Phoenix Fellington, our “unofficial” official spokes-model, (left) offering advice to a co-star!
Background:
As a casual introduction to today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride, our featured host is our very own man, Phoenix Fellington, (pictured above, left) worldwide celebrated performer/director in the gay porn industry and the “official” unofficial (not financially compensated) spokes-model (representative) of this site! Not only is he proudly and publicly an advocate for our distinguished bare practitioner lifestyle – he personally demonstrates and vocalizes his confidence and support whenever possible!
A few reminder notes on our successful spokes-model. His birthname is TreLeron Fenderson and he was born on 18 October, 1994, in the city of Detroit, Michigan, USA. He is a former U.S. Marine now very active in the gay pornography industry.
He never tires of proclaiming to the media, “I love being naked outside!”
Directions for his co-starring actors!
Ever since he began his professional career as an honest and openly clothes free and same gender loving man, he’s always been demonstrative and inspirational for us all to “truly be ourselves, to be real!” He had no serious regrets serving in the military under the “DADT” (don’t ask, don’t tell) restrictive guidelines in effect. Like the majority of us, he’s full of gratitude to then-President Obama for his executive order terminating that unfortunate exclusion during his first term of office.
Phoenix Fellington, encouraging the bare and gay experience!
The two .gif images displayed here are Phoenix as he was beginning his professional experience after his military service. He wasted no time in extolling others to take pride in themselves as same gender loving and in their nakedness. If that was their destiny in life, then be the best that you can possibly be doing what makes you happy. It’s all part of life!
A confident inspiration for us all!
Thank you, Phoenix Fellington, both for your encouragement and for all your inspiration! You are an example for us all!
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Creative exercise!
Routine maintenance!
Conclusion!
New Year’s Resolutions versus Spring Resolutions:
Self-improvement is one of the primary motivations for introducing changes into our lives. We all want to “feel better” about ourselves and we want to look better. The desire may very well be present, but our timing is probably not an encouraging factor. The arrival of the winter season, coupled with the bleakness of the weather for the next three months, seriously reduces the likelihood of success.
Our commitment and determination may be strong, but the reality of rolling over in bed for an extra hour of comfort, sleep, and warmth is the reality that often overcomes our resolve. Procrastination trumps positive productivity. Human nature is a trait our species battles on a daily basis. Why add another stress factor as a part of our routine?
A return to reality! The arrival of the Spring season and our renude (renewed) environment (nature) accompanied by our positive attitudes are much better and conducive for the success of any changes. Every step forward brings us closer to our final reward!
Affectionate kissing!
One of the major goals (purposes) for the creation of ReNude Pride (this site) in January 2017 was to provide a space that is receptive and welcoming for same-gender-loving (SGL) people (bisexual or gay) who prefer nakedness (clothes freedom). Our community and culture embrace the descriptive label bare practitioner. It avoids the terms/words that usually invoke bias and judgment. My spouse, Aaron, and I both believed bare practitioner was neutral in the minds of most people who were inclined to marginalize both our community and our culture.
Race Cooper!
“As a Black Canadian gay nudist man in the USA porn industry, I know and have witnessed bias, hatred and prejudice because of race and sexual orientation. It is unfair and unjust. It is wrong. As an actor/performer, I’ve never experienced “in my face” criticism for being and public nudist. But I know of fellow nudists who are judged because of their nakedness. Clothes freedom is a part of who we all are. Just like race a sexuality, we don’t have a choice.
In Canada, race, sexuality and nudity is just a difference. You shave your pubic hair, I let mine grow naturally. We’re both gay men, we’re just different in some ways. “
~ Race Cooper ~ Joseph Ross Anderson ~ The Pink News London, UK June 2020
Interracial couple!
Aaron and I are an interracial married SGL couple. He’s African-Canadian and I’m Greek and we both believe that the above quote from Race Cooper may possibly ease any alienation and/or discomfort sensed by other interracial couples within our bare practitioner community and culture. Hopefully, this inclusion sets a welcoming message for everyone.
