Anticipating World AIDS Day: December 1

Tomorrow, December 1, is World AIDS Day. Sponsored and promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and observed globally, it is the day to heighten awareness of this devastating pandemic. HIV/AIDS has affected the lives of tens of millions in every country on this planet. It is truly an equal opportunity and universal disease. HIV does not discriminate.

We, the human race, have lived with and suffered with this affliction for thirty-one years. We've made strides in knowledge and treatment; in most cases, people with HIV are no longer the outcasts of the society in which they live. Almost all of us are aware of how HIV is transmitted and how we can protect ourselves from infection. Yet, tens of thousands contract HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, each and every day.

Somewhere, somehow, the message just isn't being understood. Or, it isn't being taken seriously. Otherwise, we wouldn't see the high intection rates we have all across the globe. Every continent. Every country. Every gender. Every race. Every age. Every religion. Every economic and educational level. Every ability. HIV does not discriminate.

 

 

Over the past several years, the question has been posed: Do we still need a World AIDS Day? In my humble opinion, the answer is: yes! The infection statistics support this need. The mortality rate supports this need. The lingering hatred and ignorance of some so-called faith-based organizations support this need. We humans can be a stubborn race.

 

Tomorrow, when we don our red awareness ribbons in honor of World AIDS Day, let's do more than just simply wear a red ribbon. Let's make it a point to talk the message of the red ribbon to at least one other person. Use the red ribbon as a tool to share with another the reality of HIV/AIDS, the facts about HIV/AIDS and the behaviors that can be practiced to prevent the transmission of HIV.

 

Personal connections do make a difference. Instead of just wearing, a little act of individual caring might prevent an infection and ultimately save a life. A moment of educating just one person provides a link in ending this scourge.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

For information and statistics click on the link below:

 



http://www.aids.gov

Thursday Art by Maurice

Some beautiful couples by Maurice Pegasi.

Visit his blog: "Princes of the Alhambra"

http://www.mauricepegasi.blogspot.com

 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 

Nudecentric Briefs: Boxer Exposed

 

FOR A NATURIST/NUDIST, THE ONLY REASON FOR OWNING A PAIR OF BRIEFS IS TO TAKE THEM OFF!

 

NUDE NEWS

 

Great Britain's heavyweight boxing champion and model, David Haye, is not new to posing nude in front of the camera. He's appeared naked in front of the lens as a benefit for men's cancers (right) and has given the charity the rights to this nude image. This particular photo has made it all around the internet and has proved beneficial not only to the boxer but to the designated charity as well. Good for you, Mr Haye! It was only a matter of time before David stripped again. This time, it was for the British reality program, I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! broadcast on UK TV's network. Here, in the two photos below, he bares his ass for all to see exactly what a boxer's buns look like!

 

 

 

Below, David Haye is shown wearing traditional boxing gear. Haye admits to enjoying visiting beaches where he is able to relax and swim without having to wear a swimsuit. No wonder he is agreeable to shed clothing for the cameras. He's had plenty of experience.

 

 

 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!





A Random Thought...

 

 

Now that the Thanksgiving holiday is over, for most of us it's back to work time. Many take the entire week of the holiday off; others, the day before the holiday and return to work on Monday. Lately, people are adding the Cyber Monday to their leave agenda so as to take advantage of those seasonal bargains. I am among those slowly extending my time off from work to include the online shopping day.

 

Today is my first day back on the job. Late yesterday evening, I briefly had an interesting thought. To some, it perhaps could be called a nightmare. After being away from the workplace for almost two weeks, what would happen if I absently neglected to dress for the office and showed up nude? I've been practically clothes-free for the entire time, the mistake is a possibility.

Truth be told, I know I'd be more efficient and productive working in the nude. I'd be able to stay focused and on task. I wouldn't be distracted by concerns about my appearance; I'm well aware of how I look while naked. I'd be my natural best all day long and able to direct all my attention to accomplishing my duties and responsibilities. I'd actually be comfortable while doing my job!

