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!”
The gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) community and culture in the USA observes the month of June, annually, as its traditional Pride Month. An entire month to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Inn riots that initiated the modern, ongoing GLBTQ+ equality movement within this country and to celebrate all of us simply for being us: what and who we naturally are! There are only thirty days in the month of June, so let’s get the festivities underway now!
The idea or the notion of “pride” represents a variety of connotations and/or definitions that overlap and vary from person to person. It doesn’t often mean the same belief or concept to every individual all of the time. The importance and value that we place on pride does change throughout the course of our lifetime. This fluctuation is beneficial and good as it encourages us to keep abreast of current affairs, events and trends. Understanding the what and the who we are empowers us to be accepting and inclusive.
The Progress banner of our GLBTQ+ community!
Pride is real:
Pride is a noun that references a positive emotion or feeling meaning a sense of one’s own proper dignity and/or value; self-respect; pleasure or satisfaction taken in one’s work, achievements or possessions. It also denotes self-esteem.
Pride also has a negative connotation as an excessively high opinion of oneself; arrogance and/or conceit. The consideration or personification of this condition or the first of the proverbial seven cardinal sins.
The Progress Flag raised in Nottingham!
“The Progress Flag:”
The current GLBTQ+ international community banner.
The Progress flag was designed and developed by non-binary (outside of the gender binary: female or male) artist Daniel Quasar in 2018. Based on Gilbert Baker’s original 1978 Rainbow Pride flag, Quasar’s redesign was unfurled 40 years later celebrating the expanding and still growing diversity of the global GLBTQ+ community and culture and at the same time encouraging a more inclusive general society. The redesign has increased the overall representation of discriminated minority identities covered under the GLBTQ+ umbrella.
Quasar’s creation includes the original six stripes flag made by Gilbert Baker and his volunteers, all with the incorporation of the colours of the natural rainbow and the ideals they symbolize. Quasar has added an arrow to the left of the Rainbow Pride that is pointing to the right. This arrow includes both black and brown stripes (representing peoples of colour) and light blue, pink and white stripes (representing transgender and non-binary persons).
Gilbert Baker’s original Rainbow Pride flag and what the colours mean!
In Daniel Quasar’s description “…the arrow points to the right in order to show forward movement and illustrates that progress towards inclusivity still needs to be made.” The black stripe has a double meaning as it is also intended for “those living with HIV/AIDS and the stigma and prejudice surrounding them and all those who have been lost to the disease.”
The Progress flag was an immediate success. On the evening of 6 June, 2018, he posted the flag on social media and woke up the next day to find that globally it had gone viral!
Personal observations:
Both Aaron, my spouse, and I remain grateful and impressed by Gilbert Baker’s original RainbowPride flag and the work of his friends and volunteers: Lynn Segerblum, James McNamara, Glenne McElhinney, Joe Duran and Paul Langlotz. Their efforts will retain their work in the archive and hearts of our global GLBTQ+ community and culture.
We also appreciate and are equally impressed with Daniel Quasar’s incorporation of the colourful and historic Rainbow Pride flag in his affirmative and inclusive design of the Progress flag. Forty years after the Rainbow Pride design first appeared, Daniel Quasar publicly credited and preserved the Rainbow’s basic intent as we continue to strive towards equality and inclusion!
Aaron and I commend and salute Gilbert Baker and his friends and Daniel Quasar for their remarkable achievement in the honouring of our GLBTQ+ community and culture!
Covered by the original Rainbow Pride flag!
Awareness:
Our pride events, fairs, festivals and related celebrations not only bring many of us together as a community and culture, it also affords us an occasion to renew with acquaintances and long-lost friends. It helps us to remain connected with those we otherwise would remain estranged for a very lengthy period of time. It reminds us of our common and shared experiences that have enabled us to become exactly the person that we are currently.
It also enables us to explore the many opportunities that evolve in our shared environment. As the individuals within our community and culture expand and grow, we all benefit from remaining current and focused on the challenges and the needs of our peers and the changing world in which we live.
Since the Stonewall Inn riots (SIR) in the early morning hours of 28 June, 1969, we, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ people have energized, galvanized and organized a vibrant global movement for change, enhancement and equality that continues on, even today. Our efforts have produced drastic results in some areas, minor adjustments in other areas and minimal (if any) difference in yet other areas. However, our struggle remains alive and underway as even a small change helps to generate and inspire hope for success in our future!
A recommendation:
A challenge for everyone: this year, invite an acquaintance to attend a pride-related event with you this year. This is a non-threatening opportunity for all of us give to someone an understanding on the importance of our community and culture within today’s world. It also enhances the life of your acquaintance as they can see the similarity between our lives and their own.
