ECLIPSE Magazine June 2021

J u n e

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Contents

30.

THROUGH THE LENS

84.

Hayden, Mauro, Taylor and Velvet show us their Pride.

74.

THE KITCHEN CORNER Mac Massimo refreshes us with an alcoholic ice cream float.

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PROUST SPOTLIGHT

108.

Showcasing the talented blogger, Angeleyes Roxley.

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PRIDE AT HOME A phenomenal Pride event from Tinker Hax and Coral Lacey.

THE WAYFAR

Join the Wayfarer as he expl London for

128.

SERAPRI

Learn more about the fant Pride event from Serap

48.

Ara Dethly

WRITER Cajsa Lilliehook

140. VOICES FROM THE GRID

lores Ara.

Asked the same question, see what residents have to say.

tastic phim!

Pride is Pride is Pride is Pride is Pride

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER

RER

IDE

COVER STORY

158.

ACROSS THE GRID

Wicca Merlin introduces us to the world of Angels & Demons.

ECLIPSE Magazine is dedicated to not only offering an aesthetically pleasing publication, but to also be considered a platform that offers rich and relevant content. Each month, we showcase residents and groups that have taken the concept of “your world, your imagination” to such great heights that they have impacted the culture and lifestyle of the Second Life community.

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the contributo

TROUBLE DETHLY

CAJSA LILLIEHOOK

PUBLISHER

COPY EDITOR

STE

CONTENT M

HAYDEN DETHLY

JUNE FALLON

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

ASSISTANT EDITOR

ors

EF NOVA

MANAGER

PREVIOUS ISSUES

WRITERS Cajsa Lilliehook Daffodil Crimson Gidge Uriza Novaleigh Freng Taylor Wassep Wicca Merlin

PHOTOGRAPHERS Ara Dethly Hayden Dethly Mac Massimo Mauro Rosenfeld Stef Nova Sylvia Olivier Taylor Wassep Wicca Merlin

STYLISTS Hayden Dethly Mauro Rosenfeld Skye Nefekalum Sylvia Olivier Taylor Wassep Vivien De’Lancoure Wicca Merlin

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Welcome to the June 2021 issue of ECLIPSE Magazine! As usual, the last thing I do is write my Publisher’s Note; however, it is worth noting that I am on time. This is the first time in a while that I have been able to stick to my self-imposed deadline. I am rather happy about it. I feel like my next issue will come out either August or September. I’ll keep you posted on my blog!

It is Pride month, so for our cover story we interviewed seven residents who share their views on the LGBTIQA+ community in Second Life.

Cajsa did a fantastic job with the article, and Ara did absolutely incredible with the cover imagery.

We also have two feature articles. One is for Pride at Home. It is a full month event with music, parties, free gifts on sim, an awesome shopping event and so much more. One of my favorite things is the parade floats around the sim. The other piece is on SeraPride (June 12). The theme is pool party, and they have incredible designers and groups committed to matching money raised during the event.

For the Publisher’s photo, I chose a photo Ara did last year for Pride. We have a total of nine pieces this month, and I do hope you enjoy them.

Happy Readings!

from the publisher

through the lens

s

Each issue, ECLIPSE Magazine invites the many talented photographers from Second Life to collaborate. With this piece, they style, create and share a glimpse through their lens.

For this edition, Hayden Dethly, Mauro Rosenfeld, Taylor Wassep and Velvet Bunny inspire us with their Pride!

Photographer: Hayden Dethly

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Photographer: Hayden Dethly

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Photographer: Mauro Rosenfeld

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Photographer: Taylor Wassep Page 38 | ECLIPSE June 2021

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Photographer: Velvet Bunny

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Hayden dethly Page 42 | ECLIPSE June 2021

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cora fallon Page 46 | ECLIPSE June 2021

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pride is pride is pride is prid PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARA DETHLY & TROUBLE DETHLY. writt

de is pride en by cajsa lilliehook.

Fifty-one years ago, on June 28, 1969, the NYPD staged one of their frequent harassing raids of the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village.

Police around the country would raid gay clubs to pump up their arrest statistics. For aggressive cops, gays were an acceptable, even approved, target. A Portland cop, Don Dupay, wrote in his memoir that sexual minorities were “the target of extra police attention” while recounting how he and his colleagues would stalk the Pink Triangle to harass, physically abuse, and arrest people leaving the bars.

interviewed for this article gave a great defense of Pride, writing, “It’s like you’re important everyday but on your birthday, you’re extra special with a cake, even though you matter everyday. The whole month of June is our birthday and it’s pretty crazy that Pride Month is celebrated in multiple countries.”

This month, ECLIPSE Magazine asked community members what Pride meant to them for our Voices From the Grid feature. One thing Pride has always been is a celebration of the community in all its diversity. For this But things went sideways that night and they story, we interviewed seven residents to learn have been going sideways ever since. Instead more about how they view the LGBTIQA+ of accepting the abuse and arrests, the patrons community in Second Life. We interviewed spilled out onto the streets and fought back.

