The Next Royal Wedding Just Might Be Queer

Yesterday, May 21, the UK took another major step towards marriage equality

The Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill passed it's third and final reading (vote) in the UK's House of Commons yesterday afternoon (GMT). The Bill will extend the legal form of marriage to lesbian, gay and  bisexual people and permits religious denominations to celebrate such services if they wish. In the UK (England and Wales), the Church of England (Anglican) is the Established (government) Church. In Scotland, it is the Church of Scotland. The government grants faith communities the right to conduct ceremonies. 

The Bill didn't just "squeak" by in the House of Commons. It was passed by an overwhelming majority, 366 in favor to 161 opposed. The lower house of the British Parliament is now finished with the issue.

The Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill now progresses to the committee and reading stages (voting) in the House of Lords. If passed by them (as expected), it then goes to The Queen for her Royal Assent (signature). Once signed, The bill becomes the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act and the law of the realm.  

Queen Elizabeth II is expected not to delay consenting to make the Marriage Bill into becoming the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act. In March, 2013, she signed a Charter in support of gay rights and gender equality throughout The Commonwealth. Within the 54-nation Commonwealth, currently Canada, New Zealand and South Africa recognize same-sex marriages. 

Tally-Ho, Britannia! Perhaps the British lawmakers should share their enlightenment across the Atlantic! 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 

The GOP Didn't Flush This...

The Internal Revenue Service Commissioner is NOT a political appointment for each president.

The purpose of keeping the IRS independent of politics is to keep revenue collection impartial. 

The TEA Party is collecting funds. It is applying for tax-exemption status. 

Let the cards fall where they may. 

If you applied for an exemption, then don't bemoan the fact your application is scrutinized.

Grow up! 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 

(BTW: as a nudist, clothing is NOT a tax exemption)!  

(graphic by Raul Rodriguez, Top To Bottom Blog)

Monday Morning?

Another Monday morning, another new week and a slight hesitation in being able to get out of bed. Deep down, truth be known, you simply don't want to get up. It's going to be a long day, the Monday before a three-day holiday weekend usually always is. But face the facts, there's simply no way to fast-forward through the week to Friday.

A few thoughts to help motivate the day.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Love Is A True Family Value...

"Without warning

as a whirlwind

swoops on an oak

Love shakes my heart."

Sappho

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 

SCOTUS Marriage Equality Vigil

Matthew St. Patrick as "Keith Charles" and Michael Hall as "David Fischer"

HBO series: "Six Feet Under" 

In the United States of America, the nation is awaiting two major rulings on marriage equality from the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS). A rendering of their decision is expected in June, 2013. Spring is the season for love and so it is fitting that we continue our vigil for justice in the celebration of same gender love. 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 

 "Love, as the poet says, is like the Spring. It grows on you and seduces you slowly and gently, but it holds tight like the roots of a tree. You don't know until you're ready to go that you can't move, that you would have to mutilate yourself in order to be free. That's the feeling. It doesn't last, at least it doesn't have to. But it holds on like a steel claw in your chest. Even if the tree dies, the roots cling to you. I've seen men and women give up everything for love that once was." 

~Walter Mosley~ 

International Day Against Homophobia

International Day Against Homophobia

click to view website

Although sexual diversity has become more recognized, homophobia still exists, even if the ways of expressing it are increasingly subtle. Our societies recognize that homophobia is a form of discrimination just like all other forms of discrimination. To fight it, we need to make everyone, from all walks of life and various cultures, aware of all aspects of this reality. 

2013 Campaign Theme: "Fight The Homophobia Web Virus"

2013 Objectives:

fight homophobia on the internet and social media

make people aware of the presence of homophobia in the Web world

inform internet users of the effects that homophobia and bullying have on the health of their victims

propose initiatives to defeat cyberhomophobia

encourage website administrators to limit the use of pseudonyms and to prohibit conduct that isn't cyberethical

make internet users aware of the importance of reporting and denouncing homophobia or bullying remarks to the appropriate authorities

Why May 17?

It was on May 17, 1990, that homosexuality was removed from the list of recognized mental illnesses by the World Health Organization (WHO).   

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 

In particular, we remember the GLBT community in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East

And also, our gay brothers and sisters in Uganda and all of Africa.

World Naked Bike Ride, 2013

Our man, Michael, waiting to begin

The arrival of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere brings with it one of the largest celebrations of nudity throughout the world, the World Naked Bike Ride. Most of the Southern Hemisphere have already held their events. The majority of naked bike rides are scheduled during the month of June, 2013, with the goal of finishing by the Summer Solstice. 

