrian Hart and Sean Zevran!

“For all of us, as same gender loving men, we must remember that we constitute a distinct minority community and culture. As such, it is incumbent on us to recognize that our pride in ourselves is based on our self-acceptance and self-confidence of both what and who we are. Guilt and shame have no place in our lives. We need to let them go and move forward in patience, tolerance and understanding for all, even those who despise us and wish harm upon us. Love and respect are the keys we need. Hate and ignorance are not.” ~ Roger Poladopoulos ~ Deaf AIDS Action address, 16 June, 2023

Jason Collins, NBA Brooklyn Nets!

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

“It’s not who we are but rather it’s what we do that puts us at risk for HIV infection.” ~ American Red Cross ~ Basic HIV/AIDS Prevention Education curriculum

Knowledge = Power!

HIV/AIDS: The Basic Facts

1. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

2. AIDS is a result of HIV infection.

AIDS is not transferred or transmitted from one person to another. HIV is the virus that is shared. HIV may live within a person for many years before the infection is discovered (detected). That is why HIV tests are important so that treatment may begin.

3. HIV is spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk.

The above listing contains the four body fluids that carry the virus from one person to another. HIV is not contained in enough quantity in tears, sweat and saliva to transmit (spread).

4. Only a physician can diagnose AIDS.

Certain criteria (conditions must be met before an AIDS determination can be made. Physicians (medical doctors) are the only internationally recognized professionals allowed to make this decision.

Infection:

Untreated (without medical attention) HIV infection weakens the body’s immune system (ability to fight off diseases) and eventually destroys it. Medical treatment can and often does strengthen the immune system and enables people to live longer with healthy and productive lives.

There is currently no known cure for HIV/AIDS but there are numerous testing strategies internationally to develop a cure for the disease.

A red ribbon painted on his face!

World AIDS Day:

World AIDS Day was first envisioned in August, 1987, by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. They delivered their concept to Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme on AIDS (now known as UNAIDS). Dr. Mann endorsed the idea and agreed with the recommendation for the first observance to be 1 December, 1988.

The Red Ribbon for HIV/AIDS awareness!

The Red Ribbon Campaign:

Showing us all that he is aware!

The red ribbon was selected to wear over the heart on World AIDS Day. It allowed those persons wearing it to let others see that they were aware of HIV/AIDS and the health crisis that it was creating. It also was worn in memory of a loved one who had died from the disease.

Encouraging support!

I have been buying red ribbon and small safety pins since 1988, and making red ribbons on my own. I have a special basket that I carry to work with me and invite faculty, staff and students at my university to join me in supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS. To date, I have never had any ribbons leftover to take home with me.

It is a small effort on my part to remind us all that HIV/AIDS remains a threat against us all!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, December 4, 2023. and the proposed topic is: “Salutations South!”

“The Boys In The Band”

Teen boys in the band!

Introduction:

The above header (photograph) is in no way related to this post entry title. In the picture, they are indeed teenage boys posing and singing “in a band.” The actual title is in reference to the 1970 film, “The Boys In The Band” which is the subject here today. As this particular cinema movie featured actors who kept their clothes on, I felt the vintage image – depicting the teens posing playing musical instruments in the early 1960’s era was appropriate for the title and fitting for ReNude Pride’s theme (nakedness). Sorry if I’ve caused any confusion!

That’s the reason for this introductory explanation. I wanted that apology offered before anyone becomes too irate!

Actual poster: “The Boys In The Band” 1970 film.

Over our years together, Aaron (my spouse) and I have periodically shared that neither one of us has ever seen the movie, “The Boys In The Band.” We both acknowledged that we should view it, but we’ve never done so. My first cousin, Michael, located a copy of the original with excellent closed captioning. He purchased it for he and his partner, Ropati. Aaron and I borrowed the DVD and this past weekend, honouring GLBTQ+ History Month, we saw the show together – a first for us both!

