Bare Friends, TAN, Part 2: Photo-Essay!

Full Title:

Bare Friends: Truth About Nakedness Photo-Essay!

Bare Friends: the most natural friend to have!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, January 12, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Question?”

Bare Celebrity Role Models #4: Our Gift!

ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Bare Celebrity Role Model #4: Our Gift!

Phoenix Fellington: Extraordinary Spokes-model!

The double-header .gifs offered here demonstrate not only Phoenix/Tre’s abilities in rhythm but also his grace and bold comfort with his nakedness. For him, his body is his personal poetry – freely shared for all to admire and to appreciate!

Aaron, my spouse, and I are both impressed by these double .gif images of our remarkable and talented spokes-model. His natural skills prove his knowledge in making both a camera and a photographer work for his full advantage. Amazing talent, Phoenix!

The majority of frequent and regular visitors here – and long-time followers – are aware of this site’s relationship “unofficially” (unpaid) with our infamous and notorious advocate of nakedness, himself an openly gay man and SGL adult film industry super-star, Phoenix Fellington! For all those who are relatively new to this site, below is an offering of Phoenix’s basic statistics.

Birthname: TreLaron Fenderson

Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, USA

Birthdate: 18 October, 1994

Height: 5’8″ (173 cm)

Weight: 165 lbs. (75 kg)

Tattoos: yes

Body type: athletic

Body hair: natural (armpit, pubic)

Penis: circumcised (cut) 9.5″ (24 cm)

Sexuality: gay

Sexual position: versatile beta

“I love being nude outside!” ~ Phoenix Fellington ~

Our celebrity spokes-model proclaims his preference for being openly body and clothes free where he has the luxury of being himself: nakedness and gay with no one in the way! A true bare practitioner! His quotation above offers a brief yet direct summary of his personal choice for nature while completely natural: a winning combination! In this regard, he does not fall short of his goal. In his bottoms-up! pose, he displays himself as a genuine “treat” on a picnic table in a public park! Enjoy being the man that you truly are, Phoenix!

An expansive and open public park isn’t the only outside location where he enjoys making his nakedness available. A beach scene: sand, sun and surf provide an excellent space for his naturist/nudist “fashion-less” modeling! Our body is a major part of ourselves and is with us everywhere! Why wear clothes and pretend that we don’t care?

Our ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! spokes-model also shares his professional advice and experience with other men seeking a variety of careers within the SGL film industry. In his voluntary role as a professional mentor, he strives to show them the caring, sensitive and upright capacity that they can offer to others like themselves. A firm believer in the “each one, teach one” strategy!

His same gender love (SGL) activism is of equal importance to his advocacy for self-determination of nudity. The private lives of actors within the gay film studios while not performing for a movie scene is their personal business and should not be judged by film industry executives and investors. Their right is to appear, bare or clothed, with whomever they desire. It is not an element of their studio contract. A personal relationship is of individual choice and preference.

The contracts for the SGL films are for each individual film, scene-by-scene, and not for a set length of time. Therefore, the studios and executives have no definitive authority over an actor’s acquaintances, friends or with whom they can or cannot be seen with, nude (especially) or textile.

If Aaron, my spouse. and I wanted to walk along the beach with Phoenix – all three of us in our glorious nakedness – it is strictly our prerogative and is no concern of any studio nor the “busy-body” executives!

No one has “ownership” over anyone in the pornography business. Each person determines their own bare practitioner companions. They are accountable to no one else for their decisions.

The same holds true for our private sexual partners. Our lives are our very own. We can be responsible for ourselves without the interference of others.

In addition to his volunteering as a professional mentor and/or role model for aspiring employees in the bisexual/gay porn industry, Phoenix/Tre also assumed an additional role for himself – as an educator!

“Why do I do gay porn? To teach people how to have sex. Responsibly and safely!” ~ Phoenix Fellington ~ ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! spokes-model ~

A very commendable and ideal intent and purpose! We all salute your good work and caring nature! Empowering, enabling, and ensuring that our bare practitioner community and culture remains competent, consistent and responsible for our place within the GLBTQ+ world!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, December 15, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bare By Air!”

