It may be the next to the very last day of Summer, 2023, for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, but as we all know, the seasons may officially change but that doesn’t guarantee the weather to follow suit. The heat and humidity remain factors in our daily lives for days – perhaps weeks to come! This advanced in the season, many have endured all they can withstand of the summer temperatures! Their need for relief is immediate!
Serious cooling: ice on the knee!
The lower tolerance level for the weather extremes force many to seek comfort and solace in ways that the majority of us disdain. Some resort to the basic formula of ice and water to relieve themselves of the effects of heat and high humidity. That may quench the thirst but may not solve the temperature dilemma! However, as we all know, not all of us respond well to the same remedy. Sometimes, creativity is necessary to accomplish the desired goal. Different solutions apply differently to some better than others.
Lounging in the home away from the direct temperatures outside provides some with relief but then the challenge becomes what to do while being comfortable. One possible answer is to pose for pictures while relaxing. The results can be both creative and inspiring as well as a resource for the contents of a new photograph album! Air conditioning does have benefits!
For some of us, posing inside with air conditioning may eliminate the heat and humidity factor but may introduce a “too cooling” situation. Our bodies may be too conditioned to the higher outside weather and chill too easily inside. This causes one physical discomfort to replace another which may be just as uncomfortable and unpleasant! Again, what suffices for one person may not be applicable for another!
Of course, there are among us some individuals who just calmly manage to make themselves happy and relaxed no matter what the situation entails. Two cans of a cold soda and wandering from room to room inside may be all they need to survive another day of heat and humidity. Whatever works best for them is their only concern. The popular adage is the solution they recall: Whatever works best works for me!
According to my spouse, Aaron, this predicament reminds us of yet another familiar adage from tradition: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks!
Do we all bark now or later?
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Saturday, September 23, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Autumnal Equinox!”
There are some surprises in life that always make me pause, question and wonder! The major reason for the inability to comprehend this phenomenon is that the scenario/situation – often repeated – never becomes one of acceptance and/or indifference. It truly baffles and befuddles me! It makes me question my own personal sense of awareness and, of course, my own sanity.
No sun shone here!
As we transition the passing of one season into another – especially the summer to the autumn – I am amazed when at one of the first social events of autumn and the (thankfully) lingering weather conditions of the former. We’re all carefree, happy to be reunited, and socializing – resplendent in our communal nakedness – when discrepancies appear. Some of our esteemed cohorts, well-known for their body and clothes freedom enthusiasm, suddenly enter the scene: indecently!
The naked truth!
Have they collectively forgotten all of our efforts on behalf of our bare practitioner community and culture? Are they all suffering from dementia? This disregard for the rest of us is totally unacceptable and inexplicable! Their indecency doesn’t involve them attending this socially nude function wearing clothing. It is much worse!
Thong induced tan-line!
They have a well-defined tan-line! They must have been textile (clothed) for a good part of the summer! I am indeed shocked! Have they no sense of what is right and what is wrong?
Author’s notation: I am also motionless! As a Deaf man, my communication tool is manual (sign language). My hands are unable to respond to this vision!
What happened here? What caused this calamity? How did they they enter into this blatant disregard for the sanctity of our nudity? Their body is physical proof (criminal evidence) that they flagrantly abandoned their rightfully earned positions as advocates and defenders of our inalienable right to be body and clothes free whenever it is possible! How dare they shun their duty of our right to be bare!
Tan-line and proud?
They publicly have turned their backs on our sense of what is an innate human right to be our natural selves! They insult both our community and our culture and then boldly dishonour us by this display of their gross indecency of wearing a disguise of their naked selves! Where the hell is their feeling of pride?
Tan-lined buttocks!
It appears as though they are actually comfortably confident and proud of their tan-lines! The audacity! Have they no sensation of disgrace and shame? What the hell happened?
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 18, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Finale For Summer, 2023!”
Before I begin composing today’s entry, let me remind everyone that the stripper-soon-to-be-skinny-dipper (above) not only has an inviting and enticing grin but he also has his hairy armpit growth intact. As I’ve published here previously, one of my favourite aspects of a man’s anatomy: underarm fur! I honestly am grateful for our man today keeping his intact and natural!