Best wishes for a very happy and productive pride month, 2024 to everyone!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 3, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Pride, 2024!”
GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month, 2023 – June, 2023, officially ends today. The gentleman above is evidently exhausted after such a momentous occasion! He’s even located a rainbow bench to collapse onto!
Pool exit bottoms-up!
Now that Summer, 2023, is officially here, the opportunity for us all to view scenes of bottoms-up! similar to the above is indeed plentiful!
Proud bottoms-up!
Here’s to hoping he remembered to apply the sunscreen protection for himself and his buttocks!
A beach bottoms-up!
GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month may be over but we can celebrate ourselves every month of the year!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Saturday, July 1, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Canada Day!”
Today’s post entry is ReNude Pride’s summary of the historic Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) that took place in New York City, New York, USA, in the early hours of June 28, 1969. This incident is credited by many as the “spark that lit the flame” of the modern, monumental movement of equality, freedom and justice for the civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) persons everywhere. The results of their actions continue to happen even today, more than a half-century later,
Reference sources used to compile this posting include:
Bausman, Ann, “Stonewall: Breaking Out for Gay Rights”
Doberman, Martin P., “Stonewall: A History”
Images courtesy of GoogleImages.
Stonewall Inn, entrance
“The door of the Stonewall had wrought-iron bars across this little “peephole” – a little wooden thing that slid open. And the man inside would look out at you and, if you looked like you belonged there, he would open the door and let you in.” ~ Chris Babick ~ describing the front entrance to the Stonewall Inn, New York City, New York, USA
The Stonewall Inn (it was never a hotel) opened as a bar catering to the “homosexual” (American derogatory term used to describe same gender loving people prior to SIR) community in 1967. Prior to that, it had been a stable (for horses), a French bakery, a tearoom and lastly, a restaurant that had burned out of business. It opened as a bar (pub, public house, tavern) under Mafia-affiliated management and very closely connected to organized crime. The establishment consisted of two main rooms, each one with its own dance floor. The first room was popular with the older clientele and the back room attracted the younger ones.
At the time of the Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR), it was unlawful for “homosexuals” to socialize together in public and same gender intimacy was illegal, in both private and public places, in every state in the USA except Illinois. Same gender loving persons could and were fired from their jobs without any legal recourse. They were ridiculed and attacked publicly often without any consequence. Simply being a “homosexual” was considered an antisocial and criminal act. Churches and clergy were often the instigator and very few advocated tolerance. Everyone was required, by law, to wear clothing appropriate to their birth (natural) gender. The only exception ever permitted was for Halloween.
Friday evening, June 27, 1969, was a hot and humid start to a weekend. Most of the patrons gathered inside the Stonewall Inn were looking forward to a night of dancing with their friends, relaxing with cocktails and enjoying a summer’s night in New York City. They had no idea that they were about to witness an historical event that would change their lives – and the “homosexual” world – forever.
Just before the police raid and rioting began!
As the clock approached the midnight hour, both dance floors at the Stonewall Inn were full to capacity with energetic “homosexual” couples. June 28, 1969, was now into its infancy. Suddenly the music stopped! The lights that had been dimmed to enhance the atmosphere came back on in a bright glare that caught everyone by surprise. Almost at once the realization dawned on the festive crowds that the police were raiding the bar!
The New York City Police Department was long familiar with conducting raids on gay and lesbian bars. Their process was fairly routine and they all associated “homosexuals” as a relatively compliant and passive crowd. For this reason, only one police transport vehicle (paddy wagon) and one marked squad car were involved in the raid. Less than a dozen officers were assigned the task of managing and segregating the patrons, confiscating all the alcohol and arresting the Stonewall Inn employees.
“The police weren’t letting us dance. If there’s one place in the world where you can dance and feel yourself fully as a person and that’s threatened with being taken away, those words were fighting words.” ~ Tommy Lanigan-Schmidt, ~ Stonewall Inn patron and riot participant
The arrival of the police raiding force caused pandemonium to erupt inside the Stonewall Inn. Customers searched in vain for an escape route or for a place to hide. The law enforcement officials immediately began seizing both liquor and beer as evidence against the establishment and segregating the crowd: bar employees in one area, cross-dressers (transgender persons) in another and then the regular “homosexuals” elsewhere. The bar workers and the cross-dressers were to be arrested for their violating the laws. The regular “homosexuals,” once they produced their proper identification, were to be given court citations and then permitted to leave.