Holiday Ornamentation!

It is that time of the year again – an occasion to decorate and shop, then decorate and shop again, then repeat the entire process over and over again until everything is covered in decorations and ornaments and there is nothing left to buy! Please remember that as bare practitioners, no one has any need for any type of garment!

Actually, some commercial establishments have been decorated for the winter holidays since September! I guess the motivation is to make the purchase now and avoid the massive demand as the holidays approach!

Aaron – we’re spouses – and I are not extravagant decorative artists! Honestly, the only holiday adornment we use in our home is the Nativity icon that I hang in our icon corner in our dining room. In fact, neither of our families have any exceptional winter holiday observance aside from church (his family is Roman Catholic, mine is Greek Orthodox) and our dinner experience.

Therefore, any “holiday spirit” that adorns our lives is shared here, ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! So please don’t expect any winter boxers or briefs to be featured here! We’re strictly bottoms-up!

In maintaining our current bare celebrity role models theme, we’re offering this holiday greetings message from a now defunct SGL adult film studio. The vintage theme is obvious. Any youthful faces recognized? Look carefully and closely!

At last, the serious decorating commences! The tradition of the tree is now published here for 2025! Let the party begin!

Now concluding with an official holiday sentiment accompanied by wrapped gift boxes! Of course, all the celebrities appearing in these festive images are confidently and proudly sporting their complete nakedness! Remember, it is the “season to be jolly!”

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 12, 2025. and the proposed topic is: “Bare Celebrity Role Models #4: Our Gift!”

World AIDS Day, 2025!

Traditional World AIDS Day logo!

1 December, annually: World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day, bare practitioner observance!

When it was originally observed, HIV/AIDS was an almost completely fatal diagnosis with countless deaths following varying periods of immense misery and suffering. Since that time, enormous progress has been made in medicine, and the disease is no longer considered synonymous with death. Although there is still no known cure for the virus, there is now hope that one is possible within the foreseeable future.

The virus that causes the condition known as AIDS was first identified in the middle 1980’s decade. For decades, it was considered an exclusive “gay” disease or else a disease of intravenous drug users. This led to excessive discrimination against those two communities. Massive prevention education efforts globally resulted from the stigmas surrounding the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS is a result of HIV infection. Two basic facts that remain true, still today.

“It’s not who we are, it’s what we do that puts us all at risk of HIV infection!” ~ Red Cross HIV/AIDS Prevention Education curriculum ~

The above quote appeared in the numerous versions of the Red Cross HIV/AIDS prevention education curriculum. This essential fact was vital in combatting the bias against certain persons and communities.

What Is World AIDS Day?

“World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Since 1988, communities have stood together on World AIDS Day to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost.”

“In the UK, more than 105,000 people are living with HIV. Globally, an estimated 38 million people live with the virus. More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses over the past 40 years, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.”

~ World AIDS Day ~

Click on the above link to visit the official website.

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The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) weakens the body’s immune defenses by destroying CD4 (T cell) lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that usually guards the body from bacteria, viruses and other germs. With a severely compromised immune system, the body is unable to protect us against unwanted diseases, infections and illnesses.

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World AIDS Day 2025 Theme:

“Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”

Focus on the need to renew the international commitment to addressing HIV/AIDS challenges globally. These challenges often include numerous aspects of our lives, such as social, political, religious, educational, economic, personal and/or public. The situations may vary but unfortunately the causes frequently remain the same: bias and discrimination. Prejudices are “learned” behaviours that are based primarily on fear and ignorance.

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Designation Clarifications:

To refresh one’s memory of the status determinations applied for HIV/AIDS.

HIV Negative (HIV-): means that one has tested negative for the human immunodeficiency virus HIV. After the initial testing, the counselor administering the test will recommend a repeat test to confirm the results.

HIV Positive (HIV+): means that one has the human immunodeficiency virus HIV. A counselor will discuss the test results and provide information regarding services available.