Dash Bloodmoon [Dash Huntsman], Hayden Black drag artist Marsha P. “Pay It No Mind” Dethly [BarryLoyd Resident], Jena [jenalynn], Johnson threw a shot glass at a mirror and Taco Belle [Melanie Bobak], Piper [Piper shouted, “I’ve got my civil rights.” This has been Oppewall], Taylor [Taylor Wassep], and Velvet called “the shot glass heard round the world.”

Bunny [Sylvia Olivier.] This is, of course, just a What were you to pay no mind? Gender, snapshot of the community, but an interesting of course. The Stonewall Rebellion lasted one. several days and the following year a march commemorated the Rebellion and the fight So where do people find community in for LGBTQIA rights came out of the closet and Second Life? Does their community create Pride was born. expectations that they struggle with? Not surprising, no one named an in-world group, For many in the LGBTIQA+ community, Pride dance club, or LGBTIQA+ sim as the center has many layers. On the outside, for public of their community. For nearly everyone, the consumption, it is a festival of risque revelry. community came from the organic personBeneath the rainbow, though, there is the to-person connections that are wrapped up communion of disparate people (There are in small but important words like friends and seven letters with a plus sign, after all.) who family. This is not a failing of the LGBTIQA+ come together to celebrate their shared organizations and sims. They exist to foster humanity. Down deep inside, there is respite and make spaces for communities to develop. and rescue where those who feel isolated and Community is a personal, not an organizational alone find they are not alone. Those who feel connection, a neural network of emotional ties. desperate are introduced to organizations and services that can help them find support and For Velvet Bunny, her friends are scattered acceptance. For a brief, shining moment, they making her feel as though she doesn’t really can be the prom king, queen, or both at the have a second of community. She adds, “I same time. stay in Second Life now for the people that are important to me. I would like to find something There was an interesting discussion on that has more of a sense of community but I also Facebook about the value of Pride today find it hard at times to relax and get to know and Dash Bloodmoon, one of the people people. I’m pretty well introverted but there are Page 50 | ECLIPSE June 2021

l

Photograph provided by Velvet Bunny.

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people that I’ve met in SL that have become friends that I wouldn’t trade for anything and have affection for just as if they were my friend in RL.” Velvet didn’t take SL very seriously until meeting her SL Partner Corduroy Bunny. “We had different names before. I was Sylvia Oliver and she was Uglee Oh. We decided on a whim one day to change our names to have matching ones. While we are not a couple her friendship has been important to me over the years.”

She continued, “I met her in July of 2008 and it was right after I had tried to take my life. At that time I felt like I had no friends in the entire world and I had just come back to live with my mom after a bunch of bad RL things had happened and I was in the hospital for two weeks. Somehow though this person that lived in another state helped me to find the will to live again. She was there and she was real. It meant so much to me at the time to have a friend that stuck with me no matter how hard I am to get to know at times. I think that she saved my life. She will always be a very important life long friend of mine - for Second Life and beyond.”

Piper likewise keeps a small circle of friends with whom she maintains a close connection, adding, “They are more like family. Loyal crazy little group of people that take everyone as is.

Always up to something silly and fun. But when we need each other, we are always there. SL has really changed a lot over the fourteen years I’ve been on. When I started, I felt like I had to go back into the closet. Now, I’m out and have the support and no longer feel like I have to be careful where I go.” She was recently gay-bashed at an SL store and the support for her has been moving.

“My wife went nuts, I don’t think I’ve ever felt this before. She went out of her way to make sure others knew about this. She contacted other store owners and sim owners and it was just insane to see the support they gave to me without even knowing me. But I didn’t let that get me down, I just put on my next stupid outfit and ran around hugging everyones pixels. Nothing like getting a hug from someone wearing booty rainbow Page 52 | ECLIPSE June 2021

shorts, flip flops with socks and a rainbow cape.”

Taco Belle has a great support system with great friends. “It’s everything. I really feel like most LGBTQIA people are done caring if we were “Included” or not. We’ve always been here and at the end of the day there’s always going to be a bigot somewhere no matter where you are in RL or SL.” Most important is her twelveyear friendship with Justine Lemton. “I mean we basically grew up in SL with each other from our teens to our thirties. I’ve just experienced so much with her. The flexi hair, the awful strip club animations...you name it.”

Jena also defines her community closely, as her friends and those designers she blogs for.

“I’m independent and pretty introverted so I tend to lean on people very little. However, the times that I’ve needed them, friends have been there for me, yes. I feel like I get a better deal out of my relationships in SL than my friends do, however, since I tend to enjoy time by myself a lot. The majority of the ‘community’ in Second Life seems to have an expectation that you must always be socializing while logged in and if you are not you are deemed rude or sketchy. So I am both ‘rude’ and ‘sketchy’ and thankfully some people like me anyway.”

Taylor Wassep finds his community among the creatives of Second Life. The mutual support and positivity they cultivate motivates him. He adds, “It shouldn’t be the only reason to continue on with a passion mind you, but it surely helps you navigate your own creative pathway and see if you are growing as a person or need some help.” But he also finds community in his personal relationships. “When I first joined SL, I was eighteen years old and knew extremely little of what the world had to offer. Growing up in a suburban area in the midwest, not a lot of LGBTQIA+ activities or centers were available to me. Second Life gave me a “safe place” to explore myself; who I am, my sexuality, my truth. Along the way, each person I met added to my journey; be it positive or negative. Each instance helped

Photograph of Taco Belle.

