The Naked and The Nude!

The Shoneye Twins: Is Darren (left) brave and Daniel (right) modest?

Introduction:

It has been quite a few years since we visited Robert Graves’ poem, The Naked and The Nude. The entire poem is posted here immediately following this introduction. Graves, the poet, paved the pathway that continues to divide the clothes free community today: Are you naked? Are you nude? Which label best identifies you?

Graves understood nude as being without clothes. He felt that naked, although also without clothes, as being similar to “vulnerable.”

Generations of society have interpreted “naked” as being involuntary and “nude” as being voluntary. For example, a communal shower is mandatory following a required physical education class. It is part of the class routine. As a result, while showering, the entire class is naked. It is an involuntary action as the goal is personal hygiene.

A typical Sunday afternoon activity for a group of friends is to go skinny-dipping. While swimming or lounging in the sun afterwards, everyone is nude. After all, it was a voluntary choice to go skinny-dipping with friends. The end result is to have fun and relax together.

The Shoneye Twins: Overly cautious?

The two images of the Shoneye twins above, Daniel and Darren, feature them both without a piece of clothing on their body. The determination of whether they are naked or nude depends to their intent and the interpretation of the person viewing the photograph. Both twins publicly acknowledge being bare practitioners (same gender loving and body and clothes freedom enthusiasts. I am unaware of either of them, privately or publicly, ever disclosing a preference for naked or nude in describing themselves.

The Naked and The Nude

by Robert Graves

(1895 – 1985)

For me, the naked and the nude

(By lexicographers construed

As synonyms that should express

The same deficiency of dress

Or shelter) stand as wide apart

As love from lies, or truth from art.

Lovers without reproach will gaze

On bodies naked and ablaze;

The Hippocratic eye will see

In nakedness, anatomy;

And naked shines the Goddess when

She mounts her lion among men.

The nude are bold, the nude are sly

To hold each treasonable eye.

While draping by a showman’s trick

Their dishabille in rhetoric,

They grin a mock-religious grin

Of scorn at those of naked skin.

The naked, therefore, who compete

Against the nude may know defeat;

Yet when they both together tread

The briary pastures of the dead,

By Gorgons with long whips pursued,

How naked go the sometime nude!

The Shoneye twins: who’s naked and who’s nude?

Summary

Robert Graves poem, The Naked and The Nude, presents to all of us with the reality that within our very own culture of body and clothes freedom the debate over naked and nude is all consuming for many of our people. The same applies to the conflict between those who consider themselves naturist and those who consider themselves nudist.

In the minds of many, the differing labels are practically synonymous – identical. The subtle definitions may evolve over the years but in essence the meaning of each word remains consistent. ReNude Pride utilizes “bare practitioner” as well as “body and clothes freedom” whenever possible in order to distance itself from entanglement with proponents of the different persuasions.

Take care and stay bare!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Sunday, March 13, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “USA Goes DST!”

March Mayhem!

Body and clothes freedom jogger!

For many of us who reside in the Northern Hemisphere, the month of March, annually, often qualifies itself as the “the month of chaos and confusion!” Why? Rarely, if ever, do the days follow any natural pattern or sequence. The entire month is notorious for being breezy or windy or whatever choice word one prefers to use to describe the air velocity. It can be calm one day and then chaotic the next – all accompanied by temperature extremes: cold, hot, moderate, warm and or freezing.

Definite chaos. Confirmed confusion. Variable levels of comfort that collectively satisfy very few – if any at all! Inconsistency and instability dominate each day. Precipitation can range from rain to sleet to snow to ice and sometimes all during the same day – then arrogantly repeating itself the following day – although not necessarily in the identical order! Bottom line (basic thought): March is unpredictable!

The jogger featured here today caught my attention after I had already selected the theme for this post entry here on ReNude Pride as March Mayhem. My reasoning for choosing his images is simple: opposites attract one another.

Jogging bare practitioner!