I'm also a realist. I know for a fact that my nakedness would cause some serious discomfort for some, if not many, of my coworkers. Of this I harbor no illusion. However, I have to report to the office day in and day out wearing clothes and tolerating their garish fashion sense. Is it too much to ask that for at least one day out of the entire year that they put up with my nudity? In my humble opinion, one day as opposed to the rest of the 365 isn't an unreasonable demand!

Think about it.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!  

Cyber Monday

Today is the Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, also known as Cyber Monday. Today is the traditional highest day for shopping online for the upcoming winter holiday season of gift-giving. During the past several years, this day rivals the Friday following Thanksgiving in volume of sales for most retailers.


If you're beginning your shopping today, be ready for a few challenges. Many servers will be slower due to the number of persons trying to utilize the internet. Once on your selected site, some may experience a premature disconnection; again, due to an unusually high amount of traffic.  Purchase confirmations may not be as forthcoming as they are under normal circumstances.

Despite these obstacles, many men still prefer to conduct their shopping electronically as opposed to going out in person. The parking hassles are eliminated and there's no waiting in long lines with nothing else to do. You avoid the crowds, the frustrations and the often negative attitudes of fellow shoppers. One additional advantage is the impact of weather conditions on the entire outing. Shopping from your telecommunication device means no umbrellas are necessary and no vehicle backups due to precipitation.

For naturists/nudists, there is a paramount benefit: online shopping can be done entirely in the nude. That reason alone makes it an attractive option. No need to add the stress of wearing clothes over what is already an anxious situation of fighting crowded shopping malls and centers. This chore can be done in the comfort of both home and nakedness, virtually stress-free.

And, no more waiting bored in long lines to checkout. If a slow server is encountered, from home there are surrounding distractions to keep us all occupied and productive. Besides, we can always login later when the volume isn't as high!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!  

Shop Nude!

In the USA, this is the day following the Thanksgiving holiday. It's also the start of the shopping season for the upcoming winter holidays. For many years, and still today, it is the highest retail sales day of the year. Many businesses open at midnight and offer discount specials during the early hours in order to entice shoppers.

For many Americans, this shopping ritual, at ungodly hours, has become as much of a tradition as the Thanksgiving holiday itself. The result is unruly crowds, parking nightmares and traffic backups. Personally, I avoid any retail establishment during this particular weekend. I don't need the headache nor the stress.

There's only one thing that would convince me to venture out in all this madness. If I could do all my shopping while completely nude, along with all my queer nudist brothers!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY, 2012!

 

I am grateful to all of you,

the loyal readers of DQN In Northern Virginia.

I appreciate your friendship and support throughout the year.

 

On this Thanksgiving Day, I wish you the best.

Have a terrific holiday!

If you're travelling, be careful and be safe!

 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

A gay Thanksgiving graphic by Joe Philips.

 



Holiday Travel Ideas

Today begins the Thanksgiving Day vacation weekend in the United States. This is the unofficial beginning of the winter holiday season that climaxes on New Year's Day. Traditionally, this is the occasion for the highest volume of holiday travel. Along with this distinction come long lines for mass transportation and endless waiting and departure delays.  For those driving to various destinations, the traffic backups usually add extra hours to otherwise carefree trips. Unfortunately, for many, it isn't a pleasant experience.

Now, if everyone travelled nude, the stress level would probably drop significantly. The waiting game would be less boring and lengthy for those using air, bus or rail transport. Most could occupy there spare time in checking out the surrounding scenery. That situation would present a potentially pleasant and rewarding distraction.

Driving while naked would offer a similar opportunity for automobile commuters. Perhaps people utilizing rest areas and fast food establishments along the highway might actually treat one another courteously and respectfully. Hell, maybe they might even be friendly! That would be a welcome change from the ordinary!

If your plans include travel, be attentive and safe. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Seasonal Sunlines/Tanlines

 

This is the week of the Thanksgiving holiday in the USA. For many, this is an annual vacation week for family gatherings. Others, it's a week of some nakation fun in the tropical regions, a last hurrah before the start of the winter season. A week to frolic outside without the burden of clothes in the sand, sun and surf! It gives yet another reason to be thankful!