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me grow as not just a person, but a queer person at that. It wouldn’t feel right not to highlight my whole experience as something touching.

Because in a sense, it molded me into the person I am today.”

Dash Bloodmoon also finds community in friends and family. “Everyone has been so supportive of my journey. This community has helped me to accept myself for who I am, because they were supportive at each step of my journey. I never really thought about the Second Life standards and expectations when it comes to being transgender. Once I accepted myself for who I was. I just basically told the world who I was, and left it at that.”

Hayden Dethly also identified friends and family as his community. “I have always been the kind of person that likes to keep a small circle and they’ve always been there for me. I know I can always count on them if I need help or to talk and they’ve always had my back. I appreciate it more than they know, it’s comforting. I think the world in general sets standards and expectations that may include and exclude me, I wouldn’t say it’s limited to Second Life. I think if people see you act a certain way, they will put a label on you which you may or may not agree with.”

His early time in SL was spent working as an admin at The Arcanum, a magic store. He met a lot of people who he thinks shaped who he is. However, family is what really made the difference for him. “I only began truly enjoying my Second Life once I met my dad, Trouble. Until I met him and my mom Ara, I hadn’t really felt what it was like to be loved and cared about in SL. All the people I met all those years ago were kind of all gone, so in a way I felt alone here for a long time. So meeting my family and making new friendships was truly a blessing that I never thought would come for me.”

But if people identify their community through friends and family, what is Pride? It is Page 54 | ECLIPSE June 2021

a gathering of communities that have a shared interest in mutual defense and a collective need to assert and defend their humanity.

Pride is a celebration of the humanity, creativity, and beauty that is released when people can be their authentic selves.

Not all people can be their authentic self in their first life and Second Life is their one safe space. They may live in an area where homophobia is fostered as a kind of civic and religious virtue by the religious, political, and cultural leaders of the area. They may have parents who make a point of expressing disapproval of LGBTIQA+ people, perhaps to forestall their child coming out. They may live in countries where their orientation or gender identity are illegal and could lead to prison or death. They may fear gay-bashing bigots and remember the cruel murders of LGBTIAQ+ people around the world from Emanuelle Muniz to David Kato to the victims of the Pulse mass murder just four years ago on June 12, 2016.

Fortunately, the people we interviewed were able to be authentic, for the most part, in both their first and Second Lives. That is as it should be. But until it is a right for people everywhere, SL remains a place of safety.

Dash recognizes how precious it is to be authentic. “I have the privilege to be my free authentic self in real life. There is no other way to describe it other than privilege. I was able to come out at work and to my family without persecution. Albeit this had mixed results because not everyone may agree with my gender, but they are respectful. So I live unapologetically authentically. Because I have this privilege I actively try to educate. Most people if open-minded are curious about what being transgender is. However it is an exhausting and vulnerable task to be open, and to explain why I exist.”

Photograph provided by Jena.

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Photograph of Dash Bloodmoon.

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Dash Bloodmoon Addresses the Question of Safety As far as safety there will always be the inherent fear of being outed. I have medically transitioned by injecting testosterone. This has deepened my voice, redistributed some fat to give me a masculine face, and I’ve lost the hourglass figure. However I do wear a binder, this essentially is an undershirt that flattens and compresses my chest to make it look more masculine. I also wear a prosthetic to alleviate my bottom dysphoria. The prosthetic looks, feels, and passes for a cisgender male penis. In the transgender community, the qualifications usually are based around “Does it pass the grab test?” As a sidenote, not everyone that is a transgender male wears either of these, nor is it necessary nor is it expected. I just do, because it helps with my gender dysphoria.

Now if either of these items are removed, I feel naked. I had to be admitted to the hospital not so long ago, and was instructed to strip down and put on my gown for surgery. I felt extremely vulnerable. Everyone before that moment had assumed I was male. Suddenly I was put in a place to educate and advocate that I was male while before there was no question. For the most part the hospital staff was receptive and accepted that I was transgender.

But now my chart had an “F” for female. I now had to have the recurring conversation of correcting pronouns. I also worried about my safety and treatment because transgender individuals have little protection or support legally when it comes to healthcare.

As a whole, in the United States, there are political, legal and religious penalties. Even then the laws are different from state to state. For example, my driver’s license has Male as the gender marker. I currently reside in the state of Michigan, and I was able to get it changed by having permission from a medical professional and evidence of a treatment plan. However if I move to another state I may or may not be able to keep my gender marker as male even though one state recognizes it. For example if I were to move to my state of birth, Louisiana, I would need to have had a gender affirming surgery to be able to apply to change the gender marker. So my driver’s license would change to have a female gender marker. However, let’s add a bit more confusion, I can get a passport with the correct gender marker with a medical professional’s confirmation of gender affirming treatment.

There is nothing specific that states that the treatment has to be surgery to get a gender marker changed on a passport. Confusing isn’t it? You can get a passport with one gender marker but have your driver’s license/state ID with a different gender marker.