Obviously, he’s a bare practitioner with both confidence and pride! He is also comfortable posing for a video sharing his daily routine and his full body (wearing only shoes on his feet). Absolutely oblivious as to what else is happening in the rural world around him.

No guilt or shame over any aspect of his nudity. No attempt to conceal any part of his anatomy. No embarrassment on having his nakedness broadcast to social media worldwide. A bold bare practitioner encouraging others, by setting the example, to just do the same! A man being himself: reality with no excuses or qualm!

My original title for today’s title was “March Madness.” My spouse, Aaron, upon reading the draft reminded me that this was the former name of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) university basketball tournament. He suggested the change and I’m grateful for his recommendation! He also liked the jogger’s .gif pictures.

Earlier this year (January), I published here New Year’s Resolutions. (Click the title to link to the post). I endorsed the idea of creating resolutions on the first day of spring every year as opposed to the tradition of New Year’s Day. Spring begins on March 20, 2022. Aaron joins with me in urging all of us to resolve now to become better, bolder and braver bare practitioners for at least the remainder of 2022!

“To profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it.” ~ John Churton Collins ~

All the while, our jogging friend continues on his task of being true to himself: a committed bare practitioner! Dedicated, dynamic and energetic! Loyally enjoying and pursuing his belief in the ideals of both body and clothes freedoms!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, March 11, 2022, and the proposed topic is: The Naked and The Nude!”

A Penny For My Thoughts: Judgments!

Bare thoughts: a penny apiece!

Introduction:

“When attending a clothes free social event and you meet someone you’re unfamiliar with, rather than assessing their “negative” aspects or habits, focus instead on their similarities to yourself. We’re both same gender loving. We both enjoy social nudity. We both enjoy basketball. We both despise cats as pets, etc. The similarities can build a casual acquaintance. The negatives can create a mortal enemy.”

March is now here and the season of Spring, 2022, begins in just a few weeks. Now is the perfect time to implement the suggestion offered in my January post. New Year’s Resolutions. Click the title to visit the post entry. The subtle moral message addressed here today is: “avoid being judgmental!”

Angelic joy!

“Personally, I consider the First Day of Spring every year as the beginning of my ‘nude year!’ It represents the renewal of the joy and pleasures of being natural in nature! An end to the confinement of winter!”

Bare practitioners and flowers bloom in the Springtime!

“Judgment” has somehow become a recurring theme recently – or, at least, it appears to me. I realize that the difference in humanity – political, economic, social, etc. – create mistrust and tension. Intentional or not, that happens throughout history. However, the intensity of these reactions has magnified. It seems that unless “passion” is attached, a difference in opinion or outlook is no longer possible.

Aaron, my spouse, needed to shop at a local bookseller while we were out shopping this past weekend. I accompanied him inside the business and browsed the current magazine offerings as he sought his merchandise. As I paged through a current popular edition, an article caught my attention. It featured pictures of a minor royal family member in amateur scenes completely clothes free.

Familiar with the decades-old images, I began glancing over the text. Heavy in harshness and judgment, the author decorated the content with the words (labels) of naked, nude, nudity, etc. An overuse of terminology that clearly implied indecency, immorality and quite a bit more while totally ignoring the fact that the photographs and the incident itself were years old and the royal subject himself years younger and inexperienced.

Dis this particular author forget to forgive?

The prince who forgot his clothes!

Realistically, the likelihood of this prince ever assuming a crown is almost nonexistent. He’s too far down the line of succession to get close to the throne. In actuality, he also has accomplished a number of positive and productive achievements since the notoriety that far outweigh the body exposure. He may no longer warrant the attention but likewise he no longer deserves the labelling.

The following morning, recalling the moment, I was discomforted by the fact that the words naked, nude, and nudity could be used with such frequency, harshness, judgment and negativity. Whatever became of the concept of the terms being synonymous with implying “a natural state?” Aren’t we all born naked?

The prince without clothes and in uniform!

