Today is the first day of Winter, 2023! Sunglasses and sunscreen? Where is the sun?
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Tuesday, December 26, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Boxing Day!”
The university’s Autumn, 2023, semester has officially ended; all examinations have been conducted, results documented, reports submitted. My professional obligations are through for the remainder of this calendar year!
“It is a very festive and social time of the year, even though the bleak winter season is here!”
Our dancing bare practitioner is already in the mood for the 2023 Winter Holiday season. He’s absolutely got the bounce, the look, the moves and the rhythm as he allows it to flow through his body while flaunting his nakedness!
His confidence and pride is vying for the first place spot as his spirit inspires us all! He even brought his back-up “dance” circle with him to liven our mood and to endorse his good cheer!
Below is the ReNude Pride post entry schedule for the remainder of December, 2023:
Monday, December 18, 2023: Season’s Greetings!
Sunday, December 31, 2023: Bottom’s-Up! December, 2023!
Monday, January 1, 2024: 2024!
Enjoy all of your Winter Holiday endeavours! Remember to return on Monday, December 18!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry is planned for Monday, December 18, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Season’s Greetings!”
Background:
The Pentagon City Fashion Centre is a popular shopping mall/tourist attraction in Arlington, Virginia, located near The Pentagon and just south of the Potomac River which separates the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C., from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is located very near the condominium where Aaron (my spouse) and I reside.
The incident described below happened almost a full year after I began publishing ReNude Pride back in 2017. We were both shopping in the mall during the winter holiday season. In reality, it was winter and we were both fully clothed in outerwear and our casual garments!
Aaron recalled this situation about a week ago and encouraged it as a “seasonal” topic to post here during this year’s holiday tradition!
I am using pictures of my fellow blogger, Adimu and myself to illustrate this posting as this was our very first time spent together when we took these images using a telephoto lens and adapter.
The truth is…
Early December, 2017 – it was a Saturday and Aaron (my h-u-s-b-a-n-d) – both legally and officially – and I exited the Metro Blue Line at the Pentagon City subway station. We entered the Pentagon City shopping mall for a particular item of clothing. What that was is as unimportant as the cost of a pair of sunglasses is to Rudolph (the red-nosed reindeer)!
Then, as now, we were both honest and open about our being bare practitioners (same gender loving naturists/nudists). We were probably publicly holding onto one another’s hands or walking arm-in-arm. President Obama had served his second term the previous January and his successor was now in office so we were most definitely in physical contact and completely clothed!
The winter holiday shopping frenzy was underway as we patiently progressed through the four shopping levels. We had all day and had ridden the subway; there was no need or reason to hurry. The only pressing item on our agenda for the day was to get home and return to our usual state of nakedness!
Somewhere along the way to wherever, Aaron stopped as he had been approached by another man – presumably alone. My spouse released my hand and immediately began using American Sign Language (ASL) as this man was addressing him orally. At the very least, I would be able to follow their conversation.
From what we both recall from this encounter, the conversation began quite amicable, decent and friendly – initially. This man admitted to regularly reading ReNude Pride. He looked me “in the eye” as he complimented me on writing this blog and on our relationship (marriage). This wasn’t the first time someone had acknowledged our interracial gay status nor our being open concerning our preference for nakedness.
Suddenly, the conversation changed from pleasant to one of hostility. This man – name unknown – became increasingly emotional and he specifically accused us both as being insensitive to the fact that being gay was totally incompatible with being nudists!
Both Aaron and I remember his closing argument: “There is no way a gay man can be comfortable being naked among complete strangers!”
I was shocked and surprised! I couldn’t grasp his reasoning behind this exclamation! What triggered this exclamation? I was unable to even think of any response!
Fortunately, Aaron wasn’t in the same type of mental wasteland. He answered, calmly and simply: “Better to be naked with strangers than to be in costume among friends!”
He then grabbed my hand and led me away!
“A moment’s insight is sometimes worth a life’s experience.” ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes ~ American jurist
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is for Friday, December 15, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Schedule!”