 

 

 

 

Accompanying the week of playing in the sunshine is the scene of multitudes of nude men sporting their sunlines/tanlines, those natural demarcations of where normal exposure to solar rays both begin and end, generally highlighting the genital area. These mark the frequency of  outdoor nakedness and recreation. The tell-tale indicator of who really is nude and who is not. A source of amusement for most destination locals. 

 

 

 

 

 

For those who observe the more traditional Thanksgiving, with the family and the feast, there is a word of caution. If you're the guest of honor for the celebratory meal, there's no way to hide your tanlines. Just don't be late! They won't start the dinner without you!

 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!



Nudecentric Briefs: Athletes Bare Antics

 

FOR A NATURIST/NUDIST, THE ONLY REASON FOR OWNING A PAIR OF BRIEFS IS TO TAKE THEM OFF!

 

NUDE NEWS

 

 

It looks as though it's not just the Royal Family trying to get busy with shedding their clothes this year. The world of professional sports is giving their royal highness's a run for their noble crowns. 

 

Naked Baseball?

 

The Miami, Florida Marlins Major League Baseball (MLB) team have replaced Ozzie Guillen as manager, after only one year on the job. Evidently the franchise owners have decided it's time to take the team back-to-basics with former backup catcher, Mike Redmond. Redmond has a history with the Marlins dating back to his breaking into the MLB with the team in 1998.

 

In 2003, the team was struggling when Redmond (pictured below) discovered a unique way of ending the losing streak. It entailed stepping into the batting cage nude. He elaborates: "Ballplayers do some strange things. I did them naked. I had to break a losing streak, so I did it by taking batting practice in the cage wearing nothing but spikes and batting gloves. The next thing I knew, I was doing it seven straight days."

 

Obviously, it worked. The team rallied and won the World Series that year. Will Redmond have the team practice naked now that he's in charge?

 

 

 Nude Tennis?

 

Australian tennis pro Bernard Tomic has apologized to anyone who's offended by him wretling another man nude in the hot tub of a high-rise condominium along Australia's Pacific Coast. Police were called when the naked amateur wrestling match got out of hand and other party goers became concerned that one of the men would be tossed off the balconey. Neither man was charged in the incident.

 

Tomic (pictured below) offered the following statement: "It was a bit of a wrestle and laugh that came out the wrong way. It's not their (police) fault. They didn't know who was up there or what was going on. They just wanted to come check out and found it was me."

 

This happened on Tomic's 20th birthday. All those attending the party were male and nude. As Bernard has slipped in the tennis rankings lately, perhaps he's auditioning for a career change? From tennis to wrestling.

 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 

 

 



November Nude

 

November is here;

the temperature is dropping.

Man, it's getting cold outside!

 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Friday Footnotes: NFL Allies

For background information, refer to the Sunday, September 9, 2012, post here: "Pro Football Season Returns."

For some, the world of professional sports is synonymous with homophobia. That may be true in some instances; however, like society in general, the times are changing. These evolving attitudes are in part due to the efforts of the respective sports organizations (NBA, NFL, etc.), but also largely by individual players public actions and support of equality and inclusion. Two of our greatest allies from the National Football League (NFL) are Brendon Ayanbadjo of the Baltimore Ravens franchise and Chris Kluwe of the Minnesota Vikings.

Brendon Ayanbadejo, a linebacker for the Baltimore, Maryland Ravens NFL team, has been a supporter of both gay rights and marriage equality for a number of years. Brendon is pictured at the right in a 2010 NOH8 ad. He actively and publicly campaigned for Maryland voters to pass the referendum on same-sex marriage last week. The day after the election in which the electorate ratified the ballot measure, he compared it as "like Christmas." Likewise, he doesn't care whether his opinions are popular in the Raven's locker room or not. The decision in favor of  marriage for all was approved by 52% of the total ballots cast.

In an interview with the Associated Press following the announcement of the referendum approval, Ayanbadejo stated, "The majority of the people got it right. Who cares what they think in the locker room? Who cares what they think anywhere? The people decided. People have to take heed and listen to what people are crying for and what they are wanting. The majority of the people voted for it."

