International Skinny Dip Day!

Conventional swimmer: clothed!

What is essential for a skinny-dip? Obviously, a body of water: man-made (pool; indoor or outdoor) or natural (lake, ocean or river), it makes no difference. The designation of today, July 8, 2023, as the International Skinny-Dip Day by no means makes this date the only day of the entire year that persons may swim naked. Everyone is allowed to swim swim-suit free any day they desire and anywhere they want – illegally or legally. This communication encourages all of those individuals who’ve never before taken the plunge clothes free to do so today in the company of others who enjoy the activity and the experience – especially those of us who are ardent bare practitioners! Try it, you just might like it!

Bolder and stripped!

Most skinny-dippers (nude swimmers) start off wearing a swim-suit. Once comfortable with that challenge – often with the companionship of those more bold and daring – they feel inclined to strip-off their cumbersome clothing and join in the fun of swimming covered in nothing else besides their own skin and a layer of sunscreen. Body freedom and social nudity make an excellent reason to lose this archaic inhibition and false sense of modesty!

Bare and proud!

We’re all born naked. Why not shed the vestiges of deceit and disguise and swim bare without a care in the world? What is there to suffer? Guilt? Shame? Those puritanical “learned behaviours” are hardly worthy of a second thought. Remember, every single one of us had to be taught how to put on clothes. Enjoy it! We’re skinny-dippers, not fashion models!

Bottoms-up without clothing!

Uncertain of your aquatic ability or skills? Relax and have fun! Keep to your level of comfort and proceed accordingly. There’s always someone around who is a better swimmer or who doesn’t swim at all. Be yourself and forget trying to impress others. We’re all in our own skin and we’re all free of designer labels! Those reality facts alone afford us enough reason to joyously skinny-dip all summer long!

********************

Safety Suggestions:

Sunscreen application!

Sunscreen:

My spouse, Aaron and I have one essential household policy: if it occurs outside in either direct or indirect sunlight. always sunscreen! Apply it regularly and wear it with pride! All over all the time! When we’re out in public, we intentionally cover one another and then rub it in! He does me then I do him – or vice-versa! There is no shame in visually reminding others to do the same! Hopefully, if it appears erotic and bromantic, others will do likewise!

Security notice!

Safety in numbers:

It is always best not to swim alone. The water presents too much of a challenge to risk yourself! Especially in natural water that isn’t completely transparent. None of us are guaranteed of what we may or may not encounter there. The only time swimming alone is allowed is inside a man-made indoor or outdoor pool where visibility is total (however, even that isn’t encouraged).

Celebrate and enjoy!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 10, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Nude Recreation Week!”

Bottoms-Up! June, 2023!

Rainbow bottoms-up!

GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month, 2023 – June, 2023, officially ends today. The gentleman above is evidently exhausted after such a momentous occasion! He’s even located a rainbow bench to collapse onto!

Pool exit bottoms-up!

Now that Summer, 2023, is officially here, the opportunity for us all to view scenes of bottoms-up! similar to the above is indeed plentiful!

Proud bottoms-up!

Here’s to hoping he remembered to apply the sunscreen protection for himself and his buttocks!

A beach bottoms-up!

GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month may be over but we can celebrate ourselves every month of the year!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Saturday, July 1, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Canada Day!”

Pride: SIR!

SIR = Stonewall Inn Riots

June 28, 1969

Introduction:

Today’s post entry is ReNude Pride’s summary of the historic Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) that took place in New York City, New York, USA, in the early hours of June 28, 1969. This incident is credited by many as the “spark that lit the flame” of the modern, monumental movement of equality, freedom and justice for the civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) persons everywhere. The results of their actions continue to happen even today, more than a half-century later,

Reference sources used to compile this posting include:

Bausman, Ann, “Stonewall: Breaking Out for Gay Rights”

Doberman, Martin P., “Stonewall: A History”

Images courtesy of GoogleImages.

Stonewall Inn, entrance

“The door of the Stonewall had wrought-iron bars across this little “peephole” – a little wooden thing that slid open. And the man inside would look out at you and, if you looked like you belonged there, he would open the door and let you in.” ~ Chris Babick ~ describing the front entrance to the Stonewall Inn, New York City, New York, USA

The Stonewall Inn (it was never a hotel) opened as a bar catering to the “homosexual” (American derogatory term used to describe same gender loving people prior to SIR) community in 1967. Prior to that, it had been a stable (for horses), a French bakery, a tearoom and lastly, a restaurant that had burned out of business. It opened as a bar (pub, public house, tavern) under Mafia-affiliated management and very closely connected to organized crime. The establishment consisted of two main rooms, each one with its own dance floor. The first room was popular with the older clientele and the back room attracted the younger ones.