Even though the characters onscreen were fully clothed, Aaron and I were in our typical and usual bare practitioner mode. This was simply one of our 2023 Bare Practitioner History Month observances! Keeping with ReNude Pride’s theme and tradition!

Background:

“The Boys In The Band” was the first major American film to deal directly with the topic of homosexuality (as it was then often called) where the primary characters actually referred to themselves as “homosexuals.” It was released in early 1970, less than a full year after the Stonewall Inn riots. It was directed by William Friedkin and produced by Matt Crowley, Kenneth Lilt, Dominick Dunne and Robert Jiras. The screenplay was written by Matt Crowley and is based on his off-Broadway play by the same name.

The cast consisted of Kenneth Nelson as Michael, Leonard Frey as Harold and Cliff Gorman as Emory. Also featured were Laurence Luckinbill who played Hank, Frederick Combs portraying Donald, Keith Prentice was Larry and Robert LaTourneaux as “Cowboy Tex.” Reuben Greene appeared as Bernard and Peter White featured as Alan, the token heterosexual. The running time for the production was approximately 2 hours.

The cast “The Boys In The Band”

The character’s pathos and self-loathing even in 1970, unfortunately, it was prevalent within the majority of the “homosexual” population at that time. The movie is historically significant as Hollywood’s first explicitly gay-themed film – ever. All the guests are gay and one is presumably “straight” (non-gay, heterosexual). Before the night is over, the conversation turns bitter and ugly – hilarious one minute and excruciatingly painful the next.

The Plot:

The action is set in New York City in the latter-half of the 1960’s decade, It is definitely the post-hippie period and quite obviously pre-Stonewall/gay liberation. Michael is an alcoholic-in-recovery who is hosting a surprise birthday party for his best friend, Harold. As the guests arrive, the atmosphere is upbeat and festive until Alan arrives and the mood dampens and the tensions mount.

Then “Cowboy Tex” a hustler and a “surprise gift” for Harold enters and words are exchanged between Emory and Alan. Michael begins drinking again and the guests continue to argue and to criticize. At this point, Harold makes a classic entrance for the party in his honour and the drama borders on turmoil. As the party ends and the guests depart, the movie ends with Michael sobbing his misery to Donald.

Being same gender loving in the 1960’s was no fun-filled picnic!

Summery:

The film, “The Boys In The Band,” did introduce some positive aspects to the new and growing gay identification for the predominately “closeted” (secretive) homosexual population. It also helped to bring the awareness and discussion of homosexuality into the national dialogue – although not always in the most positive manner.

It also introduced a new film genre into the motion picture industry.

In some ways, it helped to energize and fuel the gay liberation movement. Within the emerging community, it served as an identifiable reminder of the life no one wanted to return to. It also eventually radically changed the way society perceived same gender loving people.

Happy GLBTQ+ Bare History Month!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 31, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! 2023 Bare History Month!”

October’s Bright Blue Weather!”

Bright Blue: Ocean and Sky!

Notation: I’m certain there are some beaches on our planet where it’s conducive to skinny-dip during the month of October!

October’s Bright Blue Weather

by: Helen Hunt Jackson

O suns and skies and clouds of June,

and flowers of June together,

Ye cannot rival for one hour

October’s bright blue weather.

When loud the bumble-bee makes haste,

Belated, thriftless, vagrant,

And golden-rod is dying fast,

And lanes with grapes are fragrant;

When gentians roll their fringes tight

to save them for the morning,

And chestnuts fall from satin burrs

Without a sound of warning;

When on the ground red apples lie

In piles like jewels shining,

And redder still on old stone walls

Are leaves of woodbine twining;

When all the lovely wayside things

Their white-winged seeds are sowing,

And in the fields, still green and fair,

Late aftermaths are growing;

When springs run low, and on the brooks,

In idle golden freighting,

Bright leaves sink noiseless in the hush

Of woods, for winter waiting;

When comrades seek sweet country haunts,

By twos and twos together,

And counts like misers, hour by hour,

October’s bright blue weather.