 

 

Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe has repeatedly and openly advocated for the rights of GLBT people to legally wed. He takes a stand for the equality of everyone. On November 6, Minnesota held a referendum to amend the state constitution to specifically ban same sex unions. Kluwe wasted no time in joining the fight to urge the public to reject the proposal.

 

 Kluwe authored a blog, "Out of Bounds" on the website of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press. When the paper printed an editorial several weeks before the election claiming neutrality on the issue but very sympathetic to the proponents of the ban, he wasted no time nor words in his criticism of the blatant hypocrisy. Chris Kluwe quit his association with the daily paper.

 

On Twitter, Kluwe posted the following comment: "Very disappointed in the Pioneer-Press editorial. Plessy vs. Ferguson obviously doesn't mean what it used to. You can say you're not taking a side one way or the other all you want, but if you print that in the editorial section you just took a side. I will not be associated with any organization that tries to pull some bullshit like that. Have the strength of your convictions."

 

Note: Kluwe has posed shirtless for Out magazine and in honor of his committment for marriage equality, he was named Sexiest Man of the Year for 2012 by Salon magazine earlier this week.

 

 

 

Esera Tuaolo acknowledged being gay after retiring from nine seasons playing in the NFL. The Samoan pro footballer and his partner currently live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is pictured above (right) along with Chris Kluwe. Tuaolo made several public service messages challenging opponents of same-sex marriage claims that the Bible contains passages condemning homosexuality. Like Kluwe, he traveled throughout the state encouraging Minnesotans to vote against the amendment.

 

The defensive linesman for all of his career. Tuaolo came out in 2002 on HBOs "Real Sports." In doing so, he became, at that time, the third former NFL pro to say he's gay. The first was David Kopay in 1975 and then Roy Simmons in 1992.

 

Thanks to all who supported the fight for marriage equality, not only in Maryland and Minnesota, but in Maine and Washington state as well. Your courageous efforts on behalf of freedom is appreciated by us all!

 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

 



Author's Note: In Maine, Maryland and Washington, the referendums legalize same-sex marriages. Legislative approval and the signature of their respective governor were secured prior to the popular vote. In Minnesota, the vote reflects the rejection of a constitutional ban of such unions. Legislative action is required before marriage equality becomes legal.

 

These are by no means the complete number of professional athletes favoring marriage equality. They are the prominent ones endorsing the right to marry in the recent general election.  



Discoveries While Cruising...

Christopher Columbus, move over and out of my way! I've sailed the high seas with new worlds to explore! Recently, I've made several additions to the My Blog List gadget here on DQN In Northern Virginia. These are other blogsites that I've stumbled upon and found interesting and compatible with the Deaf, queer and gay naturist/nudist communities. In addition to listing them here on the appropriate column, I wanted to feature them in a post in order to encourage others to take a look and explore for themselves.

I'm including a brief overview of each blog in the words of the author. Please view them when you have the time and decide for yourself if you'd care to visit again. A reminder to all that the My Blog List is located to the left on your screen under that title. I urge you to check them all. I think you'll find the interesting, provocative and entertaining. Each one is unique and special.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

 Choklit Daddy's Sketchbook

In the words of Choklit Daddy, "Digital homoerotica and stuff like that there..."
And trust me, he delivers with his own special style! Fantastic graphics celebrating the male nude!

To visit: http://www.choklitdaddyssketchbook.blogspot.com

Note: I am featuring both the author and his work in a special posting in February, 2013.

Dare To Bare 2

"We 'dare you to bare' in a public place. Have a picture taken to prove it. We will publish your picture and story here on Dare To Bare 2 without your real name and location." A cool place to share your photos!

To visit: http://www.daretobare2.blogspot.com

Lucky Sanford.com   Illustrator and graphic designer based in New York City. To visit: http://www.luckysanford.com

 

Naked Retrospective

We look at the world through our "naked eye." Often, we share our thoughts by revealing the "naked truth." Therefore, it's only natural (sorry, no pun intended) that sometimes, upon reflection, to offer up a "naked reflection." After all, hindsight is closer to what's real than foresight. As a naturist/nudist, this naked reflection is the product of what's on my "naked mind."

