Reflection: Bare Practitioner!

Felipe Ferreira: gay actor, model and emerging “bare practitioner!”

Introduction:

I recently gave a presentation on “Being a Bare Practitioner” at the Deaf Gay Alliance (DGA) Holiday Dinner in Washington, DC, USA. The DGA sought clarification of bare practitioner as the purpose of the address. This delivery to the DGA was facilitated in American Sign Language (ASL) through a certified ASL interpreter. The above photograph and the others below were projected electronically on a large screen for the audience.

For this occasion, I both began and concluded my address with the following:

“As committed, dedicated, honest, open and sincere bare practitioners (bisexual or gay naturists/nudists), all we desire is for the world to see us as we perceive ourselves: all naked, all natural. Nothing to hide and without reason for shame. As bare practitioners, we boldly, confidently, inclusively and proudly embrace our same gender loving sexuality and our body and clothes freedom preference together. This embracement personifies our soul and allows us the fortune of being soulmates within all of our brotherhood. We are proud of our nudity and our same gender love. They are not cause for embarrassment, fear or guilt. That is simply what and who we are in our life.

We also wholeheartedly encourage and endorse the human rights of everyone to patience, respect, tolerance and understanding.”

~ Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos ~

Deaf Gay Alliance speech

4 December, 2022

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Photo-Essay: The Bare Practitioner:

Felipe Ferreira, selfie profile

Brazilian-born and openly gay model and emerging actor, Felipe Ferreira, provides the selfie posed photographs used in today’s posting for ReNude Pride. Neither my spouse, Aaron, nor I are personally acquainted with Mr. Ferreira. Author’s note: those of you who know me are aware of my attraction to and obsession with men’s hirsute axilla (hairy armpits). That’s why this post is introduced with the reflection of Felipe’s underarm fur!

Until the publication of this collection of Felipe Ferreira’s self-images, he cautiously and frequently concealed his genitalia (penis and testicles), pubic hair and his armpit hair – as in the picture above. He often used his hands in order to restrict full public exposure. Prior to these, pictures of his full nudity showed only his buttocks, rarely his frontal nakedness, unless it was in a shower photo.

Felipe and his camera!

Mistakenly, both Aaron and I assumed this was due to a “size matters” issue. The actual size of his penis or because of his sparse amount of pubic hair. Now, we all know otherwise; he just needed to relax and increase his level of self-acceptance! Not all of us reach the same level of confidence and self-identification at precisely the identical moment in time.

In the above photograph, we can see that his penis isn’t miniscule and his supply of pubic hair appears sufficient!

Nipple play and more!

He did not pose with poise and pride exclusively for ReNude Pride to feature him in this post entry! Felipe was selected to appear here based on the reflective (mirror) nature of his selfies. My spouse, Aaron, and I both admire his physical attractiveness and his pride tattoo in being publicly same gender loving (gay). A remarkable adornment and quality! This tattoo first caught Aaron’s attention when Felipe began his modeling career back in 2017.

Felipe in an older photo to fully display his “pride” tattoo!

Felipe also depicts and reflects the discovery and recognition of himself as an emerging bare practitioner with this recent series of self-photography. Up until the release of this portfolio, he had been very discreet and modest in posing and engaging in “captures” of both his penis and pubic hair.

The inclusion of his genital area and pubic hair give us the broadening and extension of his “comfort zone” with his body and clothes freedom. Here, his discretion begins to fade away and he appears mature and self-assured!

After his shower!

This particular collection of selfies positively and publicly confirm and represent Felipe’s acceptance and acknowledgement of his bare practitioner pride in our community and in our culture. His blatant and bold chest tattoo highlights and voices for his soul.

In offering a summary of his personal characteristics, Felipe Ferreira gave this quote below:

“Gay and naked is who and what I am as a man. It isn’t a problem or a reason for shame. It is just me!” ~ Felipe Ferreira ~ model and actor

Felipe’s masculine bulge!

Probably the reasoning for the inclusion of the picture immediately above in this visual image file is obvious to all viewing here: it discretely places the focus on the manly bulge that is displayed inside his athletic shorts. It is best that no further comment is expected nor necessary here!

Felipe: a serious view!

His progress in both acceptance and disclosure of his full body has bestowed many beneficial attributes to Felipe personally and professionally. This gallery of self-photography excels in exposing his physical (body) appeal but also his skill, talent and his ability to persevere!