O suns and skies and flowers of June,

Count all your boasts together,

Love loveth best of all the year

October’s bright blue weather.

End

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While my identical twin brother, Alex, and I were students at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind residential school, we had several teachers who had us memorize poetry and then recite the poems using American Sign Language (ASL) in front of our class. Fine. Memorizing wasn’t impossible but the order of the grammar the poets used and the sense it did not make was confusing. Delightful students that we were, we simply committed the poems to our memory and put comprehension to the wayside. After all, our task was simple: complete the job and move on to the next level.

Our teachers always explained to us students and to our parents that this lesson of us reciting poetry helped us to develop comprehension of English as a language, as opposed to ASL. That may have appeared as a valid reasoning for a few but we students understood it for exactly what it was intended to be: busy work! Keep us occupied!

October foliage!

Our teacher who required us to commit this poem, “October’s Bright Blue Weather” was one of my personal favourites of my primary school years. This happened to be the very first of nine poems she assigned us. Even today, I am still able to recall the first opening lines of the poem, without hesitation.

Enjoy “October’s Bright Blue Weather!”

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 30, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “The Boys In The Band!”

Purple: Spirit Day!

Purple Spirit Day!

Purple: Spirit Day is officially observed on the third Thursday of October, annually. This posting entry is offered in anticipation of the official observance!

On the Progress Rainbow Pride flag, the colour of purple at the bottom of the original rainbow field of six stripes represents the ideal of spirit. The colour also denotes pride and is considered a calming colour. It also connects us to the spiritual realm. For a great many of us, this is symbolic of our reflective nature and signifies the soul of the GLBTQ+ quest for our equality and freedom. In the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth, purple is a royal colour and often is representative of the Crown.

Purple: Spirit Day is an annual anti-bullying, anti-coercion date that is held during National Bullying Prevention Month. It is particularly focused combatting damaging or threatening behaviour based on a person’s perceived or real same gender loving status. The Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) of 1969 and the National Coming Out Day observance that commenced on October 11, 1988, reduced the suicide rate among the GLBTQ+ community and culture but it was never completely eradicated as a cause, even with the millennial transition.

A significant increase in GLBTQ+-related suicides committed not only raised the awareness of this problem within our community and culture but also in the minds of the general public. Clearly, more attention and efforts were necessary.

The commemoration of Purple: Spirit Day began on October 20, 2010, at the advocacy and inspiration of one Canadian teenager on her FaceBook social media. It is an awareness day of recent development in response to a USA suicide that gained international attention. On September 22, 2010, eighteen year old student Tyler Clementi, of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA, jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge over the Hudson River. On September 19, Tyler’s roommate, Dharen Ravi, had posted to his Twitter social media account a clip showing Tyler kissing another man and announced to all his followers that he is gay. All of this was done without the permission of Tyler or his encounter partner.

Purple: Spirit Day!

The resulting media explosion that followed the suicide led Brittany McMillan, a secondary school student in Canada to respond to her conscience and launch the Purple: Spirit Day campaign on her own. The concept was undertaken by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) who immediately assumed sponsorship after consulting with Brittany.

Promoted by GLAAD, participants wear the colour purple as a visible sign of awareness and support for GLBTQ+ young people and opposition to bullying (for whatever reason) in general. It is also a gesture in tribute to all GLBTQ+ victims of suicide.

Cartoon in support of GLBTQ+ Purple: Spirit Day!

The very first Purple: Spirit Day was held on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Later observances were on Thursday, October 20, 2011, and on Friday, October 20, 2012. After that time, GLAAD enacted the official date of the third Thursday in October as the annual occasion.

For those persons restricted by requirements of uniform, a purple awareness ribbon may be worn to show agreement with the cause. If a pre-printed purple ribbon isn’t immediately available, a plain one suffices. Use a regular safety pin to attach the ribbon to your collar or shirt.