For several post entries on this topic from the past, click the links below to access:
In an examination and exploration on the policies and practices of race and racism in the United States gay porn industry, The Pink News, a GLBTQ+ news service in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, interviewed Race Cooper, a Canadian subject of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Race had worked several jobs at a gay porn studio, the last being as an actor which he retired from in 2014. In the interview, Mr. Cooper could not appear naked. He opted for appearing shirtless, as close to being nude as possible!
Theinterview was exceedingly popular. Curiosity concerning USA racism in the gay pornography business generated a sizeable audience! Race’s interview was informative and insightful!
While he was acting in films, Race Cooper posted online at Blogger.com. I honestly am unable to remember the exact title of the blog. I discovered the site shortly after he made his film debut in 2009. His blog became a personal favourite of mine and many other followers. Race had the distinct habit of keeping no secrets from his fans and followers, consistently posting of his experiences with his fellow actors, both flattering and…real!
His descriptions and observations of their intimate abilities and their anatomical attributes made his blog a success for multitudes and a regular “must read” for not only his fans but his peers in the film industry as well!
Race was often reprimanded by studio executive for his blog as being “too revealing!” A typical Race answer: “Yes! I reveal! You pay me to be naked! You expect me to reveal! That’s why I sell movies. People by the porn to watch me reveal!”
Race: animated interview subject!
Race’s writing skills hastened to dispel the stereotype of the gay porn actor as all effeminate, egotistical, “flakey” and self-obsessed. He wasted no time denying his preference for the “bottom” role and he openly and rigorously advocated for equality for Black gay performers in pay, ratings and in roles offered!
Background:
The topic of “race” extends beyond the limited concepts of just Black people and White people. It includes all of us, no matter our skin tone, ethnicity or racial heritage. Race, unfortunately, is also aligned with community, culture, politics, religion and value systems, and beyond!
Regrettably, racism (discrimination and/or hatred) is often a “learned” (taught) behaviour – usually passed down from one generation to the next – without any basis of proof or scientific fact. Unchallenged, it is frequently misunderstood as the “norm” – the routine standard.
ReNude Pride published a post entry here, Race On Race, two years ago on 6 March, 2023. Click the title to link. My spouse, Aaron, and I both offer this expanded version of that posting in the hope of overcoming our need to be reminded of the importance of this reality into our lives. For this reason, ReNude Pride does not restrict the issue or topic of race exclusively to the period of Black History Month.
Race Cooper, casual!
Introduction:
“Race Cooper” is the stage name – performance name – (pseudonym) of Joseph Ross Anderson, a talented and thoughtful star of same gender loving (SGL) – bisexual or gay – pornography and outspoken advocate for bare (naked/nudist) rights, sexuality rights and racial equality. He was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on 5 December, 1973.
Amazing, he didn’t begin his film career (porn) until 2009 – he was 36 years old! An age when many openly gay porn actors are considering retiring from performing live! In the same year that he launched his film performing, he began blogging on blogger.com about his newfound job as appearing in gay porn and his encounters with his fellow performers. He very quickly acquired notoriety as “a-man-who-tells-it-all!”
He also became a very spirited advocate for the expansion of the gay sexual identities to encourage the acceptance of versatility (both alpha and beta) as an option. This was especially relevant as actors were often limited in the roles they were offered professionally because of sexual labelling.
Additional realities of Race Cooper are summarized below:
Race gives a fellow a kiss!
Race Cooper
Birthname: Joseph Ross Anderson
Birthdate: 5 December, 1973
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Height: 6 ‘ (183 cm)
Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg)
Hair: Head: shaved
Body: armpit, pubic, natural
Sexuality: Gay
Sexual position: Versatile (preference: beta)
Clothing status: Bare
Porn acting career: 2009 – 2014
“I’m an African-Canadian. Growing up in Toronto, I got to see how lots of White Americans reacted to Black people. Working in gay pornography in the USA, I personally saw how Black men were treated by White men with no difference between gay or straight.” ~ Race Cooper ~ Pink News Interview
Race Cooper, based on his personal experience in the SGL pornography industry, views racism as “a daily constant in the USA.” He initially began working as a casting director for the exclusively SGL studio – Raging Stallion – before he moved to performing in front of the camera lens. He readily acknowledges that he was paid considerably less than his White peers and regularly and repeatedly had his work ethic and intelligence questioned by executives – all White. He honestly believes that he was only hired initially in order for the studio to appear “less racist.”