As we living in the Northern Hemisphere now face the approaching arrival of another Winter season, we look with envy at our fellow bare practitioners residing in the Southern Hemisphere! They are undergoing serious and well-earned preparations for welcoming another season of the sun-fun outdoors! We salute you all and wish the best for each and every one of you!
It makes no difference whether you enjoy the sandy and sunny beach with friends or a solo skinny-dip (naked swim) in your man-made pool – enjoy it while you are able! The summer – unfortunately – doesn’t last forever, unless you live directly on the Equator!
For everyone who lives near the beaches, whether oceanside or seaside, a daily session of skinny-dipping (swimming naked) is always a priority whenever the weather cooperates! The more the merrier!
A gentle reminder to all: take care of yourself and protect your health! Remember the sunscreen each and every time you go outside. Please click the link below for important information and cautions regarding sunscreen!
A re-read or a review of sunscreen facts this early in the season can guarantee a safe and successful body and clothes freedom experience! Have fun in nature, naturally!
Sunscreen benefits everyone! The rays from the sun can damage our skin, no matter our race or ethnicity. I always carry extra sunscreen with me so that my absent-minded acquaintances can remain in good health, too!
Another friendly advisory: do not go swimming alone. Accidents happen – that’s why there are professionals trained in aquatic safety! Ensure your protection and the safety of your acquaintances and friends!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 8, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Winter Holidays!”
Introduction:
Once again, we globally acknowledge the impact that HIV/AIDS has inflicted upon our people; we recognize that education is vital in combatting HIV/AIDS; we understand that responsibility is essential in preventing HIV/AIDS; and we remember those who have died from HIV/AIDS and those who have fought the battle against HIV/AIDS.
Even though we are all living with the consequences of yet another pandemic, coronavirus COVID-19 and all the variants, we continue to struggle against HIV/AIDS. We understand the necessity of efforts to identify and establish a cure from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. We share the hope that our awareness of HIV/AIDS brings an end to this disease in the very near future.
Background Observation:
In the early 1980’s – even before there was an official name for it – health officials and medical doctors noted cases of a new infection that fatally compromised (weakened) then destroyed the immune systems of patients. A significant number of those suffering from this infection were same gender loving men (also derogatorily referred to as “homosexuals”). Soon, the unofficial name for this affliction became “gay cancer” or the “gay plague.” Later, the name for the infecting virus became human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the disease it caused was named acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Due to the overall stigma attached to the same gender loving populations, it was several years before sufficient monies were appropriated for fighting against this disease. As a result, many lives were lost and many rumours and misinformation abounded.
Blame/Forgiveness:
Fundamentalist and radical clergypersons and prejudiced politicians joined in the growing hysterical outcry against the “homosexual” community for the rapidly rising numbers of HIV infected persons. In churches throughout the USA, countless clergy regularly and repeatedly condemned the “homosexuals” for their ungodly living. Political aspirants, not to be left out of the hate-fest, raged against the sexual deviants and their un-American way of life.
The majority of the clergy and the politicians who denounced the same gender loving people falsely believed that the fatality of HIV/AIDS fully justified their homophobia and marginalization of the affected community and the infected people. Fortunately, this hatred was only widely practiced within the USA. The rest of the world reacted without the extreme hatred and prejudice present in the USA.
Later, as the facts concerning HIV/AIDS became common knowledge, no clergy or politician apologized for their blame, condemnation, or hate of the same-gender-loving people. No one ever asked for forgiveness for their unfounded hatred and their hypocrisy.
The bigoted and discriminatory clergy and politicians needed someone to blame for the HIV/AIDS situation. We, the same-gender loving community and culture, were awarded the honor. We were condemned, judged, and vilified. The disease is still here.
“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
“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
HIV/AIDS: The Basic Facts
1. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
2. AIDS is a result of HIV infection.
AIDS is not transferred or transmitted from one person to another. HIV is the virus that is shared. HIV may live within a person for many years before the infection is discovered (detected). That is why HIV tests are important so that treatment may begin.