Felipe has been criticized and demonized by executives in the fashion industry for a) openly admitting that he is same gender loving (gay); b) publicly and willingly posing nude and c) being filmed performing in soft gay pornography. Fortunately for him (and us), his following in our community and culture has now exceeded his critics!

Welcome aboard as a fellow bare practitioner, Felipe Ferreira! Naked hugs to you and everyone else visiting here! Stay bold and proud!

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, January 27, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “A Guy Without Boxers!”

6th Anniversary Treat!

ReNude Pride’s 6th Anniversary Cake!

Help yourself to a slice of anniversary cake!

In celebrating ReNude Pride’s 6th anniversary following closely behind the beginning of a new nude year with endless possibilities, maybe it is time to consider a new perspective and explore a different situation! But first things first, namely, it is time to honour the title here, renude (renewed). Strip off the garment baggage and remember the ancient wisdom adage:

“The mind is a terrible thing to waste!”

A friendly stroll!

From some of the websites that I follow and read regularly, click the links below for a refreshing reward!

Nubian-Ikigai avatar!

A bare practitioner and best friend shares on his new blog here on wordpress. I have finally gotten the corrected link to his site! Click below and begin to explore Rohan’s world!

Crossing the Styx!

The link below belongs to my friend, Makagutu, the author of the blog Random Thoughts and whom I refer to as my Kenyan brother. He is a cyclist and resides in Kenya but that is not him pictured above. Click the link below and investigate his thoughts and inspirations.

Random Thoughts

Remember your slice of cake!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 13, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Friday Footnote: DVDs!”

Photo-Essay: I’m Gay! Okay?

Naked truth!

It’s the beginning of the new, nude year, 2023! No better time than the present to take a look and remember the reasons for this site. I started publishing ReNude Pride in January, 2017 – this is now my blog’s sixth anniversary! In honour of this occasion, I believe that this subtle reminder is long overdue so this post entry serves as an official notice not only of my personal, blatant and proud sexuality but also of my honest cultural identity: I am a confident nudist!

Strip and join in!

In a brief summary, please allow me to offer this alternate title for today’s posting:

Queer Eye For The Bare Guy!

Give yourself a moment or two and explore our same gender loving (bisexual or gay) naturist/nudist perspective on what – in our opinion – is acceptable, decent and normal!

At the risk of being judged or labelled provocative, repulsive and/or suggestive, understand that the photograph series for this entitled photo-essay may be interpreted by some as offensive. That is not my intention!

Please consider yourself as so notified. Please continue reading with both caution and with an open mind!

Happy Sixth Anniversary ReNude Pride!

Together!

Relax! The above photograph represents two bare practitioners – either bisexual or gay men (same gender loving) – who are likewise proud naturist/nudist. They’re comfortable together, their hands are touching their partner’s body and they’re facing one another, implying their physical intimacy. A truly bold and dynamic duo confidently sharing and showing their bare practitioner community and cultural identity!

Our partner with the lighter complexion (right) is visually attentive to their mutual physical connection – implied penile contact. We have no insight as to whether either man’s penis is erect (excited) or flaccid (relaxed). The absence of any apparent sexual stimulation reduces this image from the realm of pornography into the environment of erotic and/or placid. Innocence enters upon the scene in the eyes of same gender loving men. Guilt may be opinion of opposite gender loving men.

A difference in perception from viewers of the same gender but from different sexual agendas and attractions. The diversity of men!

Comfortable!

The photograph immediately above this paragraph better represents not only the variances of comfort experienced by men of divergent intimate attractions but also by men of various ethnic and/or racial heritages. Some will feel negative reactions because of the racial backgrounds of the two men and others will respond in animosity because the visual shows two men both accepting and comfortable with one another and their nakedness – totally without any apparent guilt or shame.

Personal notation: My spouse, Aaron, selected this particular picture as his favourite due to the “reception of divine inspiration” as indicated by the uplifted and sanctified expression on the face. Aaron’s reaction alone would incur the condemnation and wrath of religious extremists from innumerable faiths.

Acceptance!

Admittedly, importantly – and fortunately – there are many among all of our communities and cultures who are bold and brave enough to act and to think for themselves. Their uniqueness is among the qualities that make life bearable (bareable) for those of us who live around them or are influenced by them. Ideally, this insight and worldview is not restricted to just one particular culture or community.

Our lighter complexioned partner above (right) is unable to refocus his attention from the obvious: why is his penis being supported by my shoulder?

Too many times in today’s world modern couples avoid any open dialogue with other couples regarding sexual positioning and roles. For what reason?