While watching last week's election results and viewing the various commentaries and analysis, I began to formulate some thoughts of my own. The electoral process of 2012 marks a turning point in the history of American politics; hopefully, this change is something that produces progress forward rather than a step backward. However, there's no way to judge that at the moment so all we can do is sit back, let it all happen and go with the flow.

One of the major features of this election is that a president was elected who openly supports and endorses marriage equality, with no qualifications. This is a first and paves the way for the viability of future aspirants for this office to do the same. The religious extremists used this in an effort to discredit President Obama and frighten potential voters into the GOP camp. They may have succeeded with some; however, a majority of the voters just didn't buy into this brand of discrimination and hatred.  What's encouraging is the reality that at this point in time, a majority of the population recognizes the need for legal protections and recognition of same-sex couples. The election marks the beginning of the end of same gender loving equality as a political liability. This issue won't disappear overnight and will probably resurface in the 2016 race for the White House and maybe beyond. It's now apparent that the demonized GLBT community, as the pseudo-Christians like to portray us, isn't the sole rallying call that will unite the voters and turn them against a particular candidate for national office. I think the very public evolution of President Obama on the marriage question empowered a majority of Americans, regardless of whether Democrat or GOP, to do the same. The President's honesty on this may be one of the greatest legacies of his administration.  

 

This recent voting process was the first time in recent memory that we, the GLBT community, weren't one of the major issues during the national campaign agenda. Yes, throughout the GOP primaries we were often denigrated and maligned. Once the nomination was secured, our rights and equality seemed to disappear. Now, I don't harbor any illusion that if the election had turned out differently we would have remained off the radar. But, we weren't one of the key concerns of the candidates and the reasonable majority of their supporters.

 

What's becoming increasingly apparent, at least in my humble opinion, is the the GOP, as a political party, is totally out-of-touch with not only it's traditional base but with the American public in general. It has positioned itself so far to the right that even lifetime supporters have been disgusted with current politicians and practices. For far-to-long the GOP has allowed the extremist religious right to dictate its' platform that now it has become difficult for many to make a distinction between the GOP as a political entity and GOP as a faith community. Both the two dominant parties need to influence independent voters to support their particular candidate and these unaffiliated individuals are reluctant to endorse the radical views and exclusionary vision the party represents. As a movement, the party is now at a crossroads and the direction that it follows will determine the future of both the GOP and the nation.

The demographics of the electorate is rapidly changing and if the GOP is to survive it needs to adapt. In 2008, 74% of the voters were white. This year, that number dropped to 72%. The growing number of nonwhite voters are not going to support GOP candidates if they feel alienated and unwelcome. At the moment, that is the message the party is delivering and I'm afraid it's a message that can't be erased overnight. The past two elections have demonstrated that the majority of ballots cast are not based on the race of the candidate. This party needs to open eyes and open doors.

Race and ethnicity isn't the only factor that needs to be considered. Gender and age also play an important role here. Once again, these groups are flocking to the Democrats in growing numbers for the same reason, the feeling of being deliberately excluded from the GOP. Even Condoleeza Rice acknowledged as much in remarks delivered two days after Election Day. Big money and the "good old boy" network no longer carries the day throughout suburban and urban America. And this is where the votes are cast that make or break political aspirations.

I've never voted for a GOP candidate in my entire life and at the moment, I see no need for a change in the foreseeable future. However, I do know that we need choices in a democracy and unless there is a remake of the GOP, the options become increasingly slim. Now is the time for that party to self-assess and decide where to go in the future. The alternative is an ungraceful ride off into the sunset of oblivion.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!


Ten Years Of Nude Blacks

 

 

Happy 10th Anniversary

to the

Nude Blacks!

 

New Zealand's

own 

nude rugby team!

The first all naked team

and celebrated

throughout the world!

 

For ten years they've

made history in the

field of sports and they've

played national teams

from all corners

of the globe.

 

 

Their fans are universal!