The prince himself has progressed along the maturity level that far exceeds any made by the author. I wasn’t aware of any severe shortage of current news articles worthy of publication. The prince now is happily married and the father of two children himself.

The prince, his wife and son with the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu!

The fact that this prince’s grandmother, a reigning Queen, is now marking her 70th anniversary of ascending to the throne far surpasses the prince’s mistakes of almost two decades past. Her Majesty wears the crown and her milestone is worthy of honour. Let’s all celebrate royal longevity and forget the misplaced garments!

Congratulations Your Majesty!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, March 7, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “March Mayhem”

Post Entry: A Guy Without Boxers, 2022!

A Guy Without Boxers!

A delay because of my overload at work due to my flu infection, but I’ve added a new post to my new page here, A Guy Without Boxers, 2022! Click the page title to visit and scroll down the page to the entry for February, 2022.

Take care and stay bare!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry is planned for Friday, March 4, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Judgments!”

Lens Pose!

The lens capturing the subject!

While growing up in predominately textile (clothes wearing) families, the majority of us are taught of the “evils” and undesirability of being seen/viewed naked or nude. No matter that we’re all born naked. Our caregivers and parents insist this is absolutely not the way to be!

Today’s posting celebrates two sets of siblings, notorious bare practitioners: bold, brave and publicly proud celebrities!

Daniel and Darren (Junior) Shoneye:

Comfortable Daniel Shoneye (left) modest Darren Shoneye (right)!

Both of these Nigerian-born, same gender loving (SGL) identical twins live in London, UK, and model as well as serve as GLBTQ+ rights advocates throughout the British Commonwealth. Daniel is also a personal trainer.

Darren (left) loses some of his modesty while Daniel (right) remains relaxed!

Both of the Shoneye brothers are featured in some SGL adult films and are more frequently receiving modeling assignments that do not require the wearing of clothing! Way to go, guys!

Bottoms-Up! Shoneye twins!

Both keep physically toned and have no guilt over appearing in their human “natural” form! They definitely “earn” their way in our world!

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Gio Dell and his half-brother, Armani:

Gio Dell (left) and his half-brother, Armani (right)!

Gio Dell and his half-brother, Armani, are from Venezuela and currently live in the U.S. They have the same mother but different fathers. Gio is the older of the duo.

Armani prepares Gio for a fresh facial shave outside!

Armani grooms Gio in the colored photo above. Below, the same image is repeated in the black/white version.

The black/white edition of the above image!

The picture below depicts Armani preparing Gio for a grooming session, inside rather than outside.

Prepping Gio only inside rather than outside!

The two half-brothers work well together and both are separately pursuing careers in the SGL film industry!

Enjoy the last weekend in February!

Take care and stay bare!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is Monday, February 28, 2022, the proposed topic is: “Bottom’s Up! February, 2022”

S’Naked Virgin!

“The S’Naked Virgin – me!”

Background:

S’Naked is a convenient English colloquialism combining the words snow with the word naked. It is used to explain and/or reference a bare practitioner’s being clothes free outside in a snow environment. A winterized version of skinny-dipping in the snow! This is a very basic, essential and simplified version of the term.

Virgin is used here in the title to designate either first time or initiation. It is not intended to imply or suggest any sexual (xxx-rated) activity or engagement – at least, not at this time! My beloved spouse, Aaron, and I have no agenda favoring or leading to our public pornography debut!

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The above picture of yours truly (me) was photographed by Aaron in January, 2010, – our first winter together as a live-in couple. It was also my initial adventure in being s’naked! My conclusion? I had the very best teacher imaginable! In fact, we were legally married five years later and remain so today.

Same snow virgin!

Growing up, my identical twin brother, Alex, and I never had the desire or the opportunity to attempt any type of s’naked adventure. Neither one of us had any affection for any cold weather and snow was useless to us. There was no thrill in being bare and in “frozen” nature!

