Earth Day is a recent event that has grown both in popularity and scope. It is now a universal observation officially celebrated on April 22, but commemorations are held according to local custom and on appropriate dates. The very first Earth Day occurred on 22 April, 1970. This year, 2025, is the 55th anniversary of this event and the international theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.” The day is dedicated to demonstrating support for environmental protection and encourages global participation in various activities.
The essential truth!
The very first Earth Day events were long overdue. Humanity has spent eternity abusing this planet – our home – without any regard for maintenance and/or replenishment. Finally, people began to recognize the fact that this destructive behavior could not go on forever without serious repercussions. It was time for a change in direction and environmentalists led the way!
From the inception in 1970, Earth Day activities and events focused on the need to demonstrate, educate and inform. In making the people aware of the seriousness of the cause and the benefits of change, a bond has formed that preserves not only our environment but also the excitement of each individual taking simple steps in making a positive difference.
This interactive approach has guaranteed the continued popularity of Earth Day among both the general public and commercial enterprises. Sharing the awareness of progress promotes the concept of the event and the ideal of preservation of our planet, our home!
Trash collection!
Bare practitioners engage in a community inspired project: the removal of discarded trash from a local beach property. This effort benefits not only the beach facility but also the local water source.
Earth Day Beach team!
A job well done and the pride in completion! A cleaner beach for everyone to appreciate and enjoy, thanks to the efforts of these two bare practitioners!
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National Arbor Day, Friday, 25 April, 2025!
Arbor Day is a secular day of observance in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. The designated National Arbor Day is on Friday, 25 April, 2025. The majority of states in the USA hold their Arbor Day on a variety of days, based on the best tree planting season within their particular area.
In many municipalities, Arbor Day celebrations and events are now held in conjunction with Earth Day activities as the two observances are closely related. In some cases, the tendency is to host two separate festivities in order to remind people of the need to conserve in order to preserve. What is most important is that we realize that the replenishment of our tree growth is of vital importance to us all!
Hugging a tree!
The very first documented Arbor Day happened in Villanueva de la Sierra, Spain, in 1594. It was celebrated city-wide beginning in 1805. In the United States, then-president Theodore Roosevelt in 1907, issued his “Arbor Day Proclamation to the School Children of the United States” announcing the importance of trees and that forestry deserves to be taught in all the U.S. schools.
Initially used as an intentional derogatory description of arborists and environmentalists, the term “tree hugger” rapidly gained the opposite effect. It was adopted by both groups as an honourable distinction.
A municipal Arbor Day happening!
A local municipality hosts an exclusive Arbor Day event. The majority of Arbor Day activities occur regardless of the weather conditions. Rain or sunshine, both are necessary for the growth and health of the planted tree!
April: the first full (complete) month of the Spring season in the Northern Hemisphere. The perfect time to celebrate our natural environment!
Remember Arbor Day whenever you view a tree!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned forThursday, April 24, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Armenia: Genocide Remembrance Day!”
The Feasts of Great and Holy Easter in the Orthodox Churches and Western Easter in the Protestant Churches are observed simultaneously on Sunday, 20 April, 2025.
Kala Pascha!
Happy Easter!
The joint celebration of the Easter Holy Day is not a regular event as the churches all follow different calendars. Easter is a moveable feast day – always celebrated on Sunday however, it changes dates annually. There is no designated date for the observance of the Easter feast.
Aaron, my spouse, is Roman Catholic. I am Greek Orthodox. Our Easter celebrations are usually on different dates. Unfortunately, this year, we have only one single Easter observance. A reduction by half of all our Easter treats!
The Epitaphios: the tomb of Jesus in the Greek Orthodox Church!
Throughout Greece, in the larger cities and ports, the Army, Navy and Air Corps provide the bearers of the Epitaphios to churches. The state church is legally allowed to demand this duty from local military personnel. The only time such a request may be denied is during time of war. I imagine the military attendance is representative of the Roman guards lining the route of Jesus as he carried himself and his cross to the scene of the Crucifixion.
The Easter Ikons!
The ikon is a representation (mural, mosaic or a painting on wood) depicting sacred events or a sacred individual (Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary or a saint). It is used as an object of veneration and prayer or as a visible tool of instruction. In western churches, statues are used. Ikons are found predominately in Orthodox Churches. For the Orthodox people, ikons remind us of our duties and obligations.
The ikon of the Crucifixion of Jesus!