Race: film star!
“Homophobia and racism in the USA is the reasoning for discrimination and prejudice. It is part of the legacy of slavery. In Canada, race is just a difference. You shave your pubic hair, I let mine grow naturally. We’re both gay men, we’re just different in some ways.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News
Author’s Notation: Another aspect that both my spouse, Aaron, and I have in common with today’s interview subject, the talented Race Cooper is our appreciation of body hair, abundant (profuse) or sparse. In the above quote, Race references his keeping his pubic hair natural. Gay men have the option to either remove retain their body hair. It is their decision. We just prefer to let it all grow!
Canada had slavery in the 1600s only. It was never a permanent institution like in the USA. As a slave, you were bought, you worked a couple of years, earned your freedom, and then you moved on. Like an indentured servant. Enslavement was never a source of distrust and hatred. You worked, earned freedom, and then became a neighbor – equal – not inferior or subservient.
“As a Black gay man, I know and have witnessed bias, hatred, and prejudice because of nudity, race and sexual orientation. It is unfair and unjust. It is wrong. As a performer in the gay porn industry, I’ve never experienced criticism for being publicly or for being socially naked. But I do know of fellow nudists who are judged because of their nudity. Clothes freedom is part of who we are. Just like race and sexuality, we don’t have a choice.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News Interview
The interview with The Pink News Service was conducted as part of an investigation on racial inequality in the USA gay porn industry in conjunction with the killing of the late George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Although a Canadian subject, his years involved in the gay porn career and living in San Francisco, California, USA, provided Race with both foresight and history.
He also wants the gay porn industry to openly admit that many White men – straight (heterosexual) – have been cast into roles designed for SGL African-American men with no regard as to the impact on gay Black actors.
Race on race!
As a path forward, Race advocates the studios hire “diversity mentors” to help with casting concerns and issues as well as advance the careers of porn actors of colour. He also pursues for the ending of the “gay-for-pay” policy of movie studios and for the immediate cessation of the policy that allows studios to terminate the careers of HIV+ actors.
In the conclusion of his interview with The Pink News, Race offered – in my own humble opinion – his most daring and profound argument against bigotry, discrimination and judgment based not only just upon race but sexuality and nudity as well. This statement was made on his own initiative and observation and not in response to a specific question.
“I’ve made numerous naked appearances at gay studio event socials. The newcomers to our profession are often intimidated by us who’ve been around. Usually, fellow Black actors are gathered, made to strip out of their apparel and to parade through the White guests who are fully or partially clothed only to be ridiculed, teased and tormented and not allowed to get dressed until the social is done.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News Interview
Race Cooper: contemplating!
Joseph Ross Anderson (a.k.a. Race Cooper) has undeniable and unique experiences that qualify his assessments and observations on the existence of racial practices and stereotyping within the gay pornography profession. It is important to note that these judgmental instances are not restricted solely to the gay porn business. They occur frequently and regularly throughout the USA in both personal and professional circumstances.
His perspectives on the effects of racism are determined not only from personal experience but also from shared observations with not only African-Americans but other Black Canadians. These reflect learned behaviours that are repeated, without thought, endlessly with little or no consequence. The sad reality is that these occasions of discrimination and marginalization happen not only against Black people but against others of a differing heritage than White Americans.
Will the effects and energies of Race Cooper have any impact on the tolerance of racism in the growing gay porn industry? One positive result is that the actions are now bringing closer media attention to the matter. That publicity is not going to disappear or evaporate overnight. Studio executives and their investors are “less” than pleased when revenue is affected and negative focus is generated.