However, my spouse grew up loving the s’naked life and relished his moments as a totally natural man! Our first winter together he made it his mission in life to introduce me into the s’naked world! I really didn’t have much of a choice in the matter! In retrospect, I wouldn’t even dream of making any sort of change in the entire adventure!

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The same Saturday morning that I willingly sacrificed my s’naked virginity, we were confronted with the fact that we were joined by a small audience. Aaron had his back to the threesome, but as they approached us from the building corner, I noticed the trio as they rapidly dropped their jeans and underwear and exposed themselves to me – laughing and waving!

Spectator discovery!

I pointed and Aaron turned around. He and our “spectator” audience engaged in an animated conversation without any of us even attempting to conceal our exposure or nudity. They did convey to my then “live-in” partner their admiration of our interracial comfort with nakedness during a snow-storm!

We became acquaintances and later that same year they did join us for a few naked cocktail gatherings in Washington, D.C., bars. In the event that anyone is wondering, they willingly stripped off their clothing when with Aaron and myself at the nude “happy hours!”

Take care and stay bare!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next planned post entry here is for Friday, February 25, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Black History, Part 2!”

In Memory of…

Ta’Leon Goffney

April 8, 1982 ~ February 20, 2021

It was exactly one year ago today, February 20, 2021, that one of my all-time favorite adult actors, Ta’Leon Goffney (performance name: Teyon Goffney) – may he rest in peace – dies after being briefly diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. He would be 40 years old if he had lived until this year.

The Goffney Twins: Teyon (left) and Keyon (right)!

The Goffney Twins, pictured above an arms-length apart were rarely filmed with that distance between them. Ta’Leon and Keyontyli Goffney (stage name Keyon or Kyle) were born in Camden, New Jersey on April 8, 1982. They were raised by their mother as their father disappeared just before their birth.

They both began appearing in gay pornography in the late teen years. As youth full twins, it didn’t take long for them to gain national attention and fame. In their third year of gay porn-star success, they appeared with muscular gay film icon, Marc Williams, in a full-length feature. The film (on VHS) was an instant bestseller and was soon re-released to the public repeatedly.

The Goffney twins admiring Marc William’s chest!

Shortly after the twin’s astronomical rise to their status as film stars, gossip and rumours alleging an incestuous relationship between the twin duo soon began appearing in the national press. Both Ta’Leon and Keyontyli vehemently denied the allegations and the result was the collapse of their gay porn careers. Keyontyli always openly acknowledged his gay orientation whereas Ta’Leon always claimed to be “straight” (heterosexual).

Ta’Leon (left) and Keyontyli (right)!

In 2002, Ta’leon was caught, arrested and charged with breaking and entering a commercial business in Pennsylvania. In a plea deal, he admitted guilt and was sentenced to confinement. He was released early on “good behaviour” status. After his release, he publicly admitted to a bisexual orientation.

In 2014, under the pen name, Kent T. Jackson, he published his autobiography, “On My Search For A Better Life, This Is How I Became…Infamous!” In 2017, he authored, “Life After Infamy: The Sequel.”

Ta’Leon is survived by his two sons, Elias Paul Goffney and Noah Prince Goffney as well as his twin, Keyontyli, his mother and two younger brothers. His funeral and burial took place on March 1, 2021.

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I had the good fortune of personally meeting Ta’Leon Goffney at a promotional event of his autobiography in November, 2019. My spouse, Aaron, interpreted for our conversation. He was able to share with me a few memories of his experiences working with film legend Marc Williams. Aaron and I both laugh over this reality even today.

Rest in peace, Ta’Leon!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next posting entry here is planned for Monday, February 21, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “S’Naked Virgin.”

Bare Black History, Part 1!

A nature man!

Vintage Photographs and Brief History

Today represents a look back in time in order to gain a sense of the bare practices of African-American men from available images. The above image depicts our subject alone leaning against a tree. Judging from his hair style, this was probably around the middle to late 1960’s timeframe.

Another natural man in a natural setting!