The World Naked Bike Ride always attracts a large number of cyclists, most nude (where legal), a significant number of environmentalists and conservationists and a even greater number of naturists/nudists. Of course, just as the name implies, an even larger number of the curious and supporters line the streets as the collection of cyclists, skaters and walkers parade in protest against fossil fuel and automobile operator's  irresponsibility.

Michael smiling for the camera while pedaling

The Mission Statement for The World Naked Bike Ride is: We face automobile traffic with our naked bodies as the best way of defending our dignity and exposing the unique dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians as well as the negative consequences we all face due to dependence on oil and other forms of non-renewable energy. 

For additional information and registration, click here: World Naked Bike Ride.

 

Michael seems to have misplaced his friends

Here is a partial list of cities and dates for World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) in the Northern Hemisphere:

Amsterdam...June 22

Berlin...June 8

Houston...June 8 and June 15

London...June 8

Los Angeles...June 8

Mexico City...June 8

Montpelier...June 8

New Orleans...June 8

Portland...June 8

Providence...June 8

Photographing friends at the finish line

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 

Viva Brazil!

CONGRATULATIONS, BRAZIL!   

This is good news! Brazil is now the 15th nation in the world, the fourth in the Western Hemisphere and the third in Latin America, to officially recognize marriage equality. This ruling takes effect immediately and is binding throughout the entire country. Although there is a bill before the Brazilian Congress legalizing same gender marriages, this ruling supersedes the legislative action.

Numerous states in Brazil have passed measures legalizing marriage equality within their respective jurisdictions. Nationwide, civil unions have been recognized for several years. This decision, by the Brazilian National Council of Justice, which oversees the entire Brazilian judicial system, has ruled that: "Notaries are prohibited from refusing to recognize the unions of same-sex couples." Effective immediately, the civil unions will automatically convert to full marriage.

Brazil now joins a growing list of nations where marriage equality exists: Here's the current roster of equals:

• The Netherlands
• Belgium
• Spain
• Portugal
• Denmark
• Norway
• Sweden
• Iceland
• France
• South Africa
• New Zealand
• Canada
• Argentina
• Uruguay
• Brazil

Congratulations to all our nude Brazilian brothers and sisters!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Tuesday: Triumph And Tragedy

Running Naked With The News...

MINNESOTA SENATE PASSES MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL

Minnesota is set to become the 12th state, along with the District of Columbia, in recognizing marriage equality. Yesterday afternoon, the State Senate approved the bill which now goes for the Governor for signature. This is a mere formality.

Last November, during the general election, Minnesota voters overwhelmingly defeated a campaign initiative that would have recognized marriage as between one man and one woman. Thus, the legislative votes and the gubernatorial signature are merely rubber-stamping what the Minnesota voters have already approved. 

Congratulations, Minnesota! 

^*^*^*^*^*

Enough said on this subject. The Christian Right is neither Christian, nor right. 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 

Another One Is Gay...

Those Friday Night Football Lights Shine Just A Little "Gay-er" Now! 

KEVIN GRAYSON COMES OUT OF THE CLOSET

Kevin Grayson

Kevin Grayson, a star wide receiver for the University of Richmond (Virginia) football team from 2008-2011 and one of the most decorated collegiate football players in recent Virginia history, has come out as gay. In an interview with a local CBS-TV affiliate in Richmond, Grayson said he is putting an end to the secret he has carried for so long because being closeted "...eats away at you like its own cancer." 

In college, Kevin helped the University of Richmond Spiders win the football championship subdivision national title in 2008. While playing professionally for the National Football League (NFL) last year in Italy, he was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of his league's championship play-off "super bowl." 

Grayson said he was out to a few select teammates but for the first time he is now telling the world. He remarked that, "People didn't believe it because I was an athlete." 

Reaction to the news has been mainly one of disbelief. Grayson continues:  "They're like 'Kevin plays football, he plays basketball, he runs track. No way, you know?' Those are the types of things where if I could go back and say: 'Why can't I be an athlete? Why can't I be a star player? Why can't I be the guy making plays that helps my team win, and still, on the flip side, be a gay male?'"

Kevin has heard multiple slurs and homophobic insults from both coaches and teammates, none of whom realized they had a gay player in their midst. He offered: "You know, it's like 'Stop being a princess, stop being a faggot,' you know - 'homo!'"

Grayson elaborates, "While you're in the football aspect of it, no one is really thinking about it. Hypermasculine sport. You have coaches that are, I guess, naive to the fact that they could have a gay player on the team. A couple of times I laughed at it. I thought it was funny to think about whether or not if I told this coach, what would he say?"