At the noon hour on Great Friday (Good Friday in the Western Church) – which happens to be today, – the ikon of the Crucifixion is placed inside the Epitaphios (Tomb) and carried around the church a total of three (3) times. The Ikon rests inside the Epitaphios until the hour of midnight on Great Saturday. It is then replaced with the Ikon of the Resurrection of Jesus and then encircles the Church three times for the jubilation and veneration of the peoples. Easter is the Feast of the Resurrection!
The Ikon of the Resurrection!
For the Eastern Orthodox faithful (Greek, Russian, Bulgarian, Roumanian, Armenian, Syrian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Palestinian, Serbian, etc.), Easter is the paramount feast of the liturgical (church) year. My paternal papou (grandfather) always noted that in Greece, even the communists were in church on Easter Sunday!
Flowers and “Happy Easter” (Greek)!
Easter Eggs!
In Greece and throughout much of the Eastern Orthodox Church world, egg dying is very popular and involved. In our culture, all eggs are dyed red – the colour that represents both rebirth and renewal. Red is also symbolic for the blood of Christ which was shed during the Crucifixion. The elaborate decorations of eggs used in Russia and the Ukraine are not popular with the remainder of the Orthodox communities.
There are many contests and games utilized with the red eggs and related to the Easter holy day. The four weeks prior to the arrival of Easter is known as the Great Lent, a period of fasting and prayer, during which the consumption of eggs is restricted. It is customary to eat all of the festive eggs prior to the arrival of Easter Monday.
There are numerous ways of dying eggs for Easter. The majority of dying is done within the individual homes and households. Commercially, for large groups, dyed eggs can be purchased in advance. There are dyes available for families to shop. My mother recalls using a very traditional method of dying. They would peel the skins off of red onions and boil the skins mixed with some olive oil and vinegar. We dyed eggs this way growing up, the colour was not as bright as the manufactured dyes but a hard-boiled egg tastes the same, regardless of how it is dyed!
Commercially dyed Easter eggs!
Bare Practitioners!
For those of us who are committed and devoted bare practitioners, our observance of the Easter holiday includes the colourful decorating of our bodies in addition to eggs. Using various varieties of body paint, we are not restricted to simply using the red option.
Body painted adornment!
In celebrating the holiday, many decide to have their buttocks painted to resemble the eggs decorated for the occasion. This process also involves the cooperation of friends and talented (artistic) acquaintances in creating festive images. The most popular anatomical “canvas” (object painted) of course are the buttocks! For many, they do resemble an egg!
Detailed expression!
Some of the hand painted eggs are very awesome and intricate in the creativity and design employed. We can only wonder what is awarded to the first place winners and their artists! Imagine the crowds in line if the buttocks were displayed live in a museum!
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Tsoureki!
“Tsoureki” – Easter bread!
The Easter Bread – a sweetened and renowned baked treat that is a significant tradition of Greek Easter – is baked in the home according to family recipes, passed from generation-to-generation. I have my paternal yiayia (grandmother) recipe. My culinary skills are practically nonexistent so in our home, Aaron prepares our bread, and it is praised by all who eat it. My copy of the recipe was made in my own handwriting when I spent Easter with yiayia and step-by-step we made a total of nine loaves.
Yiayia’s recipe was her very own version of the one given to her by her mother. These recipes are guarded as family treasures and as a rule not shared with others. Frequently, each family has a slight variation in the traditional recipe due to the individual cooks.
The preparation of the bread takes between 18-24 hours and yiayia never used an alarm to remind her of the time. The preparation, after adding all the ingredients, involves allowing the dough to sit for eight hours to rise before punching down, then repeating the same process again before the final rise of six hours, another punch down time and then baking. She loved making this treat and everyone loved devouring her finished product! Aaron enjoys mixing and baking the tsoureki just as much as yiayia did!
Although Aaron never met her, his following her recipe brings back many special memories!
Happy Easter to all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, April 21, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “April Environment!”
A selfie with a complete view of his being bare! The response to the Posing Bare series here on ReNude Pride has been both rewarding and surprising for both Aaron, my spouse, and me! Originally planned as simply a two-post segment for January, 2025, it grew and developed beyond our imaginations! The results energized us both to expand the series; Aaron now is addicted to finding new photographs/prints to add to his collections.
Today’s offering is focused on the “selfie” – self-photography that increases in popularity with personal phone usage – and some issues resulting from selfie posing. Selfies present their own challenges but they do involve “fun” while posing! The fun continues after posing when sharing the images with acquaintances and friends.