3. HIV is spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk.
The above listing contains the four body fluids that carry the virus from one person to another. HIV is not contained in enough quantity in tears, sweat and saliva to transmit (spread).
4. Only a physician can diagnose AIDS.
Certain criteria (conditions must be met before an AIDS determination can be made. Physicians (medical doctors) are the only internationally recognized professionals allowed to make this decision.
Infection:
Untreated (without medical attention) HIV infection weakens the body’s immune system (ability to fight off diseases) and eventually destroys it. Medical treatment can and often does strengthen the immune system and enables people to live longer with healthy and productive lives.
There is currently no known cure for HIV/AIDS but there are numerous testing strategies internationally to develop a cure for the disease.
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 Campaign:
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.
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!”
Another year and yet another Autumn season rapidly reaches a closing ceremony as the end of November arrives! Please join with us in the bare practitioner custom and tradition of confidently and proudly exposing your buttocks!
Our bare practitioner celebrity, Felipe Ferreira, offers and shares his buttocks in a Bottoms-up! salute to our bare practitioner community and culture’s own, Rhyheim Shabazz, in devotion, love and respect!
A last-minute spontaneous offering in tribute to all who willingly offer their buttocks to the rest of the world all in the interest of peace and harmony – and appreciation of fur!
The arrival of Autumn has left many unprepared to accept the fact that this month, November, has only 30 days and not 31!
Proudly and simultaneously bald and hirsute, Venezuelan-born bare practitioner, Gio Dell, while in his outdoor pool, offers to us all his Bottoms-up! best and finest!
With the colder weather temperatures dropping daily, some couples readily adapt to the indoor location in order to avoid exposing their tender buttocks to the extreme temperature!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, December 1, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “World AIDS Day, 2023!”
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?”
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 no one 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!”
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!
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, November 30, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! November, 2023!”
A moment of humour in order to pay a serious re-visit to last Monday’s post entry here on ReNude Pride entitled Nakedness: Downside featuring our very own bare practitioner celebrity, Felipe Ferreira!
In today’s return, our opening header (picture) image strongly suggests the enormous influence and attention our previous posting generated. Today’s featured downside star assumes a similar pose with his facial expression and his visible tongue affording us some notorious insight.
Did the previous post offend him? Is he thoroughly disgusted by our sense of humour? Did the appearance of Felipe Ferreira anger him or threaten his personal nakedness?
Instead, did the obviously most revealing and shocking question apply: How much did your’s truly (me) pay him to pose for this photograph?
The honest answer, my friends, is an official secret that was provided exclusively by Royal Command to our bare practitioner celebrity! The infamous and proudly resplendent in his own nakedness, Felipe Ferreira, shares his reaction to the secret answer below:
Remember the ancient adage, my friends: the truth shall always set you full of laughter all while you’re completely clothes free!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Wednesday, November 22, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “USA: Thanksgiving!”
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).
“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!
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!
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).
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!
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!”
As much mourning as I endure due to the end of the summer season every year, I always marvel at the colour the autumn leaves introduce into nature. It is almost as though the flowers that brightened our environment during the summer evolved to the leaves on the trees once autumn settles upon the scene. A very brief colourful experience as the leaves rapidly abandon the tree branches and then fall to the ground.
This post entry here on ReNude Pride isn’t a repeat of last year’s My Leaves Legacy. Click onto that title to link to that posting. This year, I’m simply sharing about autumn leaves without my allergic reaction. It is just the capturing of another seasonal transition in the calendar journey.
As the autumn season progresses, the accumulation of leaves falling from trees covers not only the earth but also anyone laying there!
For many living in the Northern Hemisphere, this time of year marks the last time for being bare in nature until the arrival of the next spring season.
The leaves change at different times. This offers an expanded expression of farewell to the growth season before the barren winter arrives.
Some persons welcome the change of seasons as a salute the variations of nature. Some others, like myself, view it as an unfortunate means to endure until another trend in natural warmth returns for us to enjoy!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, November 10, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Armistice/Remembrance Day!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 