At the time of the Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR), it was unlawful for “homosexuals” to socialize together in public and same gender intimacy was illegal, in both private and public places, in every state in the USA except Illinois. Same gender loving persons could and were fired from their jobs without any legal recourse. They were ridiculed and attacked publicly often without any consequence. Simply being a “homosexual” was considered an antisocial and criminal act. Churches and clergy were often the instigator and very few advocated tolerance. Everyone was required, by law, to wear clothing appropriate to their birth (natural) gender. The only exception ever permitted was for Halloween.

Friday evening, June 27, 1969, was a hot and humid start to a weekend. Most of the patrons gathered inside the Stonewall Inn were looking forward to a night of dancing with their friends, relaxing with cocktails and enjoying a summer’s night in New York City. They had no idea that they were about to witness an historical event that would change their lives – and the “homosexual” world – forever.

Just before the police raid and rioting began!

As the clock approached the midnight hour, both dance floors at the Stonewall Inn were full to capacity with energetic “homosexual” couples. June 28, 1969, was now into its infancy. Suddenly the music stopped! The lights that had been dimmed to enhance the atmosphere came back on in a bright glare that caught everyone by surprise. Almost at once the realization dawned on the festive crowds that the police were raiding the bar!

The New York City Police Department was long familiar with conducting raids on gay and lesbian bars. Their process was fairly routine and they all associated “homosexuals” as a relatively compliant and passive crowd. For this reason, only one police transport vehicle (paddy wagon) and one marked squad car were involved in the raid. Less than a dozen officers were assigned the task of managing and segregating the patrons, confiscating all the alcohol and arresting the Stonewall Inn employees.

“The police weren’t letting us dance. If there’s one place in the world where you can dance and feel yourself fully as a person and that’s threatened with being taken away, those words were fighting words.” ~ Tommy Lanigan-Schmidt, ~ Stonewall Inn patron and riot participant

The arrival of the police raiding force caused pandemonium to erupt inside the Stonewall Inn. Customers searched in vain for an escape route or for a place to hide. The law enforcement officials immediately began seizing both liquor and beer as evidence against the establishment and segregating the crowd: bar employees in one area, cross-dressers (transgender persons) in another and then the regular “homosexuals” elsewhere. The bar workers and the cross-dressers were to be arrested for their violating the laws. The regular “homosexuals,” once they produced their proper identification, were to be given court citations and then permitted to leave.

That was the normal New York City Police routine for raids against illegal “perverted” nightclubs. However, this one at the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969, was going to change all that “routine” forever. History was about to unfold!

Evicted clientele from the Stonewall Inn, June 28, 1969!

The year, 1969, was at the end of a decade that had witnessed massive social unrest throughout the United States. The African-American protests for civil rights, the birth of the feminist and women’s rights movement, the anti-Vietnam war demonstrations and the equal pay marches and strikes for primarily Latina/Latino immigrant farm workers were underway during this time. The “homosexuals” who had taken part in these public uprisings against these unjust policies were now energized and many wondered when their time for equality would happen. Little did they know that the police action against the Stonewall Inn that early morning was the spark that would light that fire!

As the police began checking the identities of all persons inside the Stonewall Inn, those with proper credentials were issued summonses for court appearances, released from custody and forced outside the bar. Only this time, instead of simply leaving the premises, they congregated outside on the sidewalks and at a nearby park. When law enforcement attempted to disperse them, the grew belligerent and confrontational.

The police, completely unaccustomed to “homosexual” defiance, continued to press the order to vacate the area. The crowd, emboldened by their frustration with being treated as “deviants” and second-class citizens, started to chant and to empty trash cans and hurl the garbage contents at the officers.

By this time, passers-by, curious as to what was happening, joined the upset “homosexuals” to express their dissatisfaction with the raid. The throng outside the Stonewall Inn grew in number, anger and curiosity. Once the word of what had transpired inside began to spread, even more “homosexuals” descended into the inn’s neighborhood and gather in the bar’s vicinity.

“You could hear screaming outside, a lot of noise from the protesters, and it was a good sound. It was a real good sound that, you know, you had a lot of people out there pulling for you.” ~ Raymond Castro ~ a customer of the Stonewall Inn detained by police inside the facility during the siege

The protesters outside Stonewall Inn

By now, the police raiders, trapped inside the building, understood that the situation had gotten beyond their control. They tried to call for reinforcements but were unable to reach any source for assistance. They had secured the bar but were were trapped inside and the crowd surrounding it on the outside was swelling in both size and fury. A few hundred patrons had now grown to an angry mob of several thousand and more were joining them by the minute.