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Before the seasonal transition from summer into autumn arrives, there’s still time for a free frolic into a bare aquatic adventure! While the weather cooperates, rid yourself of those cumbersome threads of body concealment and enjoy the liberation of being all-natural in the freedom of the outdoors! In other words, let’s skinny-dip (swim naked) as often as possible before the seasons and the outdoor temperatures change!
Carefully!
Rid yourself of the garments of shame and be yourself! Your true and real self! Additionally, when stripping for an audience, it offers one the chance to produce for the benefit not only of our community but also our entire bare practitioner culture! So grin with pride and get off the gear and enjoy the freedom of skin and sun! As we all know, these days of leisure and luxury won’t be here with us forever! Time to make every moment count in order to have a sufficient supply of memories to last us until next summer!
Totally stripped?
We need to enjoy these wonderful days while we can. Colder weather and precipitation will be upon us all-too-soon! Let’s take advantage of every opportunity for fun, sun and outdoor social nudity while nature and the weather are both compatible! Stripping down to our “basics” – skin – permits us the total freedom of the aquatics and our body, with nothing else in-between! In order to skinny-dip that’s all that we need! The fun begins once everything is
Time to skinny-dip (swim naked)!
Following the disrobing/stripping, the only thing left to complete the task is entry into the body of water. Our man here is at a private residence, either that of a friend or his own. He evidently is tired of making a splashing entrance and for today he merely “drops” into the pool! Not much effort was exerted and he has sufficient energy to skinny-dip for the remainder of the afternoon! Perfect as at this time there are not that many afternoons remaining in this summer season!
BTW: our buddy disappeared. He should be really enjoying his skinny-dip!
Stripping out of clothes is basically liberating!
Of course, once our man’s buddies get a sight of the fun times he’s having, it soon becomes a fevered “let’s all strip and skinny-dip” event. Soon, the fun frenzy fills the pool! Given the brief time remaining for summer, who can blame them for their enthusiasm?
Skinny-dip fever!
Plan now to skinny-dip as often as possible before it becomes too cold!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, September 15, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Revelation!”
The fig-leaf is the legendary original covering (natural) used to conceal the genitalia when early humankind introduced the deceitful practices of modesty and shame. The idea of hiding a part of ourselves from others. Tradition holds that this natural element – the fig-leaf – was first employed by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. From the Garden of Eden to the serpent to the apple to exile. Thus began the practice of wearing clothes to cover-up our beauty: our nudity. All of the curse of biting into the forbidden apple. Humanity has suffered the consequences of this fateful action even to this day.
The fig is the edible fruit of the ficus carica, a small tree in the flowering plant family. It is native to the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and also western and southern Asia. It is now grown throughout the world in a variety of climates.
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Fig-leaf community!
Wikipedia offers this justification for the use of the fig leaf. “The expression “fig leaf” is widely used figuratively to convey the covering up of an act or an object that is embarrassing or distasteful with something of innocuous appearance.” In other words, it is potentially offensive to some viewers so the intention is to reduce the level of discomfort felt by as many as possible. Hence the gentlemen in the above picture are posing in an image of self-censorship!
Their facial expressions let us all know that this posing was entirely in the spirit of fun and humour. They clearly understand that holding a fig-leaf over their penis in no way conceals the reality of their communal nudity. Plus, how likely is the fact that simply “holding” a fig-leaf in any way protects their genital privacy?
The “fig-leaf” has a pejorative metaphorical sense meaning a “flimsy or minimal cover for anything or behaviour that might be considered shameful, with the implication that the cover is only a token gesture and the truth is obvious to all who choose to see it.”
Fiddlefig leaf
The visual message from the above photograph is quite plain for us all to see. His body language shouts: Stop! The fiddle fig-leaf shows us that single leaf does not afford ample coverage as his pubic hair is visible, even with his left hand holding nature’s foliage! The question being asked here is: Why bother to continue the fantasy? If we all know the fig-leaf is a lame attempt of deception, why even try?
The questions are valid, at least in my humble opinion. The use of the fig-leaf as a posing tool is honest and sincere. Is it worth all the effort involved? It provides a theme or a focus for the image but in all honesty, it offers a message of confusion. If being textile (clothes wearing) is the choice, then a more convincing gesture or token is necessary. There are virtually no instances where a single leaf fails to obscure the fact of one’s being bare.
Fig-leaf reasoning!