Kevin Grayson lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, now and is in a relationship. He states that he did not come out while playing because he didn't want to be known as "the gay player."

He concluded the interview by hoping that his story can be an inspiration to others. "Just because you're gay doesn't mean you can't be the athlete you want to be."

Congratulations to My. Grayson for his courage in stepping up and being proud of who he is. The list of athletes who are gay grows, and each name added destroys the myth surrounding same gender loving men and sports. 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!   

Kevin Grayson (right) and friend

Mother's Day

Nude Boys dressed for Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day, 2013

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

A rose for Mother!

Mother's Day Weekend: End The Killing

In honor of all our mother's,

let's commit ourselves to ending all the violence

using firearms that is ravaging our country.

Congress refuses to take action.

It's time we the people elect new members of Congress.

It's about time we vote for a responsible government! 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 

And then, if that's not enough, there's the utter insensitive stupidity of the fanatics 

of the National Rifle Association (NRA)

Patience Pays Off...Thanks For Your Support!

Supporting our community!

The latest ABC/The Washington Post Poll shows that support for equality, not just in the issue of marriage, but across the specter of same gender loving concerns, is now in the majority here in the United States. The results, released yesterday, May 9, 2013, demonstrates that patience and perseverance are finally paying off with more than half the population reacting favorably towards items of importance within the GLBT community.

On the issues of supporting James Collins, the first openly gay player active in the NBA, to marriage equality, to allowing gays under the age of 18 years in the Boy Scouts and the ending of the ban on gay Boy Scout leaders, Americans now favor equality and inclusion over bigotry and exclusion. For a PDF version of the complete breakdown of demographics and analysis of the poll, click: ABC/WAPO Poll .

Isn't it great to wake up and realize that, finally, most of the people in your country don't hate you for who you are? Now, we're at the very least tolerated! 

Welcome to the majority!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

PhotoEssay: Naked Martin On The Street

Is nudity contagious? There are some who think that it is. Others don't believe it so. Just looking at the photo above of Martin on the streets of an unknown city above could leave one to conclude that perhaps it may be so. Notice the two men in the right-hand corner above. At first, they're not sure if their eyes deceive them..

They approach our friend, Martin. In order to convince himself that what he sees is, indeed, real, one of the guys drops his pants so that he can hang loose also, the same as Martin.

Then he bares all once he's decided that yes, up-close-and-personal, our friend is fully nude. Why let martin have all the fame and fun? He joins in to frolic naturally.

The other man, not quite as bold as to get naked, does support Martin by planting a kiss on his lips. Now, the decision is yours to make. Is nudity contagious?

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Take A Hike...

A beautiful Spring afternoon! It's early May and the sun is peering through the clouds. Feeling the warming air, it's off to a local nature preserve to take a hike and observe to flowers and foliage as they emerge from the winter hibernation. Arriving at the park, find the nearest trail and start walking, enjoying the freedom from layers of sweaters and coats. 

Soon, the clouds above have dissipated and the sun is shining bright. The thermometer begins to rise as the sun rays warm the air even higher than the weather forecaster predicted. The trail now leads into a copse of trees, promising some shade from the sun's intensity. 

Under the shade of the leafy branches above, a shallow stream appears. Feeling warm and knowing there's no one else about, first the shirt and then the athletic shorts are removed. The stream is forded in just the boxer briefs and hiking boots. The air is still warm and the water feels cool and refreshing. It's a great day for an outing in nature, undisturbed by all the surrounding urban sprawl and traffic. Taking a day away from the office was a good idea!  

Emboldened by the solitude and the cover of nature, the boxer briefs come off! At last, freedom to hang loose and to hang free! The restrictions of clothing cast off like last winter's outer gear! The sun, the breeze and fresh air awake the naked skin as once again the experience of being outdoors and nude cause the flesh to tingle and the heart to race. The joy and thrill of the first clothes-free hike of the Spring season! 

Leaving the clothing in a pile on the bank of the stream, it's now time to wade upstream to see what lies ahead. At this point and time, even a fellow hiker gives no cause for alarm. Who in their right mind could resist the temptation to join in a field day of nakedness? It simply feels so good and right! This is exactly the way nature should be enjoyed: naked and free! 

Now, it's an about-face and a walk downstream to see what's on the other end. This wildlife park in the midst of development is like a deserted island in the middle of the sea. A treasure undiscovered by those who dwell around it. A oasis of tranquility that calms the spirit and renews the soul. A sanctuary from humanity where the simple pleasures of nudity may be experienced alone or shared on a beautiful Spring day! 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 

CONGRATULATIONS TO DELAWARE AND RHODE ISLAND!