I remember the very first Purple: Spirit Day. Aaron, my spouse and I were simply living together at the time, and there wasn’t much notice given in advance of the first occasion. We decided to make purple ribbons to distribute on our jobsites promoting the cause and spent the night before staying up late to create the awareness tokens. We assorted 150 ribbons for each of our jobs. By mid-morning the next day, we exchanged emails and we had both given out of ribbons!

Supporting Purple: Spirit Day!

For bare practitioners the event may be signified by painting a purple ribbon on the left side of the chest. It is important to promote attention to this worthy cause!

For additional information on Purple: Spirit Day! please click onto the link below:

Purple: Spirit Day

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 20, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “A Brief Synopsis!”

Rainbow Emergence!

The Rainbow Flag!

Notation:

The title of this posting here on ReNude Pride and the accompanying “rainbow flag” images are at the insistence of my beloved spouse, Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos. His choice is based on his determination of the song “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz” as being a unifying factor for the entire GLBTQ+ Bare History Month culture. To be honest, he all but ordered me to follow his selection! Out of my devotion to him, my need for a nutritious breakfast and my appreciation of all of his contributions to this site, I have complied with his instruction.

As a Deaf man, I do wonder about the song portion of his choice and in the interest of family harmony, I’ll surrender to his decision. After all, “mine is not to reason why, mine is but to do or he’ll make me die!” LOL! Naked hugs! 🙂

As for the pictures featuring the rainbow flag, I totally agree with my “better half.” As they all depict a bare practitioner man with the flag, they ensure compliance with the purpose of ReNude Pride: celebrating our same gender loving naturist/nudist heritage and community and our shared confidence and pride in being what and who we really are!

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Background:

It is generally recognized by all concerned that the modern civil rights struggle for the majority of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ people began with the Stonewall Inn riots following a police raid on the Stonewall Inn gay bar in New York City on June 28, 1969. This action, in the militancy of the political times, led to the growth and protests that encouraged our forebears to begin advocating for our freedoms and our long-denied human rights.

Given the number of groups and causes proliferating in the 1960s, our previously closeted (secretive) community emerged from anonymous and silent to militant and radical, even vocal. Various groups and individuals came together with the intent of organizing a body to become instrumental in determining the guidance and leadership of our growing struggle for equality.

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Our Story:

As a population with almost no formal structure aside from local municipal concerns, the initial building of a communal harmony and unity was disorganized and haphazard. Communication was infrequent and often by chance. The commitment and dedication of the early and emerging prominent individuals in the equality movement varied from city to city and fortunately enough of the “first few” proved resourceful in building a dynamic leadership that allowed our cause to develop and grow.

Despite the chaotic and confusing inception, it soon became apparent to many of the early GLBTQ+ advocates to the benefits of and the vital need for a visual emblem or a logo for identification and/or recognition purposes. It was agreed that a colourful graphic banner or flag would better serve this function as opposed to just writing the name on a placard.

A variety of concepts, designs and suggestions were made and presented to the ever-changing leadership individuals and/or organizing committees. The most popular and long-lasting ideas are featured below along with a description and/or justification for each submission.

Our time is here!

The Rainbow flag!

The year, 1969, was at the end of a decade that had witnessed massive social unrest. The African-American protests for civil rights, the birth of the feminist and women’s rights movements, the demonstrations for ending the Vietnam war, the equal pay for primarily Latino immigrant farm workers were underway during this time. The elimination of the military “draft” (enforced military service) and unequal financial compensation were also targets. The “homosexuals” (at the time, a derogatory and offensive identification of the now GLBTQ+ persons) was the most recent social group to clamour for equality and recognition.

The Pink Triangle:

The downward-pointing pink triangle was prominently used by National Socialists (Nazis) in Hitler’s regime as a badge of shame and labeling of “homosexuals.” It was sewn onto the shirts of homosexual men in concentration camps to identify and dehumanize them in the eyes of the authorities and other prisoners. Other concentration camp inmates routinely lashed out against all prisoners wearing a pink triangle.