That was the normal New York City Police routine for raids against illegal “perverted” nightclubs. However, this one at the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969, was going to change all that “routine” forever. History was about to unfold!
Evicted clientele from the Stonewall Inn, June 28, 1969!
The year, 1969, was at the end of a decade that had witnessed massive social unrest throughout the United States. The African-American protests for civil rights, the birth of the feminist and women’s rights movement, the anti-Vietnam war demonstrations and the equal pay marches and strikes for primarily Latina/Latino immigrant farm workers were underway during this time. The “homosexuals” who had taken part in these public uprisings against these unjust policies were now energized and many wondered when their time for equality would happen. Little did they know that the police action against the Stonewall Inn that early morning was the spark that would light that fire!
As the police began checking the identities of all persons inside the Stonewall Inn, those with proper credentials were issued summonses for court appearances, released from custody and forced outside the bar. Only this time, instead of simply leaving the premises, they congregated outside on the sidewalks and at a nearby park. When law enforcement attempted to disperse them, the grew belligerent and confrontational.
The police, completely unaccustomed to “homosexual” defiance, continued to press the order to vacate the area. The crowd, emboldened by their frustration with being treated as “deviants” and second-class citizens, started to chant and to empty trash cans and hurl the garbage contents at the officers.
By this time, passers-by, curious as to what was happening, joined the upset “homosexuals” to express their dissatisfaction with the raid. The throng outside the Stonewall Inn grew in number, anger and curiosity. Once the word of what had transpired inside began to spread, even more “homosexuals” descended into the inn’s neighborhood and gather in the bar’s vicinity.
“You could hear screaming outside, a lot of noise from the protesters, and it was a good sound. It was a real good sound that, you know, you had a lot of people out there pulling for you.” ~ Raymond Castro ~ a customer of the Stonewall Inn detained by police inside the facility during the siege
The protesters outside Stonewall Inn
By now, the police raiders, trapped inside the building, understood that the situation had gotten beyond their control. They tried to call for reinforcements but were unable to reach any source for assistance. They had secured the bar but were were trapped inside and the crowd surrounding it on the outside was swelling in both size and fury. A few hundred patrons had now grown to an angry mob of several thousand and more were joining them by the minute.
No one with the New York City Police Department had anticipated the “homosexuals” – always believed to be meek and mild – to fight back. The years of abuse, oppression and ridicule had taken its toll and the frustration now became revolution and the time for retribution was at hand. Unfortunately for law enforcement, the pent up anger with police indifference and mistreatment was now being released and returned in kind. The officers were now prisoners inside the Stonewall Inn.
Two hours after the raid commenced, the police and their detainees were held inside the building with no relief in sight. The two-way communication devices between the raiding party and their office weren’t operable and the only pay-phone inside the lounge wasn’t able to connect to any local police precincts. The expected passive “homosexuals” had finally achieved a “first” in their spontaneous riot: the aggressive police were contained, surrounded and they were all very nervous.
By this time, the expanding crowd outside the Greenwich Village pub now filled the sidewalks, streets and the entire neighborhood and a full-fledged riot was underway. The raiders (police) were desperate for relief!
Stonewall Inn rioter!
In an effort to relieve the inflammatory predicament, the stranded law enforcement decided to send the detainees and half the officers inside the Stonewall to the closest local precinct in the two vehicles assigned to the raid. There, the detainees would be formally charged with arrest and the officers could make arrangements for a law enforcement riot force to assemble and rescue the remaining police personnel from the Stonewall Inn. This relief effort finally returned to the bar and eventually dispersed the angry mob of “homosexuals” and curious onlookers several hours later.
Despite damage to the Stonewall Inn and the loss of the license to sell alcoholic beverages, the bar opened for business (dancing) the following night. It was Saturday night and word of the disturbance had spread throughout the city’s closeted “homosexual” community (primarily by word of mouth). A larger than usual crowd gathered both inside and outside the Greenwich Village establishment. Most didn’t expect repeat of the raid the night before and a significant number of those who showed up mainly wanted to inspect the damage.
The police, however, had different ideas. They were strictly outside the Stonewall Inn in full force with a large number dressed in riot gear. They had learned their lesson and were determined to remain in complete control should the patrons become unruly again.
Detainees!
The “homosexuals” had been empowered by the riot the previous evening and weren’t about to be bullied into submission again. As the large law enforcement presence attempted to disperse those gathered outside the Stonewall Inn, they were confronted by verbal insults and an array of street-savvy tactics that saw the legal officers chase off onlookers, only to have them run around the block and return again. Silent compliance and obedience to uniformed police was no longer a fact of life for New York’s “homosexuals.” They were tired with suffering abuse, disrespect, ridicule and treatment as second-class citizens or worse.