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The Beginning of World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day (also known as World HIV Day) was initially conceived by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officials for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. They jointly introduced the idea and concept to Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme on AIDS (now known as UNAIDS) in August, 1987. Dr. Mann liked the idea, approved it and the date of 1 December 1988 was selected as the initial observance.

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The Red Ribbon Campaign:

The awareness ribbon strategy was adopted within a few years of the World AIDS Day commemorations. The Red Ribbon Campaign received immediate international recognition. The campaign soon expanded beyond just the World AIDS Day occasion and the red awareness ribbon became synonymous with HIV/AIDS awareness. The red awareness ribbon continues to designate HIV/AIDS awareness as well as knowledge of the disease, the prevention of infection and compassion to persons living with HIV.

The colour of red is noted as representing “life.” This was a deciding factor in choosing the design of the HIV/AIDS awareness ribbon and campaign.

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The Condom:

The use of a latex condom remains, even today, as the most effective tool in preventing the transmission (spreading) of HIV during sexual engagement. With all the advancements in prevention strategies and treatments, a latex condom is an essential element in stopping the spread of HIV during sex.

Allergic to latex? Not a problem. Consult your physician, pharmacist or trusted HIV counselor.

Footnote #1: The colour of the condom pictured above is red. Please understand that the colour of a condom has no determining value in the protection offered.

Summary:

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is today a very manageable and treatable infection that no longer imposes the outcome of suffering and death it originally produced. With the medicines and treatment strategies currently available worldwide, persons infected with HIV (HIV+) are now able to enjoy long and productive lives while undergoing care and/ora treatment programme.

A gentle reminder that at this time, there exists no known cure for HIV. However, testing, knowing one’s HIV status and receiving care and treatment options if HIV+ permit many unlimited hopes for a full life!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 5, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “December Observances!”

Bottoms-Up! November, 2025!

Location?

All of us have those moments when we aren’t really certain of our exact location. Our mislocated man above has found a sign that informs him that he is where he is. Unfortunately, the sign fails to let him know where he really is!

Enclosed!

A very broad and built man is managing to squeeze his bulky and muscular frame inside the narrow space of his shower stall. Here’s hoping he has enough room for the soap to drain off his body!

Posed!

Mounted and balanced on a rock at the summit of a natural park. His bottoms-up! to the entire world below!

Staring!

Our man above is climbing into his bed. However, he wants to be assured that you still have his bottoms-up! in your attention!

Bare alone!

A bare practitioner’s comfort and relaxation! No pressures, no stress, no clothes! A fine day in paradise!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Monday, December 1, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “World AIDS Day, 2025!”

Anticipation: Our Return!

“Anticipation: preparation selfie-time!”

Author’s Notification:

Of course, we all know that there are no public transportation airlines that will permit us to fly clothes free! There may be some private flights that allow clothes freedom, however, the price for that service is not something that my spouse, Aaron, and I are willing to pay. So, we’ll just continue to dream of that possibility! And until that dream becomes real, we have no choice except fly textile!

Actually, our flight back to the USA is scheduled for Thursday, 20 November. I needed a post for Friday, so I published this date instead. I didn’t want to offer more confusion than necessary! Aaron, my spouse, has a training seminar he is offering at his hospital on Sunday and Monday. Afterwards, we depart for a brief visit to his parents in Toronto. They were both very supportive with mother during their stay with our family and we both feel the need to visit them in appreciation!

The weather seriously impacts our travel north into Canada during the winter. Besides, his parents own a home near Tampa, Florida, and they enjoy their winter days there with relief from the frigid cold! Their hesitation in an invitation to come and stay with them while they’re there? They know of our dislike of anything cold and they fear we just may move in with them! LOL!

The publication dates for next week are Tuesday, 25 November for the USA: Thanksgiving! post entry and Sunday, 30 November for the monthly Bottoms-Up! November, 2025! posting. The annual World AIDS Day post entry publishes on World AIDS Day, 1 December.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “USA: Thanksgiving Day!”

