The arguments and debates concerning the appropriate sensitivity and respect over the holiday and/or Holy Day…bah-humbug! On ReNude Pride, we try to be equal and fair to all, no matter the culture, faith, heritage, ethnicity, racial identity, sexual attraction and sexual orientation! We wish for everyone happiness for whatever the occasion!
Our header (beginning image) above does deliver a usually perceived “christmas-type” depiction but our listing below contains the reasoning factor. We intend to pay tribute to all here!
There are a limitless supply of beliefs, facts and reasons for all of our differing occasions to celebrate, commemorate and enjoy! Our intent is to attempt and strive to be as accepting, acknowledging and as all-inclusive as possible. We want everyone to feel comfortable, special and welcome here on ReNude Pride! Especially if you are both bare and same gender loving!
Celebrating all of us!
Please remember that no one is intentionally ignored or excluded from us here (unless too fully dressed)! Each and every one is encouraged to join in our adventures, escapades, education and fun. Good times and life are for us all to enjoy and experience.
Too many of our kind, of our nature have been forced to endure and to suffer during their lives. Many are even doing so still today. Now is the time for us all to cast aside all the oppression and repression!
In coming together we not only offer our collective compassion and support, we also share our suffering. This, in turn, empowers us all to commiserate as a community and to look and to move forward in strength and unity!
Togetherness!
All of us realize that our past is behind us. It is a lesson learned. Our present is part of what unites us and envelops us in love and respect. Our future is a journey, a path forward, a light that shines with all of our combined aspirations, our combined dreams and our combined hopes.
Working together, in patience, tolerance and understanding, our future becomes not only much brighter but also more alive and more promising! It is a step in the direction towards harmony, peace and tranquility not only for our community and our culture but also for our hearts, our minds and our spirits.
Our diversity makes us stronger!
This is why the celebrating of, the honouring of, the knowledge of, the memory of and the power of our communal and familial heritages is so important and necessary. Our history, whether personal, family, religious, communal or cultural is a vital part of each and every one of us! It is what makes us special and unique!
Sankofa proverb!
It is precisely the message of the Sankofa Proverb of the Adinkra peoples of West Africa. “If you forget it, you must go back and fetch it.” The truth shall be our guiding light!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, December 11, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Identifications!”
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.
BackgroundObservation:
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:TheBasicFacts
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!”
Anyone who has ever visited a public clothing optional (with or without swimsuits in certain areas) beach is familiar with the carefully construed message that the sign above delivers: proceed with caution; you’ll probably encounter naked people beyond this point. In essence, a swimsuit is required on this side of this sign, but once you go beyond here, most people will most definitely be clothes free!
Now, imagine that you are in a retail shopping district, a commercial shopping center or a sidewalk that gives access to any number of of stores. You encounter a similar sign only instead of bathers or swimmers the labels are customers/shoppers. Do you continue or do you turn around and “beat a hasty retreat?”
Shopping in style!
Keep in mind that this is the traditional winter holiday season. Anything goes and all systems are on an absolute go! Retail merchants are eagerly welcoming any and all customers who have the means to pay for their purchases. It is also what the retail industry designates as the “season for giving (gifts).” Subtle message: it’s the season for giving to us your money!
We’re also aware that business needs money and that money needs to be spent. Truth be told, absolutely noone cares if the cash and/or credit card is from a bare practitioner or a person fully attired! The business’s salesperson, upon completing your purchase, thinks: first, shop; then, pay;after that, go on your way! but actually wishes you: “Have a nice holiday!”
Satisfied shopper!
Stay calm and remain focused, please! We are currently progressing through the 21st Century! Wake up! We bare practitioners have finally, miraculously attained economic power and fortitude. This and future holiday shopping seasons are all now under our control!
A “proceed with caution” directive is now issued to all you Textile Terrorists out there!
If you can’t handle the crowds of bare practitioner customers now amassing in the store aisles of your favourite retail establishment: Beware! Stay home! Otherwise, the next pair of bare buttocks that you see could very well be your very own!
Caution: Endangered Species!
The last remaining one of his species!