There is a long way to go to live authentically without question and to not have to ask for permission. Only then can I really feel safe.

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Hayden also is fortunate. He was outed at school before he was ready, something that can be dangerous. Does it really need to be said that outing anyone is not okay? “I’ve been out as gay since I was 17 and I was kind of outed at school a little after I came out to my family, however, I got very lucky with the family and friends I have in RL as well and I have never dealt with any serious discrimination issues so far, which I’m very grateful for and wish it was the same for everyone.”

Jena is also out in her first life. “I’m entirely out and authentic; at home, with friends, and at work. I’m also safe. The pseudonymity is protective and I’m assuming it’s a positive thing when it allows one to be more authentic in SL than one can be in their real life day-to-day.

SL doesn’t make me personally feel more safe however.” And for Piper, she feels lucky that her family supported her when she came out.

“Sure I’ve had some not so safe issues happen, I think sadly most lgbtqia can relate. But I’ve had it pretty easy in that department. But I can say that I do feel like Linden Lab tries their best to protect me and the community. Though, the lgbtqia family and our allies don’t take any crap, and we fight for each other before LL is even needed.”

Taylor feels as safe as one can be. “I live in a suburban midwestern state in the United States.

People can have their own assumptions of such areas, but I have not personally been targeted by others for my sexuality or being my authentic self. I think that might have something to do with the fact I surround myself with extremely open-minded people and other members of the LGBTQIA community as well. The pseudonymity [in SL] is nice if you are not ready to share large aspects of your real life with the grid at-large.

Having that safety net is nice, and if at any point you decide you don’t need it any longer you are totally free to relinquish that net and show even more of yourself to people.”

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my authentic self in real life. Circumstances have changed and I feel less likely to venture out and explore. I used to enjoy being a part of organizations where I could volunteer in real life. I would like to be able to do some more volunteering in the future.”

Ironically, it was harder for Taco to come out in SL than in her first life. “I’ve been openly trans in my RL for 18 years and honestly coming out in SL was harder because when I first started my account I was looking for a place I could exist without that trans label however as you get older you start to really realize its a huge part of who you are and you can’t really hide parts of yourself if you plan on having genuine friendships.”

Pride is often a transgressive spectacle. This writer will never forget the first time I attended Pride. My organization was working against the infamous Oregon Ballot Measure 9 and we had a booth there. Along came one of our board members, a very buttoned-down accountant who wore a three-piece suit whether he came to the office during the workday or the evening. Always serious, always business-like, always professional. At Pride he came for his shift at our booth wearing nothing but rainbow boxers and suspenders with flip flops! This was more shocking for me than the man wearing nothing but body paint and a cockring or the many bare-breasted women. The wild colors, the exuberant flouting of convention, the transgressive joy of it all thrilled me...and I am a cis-het white woman. I can only imagine the thrill for those who were being targeted at that very moment by the homophobic Oregon Citizens Alliance.

I wondered if SL offers that same transgressive joy. For Taylor, it did. “I would totally agree with this, mainly from a creative standpoint. I had a conversation with someone years ago about why I choose to have a female avatar. That was before I started using a male avatar on the same account. Needless to say, my response to that question was a purely creative one. I view

Photograph of Hayden Dethly.

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my avatar as fashion dolls, in a sense. Creating a scene that I get inspired by from clothing, accessories or maybe even from a set or two.

Second Life allows me to bring to a virtual platform all that I imagine in my mind. I can be as transgressive as I want with my artistry and I can be as submissive and wholesome as well. Having the ability to do whatever you can imagine in Second Life is such a freeing and therapeutic experience.”

Velvet feels more daring in SL. “I take photos in SL that I wouldn’t take in RL. I don’t feel any expectations from Second Life. I have very few commitments in SL so sometimes I feel a lack of purpose here. I used to work in SL and I felt more of a purpose to be more involved and take myself more seriously in SL. Since I no longer do that I just feel that my SL is a bit on the boring side at times and not as fun as it’s been in the past. I would like to be more involved. I’m just not sure how to be more involved.” For Piper as well, “I do a lot more daring things in SL than I would in real life. I have an outfit saved as “I am queer”, which is just a lot of rainbow clothes with a silly AO. Not something I’d do rl. Lol I’ve never felt like my boundaries have ever been violated on sl. I’m pretty mouthy and stubborn, so I wouldn’t let that happen anyway,” she added with a laugh.

For Hayden it’s an obvious fact. “There’s little risk in SL. The things you’re afraid to try in RL, you might try them in SL. I don’t think SL expects me to be more transgressive. I’m still in control of what I want to do in the end.”

On the other hand, Taco says the only thing SL does is allow her more clothes. “It allows me to be more creative and more free at times though.”

Jena does not even think about, feeling free to be herself all the time.

Interestingly and fortunately, Dash’s answer has changed over time, “If you were to ask me this same question last year, my answer would have been different. But I am able to be just as daring in my first life as my Second Life when Page 60 | ECLIPSE June 2021

it comes to my gender, gender expression, and sexuality. My family and all my coworkers know that I am transgender. I also have a transgender pride flag sticker on my car. Does that count as being transgressive and daring in my first life?”