Again based solely on the hairstyle, the image directly above is just a little earlier than the first one. Perhaps the late 1950’s to early 1960’s.

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Freedom and the Access to Cameras:

The official demise of slavery upon the end of the US civil war (1860’s) introduced the policy of segregation (separation of the races – aparthied ) throughout the USA. The adoption of “Jim Crow laws” (second class citizenship) ensured an even greater divide between the African-American, Caucasian and Indigenous (Native-American) people. This practice prevailed until Dr. King’s era and the civil rights movement gained acceptance during the late 1950’s to the assassinations of Malcolm X in the 1960’s and Dr. King in 1968.

This reality fueled the popular myth (untruth) of African-American disinterest in and indifference to the growing emergence of the naturist/nudist community within the Caucasian culture. The three racial groups were denied social interaction and restricted to totally different locations. Therefore, their naked/nudist attractions and practices were nonexistent (invisible) to one another. This lack of contact and common occurrence perpetuates this myth even today. Unfortunately, it is common in all the racial cultures.

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A segregated public shower!

Once again, relying only on hair characteristics, the communal shower picture above could be middle to late 1940’s or early 1950’s. Segregation remained in practice in almost the entire country.

The same holds true for the above!

The communal shower scene and the participants are the match for the previous image. The timeframe will be identical.

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Racial and social inaccessibility are the major factors for the prevalence of this fiction within the body freedom and clothes freedom communities. Economics and “Jim Crow legalities” are strong secondary reasons for the continuance of these false delusions. The widespread oppression of the Black communities in this country and the practice of assigning to them the status of second-class – or lower/worse – citizenship ensured their economic depravity and financial insecurity. The growing fascination with the “camera” phenomenon and the obsession with the cult of photography made these novel “toys” financially inaccessible to the overwhelming majority of African-Americans. Segregation was so ingrained in society that photographers of one race couldn’t justify taking pictures of people of a different racial classification.

Black-focused logo!
Bare trio: comfortable and up-close and interpersonal!

Twentieth Century, the Great War, the Modern Era :

The arrival of the 20th Century witnessed an extraordinary and remarkable first on the American social scene. Following generations of subjugation, Blacks were abandoning rural isolation and intimidation – and worst – and migrating to the rapidly growing industrial cities of northern and western USA and beginning to earn money! Not necessarily large fortunes but enough to support themselves and to send some to less fortunate extended family members. The Great War (1914 – 1918) saw African-Americans enter the armed forces in record numbers and see action and meet people in western Europe. New societies, new practices, less restrictive! The 1920’s brought the USA into a period of prosperity and popular culture introduced a large number of Caucasian Americans (and their incomes) to the uniqueness and the pleasures of Black life and living.

Segregation remained, enforceable and legal, but the new decade’s outlook brought a relaxation of some restrictions and African-Americans entered an age of some limited accomplishment and cautious respect. Black homosexuality (same gender loving) earned some lukewarm acceptance and segregated color-oriented body and clothes freedom facilities began to appear and to prosper.

Simple message!

Gradual development of a Black-oriented financial infrastructure followed. Soon, items that were formerly considered unattainable luxuries became common and affordable. Cameras, photography and other modern conveniences began to evolve from dreams into reality. The twentieth century finally discovered Black America!

The 1920’s progress in financial resources and social gains was halted by the Great Depression that reached this country’s shores in the early 1930’s. The stoppage, though devastating, was only temporary as the election of Franklin Roosevelt as president, his wife, Eleanor, as first-lady and the New Deal as political fuel eventually brought the depression mindset to an end. The delayed entry of this country into World War II with the attack on Pearl Harbor rapidly converted the nation into an industrialized super-power.

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Bare practitioners: no doubt about it!

The vintage picture posted above leaves us with no question: they’re early bare practitioners! Arm-in-arm, they prepare to exchange a kiss. Their hairstyles are from the late 1940’s to early 1950’s.