Evolution has caused this specimen to fade away from the surface of this earth! He is the very final bare practitioner to ever voluntarily engage in clothes shopping – gift-giving or personal-use – ever! It is unknown to modern science as to what exactly created this obvious unnecessary compulsion with seeking an object of little known value to the species!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, November30, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! November, 2023!”
Thanksgiving holiday is tomorrow, Thursday, November 23. 2023!
Contrary to much current and historical legend, myth, opinion, thinking and viewpoint, “thanksgiving” is considered by many people as an exclusive American occasion – one focused solely on food, the American version of the game of football and the act of winter holiday shopping! Whew! After writing that elongated sentence, I need to remember to breathe!
First and foremost, it is most definitely not an exclusive USA American observance. In Canada, they also celebrate thanksgiving, the difference being their event happens in October instead of November. Also, the frantic obsession with winter holiday shopping and the American version of the game of football isn’t quite as addictive. Certainly other countries, cultures and religions dates and reasons to be thankful that aren’t as compulsive or as maddening.
A traditional Thanksgiving turkey complete with tan-lines!
Secondly – only by a slight margin – the event is offensive to the indigenous (native) peoples it is supposed to honour. After they helped the colonial immigrants avoid starvation, the very same people they saved infected them with disease, killed and robbed them of their land and then restricted where they could actually live. They were also denied the ability to participate in the emerging government and were subjected to segregation (separation) in schools and society. And, the list of offensives continued to expand, even up to this very day.
In the spirit of fairness, the majority of us understand that what happened in the past cannot be erased from our shared history. What is possible, though, are the taking of certain actions or measures in an effort to heal, or at the very least, attempt to heal some of the wrongs committed against certain cultures.
A bold and brave act.
For example, if the current governors of the original thirteen (13) colonies – now states – jointly initiated an official apology to the descendants of the Indigenous Peoples (Native Americans) for all the injustices and wrongs suffered by throughout history, a decisive step forward – an historical and monumental step forward – will have been made. We always encourage the “taking of responsibility” for mistakes. This massive gesture would be one that every nation and culture could never, ever ignore.
Plus, it could possible initiate the building of a bridge of trust between two distinct cultures that never completely existed before.
In reality, it will absolutely not erase the past. Hopefully, it will create a precedent to be followed in the future!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 27, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Alert!”
Thursday of next week, November 23, 2023, is the USA holiday of Thanksgiving. This is known as one of the busiest holiday travel events here. Many families will spend the Thanksgiving holiday with one set of family relatives and follow that with the Winter Holiday (next month) with the other set of family relations. The result is a boost for the airline business and a chronic disaster for a majority depending on the airlines to deliver them safely from one destination to another.
For those who lived a comfortable distance from their family home, an auto trip was a convenient alternative to dealing with the airport masses and disgruntled tempers. However, for an innumerable amount of years, the USA Thanksgiving holiday has held the notoriety of being the absolute worst day for travelling – period! Not just for transport by air, the distinction is applicable for highway driving situations as well. Traffic congestion on the roadways is equally frustrating and unsafe (vehicle accidents).
From kitchen into the sitting room, at home!
“Are there any other transportation options available?” my spouse, Aaron, and I frequently ask ourselves. Suggested alternative: perhaps extra consideration is necessary here. The best form of transportation during this “worst predicted travel time” designation period is maybe walking inside our own apartment/house from the abode’s kitchen to the sitting room after a trip to retrieve a can of Dr. Pepper soda from the refrigerator!
Personally, this option is the most appealing to me. As long as the ability to be clothes free is available, it works best for me. This completely eliminates the task of putting on clothing in order to simply walk outside the front door!
Using the underground (subway) automated stairs!
My spouse, Aaron, and I live in a condominium in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area (specifically, Arlington, Virginia). Another option available to us is the local subway/underground public transportation system. At this moment, it is convenient, congestion-free and relatively safe. The only problem is that in our area, the wearing of clothing is a legal requirement when in public. My spouse and I both agree that a bare escalator ride to access the underground transport system would be a most welcome improvement!
Sitting on luggage in a crowded airport terminal!
Given the challenge of donning (wearing) a textile covering in order to go somewhere, Aaron and I are choosing a stay-at-home option for this year’s holiday travel season (the total period of time from the Thanksgiving holiday through the New Year holiday).