When people think of Pride, they often think of parades, but Pride often includes a gathering with music, speeches, and booths from LGBTIQA+ organizations. In addition to political organizations, there are social affinity groups, cultural groups including choirs and bands. There are often healthcare organizations, legal resources, and affirming churches. People can find help and connections there. They can find they are not alone and that help is there. Organizational resources are central to the LGBTIQA+ community, providing not just camaraderie and safe spaces, but support for unique needs.

But how do people feel about the LGBTIQA+ community in Second Life?

Taylor thought this a loaded question. “It asks about aspects of the community I may not entirely know the experiences of. I am a cisgendered gay man, and I have had very little negative interactions with people outside of the LGBTQIA community. In my earlier years in Second Life, I have had disagreements or unsavory interactions with people within the community; but had nothing to do with sexuality.

But as a whole, I would say that the community I attribute myself to is quite inclusive to all the diverse array of people who view themselves as queer.”

For Hayden, he thinks by and large most people are welcome. “In my experience, in SL, most of the sims I’ve frequented that were in the LGBTIQA community, were targeted for Gay men and gay men only and lately there have been many new ones, but also just for gay men. I have never really seen a hangout sim for LGBTIQA in general, but that could just be my fault for not looking properly. I do think that socializing together doesn’t seem to be an issue, I remember

Photograph of Piper.

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during pride month in 2020, everyone seemed to be having fun together. I can only speak about the gay men community portion of LGBTIQA, and I think most of them are very welcoming in general but like any community, they can also set their standards and expectations and sometimes I feel like sets us back more than the discrimination we might get from the outside.”

LGBTIQA community on any of Linden Labs social pages such as Instagram or Facebook (beyond the month of June) so I’m not sure how much of a priority it is for Linden Labs to represent or facilitate a strong community for LGBTIQA folks.”

For Dash, the idea of the SL LGBTIQA+ community is more complex. “I believe there is a general camaraderie being in the LGBTIQA Jena sees some differences in how inclusive community, where for the most part people are places can be. “Clubs/events run by gay men respectful of each other even if they may not in SL tend to be the most welcoming places understand each other. However when talking in the lgbtiqa community - they seem to like about specifics the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer everybody and be very inclusive. The lesbian and even the Asexual communities can be loud community… is less welcoming, but perhaps with their pride. The Transgender and Intersex they have more of a struggle in SL than other communities are quieter. While the other letters groups. Oh and so many people dislike bisexuals, deal with sexuality T and I are specific in gender which is no different than RL, to be honest (and is expression/anatomy. Not everyone is going to still homophobia). Please keep in mind I go ‘out shout about what genitalia they have, especially into the community’ in SL very minimally so my if it’s triggering to discuss it. With that being said, experience is pretty limited, especially recently.” there are many communities that are exclusive to cater to sexual orientation. There is a huge Piper thinks there are many communities, not a cis lesbian and gay community, with some community. “I think there are many communities sprinkling of bi and pan people.” within the LGBTIQA. If you would have asked me this five years ago, I would have said for the Dash points out the transgender community most part each group would exclude another is unique. “Like the intersex community we are but now, I think we are learning from our past not as loud. Because it can be triggering to even mistakes and we see that we need each other.” acknowledge the “transition”. Many transgender Taco also sees different communities, and sees individuals come to a point when they we differences in how inclusive they are. “I feel like want to drop the prefix “trans” and no longer most LGBTQIA people blend together pretty well. want to be known as a “trans”-man, “trans”We all have kind of an unspoken bond because woman, and just be a man or woman. Transition we’ve all had similar experiences or traumas that becomes a past tense, and living in their truth relate directly to who we are and it’s stuff we can’t does not necessarily include exclaiming that change. And we would never want to.” they were assigned male or assigned female at birth. Not everyone is boasting about what they Velvet has not been out and about much in were assigned at birth or being transgender the broader LGBTIQA+ community. “I’m not even amongst each other. This makes the sure where to find the LGBTIQA community in SL. transgender/intersex community quieter then I wish that Second Life felt more inclusive to be other communities. You’ve honestly probably a part of beyond the month of pride. I wish that met a transgender person without even realizing, I knew of places where people hung out. But still because there was no need to talk about I’m pretty shy about making new friends and genitalia or what sex they were assigned at birth. approaching people...I stick to my platform and While in reverse the topic of sexuality can come take pictures. It’s rare these days that I interact up earlier and naturally especially when flirting and socialize. I do not see a lot of presence of the etc.”

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Photograph of Dash Bloodmoon.

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He continues that there are trickier expectations when socializing among the other letters of the alliance. When a gay man goes to a gay club, he can safely assume the people he will meet are likewise gay or perhaps straight allies. He does not have to come out. “Adversely for the transgender and intersex community there are expectations and standards to come out. Most people assume the other individual is cisgendered, they honestly have little reason not to. As a transgender person there is the added dynamic of having to “come out” again. What do I mean? Well I have to tell the other person my plumbing. Some partners may unknowingly have a preference for genitalia that align with a cisgender body, and if not disclosed, a transgender may be considered a catfish. But the question is when should a transgender person discuss what parts they have? My parts are not my sole identity.”

seventeen U.S. states and the District of Columbia prohibit sexual orientation and gender discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

There are five more states that have partial prohibitions. That’s less than half the country.