Bare Celebrity Role Models, #2!

Why SGL Adult Film Actors Illustrate ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Prologue:

One of the major purposes/reasons that my spouse, Aaron, and I launched this site, ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! was to create, designate and offer a safe space (blog) where same gender loving – SGL – persons who enjoy nakedness (clothes freedom) could experience, feel, identify and sincerely be themselves. One obvious tool of sharing a receptive and welcoming atmosphere is to offer a comfortable environment where our nakedness and our sexuality is the common bond that enables us all to relate to “home.”

The “header” image (above) proves that our life philosophy as bare practitioners (bisexual or gay naturists/nudists) is definitely not a recent phenomenon (occurrence). From the hairstyles of the subjects, the vintage picture posted above is from the late 1950s/early 1960s. We were actually around before the Stonewall Inn riots (SIR) took place in 1969!

The obvious message from the header is that we’re SGL and we’re clothes free! Not only “back-in-the-day” when the picture was photographed. The .gif image below reinforces the fact that we’re still the same today!

Introduction:

In an effort to provide a comfortable, familiar and relaxing space for our fellow bare practitioners, Aaron and I believe that we should illustrate and represent us with what and who we truly are: our bodies and ourselves! In order to accomplish this task, we feature depictions of us – SGL nakedness – without any embarrassment, guilt or shame. As stated in the first posting entry of this series, we don’t feature engaging in our physical intimacy, but we do honour our awareness of our same gender anatomy and our same gender attractions.

Our being honest does not demand us being evasive. Only the truth will set us all free!

Purpose:

One concern/issue that is often posed is why publish photos of professional adult actors here? Are we recruiting future “gay porn stars?” Are we “promoting pornography?” Are we endorsing a career?

No! We are not endorsing, promoting nor recruiting for the SGL adult film industry studios nor are we encouraging sexual behaviour. The photographic illustrations accompanying this post entry here show the aspect of truth. As bisexual or gay, the male penis for many of us is an anatomical reality of interest – curiosity and wonder. We accept that fact and then we move on.

Acknowledging what we know and facing that challenge is a valid component of what and who we are is, in our opinion, better than ignoring it and pretending it goes away!

We developed this site in the hope that we all, as bare practitioners, experience a dream where we just simply celebrate in a place that allowed us, as a community and as a culture, to just be ourselves! A haven of happiness, harmony and hope!

Footnote #1: In at least one (1) of the future post entries developed for this Bare Celebrities series here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! there will be another focus offered on the penis. That will be apparent for all when it is published. The reason for the inclusion of these images and the introduction of the penis anatomical topic at this phase of the series publication may necessitate this notation and reminder of this fact here at this time.

Justifications:

Probably one of the major essentials of being a successful and sought after SGL adult film industry “super-star” (extraordinary performer) is confidence and pride being publicly identified and recognized as a bisexual or gay man and extreme acceptance and comfort in nakedness (without clothing) – especially in being the only person fully nude in a studio full of support staff, all of whom are completely dressed!

In order to perform in an SGL adult film career, embarrassment, guilty, excessive modesty and/or shame is not compatible! Essentially, one is awarded a role that requires simply two simple talents: nudity and sex.

The professional actors who excel in this very specific industry, hired as such my executives who crave (desire) the action depicted and who emotionally and financially depend on the financial rewards afforded by this type of employment.

As performers in this industry, their male anatomy (penis) is one of their job assets and responsibilities. Due to it being an absolute necessity for employment, the professional actor has no obsessive or underlying need to be constantly or excessively flamboyant about their possession of this particular attribute nor are they driven to flaunt it endlessly.

Contemplating today’s post entry!

For this reason, professionals are ideal subjects for “photo-shoots” (photography sessions) – posing – where their erection (excited anatomy) is not the featured or focused object/subject. This allows them the ability to take one proverbial step away from their job essential status and become their natural, “playful” and relaxed self all with their preferred nakedness and in an environment accepting of their SGL attraction.