Relaxing at home!
As long as there is no threat of a family emergency in either one of our respective families, we’re both comfortable with our decision. This year has had a number of chaotic and hectic situations in the both of our families and so we’re both eagerly anticipating a relaxing option of being together in a calm atmosphere. Allow the airlines and the vehicle congestion experiences for others to endure!
Holiday guests!
My spouse’s older brother, Paul, and his partner, Sudhir, plan to be our Thanksgiving visitors and stay with us through the weekend. Their travel here shouldn’t be too traumatic as they’ve used the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) method before and are doing so again.
Alex, my identical twin brother and his boyfriend, Dante, are planning to come here just prior to the Christmas holiday and are staying three/four nights.
Ideal for visitors during the winter holiday season, the Smithsonian Museums offer a decorative and interesting series of exhibits and holiday decorations. Conveniently located on the metropolitan underground/subway system, a terrific option for all visiting this area and a solution to the frustrations of traffic congestion!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 20, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “A Re-Visiting!”
Introduction: The Great War (what is today known as World War I) began with the declaration of war between the Empire of Austria-Hungary and the Kingdom of Serbia on July 28, 1914. The conflict expanded and finally ended on Armistice Day, November 11, 1918. The peace treaty officially bringing the devastation to an end was signed in 1919. Millions died, globally, as a result of the belligerence.
The principle combatants in The Great War were the Central Powers: The Austria-Hungary Empire, Bulgaria, the German Empire and the Ottoman Empire. The Allied Powers were: Belgium, the British Empire, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Portugal, Roumania, The Russian Empire, Serbia, and the USA (1917-1918). Battles and military engagements occurred in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the South Pacific. This led to the designation of the conflict as World War I.
A direct consequence of The Great War was the eruption of yet another global clash, World War II, that began twenty years later, in 1939. That second conflict proved even more destructive than the first.
One of the sparks that triggered the beginning of The Great War was the assassination of the heir to the Austria-Hungary throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife, the Countess Sophie, by Serbians opposed to the dominance of Austria-Hungary in Balkan politics. In reality, the heir was in favour of greater self-determination of the the native Serbs, Bosnian and Croatian peoples in their own governance. Unfortunately, his death also destroyed any peaceful solution to the volatile political situation.
In discussions with my students about the origins of The Great War, I have recently noticed a growing number of them referring to the actions of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand as among the causes of the First World War. This misjudgment I attribute to faulty teaching from their secondary school instructors and try my best to keep them abreast of historical truths. I’m not familiar with all of the archduke’s personal characteristics but I am unable to identify any historical source for this misinformation.
By 1921, almost all the world that survived the destruction of The Great War was observing the anniversary of the official Armistice that ended the slaughter. In the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth, the peoples joined with King George V and Queen Mary in honouring the deceased on Remembrance Day. Two minutes of complete silence was publicly held in commemoration beginning the hour of the end of the fighting: 11:00 a.m. In Western Europe, Armistice Day ceremonies were conducted at cemeteries and battlefields. In the USA, the custom of Veteran’s Day was implemented.
Battlefield remembrance!
The Red poppy flower represents consolation, remembrance and death. The poppy is a common symbol that has been used to represent everything from peace to death and even simply sleep. Since ancient times, poppies placed on tombstones represent eternal sleep.
During The Great War, much of the fighting took place in western Europe, especially in the Flanders region of the Kingdom of Belgium. The countryside was blasted, bombed and fought over repeatedly. The landscape was torn apart by trenches. The previously beautiful scenery was turned to mud: bleak and barren where little or nothing could grow. There was a notable exception to the drudgery: the bright red Flanders poppy. These resilient flowers flourished amidst so much chaos and destruction.
John McCrae was the son of Scottish immigrant parents and was born in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, in 1872. In May, 1915, he was serving in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in Flanders, Belgium. On May 2, 1915, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, a Canadian field artillary oficr and close personal friend of McCrae, was killed in the Second Battle of Ypres. Shortly afterwards, McCrae wrote the following poem, “In Flanders Fields,” in memory of his friend and honouring all the war dead.