Homosexuality was made illegal in Germany under Paragraph 175 of the unification constitution in 1871, but the law was rarely enforced. It remained so until it was repealed in 1969. When the Nazi Party assumed control of Germany in 1933, they made it enforcement a priority in their goal of promoting the Aryan people as superior to all others in order to racially and culturally “purify” Germany. The Nazis arrested thousands of GLBTQ+ individuals and sent them to concentration camps. the overwhelming majority of them homosexual men. They were all seen as degenerate.

The rise of the gay, lesbian and bisexual pride movement led to the reclaiming of the pink triangle as a positive symbol of self-identity and of triumph over tragedy. In 1994, the German government formally apologized to all persons for the abuse committed against same gender loving persons throughout the country’s history, especially by the Nazis.

The pink triangle remains a strong symbol of GLBTQ+ progress towards equality and represents the journey forward worldwide. It is a tribute to all of those persecuted under bigotry and hatred. The flag is recognized globally.

The Lambda Flag:

As a symbol of same gender loving freedom from centuries of discrimination, oppression and torture, the Greek letter lambda was first designated in December, 1969, as a symbol of distinction by the graphic artist and Gay Activists Alliance founding member, Tom Doerr. He chose it because in chemistry it is a sign for “catalyst” as for the complete exchange of energy.

Others argue that the lambda denotes the synergy of the growing same gender loving movement. The idea that the whole is greater than the sum of all of its parts. Still others claim the lambda is representative of lesbian.

In December, 1974, the lambda was officially adopted by the International Gay Rights Congress at their meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, by a unanimous vote. As a representation of gay and lesbian civil rights, lambda became internationally accepted, popular and recognized.

By far, both the pink triangle and the lambda remain dominant and prominent within the GLBTQ+ community and culture today. Historically, they are the two “firsts” in our community and culture.

The criticism of the lambda emerged later as some felt it was symbolic for males only.

The Rainbow Flag:

The original Rainbow flag!

What many of us herald as the first official flag of our community and culture was first publicly raised on June 25, 1978, in San Francisco, California, USA, at the city’s United Nations Plaza in honour of the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day parade. The original flag consisted of eight coloured stripes and was designed by Gilbert Baker and handstitched and dyed with the help of friends and volunteers Lynn Sugarblum, James McNamara, Glenne McElhinney, Joe Duran and Paul Langbutz. The eight stripes were later reduced to six with the pink (denoting “sex”) and turquoise (for “art and magic”) eliminated as the colours were not available in flag fabrics.

The colour scheme!

The graphic above shows the revised eight-stripe flag reduced to six stripes and what the coloured stripes each represented.

Baker conceived the flag would “empower his tribe” and at the same time reflect a “rainbow of humanity” motif to represent the movement’s diversity.

Current: The Progress Rainbow Flag!

Moving forward in progress!

The Progress Pride Rainbow flag was developed by non-binary artist and designer Daniel Quasar in 2018. Based on and incorporating Gilbert Baker’s 1978 Rainbow flag, Quasar’s redesign celebrates the diversity of the global GLBTQ+ community and culture and encourages a more accepting and inclusive general society. The redesign has invested the representation of discriminated minority identities covered by the GLBTQ+ umbrella.

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

The black stripe has a double meaning attached to it as it is also intended for “those living with HIV/AIDS and the stigma and prejudice surrounding them as well as all those who have been lost to the disease.”

The Progress Pride Rainbow flag was an immediate success. On the evening of June 6, 2018, Quasar posted the design on social media. He woke up the next day to find that it had gone viral.

Progress Pride Rainbow blowing in the wind!

We continue our way into the future by remembering our past. We are all together as we move forward!

Naked hugs!

Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos and Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 16, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Purple: Spirit Day!”

GLBTQ+ Bare History Month!