A facial selfie!
Today’s offering is focused on the “angle-pose” (our term to describe the pose which includes the face plus enough of the body to show nakedness). Aaron’s selection of the selfie is based on the ever-increasing number of selfie photographers, especially within the bare practitioner community, even though cameras remain “officially” discouraged if not outright banned from the majority of clothing optional facilities and properties.
The prevalence of the cell phone with its camera in our current society is causing many of those stalwart camera opponents within the naturist/nudist world to threaten the growing number of cell phone proponents. This situation isn’t resolving itself amicably. Soon, one of the two groups will demand the wearing of clothes as a just punishment! Seriously, I am being facetious here but who knows?
The differences of opinion between the two groups have not reached the conflict level at this time. However, hostilities can erupt without any warning!
A tongue becomes involved
The facial features obviously enhance and enrich the distinction this type of appearance contributes to both the audience that views the photo as well as the subject/photographer. It adds “personality” to the image that otherwise would possibly be routine. It adds quality of life and allows the viewer to question the thought processes of the selfie creator!
We chose the recommended pose for today because not everyone, even the most enthusiastic and seasoned bare practitioner is entirely comfortable with their male anatomy being publicly featured. The uncertainty of where the pictures will be shared enters into the concern and it is a valid consideration. This particular pose that is featured is popular but one of the most difficult to capture as a selfie.
It is a complexity to achieve the angle and depth to exemplify the nakedness of the subject and the completion of the pose itself. The discretion of the subject increases the appeal of this particular pose while simultaneously delivering the message of being bare without being blatant!
The selfie-style photo within arms reach provides the user with immediate image taking choices, while at the same time it does offer some restrictions. It limits the options available and it also reduces the depth and expansion of the pose. The inclusion of the face along with the image removes the possibility of bare body freedom.
The wearing of glasses in general, sunglasses in particular, presents the possibility of reflections being visible to viewers. Being aware of this may be reasons for abandoning any visual enhancement while creating selfie images.
Lounging!
The use of a tripod or a unipod with a camera device mounted resolves some of the limitation challenges encountered with selfies. The tripod offers options that expand both depth and nakedness being featured in the images. The only caution is the self-timing ability and returning to the intended pose. An often unmentioned advantage is the fact that all unwanted pictures can be deleted!
Tripod advantage: depth and body visibility!
The use of a unipod and/or tripod helps to expand the range of selfie photography and offers options for capture. It also enables the appearance of acquaintances, family and friends in the images. This expands the subjects and allows an increase in the posing possibilities. These improve the messages and the situations the photos convey to viewers.
A note of warning: any support that you provide for your camera also increases the “background” likely to show in any pictures. Keep in mind what may be visible to your viewers!
Posing options!
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The Dilemma!
Disappointment!
My spouse, Aaron, and I were both equally excited about the upgrades that we announced this past Friday here for ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! We were eagerly awaiting the reactions, both bad and good, to the home page! However, since last Friday, it has been disappointment and frustration all the way.
The deletions of some of the secondary pages here was denied. Some of the photo “widgets” were unable to be deleted and a new “header” image was denied.
I have tried for several hours during Saturday to amend and/or to substitute the intended alterations. Nothing seems to work towards our satisfaction.
Therefore, it appears that for at least now, the revised Home page here is what is already visible.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, April 18, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Great and Holy Easter, 2025!”
The header (opening photograph, above) is being used here in order to capture the attention of followers, readers and visitors. If I had placed my initial image here as the header, the majority would have “rolled their eyes” or “shrugged their shoulders” while thinking: “What, again?”
Now, the camera gets the attention as everyone prepares to pose. But the attention is what is desired as this posting is a notice of changes here on this site. Innovations that both Aaron, my spouse, and I hope you’ll appreciate! The intended purpose/goal/function of this post entry was originally to announce and introduce a completed, new Home page here for ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! The intention was confronted by reality, time restraints and the facts that ability and creativity are not always compatible according to dreams and plans.
Some of the changes covered here have already happened. Others may be modified and implemented gradually over the next two weeks. Hopefully, the entire ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! renovation will be complete by the end of April, 2025!
Almost all the text below was written before my “surprise” birthday event this past weekend. Rather than update and recompose the entire post entry, I am improvising, inserting and asking for your patience and tolerance.