The poem was first published on December 8, 1915, in London, United Kingdom, in the satirical magazine, Punch. It was immediately popular and widely circulated and reprinted as a fitting tribute.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields, the poppies blow
between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
the larks, still barely singing, fly
Scare heard amid the guns below..
We are the Dead. Short days ago
we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe;
to you from falling hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
We remember and appreciate the efforts of John McCrae and all the fallen, wherever they lie.
Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign
Etiquette
Participation in the Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign is completely voluntary. It should never be mandatory or required.
The poppy should be worn on the left side of the body over the top of the heart or on the left lapel.
Acceptable colours for the Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign are: red (remembrance) or white (peace).
Two minutes of silence are recommended, beginning at 11:00 a.m., (local time). If prayers are to be offered, they should be voluntary and silently.
The poppy should not be worn after 11 November (exception: memorial services).
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Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 13, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Nakedness: Downside!”
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!”
The Bare Nation! The Naked Nations! The Nude Nation!
All joining their hands together. Helping hands. Cooperating. United. All for one and one for all!
Brotherhood!
Body and Clothes Freedom!
All embodied into togetherness! Bare. Naked. Nude. Not concealing their common link against artificial disguise and/or false impressions. United. Natural. Human nature. Humanity.
Shoulder support!
Confidence and Pride!
No confusion. No deception. All reality. The Bare Nation. The Naked Nation. The Nude Nation. All different yet all equal! At least there is hope for us all!
Naked truth!
No Surprise!
It takes bare practitioners (same gender loving naturists/nudists) to demonstrate to all the textile (clothed) people how to accomplish a mission of harmony, peace and respect!
The United Nations Flag!
The actual United Nations Day is celebrated tomorrow, Tuesday, October 24, 2023. This date commemorates the entry into force of the United Nations Charter in 1945. The purpose of today’s post entry is to offer the thought that bare practitioners may truly be the most creative and imaginative people around. They absolutely offer us all a prime example of the concept and ideal of a world of UnitedNations!
Hopefully, the real United Nations (UN) will strip off their clothes and march in line behind the bare practitioners!
Stripping!
A very happy and safe United Nations Day to all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 27, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “October’s Bright Blue Weather!”
In honour of GLBTQ+ Bare History Month, this posting is a very brief (hence the heading inclusion of synopsis) presentation of the history of bare practitioning here. The serious lack of any extensive documentation of our culture and community within the volumes of works has created a growing discrepancy in the history of us! My intent is to provide the basis for others to use in our quest for acknowledgment and legitimacy! Not knowing of our past is a step towards repeating it! In an attempt to learn a little more of ourselves and avoiding repetition, a brief look at our bare heritage!
Our nudity, be considered as us being bare, clothes free, naked, naturist, natural, nude or whatever, helps to make us all transparent. This transparency enables all others, regardless of their state of being dressed (clothed, textile) or undressed (without covering) to see our physical essence as it really is, unhampered by the artificial concealment of garments. This affords us, the bare practitioner (same gender loving naturist/nudist) the virtue of living life honestly and openly.
We don’t need or require the superficial trappings of accessories, adornment or fashion to present ourselves as someone that we’re basically not! We leave such pretentions to others. We live proudly as the men that we truly are!
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The Rainbow flag and our message for clothes freedom!
Background:
As committed bare practitioners (same gender loving and naturists/nudists) we are often overlooked by both the mainstream of humanity and also by our own marginalized groups. The mainstream is totally embarrassed by our existence and within our own subcultural identities we are often feared/ignored as too controversial and too eccentric. This often leaves us completely alone as the “odd-man-out” of everyone else’s communal agenda. The proverbial “no man’s land” – off the radar and left to fend for ourselves.
A shared demonstration of love!
Frequently, our same gender love is seen by the mainstream society as nothing but repulsive. Too often we are viewed as nothing but “perverted” even though our affection for others is no different from those around us except for the gender of those to whom we are attracted. If men can love women, then why can’t two men or two women love one another? After all, aren’t we all – at least theoretically – human?
For far too long our same gender love has been vastly judged as abnormal, alien, despicable, disgusting, disruptive, inhuman, offensive, and unnatural. Collectively, we are condemned and judged because we’re ourselves.