2023 Icon History Month honourees!

In the USA, October, annually, is featured as GLBTQ+ History Month. During this time, outstanding gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ persons, both current and past, are honoured for their achievements and contributions to their communities and culture’s history as well as to services rendered to history and to society in general. The image above offers the facial representation of some of this year’s winners.

Artistic interpretation!

The USA observance was founded in 1994 a Missouri secondary (high school) history teacher named Rodney Wilson. His original intent was to provide role models, build community, instill pride and to provide a civil rights statement of the achievements and efforts of the entire GLBTQ+ community and culture. Prior to the Stonewall Inn Riots of June 28, 1969, there was little, if any, information about the accomplishments and struggles suffered by the previously-known “homosexual” community in the USA and elsewhere in the world. Before the Stonewall uprising, it was the custom for the members of this community to remain closeted (anonymous, secretive).

“There was no gay pride before Stonewall. Only gay fear and gay isolation and gay distrust and gay self-hatred.” ~ Edmund White ~ USA gay novelist, historian

Gay rioting outside the Stonewall Inn, New York City, June, 1969!

For many, the Stonewall Inn riots marked the beginning of the movement for same gender loving (GLBTQ+) civil rights in the USA. However, in retrospect, it is now recognized as the catalyst (inspiration) that encouraged the community and culture – long abused, discriminated against and ostracized – to adapt a more activist approach in the journey towards equality and freedom.

Because of the existence of GLBTQ+ History Month, there are now forums, historical foundations and societies and institutions themselves dedicated to examining and exploring the topic and others within the community and outside. This is one of the many benefits not only of the Stonewall Riots but also of the observance of our community and cultural history.

The Stonewall Inn Historic Site!

The very first commemoration of GLBTQ+ History Month was endorsed by the Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Gay Lesbian Students Educators Network (GLSEN), the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association (NEA), and other national organizations.

Equality Forum is a national GLBTQ+ civil rights organization with an educational focus. It coordinates GLBTQ+ History Month, produces documentary films, sponsors high impact social initiatives and sponsors an annual GLBTQ+ civil rights conference. It also maintains the GLBTQ+ history month website which is linked below.

http://lgbthistorymonth.com

Below are listed the 2023 honourees. The number of the individual is the date they are honoured. Click the link above for additional information.

Marin Alsop – trailblazing conductor
Chasen Buttigieg – GLBTQ+ activist
Madeline Davis – GLBTQ+ activist and historian
Elana Dykewomon – author and activist
Tessa Ganserer – transgender German politician
Roxane Gay – author
Lesley Gore – composer and singer
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy – transgender activist
Brittney Griner – WNBA superstar
Maura Healey – Governor of Massachusetts
Jazmine Hughes – editor and writer
Eddie Izzard – British actor and comedian
Michael R. Jackson – Pulitzer award playwright
Leslie Jordan – actor and comedian
Tina Kotek – Governor of Oregon
Marijane Meeker – pulp fiction pioneer
Scott Minerd – Wall Street innovator
Ryan Murphy – writer, director, producer
Carl Nassib – first out active NFL player
Stu Rasmussen – first out transgender mayor
Allen Schindler, Jr. – slain naval officer
Charles Silverstein – psychologist, activist
Andrew Solomon – writer
Michael Stipe – rock performer
Kara Swisher – tech journalist
Andre Leon Talley – fashion journalist
Doris Taylor – medical scientist
Evelyn Thomas – military activist
Mpho Tutu Van Furth – South African Anglican priest
Samira Wiley – actor
Penny Wong – Australian foreign minister

As is our standard here on ReNude Pride, we combine the best of both of our bare practitioner exceptional qualities and celebrate all of October as GLBTQ+ Bare History Month. This observance will feature both our same gender loving heritage as well as our bare pride and heritage. Ours is a culture and life that needs to be honoured and saluted in many ways throughout not only the month but all year long!