No one with the New York City Police Department had anticipated the “homosexuals” – always believed to be meek and mild – to fight back. The years of abuse, oppression and ridicule had taken its toll and the frustration now became revolution and the time for retribution was at hand. Unfortunately for law enforcement, the pent up anger with police indifference and mistreatment was now being released and returned in kind. The officers were now prisoners inside the Stonewall Inn.

Two hours after the raid commenced, the police and their detainees were held inside the building with no relief in sight. The two-way communication devices between the raiding party and their office weren’t operable and the only pay-phone inside the lounge wasn’t able to connect to any local police precincts. The expected passive “homosexuals” had finally achieved a “first” in their spontaneous riot: the aggressive police were contained, surrounded and they were all very nervous.

By this time, the expanding crowd outside the Greenwich Village pub now filled the sidewalks, streets and the entire neighborhood and a full-fledged riot was underway. The raiders (police) were desperate for relief!

Stonewall Inn rioter!

In an effort to relieve the inflammatory predicament, the stranded law enforcement decided to send the detainees and half the officers inside the Stonewall to the closest local precinct in the two vehicles assigned to the raid. There, the detainees would be formally charged with arrest and the officers could make arrangements for a law enforcement riot force to assemble and rescue the remaining police personnel from the Stonewall Inn. This relief effort finally returned to the bar and eventually dispersed the angry mob of “homosexuals” and curious onlookers several hours later.

Despite damage to the Stonewall Inn and the loss of the license to sell alcoholic beverages, the bar opened for business (dancing) the following night. It was Saturday night and word of the disturbance had spread throughout the city’s closeted “homosexual” community (primarily by word of mouth). A larger than usual crowd gathered both inside and outside the Greenwich Village establishment. Most didn’t expect repeat of the raid the night before and a significant number of those who showed up mainly wanted to inspect the damage.

The police, however, had different ideas. They were strictly outside the Stonewall Inn in full force with a large number dressed in riot gear. They had learned their lesson and were determined to remain in complete control should the patrons become unruly again.

Detainees!

The “homosexuals” had been empowered by the riot the previous evening and weren’t about to be bullied into submission again. As the large law enforcement presence attempted to disperse those gathered outside the Stonewall Inn, they were confronted by verbal insults and an array of street-savvy tactics that saw the legal officers chase off onlookers, only to have them run around the block and return again. Silent compliance and obedience to uniformed police was no longer a fact of life for New York’s “homosexuals.” They were tired with suffering abuse, disrespect, ridicule and treatment as second-class citizens or worse.

“There was no gay pride before Stonewall. Only gay fear and gay isolation and gay distrust and gay self-hatred.” ~ Edmund White ~ gay author and novelist; he was present at Stonewall

The second night of the Stonewall congregation wasn’t as disruptive as the one before. No further damage was done to the bar facility, However, an awakening consciousness was raised within the municipal “homosexual” community that would change the way society viewed them and – most importantly – the way they perceived themselves.

For the first time, the often assumed passive “homosexuals” stood up for their rights and demonstrated that they, as a community, had “had enough!”

Aftermath

The birth of Gay Power!

We are still coping and living with the aftermath of SIR. Our communities and cultures continue to adapt, adjust and adopt to fit the desires, the needs and the sensitivities of us all. There is no way to determine when, if ever, this period of acclimation will complete.

Aaron, my spouse, and I would like to encourage everyone reading here to remember the discrimination, hatred, prejudice and violence that is inflicted against many in our community and culture – even today – throughout the world. Any donation, great or small, made to ease the pain and suffering of even one person is an effort in creating a better world for us all!

Our sincere appreciation to all of those who had the audacity and courage to stand up for themselves and all of us on June 28, 1969!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 30, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! End of June, 2023!”

Why Pride?

Question?

Frequently, the question is raised in the media as to why we, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) communities and cultures have the need for a pride celebration. This concern is not only presented in the media networks focused primarily on the general populations but also on those geared towards our own featured community and culture. Many feel we have enjoyed all we can of our different lives. Why even bother to continue?

A pose of pride!