Yet, we remain ostracized. We also remain human.
A guy without boxers!
Regardless of being condemned, criticized, harassed, judged and ridiculed, we still remain human and we also elect to be naked. Completely free from the restrictions of clothing. Being ourselves and trying to be content and happy even though the majority of the clothing optional world prefers us as far from the rest of them as possible!
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Evolution:
From the earliest days of humanity, a certain level of comfort and relaxation has been experienced with the state of nudity by humans, no matter of their intimate physical attraction. For all of us, it is the condition of our birth. We naturists/nudists thus view it as our natural being.
Even in the early stages of our current history, our nakedness – freedom from clothing or any other type of covering – was not judged. It was a natural practice and was an option open for all to enjoy and not a condition of social determination. The earliest needs for covering were for retention of body heat rather than for any consideration of modesty. As people migrated to more difficult climates, the needs for comfort began to outweigh the freedom from clothing/covering.
Ancient cultures!
The evolution of humanity gradually introduced other conditions for the adaptation of garments. It soon became a visible token of class and social status. Our ancient civilizations of Babylon, Egypt, Greece and Rome developed and thrived during this transition of optional into mandatory concealment. The migration and relocation of humans to climates and regions less conducive to naked comfort and existence forced the need for layers of covering for protection from weather extremes. This soon reinforced the use of garments as a symbol of social class (the “haves” and the “have nots”). The evolution of society also incorporated the growth of shared belief systems that very often mandated that clothing was an absolute necessity. Judgments soon became against any nude freedom – both in private and in public.
Equatorial resident!
The needs for persons living in the Equatorial regions across the globe were not impacted by climate and/or warmth. For those who encountered people from different cultures they assumed, optionally, the custom of covering their genitalia if they made any adaptation. Those who had no contact with inhabitants or traders from different cultures or populations continued to prosper and thrive with their own tradition of nudity, whether in private or in public. This custom did not prevent them from being judged by others based on their belief systems where clothing was mandatory and nakedness was “backward.”
Eventually, the persons living in the more temperate areas of Africa, the South Pacific and South America evolved to the use of body decoration made from natural dyes instead of woven fabrics. This practice was a continuation of body comfort and freedom as opposed to modesty. When concealment was a necessity, it was easier to utilize natural products (animal hides and/or feathers) over any type of garment.
Just as there are cultural differences between the humans, there also exist differences in the belief systems that developed, particularly in the beliefs (religions) towards the traditions of allowing and tolerating nakedness. Not all beliefs outlawed shared nudity or frowned (condemned) upon expressions of body and clothes freedom. There exist some religions that have no official position on the state of being bare.
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Bare practitioner!
Bare Practitioners: Our Story!
Honouring the lives of some of our bare practitioner (same gender loving naturist/nudist) community and culture’s very own who were both bold enough and brave enough to live true to their sexuality (bisexual or gay) and their nature (body and clothes freedom) in an age and day when it wasn’t acknowledged and/or allowed. The essential fore-bares of our bare practitioner history!
This 2023Bare Practitioner Heritage features Lebanese-born author, artist and poet Kahlil Gibran and two early photographers, German-born Wilhelm von Gloeden and Italian-born Vincenzo Galdi. Enjoy and explore!
Our bare practitioner (bisexual or gay and naturist/nudist) heritage includes many who share our way-of-life but are completely unfamiliar with our self-identity. Their legacy to us today is our ability to own, privately and/or publicly, our existence, identities and ourselves with confidence, joy and pride. As the bare practitioner community and culture, we appreciate and are grateful for their courage, example and role-model!
Naked truth!
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Kahlil Gibran, circa 1913
Kahlil Gibran
Kahlil Gibran (also Jubran Khalil Jubran) was a Lebanese-born author, artist, poet and philosopher. His best known book, TheProphet (published in the USA in 1923) presents us with positive proof of his knowledge and talent that continues to influence and inspire us still today. Kahlil was born to Maronite (an Eastern Rite of the Roman Catholic Church) parents in Bsharri, Lebanon (then part of the Syria province of the Ottoman Empire) on January 6, 1883.
In 1895, he immigrated to the USA with his mother and siblings (all younger). They settled in the state of Massachusetts. He attended schools in Lebanon (primary), Lebanon and USA (secondary) and in France (graduate).