Aaron and I were married on August 15, 2015, after living together for almost five full years. We have both noticed that in our close friendships within our circle of same gender loving male couples, that there are numerous similarities in feelings and reactions. Many times an honest and open interaction with others has enabled us all to discuss and explore options, alternatives, remedies and possible solutions. Many times this has permitted resolution of the issue before it escalates.

Subtle message: support does not always imply or require submission or surrender.

Normal routine and comfort!

Now is the time for some personal perspective on the poses used in this photo-essay. Aaron, my spouse and I, using a camera tripod and one of his 35mm cameras, attempted to recreate each of the positions the models posed in these shots. Our results were extremely less-than-satisfactory!

The first pose was relatively easy as both are standing and leaning using the other for balance. The groin area and hands offered the physical contact. We’ve had much experience there!

The successive poses with the flaccid (soft) penis of the darker model resting upon the shoulder of the lighter-skinned model is where we encountered numerous challenges! The first issue was penis size.

Neither Aaron nor myself have a penis comparable to the one portrayed. We don’t have the bulk (thickness) nor the length. Our own perform fine when we’re intimate – no complaints from either of us – but as for the subject of the image: no competition!

The second major discrepancy is comfort. In attempting to replicate the positions, one has to stand and the other kneels. Having to pose, reset the camera lens and focus the camera timer and then recreate the pose? Too much time involved and we were unable to accomplish our goal. If we could have eliminated the camera adjustments or hired a professional photographer – perhaps! Otherwise? We love and respect one another too much to have to repeat this performance – again!

Posing in bed together!

As bare practitioners (in our situation – Aaron and I – a gay naturist/nudist couple), our nakedness is not only a fact of life, it is also our way of life. Body and clothes freedom is the foundation of our “comfort zone.” It is a characteristic and not a dynamic of our sexuality. Our nudity is not always foreplay to engaging in sexual intimacy. It reflects our comfort, dependence, happiness and trust in being us – together!

Trust me, we found comfort, relaxation and satisfaction in a better position after Aaron put his camera away!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 10, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “6th Anniversary Treat!”

Reciprocity!

Mutual fondling!

What is good for one is good for each other!

Reciprocity is the practice of exchanging actions, gestures or things with others for mutual benefit. In reference to the .gif image above, fondling one another’s buttocks is very comforting and relaxing for our duo. I’m sure we can all imagine the exchanges that will benefit them both later!

In a relationship, the benefits derived through reciprocity can be both pleasurable and sensual and they can be rewarding (financially and status) or both. It all depends on the desires and expectations of the individuals involved. Apparently, our two men featured here have no misgivings or qualms over their situation.

Abduction or torture or both?

The guy being flipped onto the shoulder of the man above is an entirely different matter. From the visual, we have no way of knowing what happened or what the result will be. It could be painful and traumatic. They could be willing co-conspirators, one could be willing and the other a victim or they could both be coerced and unwilling. More information is necessary.

In all relationships, communication, respect and understanding is essential for the satisfaction and success of the individuals involved as well as the relationship itself. This is the beginning of a new year and an ideal time for us to think about our lives and improvements that need to happen and/or changes that must occur in order for us all to move forward and find happiness!

Cooperation is key!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, January 9, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “I’m Gay! Okay?”

Resolution Solution!

Winter is depressing, play even more!

Background:

Both my spouse, Aaron, and I now fanatically disregard and/or ignore the inconvenient habit of “new year’s resolutions!” We live in the Northern Hemisphere; it is barren and cold here. Neither one of us is motivated enough to initiate any life altering changes during this period of frigid outdoor temperatures. Additionally, the hours of natural daylight is reduced due to the position of the sun. Who needs another impediment?

Please refer to the links listed below:

New Year’s Resolutions

Spring Resolutions, 2022!

Play and have fun together!

Solution:

Instead of trying and then trying, again, to introduce a change in our daily routine, Aaron and I opt to focus on the positive and play (have fun or “make mischief”) while we’re confined indoors due to the inclement weather conditions outside. Our goal is to survive the hibernation as best as we possibly can and introduce the practice of “Spring Resolutions” – change as the climate and daylight improves!

This alternate plan not only reduces the risk of failure and frustration of these resolutions. The mental process of adaptation is better in Spring than it is during the Winter which greatly adds to the chances of success.

Also, the return of colour, as in the flowers and the foliage, to the natural environment enhances productivity and an encouraging outcome. This helps us to stay positive and resourceful. The longer spans of daylight boosts our flexibility!