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
No, I am absolutely not losing my mind and becoming overly redundant! There is a very specific reason for intentionally publishing the above picture of Daniel Shoneye (left) and his friend/partner with their arms interlocked around the trunk of a palm tree. This particular photo is now incorporated here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers as representing my spouse, Aaron and myself.
Why? First, because Aaron and I are a biracial couple – he’s African-Canadian and I’m Greek. Second, I previously explained the reality of a Deaf person “linking arms” as opposed the communication restriction of “holding hands.” Most Deaf people “talk” manually instead of vocally. In this image, their arms are linked so their communication isn’t impaired.
Third, we’re both bare practitioners – same gender loving and our preference is our nakedness. The same is evidently true for the couple under the palm tree above! Fourth, we are a “tropical” couple: better a palm tree rather than a fir tree or a barren one! Sunshine and no snow!
Addendum: 9 April, 2025: Another discussion between the both of us has brought us to the decision that the below photograph will now be our “official” representative image for this site. Aaron had “second” and “third” thoughts about the proposed replacement (above). He convinced me to his ideas. We both admit to being aquatic-oriented as opposed to tree focused!
Dress code compliance: bare nakedness!
The title here is another change that has already occurred. We are now (officially): ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! My first blog was named A Guy Without Boxers. Now that we are legally married, in deference to our legacy, we have reclaimed not only commando status (no boxers) but some ownership of our history. Also note that we are now a plural identity, “guys” as opposed to singular “guy.”
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The Gravatar
ReNude Pride gravatar!
Above is the current gravatar (signature image) for ReNude Pride. It was designed by Aaron (my spouse) and has been in use continuously since January, 2017. The triangular rainbow (GLBTQ+) outline which was based on the concentration camp badges the Nazis forced the homosexual inmates to wear. The buttocks aptly represent nakedness. The theme for this site has always been same gender loving nakedness.
A Guy Without Boxers gravatar!
The emblem above was the gravatar used for my first blog here on wordpress.com, A Guy Without Boxers. It is visually explanatory as no boxers, thus no underwear, was allowed. Underwear, the first item of clothing adorn, hence without it, one was bare, nude, naked!
As to the emblem that will best reflect the new title for this site: ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! , Aaron and I are still debating. Initially, we were both inclined to abandon the concentration camp symbolism due to the Palestinian Genocide and Holocaust committed by the zionists in Gaza, Jerusalem and the West Bank. However, friends of ours, both Jewish, have argued that the brutalities are the acts by the civil government and not approved by all Jews.
Aaron and I continue to discuss changing the gravatar. We both agree that if we do revise, we’ll revert to the original A Guy Without Boxers design rather than create a new one.
One idea is to post both the gravatars together from now until the end of summer, 2025. On that date, delete the triangle and utilize the “no boxers” exclusively. At the very least, we’re publicly sharing that likelihood to all now.
Addendum: 10 April, 2025: As of this moment, we have agreed to now retain the gravatar for the ReNude Pride site. We’ll continue to utilize both images whenever necessary.
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Deletions
We’re deleting the secondary listings page and the recent posts listings sections. The secondary pages section and the recent posts are rarely used throughout the year. The Home page layout automatically shows the five (5) most recent entries and this elimination deletes duplications and opens “extra” space.
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Photo album similarity!
Unfortunately, our Home page has acquired a very striking similarity to a featured photograph album since January, 2017. The majority of the images are random and unrelated except for depicting clothes freedom and same gender love. A few pictures and/or graphics convey the identical messages and/or themes without appearing too gaudy!
Hopefully, implementing these changes will significantly reduce confusion and congestion here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! Our goal is to present an orderly and organised appearance that is both attractive and colourful.
Seasonal Adjustment Addition:
The final (last) widget featured on the left side of the Home Page here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers will be a seasonal graphic/photograph reflective of a life of nakedness and pride in the Northern Hemisphere. The first one represents: Spring!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, April 14, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Posing Bare #4!”
Before anyone types a nasty note for me, his hands are arced into a shape of the human heart. Clearly a representation of affection and love! Why focus on affection and love in April and not February which is when we have Valentine’s Day? The reason is simple: I love April! I love Spring! I love Aaron, my spouse! And he loves me! As a footnote, both Aaron and I were born during the month of April – different dates and different years!
As a reminder, we’re both advocates and enthusiasts of nakedness! Bare practitioners from head to toe – bare, commando or clothed! If you haven’t already, we cordially invite you to join us in our body and clothes freedom endeavour!