The levels of consciousness raised when issues of racial impropriety are addressed benefit not only African-American performers but also others of varying racial, ethnic and social abilities. The fact that inequality was applicable in one instance justifies the question: “How many more suffered the same?”
Not a consideration studio executives want pursued!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 24, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Stories!”
Today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride is directly related to the previous postal entry, Bare: Modesty 2! Click on the title to access that particular publication. As always, your support of this site is appreciated by both my spouse, Aaron, and myself! Please have a happy, healthy, safe and successful month of March, 2024!
Introduction:
The “heading” (above image) is a photo that I found somewhere online years ago. The young man has painted on himself the introduction, “Kiss Me, I’m Naked.” I am still able to remember my reaction when I first encountered this picture: Hi Naked! My name is Roger. Nice to meet you!
As if we had actually met, man-to-man, in the real world and were introducing ourselves to one another. I have no further recollection of that discovery or that moment.
I’ve often wondered if anyone, ever, walked up to him and planted a kiss on his lips! What was his reaction? Have they remained friends over all of these many years?
This “introduction” is based entirely on impulse. As I was placing this man’s image here, I felt the sudden urge to share that useless piece of information with others!
Exculpate: to clear of blame or guilt.
A very basic and simple definition of the word. Often in our society, too many of us are taught that nakedness is disgusting and evil. We learn that nakedness is synonymous with indecency and sin. It implies sex and that sex – therefore nakedness – is both repulsive and wrong. It makes no difference that all of us are the result of sex and more than likely, nakedness. Our nakedness makes us inhuman and unclean.
Stop! Wait a minute! If my nakedness does all of that, then before proceeding any further into this entry, take out a sheet of paper and a pen. We’re making a list of degenerates here and at the very top of your list write the number “1” and directly beside it write the name of my spouse, Aaron. Beside his name, write my name! We are both too proud of our nakedness to be bothered or concerned about any type of label.
Now that we have established that priority, we can now continue with the subject here for today: exculpatory evidence! The purpose of this topic is to remind us all – no matter of our level of commitment to being a bare practitioner – that we have the distinction of excelling and of enjoying being ourselves without concern or worry about where we live! Northern Hemisphere or Southern Hemisphere: no alarm or problem! We can be us wherever we reside!
Felipe Ferreira: “pride” tattoo!
Our foremost and initial “reminder” is to briefly revisit with our budding bare practitioner brother, Brazilian-born Felipe Ferreira from our previous post here on ReNude Pride. This past Friday, (1 March, 2024) Felipe was presented here: same image, same pose but with a different message. Is Felipe’s “pride” tattoo a false proclamation of his being gay and bare or is it his acceptance and acknowledgement of himself for just being what and who he truly is: a same gender loving (SGL) man who is also body and clothes free (nude)? According to Felipe’s public comments on his tattoo, he has no problem or shame being both bare and SGL! “I am me!” is his exculpatory answer!
Thank you, Felipe! Naked hugs! Good message of confidence in all of us!
Felipe Ferreira kissing Rhyheim Shabazz!
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Gio Dell (left) and his half-brother, Armani!
The Venezuelan-born half-brothers, Gio Dell and Armani (self-labelled by his frontal tattoo) have no classical proclamations of their allegiances inked (tattooed) onto their bodies; their hesitation to even professionally model clothing and the abundance of their naked portfolio’s clearly delivers their support for “the cause!” So much so that Gio’s adamant refusal to remove and/or shave even one strand of his body hair (except for his head) is all the evidence necessary for their championing of nakedness over textile and their SGL identities (Gio is exclusively gay; Armani is bisexual)!
Their commitment and dedication to the community and culture of bare practitioners everywhere is obvious to all! Positive proof that “natural” (unaltered, unchanged) nakedness can and does generate support throughout the SGL peoples!
A note on the truth: Gio has a natural profusion of body hair everywhere except his head. Armani doesn’t remove or shave his chest, he simply isn’t as naturally endowed as his sibling.
Thank you both, Armani and Gio! Gracias!
Gio: incoming surf!
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Reign and his pubic tattoo!