The result of this situation is the plethora of pictures created by professional photographers (paid by the studios) featuring the casual and playful actors in various situations not requiring their erections at full potential! A totally different promotional picture session than the routine!

The engagement of those who are experienced and familiar with the needs and skills of posing as camera subjects offers all viewers with pictures that provide better content and quality. These enhance reality and understanding. They also provide identity and recognition.

The availability of the photos offered is free online and financed by the film industry studios. This access increases the sales of the particular sales of the items offered and this increases the studio’s income (profits)! It benefits everyone involved! Admittedly, Aaron and I both enjoy the ability to view these images although at times it does test patience!

Another, slightly less prominent justification for the use of seasoned performers is that the majority of those are indeed bare practitioners (SGL nakedness) so they instinctively are aware what captures the immediate attention of those of similar identification. They also know what information persons seek and where these interests proceed. So the professionals, in order to both increase their audience base and to reward their loyalty are more than happy to at least respond to any legitimate request.

Footnote #2: Bare Celebrities #3! is already in draft format and will be published soon!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 10, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Armistice Day/Remembrance Day!”

October’s Bright Blue Weather

A bare practitioner couple, a mountain view!

October’s Bright Blue Weather

A poem 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 threes together,

And count 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.

********** The End **********

A tropical view of October’s Bright Blue Weather!

About the author:

Helen Hunt Jackson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, on 15 October 1830 and died in San Francisco, California, on 12 August 1885. She was a U.S. poet and writer who became an activist for improved treatment of the Indigenous peoples by the USA national government.

Educational poetry:

My identical twin brother, Alex, and I were required to memorize the above poem in our 6th level class (primary) at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind. Our teacher, who was one of our all-time favourites, used poetry to improve our English writing skills as well as our general comprehension of the English language. With our school located in Virginia and this poem reflected landscape and wild natural growths common to Massachusetts.

Unfortunately, there were no American Sign Language (ASL) manual signs for almost all the items, therefore, we had to fingerspell manually virtually the entire poem. Alex loved the poem but resented the fingerspelling aspect. He still remembers his remark that he felt as a child in kindergarten learning the ABC’s because of all the fingerspelling involved. As this was our first poem to memorize, our teacher always inspected every other poetic assignment to make certain fingerspelling didn’t dominate the process again.

An October, riverside!

Enjoy your last week of October’s Bright Blue Weather!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 31, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! October, 2025!”

Bare Celebrity Role Models, #1!

Phoenix Fellington, totally bare! ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! Celebrity spokes-model!

The Use of Pictures of Openly Gay Porn Stars to Illustrate This Blog!

Preliminary:

My initial intent was to incorporate this topic into my recent posting of Bare/Dare Series 2025! here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! Several complaints and/or concerns have been expressed to me over this issue. Upon drafting a post entry this identical topic evolved into the inspiration for the Bare/Dare series. While composing that series, this decision was made to resolve this topic and reverting to the intent of a separate posting.

Prologue:

As the entire month of October in the US is observed as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + (GLBTQ+) History Month this practice of using gay film stars – and recognition – of publicly acknowledging their status (pornography) – encourages and promotes the “disreputable” nature of their profession.

The subject matter itself is part of our GLBTQ+ story. Thus, it is automatically historical. Hence, it is both an appropriate and worthy topic to be featured during this commemoration of GLBTQ+ History Month, 2025!

The fact remains that it is indeed both a controversial and sensitive topic within our community and our culture. That reality alone justifies it being addressed and considered during this occasion!

It directly involves and reflects upon this site. That relationship merits a place in our history here!

Background:

One of the widely accepted purposes of the publishing of ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! is to end the bias and prejudice against same gender loving (SGL) nakedness. In order to dispute the myth of excessive nude sexual exploitation, this blog avoids all images of any sexual intimacy. We are not a sexual publication. There is an abundance of material available to satisfy that demand.