A “new” pictoral representation of Aaron and myself: an interracial couple!
When Aaron saw this photo, he immediately approached me with the idea of using this to represent the both of us here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! I felt the same except I would prefer more of the palm fronds (leaves) visible!
Me bare in a public park in early April!
April is also the first full month of the Spring season here in the Northern Hemisphere. We’re also heat and sunshine addicts – another reason to appreciate the commencement of this month! At last, the bleak, boring, drab winter landscape is now dissipating and our natural surroundings are now slowly reappearing with the brightness and colours of the fresh season!
Yours truly at the LBJ Memorial, GW Parkway!
The beginning of Spring often provides chill, cool mornings that are not the best time for posing bare. This monument is covered by shade for most of the morning hours and I remember how cold it is until the early afternoon! As our outdoor weather temperatures begin to rise, we bare practitioners increase our “natural-in-nature” outings! More fun for everyone!
Flexing together!
The month of April is compatible with our bare practitioner identity – especially our cherishing of our nakedness, both privately and socially. Optimum skin, minimum covering! Bold and proud!
Not warm enough – yet!
We observe the arrival of April simultaneously with the beginning of Spring. It is early in both the new month and the new season. The external water temperature may not invite our indulgence now, but we’re prepared to enjoy it in the foreseeable future!
Happy days are here, once again! Welcome April! Welcome Spring!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, April 4, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “April = ReNew + ReNude!”
Jockstraps (profiled) two sharing kisses in the changing/dressing room!
Jockstraps – also known as “athletic supporters” are the male exercise/fitness intimate garment worn to offer protection and support to a man’s genitalia (penis and especially testicles) while physically active. The popular apparel is traditionally a pouch for the anatomy and a waistband. That’s it!
Openly gay porn actor, XL, in his multi-strapped jock-strap!
Straps, usually one holding each buttock cheek, help keep the garment “in place.” However, our model here, XL, is wearing a version that features multiple straps to secure his jockstrap to his bountiful buttocks!
Unlimited and easy accessibility!
Here, our anonymous model shows his “regular” athletic supporter with the traditional two straps!
Mounted on the shoulders of his partner, his straps remain visible!
Our mounted rider (above) has only his straps apparent as his partner walks him along the sandy beach!
Felipe Ferreira gives a full rotation wearing his jockstrap!
Brazilian-born Felipe Ferreira is proudly comfortable twirling around and giving us all a glimpse of his buttocks inside his fashionable jockstrap!
Furry buttocks covering his jockstrap!
If his hairy buttocks continue to grow the follicles may eventually conceal his secure straps completely!
Gay actor Marc Williams stretches and offers a complete picture!
Muscular Marc Williams had a favourite colour for his undergarment: orange! That colour and his shapely bottom combined to make his Halloween costume very life-like!
Francois Sagat: jockstrap!
Retired gay porn star, Francois Sagat, offers his jockstrap in patriotic colours for all to wear! There is more Francois Sagat planned for April, 2025!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author Notes: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, April 1, 2015, and the proposed topic is: “April Arrives!”
Today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride serves two important purposes. First and foremost, as a parody (nonjudgmental ridicule) of the commando (no underwear) lifestyle. It is intended for fun rather than factual information.
The second purpose is of a personal experience. Shared with my identical twin brother, Alex, when we began our first year at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind (VSDB), a residential school operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia for students who are Deaf from level 4 (primary) through secondary school.
The .gif image introducing the Personal Experience segment here depicts a man ripping (tearing) off his boxer style underwear rather than trimming (cutting) off the waistband. The use of “artistic literary license” here! Naked hugs!
The Chain of Command Demands No Underwear!
Now, in the interests of reality, the “chain of command” demanding a no underwear policy is a very bold new move that offers one essential truth: there will now be quite a number of young men – who modelled underwear – now wandering about completely naked! Their nakedness, being involuntary and sudden, has created a bare, confused and clueless crowd of men parading and running around with their hands covering their genitalia and totally unsure of exactly where they are supposed to go!
Our man (above) give us a clear image of excessive modesty when caught unaware of the chain of command demand! No underwear = exposed penis = mindless alternative = modesty = human suffering. No! Wait! Look at the picture (below) of the twins, the Shoneye pair! Look at the muscle tone of their carefully maintained bodies. The only human suffering depicted here are the overworked hands allowing us a full view of their male anatomy!
The Shoneye Twins!