Another question often expressed by my spouse, Aaron, and I between ourselves and when in the company of our friends is: of all the communities and cultures present in this country today, why is the question insistently raised concerning our community and culture specifically? If the issue is of the concern of others, why isn’t the same question asked of others? We’re not the only ones to have a month dedicated to celebrating and saluting our own.

Bare happiness and fun!

Fortunately, not everyone is aware of the fact that we here on ReNude Pride endorse not only GLBTQ+ Pride but we also include the bare practitioners within our observance. Thankfully, this aspect remains beyond the realm of appreciation and comprehension for many of those who are critical of our inclusiveness!

Among us bare practitioners, when the question of Why pride? is imposed, very often the response is delivered as Why not? One question deserves more than the reply with another interrogation. However, the inquiry does warrant some investigation.

Teaser!

The endless questioning of the continuance of the necessity of pride by our community and culture supports the existence of prejudice against us all. It may not be as blatant and prevalent as it once was, however, it remains present. As long as this discrimination is evident and felt, yes, pride is needed. Until we communally and culturally receive the same amount of consideration and respect as shown to others, no matter their race, ethnicity, ability, gender, age or heritage, yes, pride is needed! Distrust is a detriment to acceptance and equality.

The determination that a certain action or behaviour is illegal by legislative or parliamentary approval or even a royal proclamation doesn’t immediately erase the behaviour out of existence. It isn’t innate – it is learned – from parents, teachers, clergy, et al. A learned behaviour is the most difficult to eliminate.

Siblings with pride!

A learned behaviour is a prejudice, plain and simple. It is not based on concrete knowledge or scientific fact. It is solely attributed on the often unsupported opinion of others, usually substantiated by myth or rumour. As such, it is virtually impossible to eradicate and generally increases in intensity.

The persistence of prejudice thus acquired ensures the continuation of prejudice. An act of parliament may outlaw the prejudice but it doesn’t eliminate it.

The reality of someone, questioning their emotional and physical feelings, experiencing confusion, turmoil and confrontation with prejudice. This person, alone or in the company of others, justifies the celebration and observation of pride. Everyone deserves the chance to develop and grow in happiness, security and pride!

Pride!

On a global/international scale, some countries and/or societies are developed and progressive and others are conservative, slower and still a few remain isolated and stagnant. Each nation and society pursues the course according beliefs, needs and traditions – of the power structure (politics) or of the population in general. Hence the diversity of cultures, religions, values, etc. As in individual cases, inherited values are the same as learned behaviours. These are likewise the most difficult to alter or to change. For this reason, deviation from the custom or tradition evolves slowly and tediously. Progress, especially to new ideals and philosophies, is very cautious and relaxed.

In my humble opinion, as long as there is – at the very least – one person who benefits from the observance of a pride event, then yes, it remains necessary and valid. I understand those who feel that pride has become too redundant and too repetitive. I only want to encourage them to get involved in planning the next activity and to offer creativity and variety into the format.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, June 27, 2023, and the proposed topic is “HIV Testing Day!” On Wednesday, the anniversary of Stonewall, “Pride: SIR!” is planned for posting.

First Day of Summer, 2023!

Northern Hemisphere: Summer, 2023!

Strip off your costume and splash into another season of aquatic splurging and natural antics!

Summer is here!

A Sun-bathed Nakedness

Walt Whitman

“Never before did I get so close to Nature; never before did she come so close to me…Nature was naked, and I was also…Sweet, sane, still Nakedness in Nature! – ah, if poor, sick, prurient humanity in cities might really know you once more! Is not nakedness indecent? No, not inherently. It is your thought, your sophistication, your fear, your respectability, that is indecent. There come moods when these clothes of ours are not only too irksome to wear, but are themselves indecent.”

Nakedness!

Also on this same date, primarily in Europe, Nude Hiking Day is observed. As this is the longest day of sunlight in the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it affords an excellent opportunity for an all day bare hike throughout the many trails!

Nude Hiking Day!

The best wishes for a safe and very happy Summer, 2023!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The post entry schedule for the remainder of June, 2023, is as follows:

Monday, June 26, 2023: “Why Pride?” Tuesday, June 27, 2023: “HIV Testing Day!” Wednesday, June 28, 2023: “Pride: SIR!” Friday, June 30, 2023: “Bottoms-Up! June, 2023”

Read it on REDDIT!

Naked hugs!

Thank you, Nubian Ikigai!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Wednesday, June 21, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “First Day of Summer!”

Photo-Essay: Beach Pride!

Surfside fitness!

A day at the beach shore. Exercising through stretching and taking time to enjoy the sun and solitude – and, of course, being completely free and nude!