The complexity of rights in the European Union makes a very incomplete rainbow. Asia has a wide spectrum with some countries accepting homosexuality while others criminalize it and even apply the death penalty. The United States has had a pernicious influence on both Russia and Africa, exporting hate. Evangelical activists have advocated for countries to adopt the death penalty and Russia has criminalized being out and gay, pretending that is a form of recruitment.

Meanwhile, the far right who have mastered the art of cultivating hate to cultivate votes He continued, “The general expectation is that have acknowledged losing the culture war on this discussion should happen early on but not gays by moving on to a new culture war on everyone is going to go up to someone and people who are transgender with unnecessary say “Hi I’m gay and I have female anatomy. and inflammatory bathroom bans, sports bans, Or I’m lesbian and have male anatomy.” But introducing bills requiring genital inspection speaking to someone, especially someone of children in school, and healthcare bans. that you are interested in. The natural flow of Meanwhile, President Biden appointed the the conversation may have little to do with Dr. Rachel Levine and she was confirmed by being transgender, or come up. So when does the Senate. Such a mix of good news and bad disclosure happen? If I tell someone I’m interested news had us wondering what made people in too late, I may be considered catfishing. Or optimistic about the future. that I mislead them. But a lot of transgender individuals fear the immediate rejection of being Taylor sees himself as a natural optimist. He transgender. Or that they will be excluded after sees so much progress and values the efforts disclosing. This rejection happens a lot in the of social media and Second Life to be inclusive. transgender community. This type of rejection “Having the ability to add something as simple as and expectation on when to disclose makes it pronouns is incredible. Again, it’s something that difficult for transgender individuals to navigate most people might not understand; having a socializing with other members in the LGBTIQA stranger use the correct verbiage for your gender. community.”

But it can make a world of difference mentally.”

Taylor is also buoyed by the quiet heroism There has been so much debate about the of front-line workers. “It didn’t matter if that necessity of Pride this year. After all, 70% person was queer or not, we relied on another of Americans support gay marriage now. human and that is just beautiful to see. That love However, ENDA has not passed despite and kindness expressed through cheering and more than two decades of work on it. Only banging pots for medical personnel, to a thank Page 64 | ECLIPSE June 2021

Photograph of Jena.

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you note to the cashier for continuing doing their jobs. To someone as important as sanitation workers who are usually an unseen force that keeps areas clean. We showed them love and compassion and they kept us safe. When we as humans work together, there is nothing that isn’t possible. I am optimistic about our future, and I hope we can continue on keeping the love going.”

Taco is also optimistic. She recognizes that visibility is critical to the process of marginalized people gaining their rights and is concerned, too, about BIPOC (Black & Indigenous People of Color) being safe and heard. Piper is also hopeful. “I’m a pretty optimistic person. I try to find the good in everything and everyone, even when no one else can see it. I have a really good life. Amazing friends and family in real life and SL. I really can’t ask for more and as long as I have this, my future is set. We all have concerns, and mine right now are Trans Rights and Black Lives Matter. I’m a big activist for both communities. And right now that’s where my focus is for the future. #SayTheirNames” Velvet has been out for twenty-seven years now and has seen a lot of change and can attest it does get better. “I’ve never regretted coming out and how it has changed my life. My sexuality doesn’t define me though and it’s more fluid now. I would say that SL has opened my heart in many ways. This virtual world can be great at times and heart breaking as well and it’s never the same as meeting someone in the real world.”

Jena’s optimism is centered on the vaccine.

“Honestly? I can’t wait to get vaccinated, log off everything virtual, see RL friends in person, and go have dim sum on a Sunday morning when nobody’s fully awake. And that had nothing to do with SL, I realize, but I said what I said. I can’t think of too many concerns at the moment.”

Hayden, while optimistic about the US. he recognizes there are problems elsewhere, “I am optimistic that the future will be a better place for people of the LGBTIQA community, it has to be and what concerns me is how long is that going to take and how many more lives are going to have to be lost before the rest of the world realizes we’re all human. I did get lucky but so many others haven’t and it breaks my heart whenever I hear about hate crimes committed against LGBTIQA.” Dash is also optimistic. “When it comes to the LGBTIQA, I am optimistic that the community can be equal and be acknowledged every day of the year instead of just the month of June.

I am optimistic every time someone discovers and accepts themselves for who they are. I am optimistic that people may share their journey publicly or privately and be able to help someone accept who they are. It helps the community when people feel loved and accepted, and have the opportunity to be their authentic selves.”

So overall, how do people view the state of the LGBTQIA+ community?