Therefore, the best interpretation of the fig-leaf is to extol the act of nakedness or nudity as opposed to modesty. A reality that supports both body and clothes freedom and ridicules the religious and social “norms” or standards of compliance and decency. Actually, natural is a better concept to promote over deception!
The truth is that fig-leaf serves a dual purpose. It does represent an effort of compliance with social practices that encourage modesty. At the same time, it also idealizes the freedom and independence of an individual in exposing her/his body and in nudity. After all, natural is nature’s way of being ourselves – all the way!
We bare practitioners endorse being natural – all year long!
No fig-leaf required!
Freedom from the fig-leaf reaffirms our shared comfort, confidence, pleasure and satisfaction in being true to our collective preference in being proud as what and who we all are: bare practitioners!
Our mutual ideal!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 21, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “August Fun: A Photo Essay!”
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had fond memories of not only the summer season of every year but especially of the month of August. The summers have appealed not only to me personally to me but also to my identical twin brother, Alex. As identical siblings, one reason for this pleasure from the season is the fact that we are both practicing and proponents of our nakedness and of the preference we both have with the camaraderie and fellowship among those who enjoy social nudity (body acceptance and clothes freedom in the company of others).
We’ve both engaged in being nude together and with others for as long as we can recall. According to our older siblings (all brothers), Alex and I have been this way our entire lives – even before we were aware that some judged nudity as “not nice!” One of the realities of our double (twin) special lifestyle is the fact that as our parents were trying to teach us how to put on our clothes, we were both busy and focused on how to remove them!
We both enjoyed being comfortable! Our particular comfort level was best determined by our freedom, our liberation, from the confines of clothing! This enabled the both of us to truly be ourselves and – at least, conceptually, in control of our independence from the restrictions of having to conceal – our bodies!
Literary twins!
Our nakedness was, primarily, respected within our family and household. At home, Alex and I, as the twins, shared a bedroom. When within our shared space, we were allowed to be completely bare. Our parents and our six brothers (no sisters) understood this and there was no condemnation or judgment when they entered our bedroom and found us nude. When at home and outside of our four walls, Alex and I knew the policy was that we had to wear clothes. A family compromise that granted all of us some minimal degree of content and happiness.
This situation at home was fine but for one aspect. The both of us were born Deaf. Once our education level reached beyond the primary grade levels, we attended residential schools offered for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing. This entailed us living on a campus setting without the privacy of a room where our nudity would be permitted. The privacy factor was not an issue for either one of us. The clothing issue was the problem. Another negative aspect was that our school was at least a three-hour commute from our family home. Not very conducive for frequent visitations!
Naked shame!
Neither Alex nor myself experienced any feelings of guilt or shame concerning our nakedness and our preference for nudity. We were comfortable being ourselves no matter if those around us were clothed or not. As our oldest brother had commented numerous times: we had no modesty anywhere around us! More than likely, this was due to the fact that in our household, Alex and I were the only bare practitioners among all the “textiles” (clothes enthusiasts)! Our immediate family had accepted our nudity without comment or judgment.
Our residential school environment changed our living situation. As August was now the final full month of our summer break from school, we began to experience “August anxiety.” The time just prior to the start of a new academic year meant that we would have to adjust to the very likely probability of new classmates within our dormitory existence.
New classmates is the equivalent of new persons who had to accept the reality of our naked preference. It opened the door to the possibility of judgment and rejection, not only from our peers but also from older students. As we were now in the later years of our primary-level education, any undue and unnecessary attention from others was not a welcome experience. Hence, the anxious or discomfort feeling concerning our return to the campus of our school for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing.
Thoughtful but anxious twins!
For Alex and I, this wasn’t a very carefree month. A life experience? Most definitely but not one of the most rewarding!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 14, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Aaron & Roger!”
Captured in a game on the beach, our hostage offers no resistance to his victor! This is a product of the beach, the season and, of course, all the “fun-in-the-sun!” Of course, we don’t really see the conditions of his captivity. It could very well involve more fun than torture – or a balanced combination of both! A legitimate capture doesn’t mandate the infliction of pain!
Captured bare!
Or the opposite extreme of the spectrum, captured textile (wearing clothes). As the person holding the light and aiming, we’re very uncertain as to the message trying to be sent. Clearly proof that on a beautiful summer day, confined and inside is not the best place to be! For many of us, outdoor freedom (like clothes freedom) is preferable!
Captured engrossed!