There is an adage of wisdom that is often passed from one generation to the next. It’s message encourages sincerity and truthfulness: honesty is the best policy. Among us of the bare practitioner community and culture, our compliance and dedication to our philosophy of nakedness enables us to use ourselves and our bodies to extol these truths!
Reign, the gentleman featured above, leaves no doubt as to his agreement with our campaign. Not only does he proudly exculpate his belief in nakedness; he also has it blatantly and boldly tattooed “unashamed” just above his pubic hairline! The proximity of this declaration to Reign’s genitalia affords us no freedom to question his intention! It empowers him to publicly proclaim his philosophy of his sexuality (exclusively SGL) and his nakedness! Additional discussion is not necessary nor needed! His unabashed nature encourages us all towards self-acceptance, self-confidence and truth!
Reign enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2009, when the DADT (don’t ask, don’t tell) policy regarding sexual orientation disclosure was in effect. My spouse, Aaron, and I have often wondered how he survived that policy on his personal sexuality given his bold nature!
Reign: a selfie of his body and exculpatory “unashamed” tattoo!
Caution Advisory:
This next section contains information that may offend some readers as it references sexual practices that involve anatomical intimacies between SGL men. Proceed with caution or simply overlook the section entirely.
Buttock tattoo close-up!
The two images portrayed here are of two tattoos adorning the buttocks of men who are both confident and proud of their pleasures received from allowing them to be penetrated by the erections of their SGL partners. The sexual position referenced here is labelled beta-man or bottom-man or otherwise known simply as bottom. The tattoo on the Black buttocks, “bad” refers to the slang word for “good” meaning pleasing and/or satisfying. “Ass” is the slang used when referring to the buttocks.
This beta-man/bottom-man needs his buttocks penetrated by another man’s erect penis!
In the above picture, a SGL male has the command tattooed on his buttocks ordering the reader to “fuck” (penetrate) his buttocks to satisfy his sexual needs. The “fuck” is sometimes referenced as the “F-word” and is avoided in polite society.
These tattoos featured here in this section are the result of bottom-shaming. For a number of years, the practice of bottom-shaming was engaged by most men, both gay and not, that involved derogatory language and offensive (and violent) actions against those men who engaged in the bottom-man behaviours during their sexual encounters. Such men were stereotypically perceived as being effeminate, “sissies” and being “less than a man.”
The ridicule that men who preferred the beta-man/bottom-man sexual position suffered still continues today among our less enlightened peers. The practice is generally found unacceptably biased by a growing number of persons. Unfortunately, it should be made illegal in order to convince the majority.
Bottom-shaming is one of the reasons many offer for the tattooing of their buttocks!
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Spokes-model Phoenix Fellington bares alone!
Our Spokes-model Exculpates. Too
In the above photograph, our esteemed and unofficial spokes-model, Phoenix Fellington, refutes two typical myths attributed to nakedness. First (above), he addresses those who express a fear of being the only one bare among all others textile (clothed). Phoenix’s nakedness stands alone as exemplary! A tribute to the man – himself! The only shame in being among those wearing covering is in not basking in and enjoying one’s nakedness!
Phoenix Fellington, beta-man/bottom-man!
In the above .gif image, our spokes-model reappears alone discrediting the discrimination of bottom-shaming! Phoenix openly and publicly acknowledges his preference for the beta-man/bottom-man gay sexual position.*** There is a no more direct method of refuting fraudulence and hatred than by blatantly, boldly and courageously self-identification with the one’s being marginalized!
Thank you, Phoenix! Your honesty is appreciated and heroic!
*** = Explanation:Phoenix publicly admits his sexual position as “versatile beta/bottom.” His personal preference is the beta/bottom position but, if needed, he willingly assumes the alpha-man/top-man position (either privately or professionally). His honesty and truthfulness is admired and respected, Due to body-shaming, most men opt for discretion. You’re not alone in this one, Phoenix! I’m kneeling on top that picnic table right with you, my man!
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Race Cooper, frontal!
Race Enters, Too
Unabashed advice and concern to alleviate any lingering blame, guilt or hesitancy on your nakedness!