The relaxed Shoneye twins in truth are proud public bare practitioners! They’re Nigerians living in London (King Charles III and the Commonwealth) they’re both same gender loving and they’re both committed naturists/nudists! They could care less who looks at their identical genitalia! The result? The chain of command demand has minimal impact on either one of them! Eliminate the Poladopoulos twins from that consideration, too! Alex and I are also bare practitioners so identical twins are immune to the chain of command demand on the broad encompassing underwear issue.
Obviously, those persons who normally do wear undergarments are affected by the CoCD (chain of command demand) but a problem remains to be solved. If everyone is wearing pants or shorts, how can we determine if they’re following orders? If all of us are compelled to wear no underwear, then obeying the demand makes all of us body and clothes free! How can the disobedient be identified and punished?
If the failure to adhere to the law (no underwear) is the actual wearing of underwear, then how do we enforce the law? Force people to wear underwear? Isn’t that how they got into trouble initially? Ignoring the no underwear restriction? So what becomes the appropriate justifiable punishment? This can easily become and endless and repetitive cycle of events!
Commando profile: Buttocks-to-Buttocks!
Every culture has at least one “origin of underwear” legend/myth//story/tale that offers the reason for the need for underwear. Most cultures have multiple explanations as to the absolute necessity for what we now know as undergarments. Legends and myths merge with historic reality that provide us with the cause of this fashion tradition.
In all fairness, not everyone recognized the actual need for underwear. For example, in ancient Rome, no one wore boxers or briefs under their togas! That alone would have made the wearing of a toga ridiculous! In Scotland, even to this day, undergarments (no matter what style) is not permitted to be worn under a kilt! Otherwise, men would abandon the kilt altogether and cover themselves with long pants!
Kilted duo!
Therefore, in gratitude to togas and kilts and all other forms of men’s fashion that are not underwear compatible, the commando custom/habit/tradition evolved into being. The preference for the wearing of a male garment (pants, shorts, shirt, etc.) without underwear appeared – or, the the case of underwear itself – disappeared!
The wearing of underwear became optional. It was no longer considered an essential item of clothing for the “best dressed!” Now, the choice was individual by nature and could be arbitrary – underwear during the day, none during the night or vice versa.
Becoming commando!
A Personal Experience:
Alex, my identical twin brother, is 74 minutes older than me. When we reached Level 4 in primary school, we were sent to the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind (VSDB) in Staunton, Virginia, as residential students (dormitory living). It was during our second semester there (Spring) that we both learned on commando (underwear free) living. Twin (shrewd Alex) devised a way to observe the lifestyle and avoid discovery. He took scissors and cut of all of his boxer shorts below the waistband!
Every morning, while donning our required uniform, he dutifully wore the waistband only. Instant boxer freedom!
Miraculously commando! Now, when our teacher required us to line-up for “underwear inspection,” all he had to do was show his waistband! Excellent opportunity for several weeks until one of our classmates confessed to our teacher. From that moment on, we all had to unleash our belts and pull our pants down to our knees!
A foiled fowl play!
Dominic Santos (left) demonstrates a commando benefit!
Today is the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary, Mother of God)! This is the date selected for the uprising against the Ottoman Empire that culminated with freedom for the Kingdom of Greece!
Bishop Germanos raised the flag of revolt over the Monasery of Agia (Saint) Lavra on Pelopannesa on this date, March 25, 1821.
Come and join us! Bare, of course!
Royal Guard (Ivzoni) raising the national flag!
Greece!
The flag’s symbolism!
`Opa= Greek expression for excitement, salutation, joy, surprise, greeting, and impressive!
A contemporary man posing as an ancient Greek warrior!
One popular and eternal, longstanding myth is that the ancient Greek army fought battles while totally naked. Even though the culture was very accepting and embraced public nakedness and same gender affection, especially for men, the army always wore at the very least a loincloth.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, March 28, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Commando? None For Me!”
First off, an emphatic denial that the images shared in this delayed post entry here on ReNude Pride is most definitely not me! The photographs are to illustrate the message being shared and not myself. Better to get that announcement out early rather than obscured later. Honesty helps to avoid confusion!
It was the last week of February this year and I stopped by our gymnasium on my way home (after work) to continue my practice of exercise for fitness. I was at one of my routine stations with hand weights and I seriously strained muscles in my right shoulder and arm doing my usual regimen. I was initially inconvenienced by this discomforting incident.
Inconvenienced!