“There was no gay pride before Stonewall. Only gay fear and gay isolation and gay distrust and gay self-hatred.” ~ Edmund White ~ gay author and novelist; he was present at Stonewall
The second night of the Stonewall congregation wasn’t as disruptive as the one before. No further damage was done to the bar facility, However, an awakening consciousness was raised within the municipal “homosexual” community that would change the way society viewed them and – most importantly – the way they perceived themselves.
For the first time, the often assumed passive “homosexuals” stood up for their rights and demonstrated that they, as a community, had “had enough!”
Aftermath
The birth of Gay Power!
We are still coping and living with the aftermath of SIR. Our communities and cultures continue to adapt, adjust and adopt to fit the desires, the needs and the sensitivities of us all. There is no way to determine when, if ever, this period of acclimation will complete.
Aaron, my spouse, and I would like to encourage everyone reading here to remember the discrimination, hatred, prejudice and violence that is inflicted against many in our community and culture – even today – throughout the world. Any donation, great or small, made to ease the pain and suffering of even one person is an effort in creating a better world for us all!
Our sincere appreciation to all of those who had the audacity and courage to stand up for themselves and all of us on June 28, 1969!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 30, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! End of June, 2023!”
Frequently, the question is raised in the media as to why we, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) communities and cultures have the need for a pride celebration. This concern is not only presented in the media networks focused primarily on the general populations but also on those geared towards our own featured community and culture. Many feel we have enjoyed all we can of our different lives. Why even bother to continue?
A pose of pride!
Another question often expressed by my spouse, Aaron, and I between ourselves and when in the company of our friends is: of all the communities and cultures present in this country today, why is the question insistently raised concerning our community and culture specifically? If the issue is of the concern of others, why isn’t the same question asked of others? We’re not the only ones to have a month dedicated to celebrating and saluting our own.
Bare happiness and fun!
Fortunately, not everyone is aware of the fact that we here on ReNude Pride endorse not only GLBTQ+ Pride but we also include the bare practitioners within our observance. Thankfully, this aspect remains beyond the realm of appreciation and comprehension for many of those who are critical of our inclusiveness!
Among us bare practitioners, when the question of Why pride? is imposed, very often the response is delivered as Why not? One question deserves more than the reply with another interrogation. However, the inquiry does warrant some investigation.
Teaser!
The endless questioning of the continuance of the necessity of pride by our community and culture supports the existence of prejudice against us all. It may not be as blatant and prevalent as it once was, however, it remains present. As long as this discrimination is evident and felt, yes, pride is needed. Until we communally and culturally receive the same amount of consideration and respect as shown to others, no matter their race, ethnicity, ability, gender, age or heritage, yes, pride is needed! Distrust is a detriment to acceptance and equality.
The determination that a certain action or behaviour is illegal by legislative or parliamentary approval or even a royal proclamation doesn’t immediately erase the behaviour out of existence. It isn’t innate – it is learned – from parents, teachers, clergy, et al. A learned behaviour is the most difficult to eliminate.
Siblings with pride!
A learned behaviour is a prejudice, plain and simple. It is not based on concrete knowledge or scientific fact. It is solely attributed on the often unsupported opinion of others, usually substantiated by myth or rumour. As such, it is virtually impossible to eradicate and generally increases in intensity.
The persistence of prejudice thus acquired ensures the continuation of prejudice. An act of parliament may outlaw the prejudice but it doesn’t eliminate it.
The reality of someone, questioning their emotional and physical feelings, experiencing confusion, turmoil and confrontation with prejudice. This person, alone or in the company of others, justifies the celebration and observation of pride. Everyone deserves the chance to develop and grow in happiness, security and pride!
Pride!
On a global/international scale, some countries and/or societies are developed and progressive and others are conservative, slower and still a few remain isolated and stagnant. Each nation and society pursues the course according beliefs, needs and traditions – of the power structure (politics) or of the population in general. Hence the diversity of cultures, religions, values, etc. As in individual cases, inherited values are the same as learned behaviours. These are likewise the most difficult to alter or to change. For this reason, deviation from the custom or tradition evolves slowly and tediously. Progress, especially to new ideals and philosophies, is very cautious and relaxed.