“As a Black gay man, I know and have witnessed bias, hatred and prejudice because of race and sexual orientation. It is unfair and unjust. It is wrong. As a performer in the (gay) porn industry, I’ve never experienced criticism for being publicly naked. But I do know of fellow nudists who are judged because of their nakedness. Clothes freedom is part of who we are. Just like race and sexuality, we don’t have a choice.” ~ Race Cooper ~ Pink News interview, London, United Kingdom
As an openly (publicly) acknowledged Black, exclusively gay and body and clothes free pornography actor, Race Cooper ( birth name: Joseph Ross Anderson) honestly shared his observations here on ReNude Pride. Click the titles of the post entries listed below to access those publications.
Race’s professional employment in the GLBTQ+ pornography industry included significant positions both in front of the camera lens and in management. To this very day, he remains an advocate for bare practitioners worldwide and promotes equality and integrity for our community and our culture.
Thank you, Race, for your advocacy, concern, devotion and leadership!
Race Cooper, buttocks profile!
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SGL Progress body painted for the World Naked Bike Ride!
Colourful Nakedness
We can all join our community and culture and remind the entire world of our enthusiasm for ourselves in using the creative method of body painting an emblem, image and/or message on our nakedness! An bright and ideal way to convey ourselves and to celebrate us all!
A political statement that reminds others that we have concerns and issues that need to be addressed, too!
A message to share with others that encourage them to think before they judge!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/Renude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, March 8, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Decline Delayed and Forward!”
“Racism takes many forms and our thoughts on racism, sexuality and nudity need to change.” ~ Joseph Ross Anderson ~ aka Race Cooper The Pink News SGL News Service London, UK 10 June, 2020
Prologue:
The examination and exploration of the topic of race extends beyond the limited concepts of just Black people and White people. It includes all of us, no matter our skin tone, ethnicity or racial heritage. Race, unfortunately, is also aligned with community, culture, politics, religion and value systems.
Regrettably, racism (racial discrimination and/or hatred based on skin tone) is often a “learned” behaviour – usually passed from one generation to the next – without any basis of proof or scientific fact. Unchallenged, it is frequently misunderstood as the “norm” – the routine standard.
ReNude Pride published a post entry here, Race On Race, last year on March 6, 2023. Click on the title to link. My spouse, Aaron, and I both offer this expanded version of the topic in the hope of overcoming our need to be reminded of the importance of this reality in our daily lives. This is the reason, among others, that we do not restrict this issue or topic exclusively to the period of Black History Month.
Race Cooper: tunnel of experience and knowledge!
RaceCooper is the stage name of Joseph Ross Anderson, a talented and thoughtful star of same gender loving (SGL) – bisexual and gay – pornography and outspoken advocate for bare (naked/nudist) rights, sexuality rights and racial equality. He was born and grew up in Toronto, Canada on December 5, 1973. Amazing, he didn’t begin his film career (porn) until 2009 – he was 36 years old! An age when most openly gay porn actors are ready to retire from performing live!
In the same year that he launched his film debut, he started blogging about the porn industry on blogger.com and swiftly acquired notoriety as “a-man-who-tells-it-all!” Race’s blog was a popular favourite as he kept no secrets from his readers. He consistently posted of his experiences with his fellow actors, both complimentary and flattering and…honest and real. His descriptions and observations of their intimate abilities and anatomical attributes made his blog a success for many and a regular “must-read” for both his followers and his peers in the film studios! His writing skills hastened to dispel the stereotype of the gay porn actor as egotistical, “flaky,” and self-obsessed.
He also began to publicly encourage and endorse the expansion of the alpha-man (top-man) and the beta-man (bottom-man) sexual identities to include versatility (preference to engaging in either sexual position or fluidity)!
