Tag: perspective

February: USA Black History Month!

February: USA Black History Month!

Explanation:

The above opening for today’s post entry was originally drafted for February 1, 2022. However, my very recent influenza infection has forced me to try to consolidate some of my drafted entries into a single post for today. After missing two weeks from work, my time this week has been extremely demanding in order to keep my classes on some semblance of balance as well as attempting to update posts here to include topics that were neglected due to my illness.

I apologize for any confusion or inconsistencies this effort presents. Undoubtedly, this posting does not incorporate all the ideas and/or thoughts intended or planned for this particular month. Please not that I have saved all of my drafts for this month and will sincerely try to convey these tidbits in the future.

Bare advocacy remains focused here!

My sickness created a very hectic “return to normalcy” week for me. The first two days I was able to maintain an honest mixture between my professional obligations and attention to blogging details. By Wednesday, the middle of this week, my energy level dropped and any hope of continuity of concentration on both projects very quickly dissipated. I had to adjust my priorities and my instructional duties became first and composition (blogging) – ReNude Pride – tasks became secondary. In fairness, my work provides a paycheck that helps to support both my spouse, Aaron, and myself.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD)

February 7 of each year is noted as NBHAAD throughout the USA. It is a nationally planned and promoted initiative by the African-American community that has expanded from the original targeted racial audience. This occasion began in 1999 as a cultural response to the alarming rise in HIV infections and diagnosis within the USA Black Community. The governing body for this project is the Strategic Leadership Council (SLC) which provides guidance, direction, encouragement and strategic support.

The four original focuses of NBHAAD are as follows:

Get educated about HIV/AIDS

Get involved in community prevention efforts

Get tested to know your status

Get treated to receive healthcare needed to live with HIV/AIDS

NBHAAD headline!

One of the important aspects of NBHAAD that needs to be revealed here is that no matter of the current coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic that is impacting our lives for the second year, HIV/AIDS remains a major source of infection within all communities worldwide. HIV rates may no longer make health headlines around the globe, the infection rates continue to have a negative pulse internationally, especially with all the knowledge and preventive information currently available. Community and cultural awareness continues to require our attention.

Take care and stay bare!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is on Monday, February 14, 2022, and the proposed topic is “Valentine’s Day.”

Fur-troversy!

Daymin Voss, very bare and very hairy!

The subject and title of today’s entry here directly relate to the winter season here in the Northern Hemisphere. The fur references body hair and to that is added the ending of the word controversy – my word-play introduction for today’s theme. In the opening photograph (above), our brother bare practitioner (same gender loving naturist/nudist) and adult film actor, Daymin Voss, appears here again representing the very hirsute endowed. It is quite obvious that a razor hasn’t been held in his hands over a long period of time!

Normally, Daymin – like myself – only shaves his facial and head hair. The remainder of his body hair is all generously natural and profuse and has been that way almost all of his adult life.

A relaxing Daymin Voss!

He acknowledges that he has received criticism and ridicule publicly in the media and from the film studios about his insistence on being as nature intended. “I am proud to be the man that I am,” he retorts to inquiries. His confidence in himself is admirable.

Jason Vario (left), Daymin Voss pose together!

In the above featured image, Daymin Voss (right) poses with his fellow bare practitioner and adult film star, Canadian Jason Vario. They’re both personal and professional friends and very honest and open about their lifestyles. Jason has been in the business longer and actually encourages and guided Daymin into his career. Pictured together, their physical contrast is readily apparent: Jason is taller and Daymin’s hairy profusion as opposed to Jason’s sparse amount of body hair growth. Identical to Daymin, Jason usually only shaves his face and head. Frequently, he is mistakenly perceived as having a totally smooth (hairless) physical appearance. On occasions, he has been critiqued in social media and by film executives for removing his armpit and or pubic growth.

“Bare is a true gauge of equality. Anatomically, all nude men are the same. The significant discrepancy being some have more body hair than others.”

~Roger Poladopoulos~

Jason Vario with face and head stubble!

Publicly, Jason similarly dismisses and/or refutes gossip and rumors that he either shaves or trims his body hair. “It’s not my style” is his standard comment.

The attention and curiosity that both Daymin and Jason generate regarding return us to today’s topic here at ReNude Pride: fur. Specifically, nude or not, is it now an acceptable practice for men within our same gender loving community to have natural body hair?