Beach posing!

Being fit and bare without another care! What more is there to ask for? Incoming surf and a sandy beach complete for many a perfect day to spend in focusing on what is good and beneficial for us all!

Beach stretching!

Fun and relaxation! An ideal way to spend the day and renew ourselves and rejuvenate our appreciation of the glories of nature and ourselves!

Breezy beach comfort!

All enhanced by a warm breeze to keep us all refreshed and renewed! Time to rest and take the time to absorb what nature provides!

Sand-prints!

Naked hugs!

Happy GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 19, 2023, and features a reblog of a posting by my blogging buddy, Rohan, the Nubian Ikigai of Crossing the Styx, “Read it on REDDIT!”

Pride: Tan-Lines?

Tan-line proof!

Tan-Lines: proof positive that we sneak around wearing swimsuits while out playing in the sunshine!” ~ Aaron Peterson-Poladopoulos ~

Tan-line: absolute proof!

Myth: only Caucasian people have tanlines. Absolutely false!

A more descriptive and official definition of tan-lines comes across the internet (courtesy Wikipedia) as: “visibly clear division of the human skin between an area of pronounced comparative paleness relative to other areas that have been suntanned by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or by sunless tanning.” No slight to my spouse, Aaron, is intended as his off-the-cuff remark is closer to reality but not as authoritative nor credible as the digital version. However, he does offer an easier to understand rendition!

Aaron further details his offering as a “garment signature on our skin.” The ultimate proof that the person blatantly exposing their tan-line is either new to the bare practitioner life and scene or guilty of being closeted (secretive) about their naked preference. Our culture is very welcoming and receptive to our recent converts to our lifestyle! Less so to our closeted souls!

Tan-lines appear in all races and ethnicities!

One common myth that is popular is that tan-lines only occur in the lighter-skinned persons. The inclusion of images here featuring individuals with darker-skin tones proves that this is a false conception. All persons, regardless of race and ethnicity, experience tan-lines.

Another myth is that the lighter the skin tone, no tan-lines are discernable. This is indeed a false determination again using pictures to refute the misconception.

Flexing his muscles doesn’t conceal his tan-line!
Vintage: tan-lines are not a new phenomena!

Tan-lines have existed as long as humanity. It is not a recent development without any precedent. Since man first used fig-leaves to hide genitalia, tan-lines have been a reality of nature.

Tan-lines are concrete evidence of conflict in the lives of the bearer. It confirms a serious discrepancy in their bare status. Deception or indecision? Only the person with the actual tan-line knows for certain the truth of the matter and most of them are unwilling to acknowledge confusion.

Tan-line pride!

One of the common uses of tanning beds and/or tanning rooms is the option of tanning completely nude in order to reduce the appearance of tan-lines. In contrast, some people prefer to have tan-lines and will wear swimwear or undergarments with the deliberate purpose of creating a sharply defined tan-line.

There are some same gender loving men who envision the existence of tan-lines on the body of another as very sexually appealing. They are appreciative and attracted to others because of this phenomena. I’m Greek (fair skinned) and my spouse, Aaron, is African-Canadian (dark skinned). Neither of us find a tan-line desirable or exciting but we both know men who do! The presence of diversity in our community and culture is a fact of life that we all welcome!

Thong caused tan-line!

PostScript: The tan-line is also a physical confirmation that the wearer is employed as a lifeguard (beach patrol) at a mainstream (non clothing-optional) facility.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, June 9, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Clarifications!”

Bare Pride!

“Come on, let’s all get naked!”

“If only for once, join with us and see, how it feels to be natural and free!”

Body and clothes freedom!

A ReNude Pride photo-essay to celebrate being a true bare practitioner!

More than a decade ago, while first publishing my original A Guy Without Boxers here, I combined gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer (GLBTQ+) pride celebrations with naked and/or nude (clothes free) pride. After my original site was closed closed (without notice or warning or any type of communication from wordpress.com) I was somewhat hesitant about following this tradition when I began ReNude Pride. After thought and consideration, and the love and support of my spouse, Aaron, ReNude Pride has continued in the footsteps of honouring not only our GLBTQ+ heritage but also our bare practitioner (same gender loving naturist/nudist) culture. We are, after all, proud to be both!

Advocacy!
Pride!

Come join us in GLBTQ+ Bare Pride! Join with me in nudity!

Obedience?

We celebrate ourselves: bare and bold!

Unity in our shared nudity!