Gibran was considered a gay man and published about this although there are indications that he may have been bisexual (in correspondence with friends).
Almost all of Gibran’s early works were written in his native language, Arabic, after 1918, they were written exclusively in English – the exception being for articles he composed for several Arabic language newspapers.
Self portrait by Kahlil Gibran
On Clothes (from his book, TheProphet)
And the weaver said, “Speak to us of clothes.”
And he answered:
Your clothes conceal much of your beauty. Yet they hide not the unbeautiful.
And though you seek in garments the freedom of privacy you may find in them a harness and a chain.
Would that you could meet the sun and the wind with more of your skin and less of your raiment,
For the breath of life is in the sunlight and the hand of life is in the wind.
Some of you say, “It is the north wind who has woven the clothes to wear.”
But shame was his loom, and the softening of the sinews was his thread.
And when his work was done he laughed in the forest.
Forget not that modesty is for a shield against the eye of the unclean,
And when the unclean shall be no more, what were modesty but a fetter and a fouling of the mind?
And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.
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His above thoughts on garments is one of many examples of Gibran’s preference for social nudity!
Kahlil Gibran died in New York City, USA, on April 10, 1931. His remains were interred in his birthplace, Bsharri, Lebanon.
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Wilhelm von Gloeden circa 1891
Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden
Wilhelm von Gloeden was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, a German grand duchy on September 14, 1856. He was trained as a painted artist but was given a gift of a camera from a friend. The camera soon provided him a career. One of the patrons of his photography was Oscar Wilde. He suffered from tuberculosis for most of his adult life and soon resettled in Taormina, Sicily, due to warmer temperatures. While living in Sicily, he took a local youth, fourteen years younger than himself, as his lover and they stayed together as a couple until his death. The youth’s name was Pancruzio Biciuni who was sometimes referred to as “Il Moro.”
During the Great War (1914 – 1918) he had to leave Italy altogether or face arrest. Some of his photographic patrons included Oscar Wilde and Albert Freidrich Krupp of the Krupp family, makers of German guns and ammunitions. Baron von Gloeden’s favourite subjects for his photographs were naked teens (males).
“The Three Graces” photograph by Wilhelm von Gloeden
“Reclining Male Nude” by Wilhelm von Gloeden
When Benito Mussolini came to power as prime minister of Italy in the 1920’s, he was put on trial for harboring pornography but was acquitted by the court in Milan. During World War II, Germany was allied with Italy so he did not have to leave because of the conflict. During the course of his trial in Milan, much of his photographs and negatives were confiscated and destroyed by the Italian police under Mussolini’s orders.
Wilhelm von Gloeden died in Taormina, Sicily, on February 16, 1931. He was buried on the grounds of his home there. He left his entire estate to his lover, Pancruzio Biciuni, who died himself in 1963.
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Pancrazio Buciuni (above) was the model and lover of Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden. He was born June 28, 1879 in Sicily, Italy. He was nicknamed “Il Moro” (The Moor) by von Gloeden due to his dark complexion. Upon the death of his lover, von Gloeden, he inherited his entire estate. Buciuni died on January 30, 1963.
He is pictured below with another of von Gloeden’s models in a photograph taken by a different German photographer, von Pluschow.
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Vicenzo Galdi photographed by Wilhelm von Gloeden
Vincenzo Galdi
Vincenzo Galdi was an Italian photographer of primarily male nudes. He was born in 1871 on the island of Sicily. His interest in photography began when he first became an enthusiastic naked model for the German photographer Wilhelm von Pluschow. He then became von Pluschow’s lover and then he progressed to his photographic assistant. He operated his own studio in Rome between 1900 and 1907 when it was officially closed by the Italian police. He is often credited with being the first professional photographer to openly and proudly take credit for his erotic pictures to nude teens, often in very suggestive poses.
Galdi was considered bisexual.
He died in 1961.
He is captured completely bare in the picture below.
Vincenzo Galdi (right) leading another man into the water.
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Our heritage, bare and bold!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 23, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “United Nations Day!”
Purple: Spirit Dayis 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 thirdThursday 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:
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 