Piper thinks the community has changed over the years. To her, it’s more like a family than a She continued, “Sometimes I’m concerned that community, She adds, “I do think we should do people spend too much time behind a screen better at supporting our Trans and androgynous (myself included) and that has been easy to do family. I think we fail them more than most. due to Covid-19 and being indoors for almost a And they need us to have their backs.” Taylor year. As the restrictions start to fall away and as believes the community can always strive to be more people are getting vaxxed, hopefully life better, because that is how growth happens. will return to the way it was before, but with a “Just a few years ago, the idea of non-binary or little more caution. The world is changing and I allyship wasn’t something taken seriously. Some have a small amount of hope that the people will of the negativity was attributed to people within change with it - for the better.” the LGBTQIA community. Having the empathy Page 66 | ECLIPSE June 2021

Photograph of Taylor.

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to look beyond yourself and try and open your heart to someone else can create a more understanding world, even if it’s virtual.”

Hayden enthuses, “My honest opinion is that SL is an excellent place to be LGBTIQA and that ties in with the best aspect of SL for me. You can be yourself without limit and you can connect to people.” Meanwhile, Velvet is looking forward to Pride. “I can say that I’m looking forward to the month of June in SL. I see people creating spaces like Pride at Home, The Pride event at the Burrow or the other Pride festivals that people put on. I think those parts of the community that I am aware of make it come together. I’m excited for those events and to attend them.”

Dash finds a huge amount of support in Second Life but notes some work is needed.

“There are more sims that say Gay or Lesbian then LGBTIQA let alone even LGBT. I’ve had conversations that even bisexual, and pansexual individuals do not feel welcome in these spaces because it seemingly caters to only Gays or Lesbians. However some Gay and Lesbian communities may have not have done this knowingly, and assume that they are sending an open invitation to all. But there is a difference between being invited and being welcomed.”

The noted Black Freedom Rider and Black Panther activist Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael) taught that organizers should take the negative and push it until it becomes a positive. That is in many ways the history of LGBTIQA+ liberation. The Stonewall Rebellion that launched the movement arose from the practice of gay-bashing and persecution by police. The cruel practice of denying hospital visits to lifelong partners during the AIDS crisis led to social, if not yet political, recognition of same-sex relationships. The AIDS epidemic led to the development of a fierce and powerful organizing tradition. Anti-gay ballot measures designed to limit the civil rights of all sexual minorities led to a coming-out campaign that resulted in most Americans learning they Page 68 | ECLIPSE June 2021

had family and friends who are harmed by homophobia and by these ballot measures.

Measures to ban gay marriage led to its legalization long before organizers dreamed it would happen. It seems as though the more bigots try to drive people back into the closet, the wider the closet doors open.

Meanwhile, the LGBTIQA+ remains ready with support, resources and friendship to sustain each other, not just at home but abroad, such as SeraPride raising funds for Rainbow Railroad.

So let’s finish with a fun example of community support, a wonderful story that is also one of those Only-In-Second-Life moments that make our world wild, wacky, and wonderful.

Since childhood, Dash has envied boys’ ability to pee standing up, writing their names in the snow, etc. A while back, he ordered a prosthetic device so he could do that, too.

These are called Stand-To-Pee (STP) devices.

He explained, “These can be used by either gender, but I got one specifically bought one that was gender affirming. So just like in Second Life, I also come with attachments.”

He was online with some friends in SL when the STP device arrived. “I couldn’t hide my excitement and shared my news with everyone that was with me. Literally telling everyone that I just got my dick in a box. Honestly at that moment, it was my most prized possession.

This box unlocked so many possibilities and the chance of taking a whizz in the snow, among other things. It looked like a cis gender penis with the functionality to attach it to myself to pee standing up.”

However, after 27 years of peeing sitting down, standing up was just not happening. It was as though he had a standing form of Shy Bladder Syndrome. Disappointed, he came back and reported that in the battle of brain vs. body, body won. His friends encouraged him and assured him, even sharing potty training tips.

After several unsuccessful trips, he really had to go, “I was determined that I was only going to go pee by standing up. I was not going to sit down any longer… I just stood there. It was one of the most depressing moments I had in my transition. All my anticipation and hope went away and the prosthetic was no longer gender affirming. It was now a heartbreaking reminder of what I wasn’t. It seemed to only confirm what I couldn’t do, and that I was not a man.”

He went back to the computer completely deflated, wanting to log out. “But I came back to everyone cheering me on. However my optimism was no longer there. They still kept

cheering and reassuring me. A minute or so later I saw a line of toilets being rezzed and everyone started going to them and was in front of them standing up to pee. We all stood there together all lined up in two rows. They were all peeing in solidarity with me! It was one of the most heart warming things I had seen. Everyone stayed with me until I had my moment of victory. I wasn’t exactly able to pee standing up, but I got pretty close and that was a victory enough for me.”

And what could be a better example of community that everyone peeing together to help a friend with their potty training?

Photograph of Piper.

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Social Media and In-World Links Dash Bloodmoon

Hayden Dethly

Jena

Piper

Velvet

Taylor

Second Life Destination Guide

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Photograph of Hayden Dethly, Taco Belle, Taylor & Velvet.

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The Kitchen corn photography by ma

If there is one thing that brings people together, it is food. The Second Life culture is as rich as its residents, and “The Kitchen Corner” celebrates and showcases the talents of content creators that will appeal to all “foodies.”