Please take time and explore interesting facets of our historical community and culture! Happy GLBTQ+ Bare History Month to all!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 2, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Return to Regularity!”

Back to School!

Lecture Hall!

Before anyone is too shocked to recall, my university is located in a neighborhood of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Therefore, as faculty and students at a university founded by President Lincoln and the first university funded entirely by the U.S. Congress, we are absolutely not permitted to be natural, naked or nude while instructing or delivering lectures. Nor are students permitted to attend classes unclothed.

The above image is used to maintain the theme of ReNude Pride and not to create a myth or rumour concerning a university precedence. Tolerance is a policy at my university but being realistic is also. Far be it from me to be the unwilling source of a mislead! The government is the best suited for that distinction!

Classroom seating!

Although clothing is required, the academic regimen of the university resumed this week. Whether in a formal lecture hall or in a more traditional classroom, it is now the time for me to set aside my “summer freedom” and return to work in order to prepare another group of students to take over the responsibility of preparing others to come forward and prepare themselves for all their roles in their lives.

Before everyone condemns my university as too restrictive, I do want to remind that although body and clothes freedom is not “officially” endorsed, it also is not outright banned or condemned. I did serve as a nude model for art and photography classes as an undergraduate. That allowance continues today. So freedom isn’t completely forbidden here!

A naked grin on a bare practitioner role model!

One of the benefits of a university faculty member is that we have the responsibility to honestly convey information to others. My university administration and fellow faculty members have always encouraged any of our same gender loving students as well as those who openly acknowledge their affinity or interest in nudity to share with me and proceed from there. This has presented to me the opportunity to dispel myths and misinformation and to offer guidance and direction towards discovery and guidance. It enables me to enjoy the freedom to make a positive and, hopefully, productive influence in the lives of others.

Granted, the undergraduate interest in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) concerns, issues and topics far exceeds the search for bare practitioner related circumstances, but that is routine. Once students deal with their sexuality, the nude/clothing situation usually is resolved and guidance is sought on an individual rather than group session.

This advisory role, in addition to my professorial duties, gives me satisfaction on the campus/worksite. I feel as though I am serving a constructive and useful purpose not only for each student I interact with but for my colleagues, too! A number have shared with me that I have afforded them the opportunity to serve as mentors to others who seek answers or help.

Bare class instruction!

Officially, nakedness and nudity – at least, publicly, – is not permitted on campus. The same is probably true for the majority of institutions of higher learning throughout the world. However, patience, tolerance and understanding of our roles in guiding the development and formation of our charges (students) has created here an environment that is accepting, beneficial, comfortable and tolerable for all!

Mini-Lesson: Bare Practitioner!

A bare practitioner is a same gender loving person who willingly releases their body, mind and soul of the frustrations, tensions and unnatural compulsions of always having to hide beneath the oppression of clothing. A free spirit, uncensored and uncovered, in a completely natural state!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 11, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Aquatic Antics!”

Bare Practitioner’s Day, 2023!

Reign: Unashamed on Bare Practitioner’s Day, 2023!

TODAY IS BARE PRACTITIONER’S DAY, 2023!

July 14, annually

A day for us to celebrate, honour and salute us for being ourselves!

We’ve just completed the entire month of June as GLBTQ+ Pride Month. We’re now observing Nude Recreation Week. Do we really need a Bare Practitioner’s Day to supplement the festivities? Is our ultimate goal an entire year of commemorations and/or occasions? A thoughtless retort to such a ridiculous suggestion is: Yes!

Is it necessary to question our every reason to enjoy being us? Are we all in danger of having such unfulfillment in our lives that we need to exploit opportunities to extol our characteristics that have created us in the uniqueness that we all enjoy? Unfortunately, in today’s world, the possibilities of our being denied give us little alternative.