Frequently and incessantly, debates have raged between the hairies and the smoothies regarding body hair. I could never quite gather the purpose of the dilemma. It isn’t as though we are deciding a mandatory public policy. Convenience are the two determining factors on the body hair issue. Just as dining at home or in a restaurant, body hair or not is a distinctly individual decision. The outlandish conflict between the hairies group and the smoothies group is nothing more than public grandstanding and a complete waste of human effort, nerves and time. Nothing is ever resolved and the subtle feud remains smoldering even today.

Daymin Voss: hirsute!

To fur or not to fur – to be hairy or not – may no longer invoke all the emotional and heated fervor and passions it once delivered.

Sigh of relief over that fact.

However, it does remain simmering just below the surface. Fur-troversy is ever-ready to embroil and inflame us all once again! Whether moderate, profuse or sparse, body hair is a decision each individual makes for themselves. It is an inalienable right based on our own personal preference and health and safety factors. The general public may argue, criticize, debate and lament the matter as much as they feel necessary. However, in the end, each and every one of us is entitled to elect and pattern our own growth development or removal.

My personal philosophy on body fur is “to live and let live!” My preference is in favor of body hair but I do respect each person’s freedom to make their own determination, as does Aaron!

Post-Script:

Aaron, my spouse, insists that I share this true anecdote with all of you!

Aaron once had a colleague who is also a bare practitioner and a very adamant and opinionated smoothie. He practically daily removed all his body hair for what he insinuated were hygiene purposes.

At one bare body function he arrived with a very noticeable and pronounced crop of body hair on his usually smooth physical form. He was in the process of complaining and ranting about being too busy to even think about being overwhelmed. Aaron then reached over, turned him around and inspected his buttocks. He then politely asked: “Does that mean that you haven’t bathed in a long while?”

Only my spouse can dramatically imitate smoothies reaction to his question!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 28, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “S’Naked Virgin!”

Dr. King Day, 2022!

The Reverend Dr. King

This day, officially observed on the third Monday of January, annually, is the only national holiday honoring an American not of European birth or descent. Today commemorates the birthday of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an African-American advocate of civil rights, justice and peace for all people throughout the world. He was born on January 15, 1929, to Rev. Michael J. King, Sr., and Alberta Williams King. At birth he was named after his father who legally changed both of their given names in tribute to the German religious reformer, Martin Luther, in 1934.

The Dr. King Memorial is the only one on the National Memorial Mall, Washington, D.C., dedicated to an African-American.

During his lifetime and beyond, the Reverend Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., was often considered a controversial figure of questionable integrity and intent, especially by the then-closeted (secret) homosexual FBI director, J. Edgar Hoover, a proven racist. His supporters championed his devotion to his faith, equality, freedom, justice, non-violence and peace for all humanity. His detractors viewed him as a communist, subversive and totally un-American.

Dr. King’s quote on commitment!

The Reverend Dr. King headed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) an organization he founded and is best remembered for his nonviolent protests and activism against institutionalized racial discrimination and segregation in the USA. His actions led to the landmark U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 and to the U.S. Voting Rights Act of 1965 that theoretically outlawed the often legally sanctioned sanctioned practices that forced African-Americans to endure second-class citizenship.

In 1964, Dr. King was awarded by King Gustaf VI Adolph of Sweden the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1977, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Jimmy Carter.

President Obama dedicating the Dr. King Memorial!

Historical Irony:

It is both historically ironic and significant that the Reverend Dr. Martin L. King, Jr, the first African-American to be honored on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., had his memorial dedicated by the very first African-American President, Barack Hussein Obama, on August 22, 2011. A singular honor for both men!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, January 21, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Archbishop Desmond Tutu Tribute!”

New Year’s Resolutions!

“I hereby resolve …!”

Resolved: I will be a better person during this entire new year!

Truth, dare or a promise to ourselves that we may or may not strive to keep? Many of us begin each year with a list (endless for some) of goals and objectives to be accomplished in the upcoming 364 days. The more fortunate among us will find ourselves still focused on adherence and success at the end of January. An even smaller number will remain dedicated to this task on December 31, of the current year.

As a man who considers himself an optimist, why such a depressing prediction? Reality. Although created with complete “noble intentions,” a vast majority of us subconsciously know that we are doomed for failure no matter what we resolve to finish. Almost synonymous with new year’s resolution is one word: disaster.

“I promise to stay focused on my task!”