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World War II ended in 1945 and an unsettling peace encompassed the globe. The “Cold War” era between the communist countries and the western allies was about to erupt. The economy continued to grow although no longer on a wartime frenzy. Segregation and the Jim Crow laws still managed to hinder and prevent equality. However, the need for a change was an attitude that fast covered the land.

A few years following the surrender of Italy, Germany and Japan – in 1947 – President Harry Truman signed a presidential executive order that ended the official policy of segregation throughout the U.S. air force, military and navy only. Enlisting (joining) the armed forces no longer guaranteed a single-race encounter. At least in theory, discrimination was now banned in all combat services. One positive “big step” forward on the journey towards equal rights.

In military life, discipline is the “rule of the day.” No argument, no discussion, no voting. If ordered to do something, it simply must be done. Truman’s executive order didn’t erase all military overnight, but it did represent a new direction in official policies and procedures.

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Open arms, open legs, no shame!

The couple published above hair dates from the middle 1950’s. Their open arms and legs indicate comfort with being photographed bare together publicly.

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Soon, another historical change rose on the horizon. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the segregation inspired Jim Crow law of mandating “separate-but-equal” public school (education) systems throughout the country unconstitutional. The only legal quality this law contained was “separate.” The best, newest equipment and facilities were assigned to Caucasian students. The older, used and dilapidated (poorer quality) equipment was assigned to the African-American or Indigenous (native) American students or to Hispanic students. Separate? Yes! Equal? Unlikely!

This landmark judicial decision led to integration (coming together or mixing together) replacing segregation as the standard quality of the U.S. public school systems. The court ruling didn’t automatically end segregation overnight but it did lead towards a more accountable and equitable type of public school that continues to be sought today.

An integrated men’s changing room!

Following the Brown vs. Board of Education verdict by the Supreme Court, the civil (equal) rights movement gained momentum with the arrival “on the scene” (forefront) of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Their leadership strategy was nonviolence (first and foremost) and involvement (engagement). This tactic quickly brought both national and international attention to the equality protest movement and highlighted the inequality and unfairness of life in the USA (the supposed symbol of freedom).

The growth of Black financial resources and services now gave the community to now have absolute proof (documentation) of existence. Cameras and photography provided evidence that justifies the reality of bare practitioners (same gender loving and naked/nude) in the African-American world. We can all admire and salute the bravery and commitment to a freer life for all Americans. We are grateful for their dreams and their efforts!

The reluctant acceptance and welcome offered to bare practitioners of one racial heritage when visiting the traditional site of a different racial group has caused problems within the same gender loving and body and clothes freedom communities. Both sides of the conflict have received negative reactions from all sides of the spectrum. The resolution of these concerns remains an unsolved issue within the larger bare practitioner community.

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The basic bare truth!

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As dedicated bare practitioners, my spouse, Aaron, and I know from our shared experience that we encounter both judgment and ridicule based on our sexual orientation, marital status and our racial category (interracial). Our clothes freedom preference is another source of discomfort for many outside our community. We understand that any difference we can create today offers hope for a better tomorrow for us all!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 21, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “S’Naked Virgin!”

Valentine’s Day!

Bare bromance!

February 14 is universally recognized as a date that commemorates the unique attraction that two people have for one another, no matter their sexual orientation. Here at ReNude Pride, the affectionate couple can be same gender, bisexual or heterosexual. A romance between two persons should be celebrated and honored no matter the genders affected.

Decorated romantics!

Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is considered an observance between persons who are emotionally and physically attracted to one another. However, two persons united in brotherhood and friendship can likewise be honored on this occasion. There is no strict mandate restricting the date for physical intimates only. Friends have every right to appreciate one another.

Valentine’s Day is a day for all types of love: bromantic (man-to-man), romantic (between the genders), and platonic (between friends)! Celebrate and spend time with those who are important in your own life!

Arrow and heart: traditional Symbols!

Happy Valentine’s Day to all! Enjoy!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, February 18, 2022, and the proposed topic is “Bare Black History Month!”

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!”