 

In the Dominion of New Zealand, rugby is one of the major sports. The same is true throughout almost all the rest of the world, exceeding the enthusiasm of the gridiron (American football) fans of the USA. The national professional team from the islands of New Zealand are the internationally famous All Blacks. The name, Nude Blacks, is in obvious reference to the lack of uniforms of this spin-off team, to the pride of sport and the national rugby namesake. They even play their game barefooted, shunning regulation footwear. They're that committed to the world of nakedness!

The Nude Blacks, an amateur rugby club, were organized in 2002, in the City of Dunedin, on New Zealand's South Island. One of their founding members was a recently (at that time) retired pro from the All Blacks. The entire concept, naked rugby, was conceived during a night of drinking at a local pub frequented by rugby enthusiasts. The idea came from the New Zealand custom of backpacking- university students streaking naked across the playing field at All Black professional matches- wearing only their backpacks (which contain their clothes).

 

For their first several seasons, the Nude Blacks were forced to hold their matches on the only playing space available to them: the sandy, public beach where nudity was permitted. In the beginning, their only spectators were family, friends, fellow naturists and curious locals. Journalists and city officials just didn't take the existence of a naked rugby team seriously. The rugby faithful felt differently and their local popularity soared.

 

The Nude Blacks vs. South Africa's Springbox National Team, September 15, 2012



 

With the rise in their fame and fans, the world, especially the International Rugby Union, are now taking the Nude Blacks seriously. Their home matches have shifted off the sand and they are now located in Kettle Park, Dunedin. Games now average a minimum of almost 2,000 spectators and they have followers the world over. In this year's meet with Springbox, the national team from South Africa, their opponents discarded the traditional rugby uniform and donned instead cardboard loincovers bearing their name. As close to playing nude as possible, in obvious tribute to the Nude Blacks. Like their hosts, they participated barefoot.  

 

The South Africans aren't the only teams to have altered the customary uniform as a salute to the nakedness of their opposition. The Fiji National Team discarded shirts, shorts and shoes and engaged the field wearing only lavalavas, a native male sarong. The Spanish Team stripped down to their underwear but kept their footwear.

 

 

The Nude Blacks continue the rugby tradition of socializing with their opponents after the game. They frequently celebrate in local pubs, occasionally in the buff. Some team members of squads they've played have stripped down to drink with the locals like the locals. To date, no team having drinks with the Nude Blacks has objected to their lack of drinking attire.

 

The team decided this year to observe their tenth anniversary in a special way. They launched the first annual Nude Blacks Charity Dinner which was held in September, 2012. The recipient of the funds collected was 6 year-old Jessica Hermansen, a local who is battling pediatric leukemia.

 

Happy 10th Anniversary, Nude Blacks!

 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!  





Happy Veteran's Day!

 

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!

 

A special "thank you" to all of those who have served in the armed forces.

 

A salute to all queers who were discharged due to hatred and homophobia.

 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

 

Thanks to the efforts of President Barack Obama, this is now

the second year that we openly honor our GLBT servicemembers,

past and present.

 

The Poppy, the flower of remembrance

Three Day Holiday Weekend: Hosting A Party

 

It's a three-day holiday weekend: Veteran's Day in the USA and Remembrance Day throughout the rest of the world. The date to remember all those who served in the military and in service to their respective country. In honor of the long weekend, we're (BF and I) hosting a  gathering of nudist friends on Saturday evening. Not only does this event involve preparing snacks; there's also the last minute household tasks in order that everything looks neat and nice for our guests. This means a couple of inspections of each and every room to make sure all is in place and ready.

 

We're also celebrating the re-election of President Obama and the Democrats being in the majority in the U.S. Senate. With that, we're decorating with Obama-Biden election posters, signs, etc. The hanging of these is the final job prior to the arrival of our soon-to-be-naked buddies. That done, all that's left to do is to sit back, relax and await the arrival of our friends. Have a great weekend!

 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!  

 

 

A Naked Grin

 

There's something amazingly refreshing seeing a nude brother with an award-winning grin or smile on his face!

It helps to start the day off on a good feeling or to lift the spirits after a grueling day at work.

The joy it brings to the soul makes it possible to share a little humor and laugh together.  

 

 

After all the stress and tension of the recent election,

perhaps a few laughs, or at least smiles,

are in order for us all!

 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!