I began the previous paragraph identifying myself as an optimist. Yet in that same paragraph, why such a pessimistic conclusion? Reality.

Far too often, our world – bare practitioner or otherwise – associates the proverbial new year’s resolution as nothing more than a self-imposed joke. No hope of attainment thus no damage done. The placid acceptance of defeat with minimal energy expended.

Nothing ventured. Nothing gained. Right?

Perhaps rather than try to alter the behavior and change the habit, we may have a better chance of redirecting the concentration towards a much more positive direction. In other words, a new time-line featuring a realistic goal and an environment in which success is encouraged.

Making success happen!




As an undergraduate university student, I detested the barren bleakness of the winter season and instead concentrated on the return of the springtime; the same holds true even today. I rationalized that if I was to make a resolution regarding behavior change or self-improvement the spring season was much more conducive to success than the dreariness of winter. Spring is a time of rebirth, renewal and resurgence as opposed to the bland darkness of winter.

Bare practitioners or not, there are more of us active and energetic in the spring than there are during the winter. Personally, it was logical to undertake a project aiming for development and fulfillment during a season of hope (spring) as opposed to a season of destitution (winter).

“Bare practitioners find comfort, identity and recognition through nudity. Clothes are the epitome of a costume: a foreign object that creates confusion and deception.” ~Roger Poladopoulos~

Commitment and dedication!

Of course, if we are to achieve, succeed and, perhaps, surpass our projected goal requires both commitment and dedication. Those determining factors are independent of any and all seasonal situations. However, at least for me, longer daylight and warmer temperatures enhance progress and enable determination to complete the task at hand.

One step closer to overcoming the challenge. Another step closer to our reward!

My personal Spring Resolutions go into effect the First Day of Spring, annually. Everyone is welcome to join with Aaron and I in this quest!

The purpose of this post entry is to offer an alternative to the traditional new year’s resolution. Implementation is based on the convenience, perception and viability of the resolver. Any choice of time-line is always an option.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 14, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “A Guy Without Boxers, 2022!”

Welcome 2022!

Greetings for 2022!

“You will make all kinds of mistakes; but as long as you are generous and true, and also fierce, you cannot hurt the world or even seriously distress her.”

~Sir Winston Churchill~

Word play!

2022: A PLAY ON WORDS

A photo-essay to celebrate and welcome 2022!

A kiss on his buttocks!

A happy new year wish for us all: a happy nude rear!

Climbing higher!

Hopes for a successful achievement of all your dreams and goals!

The nude multitude!

A wish for happiness: a multitude of nude dudes!

Flexing their muscles!

The strength to overcome all challenges and obstacles!

Photo fun!

The ability to have fun in life!

Laughter!

A reminder that laughter is often the best medicine available!

Read his lips!

Appreciation: a lip-reading “gratitude” for all your friendship and support!

Naked hugs for all of 2022!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, January 3, 2022, and the proposed topic: “BRAT!”

Sharing: A Bare View!

Sharing: a gift of our body!

During this “holiday” time of the year, a vast majority of us are constantly inundated with reminders: gift giving, sharing, duties, obligations, responsibilities. In a word: appreciation. In gratitude for the advantages and the benefits that we have, we are encouraged and urged to “share” with those less fortunate the joy of being ourselves.

It is, after all, the decent and honourable “thing to do.” An appropriate and thoughtful seasonable gesture of goodwill. An act of kindness.

Brief pause.

Deep breath.

Moment of thought.

Sharing a kiss!

It is quite obvious that the subtle message intended for delivery wasn’t completely considered and evaluated by the originator. The concept, goal or ideal that inspired the creator was exceptional: outreach to all the people. Mission accomplished! The taskmaster, however, failed to include and recognize one segment of the general public.

The clothes free community. In particular, the bare practitioner (male, same gender loving, naturist/nudist) population of that specific community. Those of us who frequently become marginalized and therefore categorically ignored. We are seen as unworthy of any type of acknowledgement.

Frequently, we are subjected to blatant discrimination – even when we attempt to share with those who are not quite so fortunate in life. Those who extol the idea of sharing and spreading “good cheer” are increasingly determined to restrict those who give to those they determine “unworthy” of giving to others.

See no nakedness!