The siblings above have been captured engrossed in reading. There is nothing wrong with allowing one to be mentally captured – there exists an adage that addresses this very though: a mind is a terrible thing to waste!
For those of us who are bare practitioners, another “terrible” thing to waste is the time involved in putting on clothing. Why bother to try to conceal what we don’t really need to hide? That is a true waste! Proudly go bare with nothing to disguise you!
Capturing on film!
Capturing and retaining the image preserves it for quite awhile and allows it to be shared with others. Some photographers enjoy being “captured” themselves while creating pictures of others. Enjoying his own hobby while letting permitting the public and others to fully appreciate himself! Perhaps that gesture includes “giving back into the community!”
Oceanic infinity!
Captured in a wide open space! It makes no difference if it is landscape or oceanic. The boundary is endless and beyond vision. The limitless opportunity is as far as we can only imagine. An unrestricted field of adventures and dreams that is all ours to explore and determine.
Captivity isn’t always a confining situation. The imagination gives it a limitless and timeless feature that we can take ourselves on a journey to indulge!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, July 28, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “My Naked Life!”
My spouse, Aaron, and I are unable to find a compromise as to precisely when “mid-summer” occurs. Trust me, we aren’t the only two who are clueless as to the date. None of our acquaintances or friends offer any solutions. Somehow, it seems that this the existence of a “mid-summer” date is actually is a myth created to confuse us all or to make chaos for everyone.
But no matter if it is imagined or real, it does serve as an inspiration for this post entry and as a name for this photographic series, “Mid-Summer Dream” – so christened by my spouse. The reasoning for his naming? It’s a bromantic skinny-dipping fantasy! Also, the pictures themselves have a somewhat vague, dream-like quality. Besides, the very concept of something as being so very mid-summer is itself appealing and mysterious!
Artistic posing!
A vague time and date but quite a very soothing and tranquil setting: a body of water with both of the subjects confidently and conveniently bare and relaxed. The aqua serves as a reflective tool for what we observe shared between the interracial couple: intimacy and trust.
Intensity together!
The duo transpire the message of “equal partners.” Neither one offers any suggestion of the notion of dominance or superiority. They seem very comfortable and on equal footing in every posing.
Their nakedness is unashamed!
An integral aspect of their relationship is their acceptance of one another and the absence of any concern in their being clothes free and open for all to see.
Calm and collected as one!
There’s no denying their affection and devotion to one another as they together experience a skinny-dip to refresh themselves from the summer heat. The message conveyed through their body language is one of contented relaxation!
Eye-to-eye contact!
Once they’re free from the stress of wearing clothing, it’s indeed amazing at how free the body responds in really tranquil situations. We can finally focus on simply being together with one another!
Together as one!
Side-by-side and hip-to-hip are ideal ways to pose to convey the message of togetherness. Of unity and complete commitment: a couple!
Hand-in-hand!
Holding onto one another is another example of body language that represents “joined” to the rest of the world. It suggests a union that is unable to be destroyed!
Together!
Their devotion and intimacy not only resounds through their poses together but also in the figures they convey through the positioning of their bodies. It is obvious to everyone viewing these images that something comforting, relaxing, peaceful and passionate exists between these two men. This, essentially, is the ultimate dream of the majority of us. Our foundation – together!
Aaron and I appreciate the subtle messages shared in these images here. Our upcoming anniversary next month is on display through this posting.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 24, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “July Captivity!”
That does not mean that we need to get dressed now!
Our clothes freedom is not limited or restricted to just this one week of the entire year! Our nakedness is welcome throughout all the year! Often, Aaron (my spouse) and I have used the final day of Nude Recreation Week as a day to rejuvenate ourselves from the week-long event! A week of fun can sometimes be very tiring!
Floatation recuperation #1!
Which definitely doesn’t eliminate floatation as a legitimate method of recuperation! It is obviously designed as a viable tool for Nude Recreation Week!
Floatation recuperation #2!
It is both refreshing and relaxing and is a very comfortable method of spending our leisure time – especially while skinny-dipping!
Floatation recuperation #3!
All bare practitioners instantly qualify for this method of hanging out the summer afternoons without the stress of finding something appropriate and creative to wear!
I hope everyone had a terrific Nude Recreation Week! Remember: no clothing required!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, July 21, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Mid-Summer Dream!”
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!
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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!”
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!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 