Additional facts on Race Cooper are listed below:
Name: Joseph Ross Anderson
Height: 6′ (183 cm)
Weight: 180 lbs. (82 kg)
Hair: head (shaved) body (armpit, pubic)
Penis: 7.9″ (20 cm) circumcised
Sexuality: gay exclusive
Sexual position: versatile (preference: bottom)
Clothing status: bare
Film career: 2009 – 2014
“I’m an African-Canadian. Growing up in Toronto, I got to see how lots of White Americans reacted to Black people. Working in gay pornography in the USA, I personally saw how Black men were treated by White men with no difference between gay or straight.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News 10 June, 2020
Race Cooper: serious!
Race Cooper, based on his own experience in the SGL porn industry, views racism as “a daily constant in the USA.” He initially began working as a casting director for the exclusively SGL studios – Raging Stallion – before he moved to performing in front of the camera. He acknowledges that he was paid considerably less than his White peers and regularly and repeatedly had his work ethic and his intelligence questioned. He honestly believes that he was only hired initially in order for the studio to appear “less racist.”
“Homophobia and racism in the USA is the reasoning for discrimination and prejudice. It is part of the legacy of slavery. In Canada, race is just a difference. You shave your pubic hair, I let mine grow naturally. We’re both gay men, we’re just different in some ways.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News 10 June, 2020
Canada had slavery in the 1600s only. It was never a permanent institution like in the USA. As a slave, you were bought, you worked a couple of years, earned your freedom and then you moved on. Similar to an indentured servant. Enslavement was never a source of distrust and hatred. You worked, earned freedom and then became a neighbour – equal – not inferiour or subserviant.
Playful Race Cooper!
“As a Black gay man, I know and have witnessed bias, hatred and prejudice because of nudity, race and sexual orientation. It is unfair and unjust. It is wrong. As a performer in the porn industry, I’ve never experienced criticism for being publicly or for being socially naked. But I do know of fellow gay nudists who are judged because of their nudity. Clothes freedom is part of who we are. Just like race and sexuality, we don’t have a choice.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News 10 June, 2020
Race Cooper was interviewed by The Pink News, a GLBTQ+ news service in London, England, United Kingdom, on 10 June, 2020, for his thoughts on racial inequality in the SGL porn industry in the USA in light of the killing of the late George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. He also wants the porn studios to openly admit that many White men – straight – have been cast into roles, intended for Black gay men. Many of these substitutions were in films catering to primarily SGL African-American audiences.
As a path forward, he’d like to see the studios hire and utilize “diversity mentors” to help casting and hopefully these very same mentors could advance the careers of actors of colour and other minority qualifications. He also advocates the ending of “gay-for-pay” and the immediate end to the shunning of HIV+ porn actors.
Race Cooper: bald head and buttocks!
In the conclusion of his interview with The Pink News, Race Cooper offered – in my humble opinion – his most daring and profound argument against bigotry, discrimination and judgment based on not only just race but sexual orientation and nakedness as well. This declaration was made on his own initiative and observation. Proof positive that Joseph Ross Anderson (Race Cooper) is – heart and soul – a brother bare practitioner and all of us welcome and embrace him in complete nudity and pride into our community and culture! True equality is a basic human right for us all!
“I’ve made numerous naked appearance at gay studio social events. The newcomers to our profession are often intimidated by us older professionals. Usually, fellow Black new actors are gathered, made to strip out of their apparel and paraded through the White guests who are fully or partially clothed only to be ridiculed, teased and tormented and not allowed to get dressed until the social is done.” ~ Race Cooper ~ The Pink News 10 June, 2020
Great observations, Race Cooper! We are grateful for your honesty!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 26, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bonus: +24!”
The examination and exploration of the topic of “race” extends beyond the limited concepts of Black people and White people. It includes all of us, no matter our skin tone. Race, unfortunately, is also aligned with culture, religion and value systems. For this reason, among others, ReNude Pride does not restrict the issue exclusively to the period within Black History Month.
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“Race Cooper” is the stage name (professional name) of Joseph Ross Anderson, who was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on December 5, 1973. Amazing, he didn’t initiate his “mid-life” crisis into gay pornography until 2009 when he was 36 years old – an age when most same gender loving men retire from acting and posing. In the same year that he began his film career, he also began publishing his own blog on blogspot.com and soon acquired notoriety in both worlds as a “man-who-tells-it-all!”