Reduce the number of goals! A lower amount increases both achievement and concentration! One step forward makes the result realistic!

Interested? Would you like to try it? I’ll publish a gentle reminder this upcoming March!

Play naked!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 16, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Good-bye Boxers!”

Friday Footnote: Bullying!

Friday footnote!

This Friday Footnote is related to the recent posting for stopping gay bullying.

Reference post entry link:

Spirit Day, 2022!

The minority is clothed in a swimsuit!

Bullying and/or intimidation?

The guy above wearing a swimsuit is the only textile man at this pool party. All of his buddies are eager to skinny dip (swim naked). Was this situation planned in advance? Did someone forget to inform our “minority” that this was a skinny-dipping event?

If that were the case, then all the suited guy needs to do is simply remove his swimsuit and join in the fun! Unless, of course, he is extremely modest or totally discomforted by his nakedness – or the nudity of others.

Was this entire gathering designed to intimidate?

Comfort or discomfort?

As bare practitioners, we all need to make certain that we are not engaged in bullying and/or intimidating others. Many of us have experienced this ourselves because of our same gender loving ability or our preference for nudity when possible.

We understand the feeling it can create.

Two wrongs do not make anything right, fair or proper.

Be honest. Be equal. Do the correct thing! No bullying allowed!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, November 21, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Embrace!”

My Leaves Legacy!

Posing for photography class!

AKA: “Hey, I’m Gay And Bare For Pay!”

Background:

Now that I’ve captured your undivided attention and curiosity with my AKA (also known as) alternate title for today’s posting, Modelling Legacy. Growing up, I’d never even considered modelling while bare as a job option. Our parents always emphasized education, specifically university, which, for a Deaf gay adolescent eliminated posing clothes free as a lifetime career. The sole focus was knowledge, then employment.

While studying to earn my baccalaureate degree, I learned the both the fine art program and the photography art program at my university employed post-graduate students to pose as naked models for respective under-graduate (baccalaureate) classes. An ideal job for me to begin after being awarded my inaugural degree! Perfect for my bare practitioner (gay nudist) self! I could now be paid to be clothes free all day long on campus!

The summer after my university graduation seemed to me as endless. I was anxious and eager to begin my “career” as a nude model. I wasn’t an art student at university and had almost no interaction with any of those who had posed clothes free prior to me.

Leafy posing!

As the September of my post-graduate student life arrived, my limited (non-existent) contact with the university’s “model” team was solely with a member of the adjunct art faculty also served as the academic advisor to the school’s Lavender Club (at that time, the bisexual, gay and lesbian student group). As the club’s advisor, he knew that I was same gender loving but only aware of my nudist preference upon receipt of my application for the modelling programme.

He immediately acknowledged my enthusiasm for any and all opportunities to pose naked. He inquired of my knowledge of and/or interest in Washington, D.C.’s gay nudist social group, Lambda Soleil. He later introduced me to the organization and sponsored my membership therein.

Leafy prostration!

The Leaf Incident:

My first working day as a bare model was a “double” engagement. In the late morning, I posed inside one of the art studios for a class of first year art students. It wasn’t a surprise job as all it entailed was sitting on a stool in front of the class – totally naked. The major task was remaining still (lifeless) for ninety minutes.

Later that afternoon, with two other nude models, we posed outdoors in a massive pile of leaves for a photography class. This assignment, as explained by our model coordinator, involved us interacting with one another and, of course, with the leaves. The students were expected to capture on film a series of photos depicting autumn play.

Once the class assembled, I realized that all five of the students were gay. Our model advisor had not shared this to any of us before we agreed to this session. As an openly gay man myself, it was no problem for me. None of the other models seemed bothered by this. While the class was taking pictures, it was revealed by our modelling “boss” that the purpose of this photo-shoot was to show gay men in autumn play!

The two others that were modelling with me on this project were both several years older than me and with previous modelling experience at the university. One – whom I recognized – had been a member of the Lavender Club and identified as a bisexual man. The other one I never knew his sexuality.

Our “boss-man” appeared on site just as we were about to start our modelling exercise. He was introduced to the class by the instructor and as he reviewed the university’s guidelines for working with bare models (no personal or intimate contact allowed) he began stripping off his clothes! He was present to “supervise” our photo-shoot!

Receiving directions for a photo-shoot session!

I immediately began asking myself: did he need to be naked in order to supervise us posing nude? Was he going to be at every photo-shoot clothes free? Given all the attention he had given me during the last couple of weeks, the other models let me know that he obviously had an ulterior motive for stripping off his garments!