A bare practitioner is a person who openly (without reservation or shame) accepts and acknowledges being same gender loving (bisexual or gay) and a naturist/nudist. Confident and proud, a bare practitioner endorses the community and culture shared by all, free from judgment and prejudice. Bare Practitioner’s Day is our day to celebrate, commemorate and dedicate to all of us being ourselves! We respect this for everyone and expect the same in return!

Gio Dell, oceanside bare practitioner!

The majority of us bare practitioners (same gender loving naturists/nudists) openly acknowledge that our way of life – freedom from embarrassment, guilt, humiliation or shame for being same gender loving and body and clothes free advocates – is nothing that any of us need to conceal. It is what and who we basically are. It is our right to be ourselves. Throughout history, society has deemed us as being perverse. We have been ridiculed, punished, denied equality and even attacked and beaten because of who we are. Therefore, culturally we have all earned the right to be and celebrate ourselves!

Equality for all!

For all of those persons who find discomfort in being bare around others, we all accept their level of comfort and their need for clothing. We may not understand – yet we concede their right to be different. For all of those persons who are unable to comprehend our affection and attraction for our same gender, it is our reality. We don’t share the same feelings but that’s fine. All of us have the right to be different!

Varying levels of physical exposure!

What is of primary importance is that we tolerate and understand these variations in our levels of comfort and respect everyone’s right to be who they truly are. If an aspect of someone else’s life makes us uncomfortable, we can choose to avoid that person or that situation.

Felipe Ferreira and his Pride tattoo!

There are various ways of expressing ourselves and conveying our beliefs and ideals to others. The degrees that we select to expose ourselves vary from person to person. Each person has the right to determine their own level of comfort in sharing their nakedness and sexuality with others.

How can love be a basis for hate?

We may not approve the message but we must recognize the variety that others employ to demonstrate themselves. The public displays of affection have many followers all at odds with one another.

Happy Bare Practitioner’s day, 2023!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Saturday, July 15, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Nude Recreation Week: Weekend!”

USA: HIV Testing Day!

Kory Mitchell, HIV testing advocate, bare practitioner and gay porn-star!

With almost forty years into the global HIV/AIDS crisis, we still are having to survive the reality that we remain without a cure or a vaccine for HIV/AIDS. This disparity exists while we face even more unusual and unknown infections that offer similar if not more deadly consequences.

We do have an accurate and inexpensive test to determine if we are HIV infected. This knowledge is important because if affords all of us the time to adjust our routines, adopt practices to enhance our lives, engage in protocols to reduce complications and to effectively manage our lives. Yet almost a third of persons living with HIV remain unaware of their health status.

Their lack of knowledge puts many of us at risk for contracting the virus.

Increase your power!

Once again, it is important for us to remind everyone of today’s significance. Yes, we are all living through these days of coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic. However, we all need to remember that we are also living during the days of HIV/AIDS. Our health is an issue we need to address!

HIV: Basic Facts

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

AIDS is the result of an HIV infection.

Only a physician can diagnose AIDS.

AIDS is not transmitted (spread) by casual contact.

Friendship does not spread HIV!

There is currently no cure or vaccine to prevent HIV/AIDS. However, since the early 1980’s, we have made remarkable progress in the treatment of our HIV-infected populations. Despite this, as a nation, the USA continues to decline in the service provided to persons living with HIV.

Racial disparity!

Testing provides us with the knowledge to seek treatment and to take the process that allows us to manage our lives.

Happiness is knowing your HIV status!

Take the test.

Know your HIV status.

Control your life.

Encourage others to do the same.

Risk reduction!

Kory Mitchell: Productive steps!

Openly same gender loving film actor, Kory Mitchell, was among one of the first gay porn stars to test HIV+. Upon learning of his status, he immediately became an advocate for information, knowledge and for testing to all others in his industry and also within the general bisexual and gay communities. He serves as an example for all of us to take the “next step forward!” We salute your commitment, Kory Mitchell! Thank you for all your efforts in HIV prevention education and in testing!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is scheduled for tomorrow, June 28, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Pride: SIR!”