Our goal here is to address, exemplify, and promote the bare practitioner lifestyle of communal and social nakedness among the GLBTQ+ community and culture, regardless of any individual’s personal prejudices against the transgender and queer+ persons! (To the trumpster-dumpster: that insertion is directed towards you!).

Gay actor Francois Sagat, stretching!

Reality:

Professional actors, models, athletes, film stars (all types of film) have frequently appeared in front of a camera while clothes free (bare, naked, nude, etc.). They are therefore often labelled: “celebrity.” As a class or group they are identified as celebrities. They are also “notorious” (very well-known and easily identified). This often leads to notoriety (fame).

Thus, a “bare celebrity” = clothes free celebrity = “notorious bare” = notorious clothes free! In simple terms, a professional actor, athlete, model or film star (celebrity) famous (notorious) for being (appearing) bare (naked, nude)! In striving to remain neutral and nonjudgemental, we can insert “GLBTQ+” as an identification as it implies a community of persons and a culture.

Ron Derick Johnson, “Lust” tattoo under his neck and eros (love) tattoo on his abdomen!

My spouse, Aaron, and I both endorse the use of professional bare practitioners to visually illustrate and represent the post entries here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! As active advocates for nakedness, we are often searching frantically for images that enhance our textual intent. As sexual messages are not included in our purpose, we therefore do not publish material of that nature.

The majority of the actors of the SGL adult film industry (pornography) are bare practitioners themselves. They appear without clothing privately and professionally. Many of them are proponents of their right to be themselves free from any sense of guilt or shame. The problems they encounter from the studios that employ them stem from their assertion of being true to their nature and the conflicts with the management decisions that ignore that prerogative.

This series of post entries here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers will deal with our site’s practice of featuring actual adult performers within the same gender loving (bisexual and gay) community.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 24, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “The Hauntings!”.

Spirit Day, 2025!

The colour purple represents “Spirit!

The purple stripe on the rainbow flag symbolizes the ideal: “Spirit!”

Spirit Day: an annual GLBTQ+ awareness day of recent development. It is currently observed on the third Thursday of the month of October as a part of our community and culture’s GLBTQ+ History Month. The occasion began in 2010 when a Canadian teenager, Brittany McMillan, in response to a significant number of bullying-related suicides of SGL students – the most infamous (at the time) being that of Tyler Clementi.

Footnote: Tyler Clementi was an American student at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge into the Hudson River at the age of 18. On September 19, 2010, Tyler’s dormitory roommate, Dharun Ravi, posted on Twitter a clip showing Tyler kissing another man. The Twitter posting was made and done without Tyler’s or his partner’s permission. The following night, Tyler committed suicide.

Tyler’s incident was publicised and the fact that his roommate intimidated him was newsworthy. Brittany McMillan became involved and promoted her “Purple Spirit Day” campaign through her facebook account. Reaction was both swift and widespread throughout North America. The Gay-Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) learned of Brittany’s crusade and joined with her as a sponsor of the event.

Stop Gay Bullying awareness ribbon!

GLAAD’s involvement brought national attention to the suicide prevention concerns and the need for anti-gay bullying initiatives. The level of attention the initiative attracted led to organised anti-bullying and especially anti-gay bullying activities and campaigns not only in North America but all over the globe. GLAAD’s participation ensured the problem would be addressed. Numerous universities adopted strong policies to combat and prevent any recurrence of Tyler Clementi’s action.

Promoted by GLAAD, participants wear the colour purple as a visible sign of awareness and support for GLBTQ+ young people specifically and against bullying in general. National Bullying Prevention Month in the USA is also during the month of October and additional attention and endorsements have prompted many persons to actively encourage others to become involved.

A secondary school teenager, Brittany has truly made a remarkable impact on the lives of many. The very first Spirit Day was held on Wednesday, 20 October 2010. The following year it was on Thursday, 20 October 2011 then followed by Friday, 19 October 2012. In2013, GLAAD made the decision to observe it on the third Thursday of the month.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, October 17, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Celebrity Role Models. #1!”