Once the photography instructor signaled “commence” we became active with our pile (mountain) of leaves. We took dives into leaves, we rolled in the leaves, we buried ourselves in leaves and gave each other leaf “showers!” There were only a small number of activities that we didn’t attempt to engage in. Cameras captured our images as we caroused ourselves in leaves!

After an hour of “playing” and posing in the leaves, I became light-headed and had trouble breathing. Suddenly, I fainted! Down on the ground! The next thing that I was aware was lying on my back after being revived by a nurse from the university clinic. A few minutes later, a mobile trauma unit arrived to transport me to the GWU (George Washington University) hospital. My face and neck were flushed (red) and heavily swollen, I continued to have shortness of breath and a severe bruise and laceration on the back of my head. I was kept overnight in hospital for monitoring and test results.

I have a severe allergy to leaf mold. It had never affected me previously. However, I never remember being that involved with that amount of moldy leaves before for that amount of time – almost 90 minutes.

Shortly after I returned to campus, a notice was displayed on the message board adjacent to the administration offices of the School of Art, Photography and Media:

“Roger does not play well with leaves!”

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Sunday, November 6, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Clocks Back!”

Purpose?

Heartfelt!

There have been times in our lives when we have looked upon a picture and wondered: What is the meaning of this? Either the subject or the actual photographer (or perhaps both) are communicating but…what is the message?

Is he bidding farewell?

Is he expressing sorrow?

Gratitude?

Remorse?

Humility?

Sometimes, communicating using body language (expressions, body positioning) is very similar to using sign language (the communication language for us Deaf persons). Body language may not have the grammar and syntax that sign language does but both are visual instead of hearing.

Task:

With the popularity of today’s “selfie” photography, think of a message that you would like to convey to others. Consider your options for posing and then capture your pose in a photo. Share your images with friends – fellow bare practitioners if you posed naked – and ask if they understand your meaning or purpose.

Have fun engaging in your body language assignment!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 28, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Felipe: Tattoo Costume!”

Spirit Day, 2022!

Purple is the colour for Spirit Day!

Clarification/Definition:

The significance of this date and designation is based on the design of the original Rainbow Flag for the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer + (GLBTQ+) communities and our shared culture! It is also a feature of our history!

Original GLBTQ+ Rainbow flag and colour representations!

Spirit may be described as a very strong loyalty and/or dedication. Basically it is a vital principle or animating force traditionally believed to be within living beings (humans). It also is considered the aspect of a human being associated with the mind and feelings as distinguished from the physical body – a particular mood or emotional state characterized by animation and vigor.

Rainbow/peace design framed in purple!

Observation and Background:

Spirit Day is an annual GLBTQ+ awareness day of recent development. It is currently held on the third Thursday in October in conjunction with GLBTQ+ History Month and in synchronization with Unity Day for younger children. The occasion began in 2010 by Canadian teenager Brittany McMillan in response to a significant number of bullying-related suicides of same gender loving students – the most notorious being Tyler Clementi: a student at Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA, who jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge – at the age of 18 – on September 22, 2010. On September 19, of that year, Tyler’s collegiate roommate, Dharun Ravi, had posted on Twitter a clip showing Clementi kissing another man in their dormitory room. Neither Tyler nor his partner had knowledge or given permission for the Twitter posting. Ravi and another student were both convicted in court.

Purple Spirit Day Awareness Ribbon!

Promoted by the Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) from the inaugural Spirit Day, participants wear the colour purple as a visible sign of awareness and support for the campaign. This program is now pursued by many as a move against all bullying in general during what is now determined to be National Bullying Prevention Month (October).

The very first Spirit Day was held on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. It was followed by a Thursday observance on Thursday, October 20, 2011, and then on Friday, October 19, 2012. In 2013, GLAAD made the decision to move the occasion from the actual date to the third Thursday of the month. Since then, it has adhered to the Thursday designation.

Purple “outsider!”

The above graphic demonstrates the popularity of the Spirit Day awareness among those of the population (especially teenagers) who strive for conformity. Hopefully, the ideals of freedom from bullying will progress forward from now and into the future.

Wrapped in purple for Spirit Day!

Personal experience:

I remember my very first Spirit Day. Aaron, my spouse, and I had just moved in together – marriage equality in 2010 was just a hope at that time – and when we learned of the event, we together made almost 500 purple awareness ribbons in honour of the occasion. The plan was to evenly divide the ribbons for distribution at his worksite (hospital) and my workplace (university).