This incident progressively worsened and before I could plan ahead I had severe pain and was unable to fully dress myself in order to walk back to my vehicle. I had to be transported by a trauma unit to a local medical center for examination. The determination was strained muscles from the routine and for several weeks I encountered problems using my right upper arm and shoulder.
This resulted in my lack of posting here for several weeks. I had difficulty in trying to maneuver the keyboard and in even concentrating on posting here.
Final relief!
At last, yesterday I had a relieving report from my regular physician and with subdued elation, I offer an apology for my absence from blogging and sharing with all of you a reason for the long overdue lack of regularity!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, March 24, 2025 and the proposed topic is: “Spring Resolutions!”
In an examination and exploration on the policies and practices of race and racism in the United States gay porn industry, The Pink News, a GLBTQ+ news service in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, interviewed Race Cooper, a Canadian subject of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Race had worked several jobs at a gay porn studio, the last being as an actor which he retired from in 2014. In the interview, Mr. Cooper could not appear naked. He opted for appearing shirtless, as close to being nude as possible!
Theinterview was exceedingly popular. Curiosity concerning USA racism in the gay pornography business generated a sizeable audience! Race’s interview was informative and insightful!
While he was acting in films, Race Cooper posted online at Blogger.com. I honestly am unable to remember the exact title of the blog. I discovered the site shortly after he made his film debut in 2009. His blog became a personal favourite of mine and many other followers. Race had the distinct habit of keeping no secrets from his fans and followers, consistently posting of his experiences with his fellow actors, both flattering and…real!
His descriptions and observations of their intimate abilities and their anatomical attributes made his blog a success for multitudes and a regular “must read” for not only his fans but his peers in the film industry as well!
Race was often reprimanded by studio executive for his blog as being “too revealing!” A typical Race answer: “Yes! I reveal! You pay me to be naked! You expect me to reveal! That’s why I sell movies. People by the porn to watch me reveal!”
Race: animated interview subject!
Race’s writing skills hastened to dispel the stereotype of the gay porn actor as all effeminate, egotistical, “flakey” and self-obsessed. He wasted no time denying his preference for the “bottom” role and he openly and rigorously advocated for equality for Black gay performers in pay, ratings and in roles offered!
Background:
The topic of “race” extends beyond the limited concepts of just Black people and White people. It includes all of us, no matter our skin tone, ethnicity or racial heritage. Race, unfortunately, is also aligned with community, culture, politics, religion and value systems, and beyond!
Regrettably, racism (discrimination and/or hatred) is often a “learned” (taught) behaviour – usually passed down from one generation to the next – without any basis of proof or scientific fact. Unchallenged, it is frequently misunderstood as the “norm” – the routine standard.
ReNude Pride published a post entry here, Race On Race, two years ago on 6 March, 2023. Click the title to link. My spouse, Aaron, and I both offer this expanded version of that posting in the hope of overcoming our need to be reminded of the importance of this reality into our lives. For this reason, ReNude Pride does not restrict the issue or topic of race exclusively to the period of Black History Month.
Race Cooper, casual!
Introduction:
“Race Cooper” is the stage name – performance name – (pseudonym) of Joseph Ross Anderson, a talented and thoughtful star of same gender loving (SGL) – bisexual or gay – pornography and outspoken advocate for bare (naked/nudist) rights, sexuality rights and racial equality. He was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on 5 December, 1973.
Amazing, he didn’t begin his film career (porn) until 2009 – he was 36 years old! An age when many openly gay porn actors are considering retiring from performing live! In the same year that he launched his film performing, he began blogging on blogger.com about his newfound job as appearing in gay porn and his encounters with his fellow performers. He very quickly acquired notoriety as “a-man-who-tells-it-all!”
He also became a very spirited advocate for the expansion of the gay sexual identities to encourage the acceptance of versatility (both alpha and beta) as an option. This was especially relevant as actors were often limited in the roles they were offered professionally because of sexual labelling.
Additional realities of Race Cooper are summarized below:
Race gives a fellow a kiss!