The reasoning behind the hypocrisy of rejecting “unworthy” contributions? It is because of who they are: specifically homosexual nudists. We are judged as demented and perverted are essentially less than human. Countless charities and churches reject or return donations offered by groups of defiled “pagans” and/or “sinners.” This year marks the third year that a Tidewater Virginia-based bare practitioner group has held a benefit gathering (private) for new toys for needy children and the items refused to be accepted by the sponsoring organization because it doesn’t want to appear to endorse a “questionable” cause.

My first cousin, Michael, is a member of this bare practitioner association and for a number of years co-chaired this event. For several years, Aaron and I drove down for the weekend to help with this project to provide toys for children.

A friend of mine in the Chicago, Illinois, metropolitan area supports “Warmer Coats” and his same gender loving club collectively buys new winter coats for children and the elderly. Again, their collective gift was denied but the membership were informed that individual private donations would be most welcome. A local church denying a gay men’s club the chance to “spread some cheer” because they’re queer!

Sometimes, stupidity surpasses kindness and acts of compassion and love!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, December 13, 2021, and the proposed topic is: “Winter Respite!”

Official: Exonerated!

Dancing in celebration #1!

Background:

This posting references to a previous entry published here entitled “Professional Integrity.” Please click onto the link listed below to be connected.

Professional Integrity

A bubbly bouncing pair of buttocks celebrating!

One of the many reasons for my inadvertent disaster with my keys this past Thursday, December 2, was the emergency meeting of my department at my university. Completely unaware of the agenda of the unscheduled conference, upon my arrival, I discovered the primary topic was: me! The justification? The subject of the earlier post entry, “Professional Integrity.”

As examined in my ReNude Pride posting, I was disappointed and upset concerning the obvious “double standard” of guidelines and rules that have become ever more apparent at my jobsite. There seems to be the widespread belief that there exists a specific set of practices for the university administration and another set of practices for the academic faculty. The two appear to be incompatible and totally unrelated.

Dancing in celebration #2!

As I entered my departmental conference room for our meeting, I immediately laid eyes on the presence of one of our university’s vice-chancellors – the one who supposedly presided over the investigation of my “questionable” conduct. The two of us aren’t particularly fond of one another and we have personalities that are quite the opposite. Once I recognized him, dread overcame me and the others in the room.

Upon the arrival of everyone, my department head convened the meeting and introduced the vice-chancellor – after three years in his current position, he still needed to be introduced to all of us as well as reminding us of his official capacity. A very personable and commendable influence!

He rose and then openly passed to me a sealed envelop as he announced to everyone present that despite the gossip and rumors regarding both the investigation and myself, he was publicly exonerating me of any blame or guilt. He then added that his presence for this was specifically ordered by the university chancellor himself.

He never offered to shake my hand or even acknowledge me.

My colleagues did follow the lead of my department chairman and wave their hands in a gesture of support and symbolic congratulations. Our chairman then dismissed the meeting – all of fifteen minutes of official business!

Upon leaving my office to return to the subway, I noticed a memorandum to all faculty and staff at the university. It contained the announcement of the immediate resignation of this very unremarkable vice-chancellor.

No wonder I left my keys and memory device at work!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is Friday, December 10, 2021, and the proposed topic is “Sharing: A Bare View!”

National Day

This upcoming Sunday, March 25, 2018, is the Feast of the Annunciation in the various Eastern Orthodox Churches. According to church tradition, it was on this date that the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary in a dream and revealed to her that she was to become the Theotokos (Mother of God) by giving birth to the Son of God (Jesus). Since the early days of Christianity, this date has been a feast day throughout all the apostolic Orthodox churches, which are organized along national tendencies (Greek, Russian, Bulgarian, Syrian, etc.).

Continue reading National Day

Discipline

By the time that we begin our adolescent years, the overwhelming majority of us understand the importance of having a routine in our lives. This structure allows us to not only plan our day but instills in us a sense of time. For example, I know that once I’m awake in the morning, it usually takes me about 50 minutes to eat my first breakfast, shower and shave my face and head. Then, I’m ready to get dressed (if it happens to be a workday) and then get on my way.

Continue reading Discipline

ReNude Pride, 2018

Just as I’ve written here previously, the title of this site, ReNude Pride, is a play on the word, renewed. Just as the Springtime brings with it a renewal of life with the return of foliage on trees and flowers in nature, so to with the Springtime and being bare. In the Spring, for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, we also welcome with open arms a return to outdoor nudity as well as a return to nature and living clothes-free.

Continue reading ReNude Pride, 2018