In my humble opinion, as long as there is – at the very least – one person who benefits from the observance of a pride event, then yes, it remains necessary and valid. I understand those who feel that pride has become too redundant and too repetitive. I only want to encourage them to get involved in planning the next activity and to offer creativity and variety into the format.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, June 27, 2023, and the proposed topic is “HIV Testing Day!”On Wednesday, the anniversary of Stonewall, “Pride: SIR!” is planned for posting.
A day at the beach shore. Exercising through stretching and taking time to enjoy the sun and solitude – and, of course, being completely free and nude!
Beach posing!
Being fit and bare without another care! What more is there to ask for? Incoming surf and a sandy beach complete for many a perfect day to spend in focusing on what is good and beneficial for us all!
Beach stretching!
Fun and relaxation! An ideal way to spend the day and renew ourselves and rejuvenate our appreciation of the glories of nature and ourselves!
Breezy beach comfort!
All enhanced by a warm breeze to keep us all refreshed and renewed! Time to rest and take the time to absorb what nature provides!
Sand-prints!
Naked hugs!
Happy GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 19, 2023, and features a reblog of a posting by my blogging buddy, Rohan, the Nubian Ikigai of Crossing the Styx, “Read it on REDDIT!”
One of the aspects of our gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) achievements is the inclusive (total) nature of our acceptance and embracing of all the multitudes of persons identifying with our movement. Despite the recent political trends towards separation and exclusion – such as the protective wall needed by our former so-called leader between the borders of Mexico and the USA – we, the communities and cultures observing this traditional GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month strive to meet our goal of diversity and union for all.
Background:
Since the very first modern pride month celebration following one year after the 1969 Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) in 1970, the fledgling gay, lesbian and bisexual community sought a representative device for identification. A logo or symbol to denote itself and the communities affiliated. It wasn’t until 1978 that the “Rainbow Flag” – six colourful stripes – was introduced and became the first unofficial then soon the official for this growing culture.
The original Rainbow Flag colours and symbolism!
Tragically and unfortunately, the HIV/AIDS crisis and pandemic spearheaded this effort towards recognition and identification with the Rainbow Flag. This colourful banner rapidly gained international acceptance to distinguish the and culture of GLBTQ+ people globally. The United Nations (UN) adopted the Rainbow Flag as symbolic of the worldwide movement towards equality and freedom. This action bestowed a legitimacy upon the populations struggling for fairness and justice.
The Progress Rainbow Flag!
The Progress Rainbow Pride Flag was developed by non-binary artist and designer Daniel Quasar in 2018, forty years after the first appearance of the original Rainbow Flag. It was unfurled publicly on June 6, 2018, and incorporated the original Gilbert Baker’s 1978 flag. Quasar’s redesign celebrates the historical message and ideals/values of the GLBTQ+ culture and encourages a more inclusive general society for all people.
The redesigned banner has increased the visual representation of discriminated minorities identities covered by GLBTQ+ umbrella. Quasar’s creation added both black and brown stripes – symbolizing persons of colour – and light blue, pink and white stripes for transgender and non-binary persons, in the shape of an arrow on the left of the original rainbow on the Progress Pride Rainbow Flag. In the words of Daniel Quasar:
“…the arrow points to the right to show forward movement and illustrates that progress towards inclusivity still needs to continue.”
The black stripe has a double meaning as it is also intended for “those living with HIV/AIDS and the stigma and the prejudice surrounding them and those who have been lost to the disease.”
On June 6, 2018, Progress Rainbow Pride Flag was first unfurled for the world in honour of GLBTQ+ are Pride Month.
Body painted Progress Rainbow Pride Flag!
Progress Rainbow Pride Flag is now being used throughout the world as the official emblem and symbol for the GLBTQ+ community and culture. It is the latest design as our movement seeks to solidify and unite our peoples together for equality and justice for everyone!
Happy 2023 GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 16, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Beach Pride!”
Typical to the entire naturist/nudist community and culture: the approach of another summer season in the Northern Hemisphere renews the “great debate” over the labels and terms that we use to describe ourselves. My personal feeling? I don’t think the debate will ever resolve and this disagreement will last until the end of time.
Confusion surrounds what some purists (perfectionists) continuously argue as appropriate/inappropriate (good/poor) terminology.
Naked?
Nude?
Naturist?
Bare?
Body freedom?
Clothes freedom?
Natural?
Sunbathing!
I prefer sunbathing bare.
Beach visitors!
In the summer, we’d rather be natural!
Posing!
I am standing naked in the sunlight!
Skinny-dipping!
I enjoy the water nude!
SYNONYMOUS? INTERCHANGEABLE?
Shading his eyes!
I’d rather wear nothing whatsoever!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 12, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Pride: Inclusion!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 