We stand together, without any sense of guilt or shame. We’re just being what we basically all are: naturally ourselves. Just as we were created to be, all living together in mutual respect and harmony!

Our time of the year!

For the overwhelming majority of us bare practitioners, with the warmer weather, we hardly need a reminder to be proud of ourselves and our nakedness. The passing of another winter has guaranteed our joy in another month of GLBTQ+ pride and the approaching season of Summer, 2023! Add to that the opportunity to celebrate the ability to throw off our clothes and enjoy ourselves and one another as we engage in the triumph of being our natural selves, without any embarrassment or humiliation!

Our nudity alone is enough for us to welcome this exciting time of the year!

Strip out of your garments and be you!

Our philosophy of body freedom and clothes freedom compliment one another. Our freedom entails us to enjoy living naturally while respecting those who are uncomfortable with their own personal nudity. We all know that all lives are not identical and that all values vary from person to person. What is good for one may not necessarily be good for another!

Clothe freedom evolution!

Some people are more accepting of clothes freedom, especially when in the bare environment where there is almost no judgment expected. Others, even when surrounded by body and clothes freedom enthusiasts, still retain the discomfort of exposing themselves around others. We respect the rights of all persons to live within their personal “comfort level.”

A joyful destination!
Bare friends!

Some persons express disdain for appearing bare (naked/nude/clothes free) in public. One of their principle reasons for discomfort is the obvious lack of clothing. However, they often are left behind when they understand that in the company of others, the ones who are wearing garments are often the objects of notice by others who surround them without any clothing whatsoever!

Clothing disturbance!
Curious about pants!
Naked truth!

“Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.” ~ Syrus ~

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 5, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Tan-Lines!”

Photo-Essay: Happy Pride Month, 2023!

Pride Month celebrants with traditional Rainbow flag!

June is the widely accepted month for GLBTQ+ Pride!

Background:

The evening of June 28, 1969, is considered by many of us as the actual “beginning” of the modern equality movement for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + (GLBTQ+) persons and their inclusion within society. It is the date of the Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR) in New York City, USA. This is the recognized event that launched the ongoing struggle for acceptance, equality and recognition of one of the longest and most oppressed community and cultures of humanity. Despite the more than 50 years since, the fight for acceptance, equality, recognition and survival remains valid for many even today!

Dr. King quote!

The observation of the late Reverend Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., remains a respected and and shared value of the GLBTQ+ communities and cultures.

In honour of the SIR, June is internationally considered as GLBTQ+ Pride Month in dedication to the lives sacrificed for the causes of freedom and justice that multitudes seek.

As ardent bare practitioners (same gender loving naturists/nudists) both my spouse, Aaron, and I observe the month of June, annually, as GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month. Our reasoning for this endorsement is, hopefully, obvious to all!

*************************

The current Progress rainbow flag of the GBLTQ+ Community and Culture!

A more informative post entry of the SIR event of June 28, 1969, is planned for the actual date of that occasion. I feel that we should all remind ourselves of the situations that initiated the necessity of those riots. One of the many reasons that our community and culture celebrates our pride is to prevent the past from returning ever again!

Our PRIDE is enjoyed by all!

Why should we have a GLBTQ+ Pride Month?

After centuries of condemnation, denial, judgment, oppression and ridicule, the arrival of the 1960’s introduced people – globally – to an ideal of honesty, openness, and the expectation of equality for all. World War II united humanity an a conflict against subjugation and tyranny. Human rights became a concept of universal acceptance rather than a lofty distant dream. Millions had sacrificed and suffered against hate and totalitarianism. Freedom and justice moved from the status of a hopeful goal to the acceptance as a reality of life.

The 1960’s in motion!

Throughout the decade of the 1960’s, African-American, Hispanic-American, Indigenous peoples, women, farm workers and countless others emerged demanding acceptance, freedom and equality. The movement to halt the Vietnam War gained importance and international attention. Same gender loving people became one of the last “degraded” communities to join the exodus for the end of discrimination and restriction.

Creative Pride observance!

It doesn’t matter how we celebrate our pride in our collective membership within our GLBTQ+ community and culture. It is more important that all of us strive and work to enjoy, experience and to feel our confidence and pride in being the person that we truly are!

Vintage image!

Many of us grew in environments that were critical, hateful, and judgmental against our community and culture. We lacked companionship and support – especially during adolescence when it is most needed – and only later realized our full potential. Now is the time for us to collaborate and develop our resources to eliminate this situation from recurrence!

Happy GLBTQ+ Bare Pride Month, 2023!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, June 2, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Pride!”