Race Cooper
Birthname: Joseph Ross Anderson
Birthdate: 5 December, 1973
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Height: 6 ‘ (183 cm)
Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg)
Hair: Head: shaved
Body: armpit, pubic, natural
Sexuality: Gay
Sexual position: Versatile (preference: beta)
Clothing status: Bare
Porn acting career: 2009 – 2014
“I’m an African-Canadian. Growing up in Toronto, I got to see how lots of White Americans reacted to Black people. Working in gay pornography in the USA, I personally saw how Black men were treated by White men with no difference between gay or straight.” ~ Race Cooper ~ Pink News Interview
Race Cooper, based on his personal experience in the SGL pornography industry, views racism as “a daily constant in the USA.” He initially began working as a casting director for the exclusively SGL studio – Raging Stallion – before he moved to performing in front of the camera lens. He readily acknowledges that he was paid considerably less than his White peers and regularly and repeatedly had his work ethic and intelligence questioned by executives – all White. He honestly believes that he was only hired initially in order for the studio to appear “less racist.”
Race: film star!
“Homophobia and racism in the USA is the reasoning for discrimination and prejudice. It is part of the legacy of slavery. In Canada, race is just a difference. You shave your pubic hair, I let mine grow naturally. We’re both gay men, we’re just different in some ways.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News
Author’s Notation: Another aspect that both my spouse, Aaron, and I have in common with today’s interview subject, the talented Race Cooper is our appreciation of body hair, abundant (profuse) or sparse. In the above quote, Race references his keeping his pubic hair natural. Gay men have the option to either remove retain their body hair. It is their decision. We just prefer to let it all grow!
Canada had slavery in the 1600s only. It was never a permanent institution like in the USA. As a slave, you were bought, you worked a couple of years, earned your freedom, and then you moved on. Like an indentured servant. Enslavement was never a source of distrust and hatred. You worked, earned freedom, and then became a neighbor – equal – not inferior or subservient.
“As a Black gay man, I know and have witnessed bias, hatred, and prejudice because of nudity, race and sexual orientation. It is unfair and unjust. It is wrong. As a performer in the gay porn industry, I’ve never experienced criticism for being publicly or for being socially naked. But I do know of fellow nudists who are judged because of their nudity. Clothes freedom is part of who we are. Just like race and sexuality, we don’t have a choice.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News Interview
The interview with The Pink News Service was conducted as part of an investigation on racial inequality in the USA gay porn industry in conjunction with the killing of the late George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Although a Canadian subject, his years involved in the gay porn career and living in San Francisco, California, USA, provided Race with both foresight and history.
He also wants the gay porn industry to openly admit that many White men – straight (heterosexual) – have been cast into roles designed for SGL African-American men with no regard as to the impact on gay Black actors.
Race on race!
As a path forward, Race advocates the studios hire “diversity mentors” to help with casting concerns and issues as well as advance the careers of porn actors of colour. He also pursues for the ending of the “gay-for-pay” policy of movie studios and for the immediate cessation of the policy that allows studios to terminate the careers of HIV+ actors.
In the conclusion of his interview with The Pink News, Race offered – in my own humble opinion – his most daring and profound argument against bigotry, discrimination and judgment based not only just upon race but sexuality and nudity as well. This statement was made on his own initiative and observation and not in response to a specific question.
“I’ve made numerous naked appearances at gay studio event socials. The newcomers to our profession are often intimidated by us who’ve been around. Usually, fellow Black actors are gathered, made to strip out of their apparel and to parade through the White guests who are fully or partially clothed only to be ridiculed, teased and tormented and not allowed to get dressed until the social is done.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News Interview
Race Cooper: contemplating!
Joseph Ross Anderson (a.k.a. Race Cooper) has undeniable and unique experiences that qualify his assessments and observations on the existence of racial practices and stereotyping within the gay pornography profession. It is important to note that these judgmental instances are not restricted solely to the gay porn business. They occur frequently and regularly throughout the USA in both personal and professional circumstances.
His perspectives on the effects of racism are determined not only from personal experience but also from shared observations with not only African-Americans but other Black Canadians. These reflect learned behaviours that are repeated, without thought, endlessly with little or no consequence. The sad reality is that these occasions of discrimination and marginalization happen not only against Black people but against others of a differing heritage than White Americans.
Will the effects and energies of Race Cooper have any impact on the tolerance of racism in the growing gay porn industry? One positive result is that the actions are now bringing closer media attention to the matter. That publicity is not going to disappear or evaporate overnight. Studio executives and their investors are “less” than pleased when revenue is affected and negative focus is generated.
The levels of consciousness raised when issues of racial impropriety are addressed benefit not only African-American performers but also others of varying racial, ethnic and social abilities. The fact that inequality was applicable in one instance justifies the question: “How many more suffered the same?”
Not a consideration studio executives want pursued!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 24, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Stories!”