“Racism takes many forms and our thoughts on racism and sex need to change.” ~ Race Cooper ~ June 10, 2020
Race started his blog in late 2009, and when I discovered the site in 2010, he had already become famous not only as a gay actor but also as the man who often opened the public’s eyes to what happens to men behind the camera! He frequently published copies of letters he received from studio executives complaining of his public disclosure of actions “behind the scenes!”
Race Cooper, “bottoms-up!”
Like my spouse, Aaron, Race grew up in Canada and is baffled at the differences in racism between Canada and the USA. Many people are unaware that slavery existed in both places during the colonial times. Slavery never achieved the institutional status that it enjoyed in the USA south. Canada, being further north, could not grow the cotton, sugar and other products that accompanied slavery. Also, the violent revolutionary war brought an end to British rule in the USA but Canada evolved to the confederation of a dominion under the British crown. Parliament banned slavery within the British Empire in 1833. The civil war ended slavery in the USA in 1865.
In his perspective, Race Cooper based on his own experience in the gay porn industry, views racism as “a daily constant in the USA.” He began working as a casting director for the same gender loving studio = Raging Stallion – before he moved to performing in front of the camera in 2009. He acknowledges that he was paid considerably less than his White peers and regularly and repeatedly had his work ethic and intelligence questioned. He honestly believes that he was only hired initially in order for the studio to appear “less racist.”
Race was interviewed by The Pink News, a same gender loving – GLBTQ+ – news service in London, England, United Kingdom. He was a presenter at a Commonwealth Conference on GLBTQ+ Persons happening there. The Pink News Service wanted his views on racial inequality in the bisexual and gay pornography profession in light of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. He also wants the porn studios to openly admit that many White men (straight) have been cast into roles catering to same gender loving audiences instead of actual Black gay men.
As a path forward, he’d like to see studios, pornography or otherwise, hire “diversity mentors” to help with casting and hopefully these mentors could help advance the careers of actors of colour. He also advocates the ending of “gay-for-pay” performers and an end to the shunning of HIV+ actors.
Racism in the USA is the reasoning for discrimination and prejudice. It is a direct part of the legacy of the legal institution of slavery. In Canada, race is quite simply a difference. For example, you shave your pubic hair, I let mine grow naturally. We’re both gay men, we’re just different in some ways.
Race Cooper: tunnel!
Canada had slavery in the early years; it just wasn’t a permanent status like in the USA. You were bought, you worked a couple of years and earned your freedom and then you were neighbors and moved on. No one was ever subservient for their entire lives.
“As a Black gay man, I know and have witnessed bias, hatred and prejudice because of race and sexual orientation. It is unfair and unjust. It is wrong. As a performer in the porn industry, I’ve never been criticized for being publicly nude. But I do know of fellow nudists who are judged because of their being naked. Our nakedness is part of who we are. Like race and sexuality, we don’t have a choice.”~ Race Cooper ~ June 10, 2020
In the conclusion of his interview, Race Cooper offered – in my own humble opinion – his most daring and profound argument against bigotry, discrimination and judgment based not only on race, sexual orientation but on nakedness as well. This statement was made own his own initiative and observation when asked if he had any additional thoughts to add.
Addendum: The interviewer added this notation to their article with The Pink News. Race Cooper had given this in addition to the regular questioning. When appearing at a bisexual and gay men’s event at the Raging Stallion’s studio, he excused himself and removed all of his clothing. He then returned to the gathering. Silence took over before the few other Black performers started stripping off their clothing, too. The White men present, both bisexual, gay or straight, simply sat there, staring, their mouths hanging open.
Race, upon being asked why he was naked, replied: We’re all paid to perform nude. Why not socialize nude, too?
Proof positive that Joseph Ross Anderson (Race Cooper) is – heart and soul – a brother bare practitioner and all of us welcome him and embrace his inclusiveness in our community and in our culture. True equality is a basic human right for everyone of us!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, March 10, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “DST Is Back!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 