We were both uncertain as to the response from our coworkers. Using our home computers, we created an information invitation announcing the free purple ribbon availability for Spirit Day (to combat bullying against GLBTQ+ people – real or suspected). That morning, October, 20, 2010, while we were getting ready to leave for work, before we dressed we both body-painted a purple awareness ribbon on one another’s chests. (This suggestion can be used by bare practitioners everywhere to comply and participate!)

We were both impressed with the reactions at our jobs! Every single ribbon that we had created was taken! This despite the fact that a large number of students at my university and staff at Aaron’s hospital were already wearing the colour purple!

An awesome revolution against sexual orientation bullying!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, October 24, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Purpose?”

Breaking Bare-iers! Part 3!

Interracial posing and touching!

GLBTQ+ Bare History Month: Breaking Bare-iers! Part 3!

Reference:

To view the previous two postings referred to with this being number three, please click onto the titles listed below:

Breaking Bare-iers! Part 1!

Breaking Bare-iers! Part 2!

Explanation:

In everyday vernacular “barrier” is often interpreted as a blockage, an impediment and/or a challenge that must be overcome. In today’s title, bare-ier, is intended to imply that we are breaking (destroying, eliminating, eradicating, removing) the perceived challenge to being bare (clothes free, naked, nude). ReNude Pride is truly one “safe space” for body and clothes freedom!

In the early days of photography, especially here in the USA, the segregation (legal separation) of the population by racial identity was not only widely practiced but in many states (especially in the south) was mandated (required) by law. This was based on the philosophy that prevailed throughout the southern states of “separate but equal.” In reality, the separation was strictly enforced and the equality was nonexistent.

All men, vintage and together!

Photographs from the early days to the latter third of the 20th Century rarely depicted interracial individuals in contact and congeniality with one another. The laws and traditions of the American society were observed and strictly followed. Few photographers and/or models had the courage to ignore the constraints and restrictions imposed by the mainstream population. The capture of these few people all together was extremely rare, and especially if they were completely clothes free and visibly engaged as legitimate equals!

However, after the end of World War II, the executive order of then-President Harry Truman, decreed the end of enforced segregation of the entire U.S.A. military, naval and air forces. Times were changing and a few photographers and their subjects came forward to celebrate this bold progressive measure. A significant number of those brave souls were from our “closeted” (secretive) community of same gender loving men.

Bare and unashamed!

The post-war world delivered everyone into a changing life situation. Allies during the war became enemies. Enemies during the war became comrades and the regimented structure of society began to lose some of the class-consciousness that held different people apart. Gradually, familiarity replaced judgment in personal interactions. The military abandoning the racial segregation – long considered a stalwart among the majority – opened the eyes of some with foresight into a glimmer of new possibilities.

The ideal of “it is our tradition” began to weaken as the notion of “let’s see what else we can do” grew in importance. Custom and habit no longer kept individuals tied to a repressive and restricted environment.

Bare boxing!

As the walls that divided different classes (socio-economic groups) of people began to slowly disperse, the eradication of separation between persons of differing ethnic, cultural and racial backgrounds began to decline also. This change didn’t occur suddenly – it was an eventual shifting of bias, distrust and prejudices as the general society embarked on the slow, incremental process of enlightenment and evolution in a changing world order.

The late 1940’s soon became the 1950’s and economic, political and social change lost the incredibility and novelty it once generated. Colonial states moved towards independence and traditional authority concepts began to recede into obscurity. The long accepted practice of unquestioned following to the “status quo” declined.

Interracial embrace!

While these opinion and outlook shifts happened in the broader society, subtle opportunities appeared in the same gender loving world as well. Still largely illegal and isolated, small groups of “homosexual” (bisexual, gay and lesbian) persons carefully and cautiously emerged into the larger urban areas – still discreet and secretive but no longer totally isolated.

The 1960’s introduced public protests and general boycotts into the social change movement. African-Americans, women, immigrant farm workers and other minorities usually overlooked by the powered-few (white males) started their own campaigns for social acceptance and equality. The momentum for change gained strength and attention. In 1961, the state of Illinois repealed the illegality of the “homosexuals” – the first political jurisdiction in the country to outlaw the banishment and shame normally and universally thrown against the “social deviants.”

The seeds of change and progress were planted. By the end of the decade, on June 28, 1969, the lion started to roar and the march for equality and freedom for all same gender loving peoples launched itself!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 17, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Autumn Arrival!”