Collaborating with Mac Massimo of “The SL Spoon,” ECLIPSE Magazine presents an innovative approach on all things food related with fantastic imagery and an equally tried and true accompanying recipe.

It is summer, so it is certainly the perfect time for an ice cream float.

With this delicious conconction, we have you skipping that root beer and going straight for the alcohol. Buen provecho!

ner c massimo.

Alcoholic Ice Cream Float Six Pack of Beer (Glass Bottles) Ice Cream Toppings: Whip Cream Maraschino Cherries Nuts, Candies, Sprinkles, etc Instructions 1. Open your bottle of beer and drink half of it. Put aside.

2. If you have a glass cup or mason jar, add a couple scoops of ice cream; however, any cup will do.

3. Add your toppings.

4. Flip the beer bottle directly into the ice cream and enjoy!

Alternatively, you could just scoop the ice cream into a tall glass, add your toppings and pour in the soda. Our way is far more aesthetic.

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the proust spotli

photography by Angeley

The Proust Spotlight is our monthly feature where we highlight one of the many creative residents of Second Life®.

Utilizing the Proust Questionnaire, whose namesake comes from the late 19th century French writer, we will offer a glimpse into what makes them tick.

The blogger we feature this month is the talented Angeleyes Roxley.

She shares,”I started in SL in 2009, because I became curious after an episode of CSI about Second Life. I did so much in SL, I used to be a host in a club, I had a fashion store and I used to be a guide for newbies. Now my passion lays in taking pics: funny, sexy, emotional, cute and couple pics. Or I explore a sim, people create such beautiful things in SL. I’m also the blogger manager for a pose store in SL, called PosEd Poses.”

ght

yes Roxley.

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What is your ideal of perfect happiness?

Does that even exist? I think everyday you should try to be happy and make others happy along the way. Happiness can be achieved through many little things, a smile, a cup of coffee, a friendly conversation.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Where to start haha. I use OMG and really? a lot and I’m sure a lot more that I’m not really aware of. OMG...really?

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

As a bird, free and high up in the sky. The advantage of it is, that if below a person walks I don’t like, I can drop something *smirks* What do you most value in your friends?

Their support, kindness and honesty. I like it when people just flat out tell me if I did something wrong or give their real opinion when I ask for one What is your motto?

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain which means that life is filled with challenges and when facing problems, despite everything, you can still be happy What is your most marked characteristic?

I think that is my humor, at least according to my friends. I use it a lot, you can also see it in my pics.

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pride at home

PHOTOGRAPHy by taylor wassep. written by tayl

lor wassep.

Pride is a time to celebrate and witness the sheer beauty that is queerness in the world. To show appreciation for the queer ancestors who created a way for us today; more specifically, to support trans women of color who are still under siege. We have the spaces we have today and the ability to live our truth out loud because of them. In Second Life™ those places are scattered about the various regions, and it is sometimes challenging to discover them even in the Destination Guide dedicated to LGBT locations.

It is thanks to this wonderful social gaming platform that people have the chance to hear other points of view.

During Pride month, it is so important to hear those different viewpoints and hear the real struggles from the LGBTQIA+ community. On the other side of the coin, being able to celebrate and be who you are in the safety of your home can be liberating. Logging into Second Life and having a chosen family and group of friends can be a wonderful thing; both mentally and socially.

Pride at Home is one celebration during Pride that found itself in that perfect crossroad of Pride and Community.

Founded by the amazing Tink Hax and Coral Lacey last year, Pride at Home started as a simple hop and shop event that gave participating designers a chance to drive traffic to their mainstores during the difficult early months of the Covid-19 pandemic. While Pride in our first lives was shut down, we could celebrate the joy that is Pride virtually. This year though, Tink was able to have that aspect again. But now there is a whole sim dedicated to Pride at Home.

“Speaking as two people within the community running the event, we are happy to have visibility and party, proudly, throughout the month.”

-Tink Hax The idea of Pride at Home came about, as stated earlier, as a result of so many events in our real lives being cancelled due to Covid-19 which affected Pride in most areas of the world. They knew how important this time of year is to people.

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The Pride at Home sim will host a plethora of activities.

For starters, this is where the shopping aspect started. In addition to the commercial flavor of Pride at Home, there are dozens of static floats in a parade throughout the many streets on the sim. These floats were created by some of the designers involved in this year’s Pride at Home event. This could be an awesome opportunity to have some creative fun and take photos in and around the Pride Floats.

A festival area is also located on the Pride at Home sim.

Tink and Coral wanted the festival area to feel like a real life one, plopped right in the middle of a field. This is where all the musical performances will take place. So maybe bring some blankets, an umbrella, some food and sunscreen and enjoy some musical fun. This area will feature so many amazing people with live singers and DJ sets that you will be able to just have unabashed fun. If shaking your groove isn’t your cup of tea, why not check out the little expo area that will feature some incredible LGBTQIA+ hangouts and groups that might be of interest to you. And not to entice you guys even further, but if voguing is something you are interested in or just want to see what it is all about. They created a voguing room as well, based on the critically acclaimed television show, “Pose.”

On a more serious note, Tink and Coral wanted to include exhibitions on the sim dedicated to many amazing LGBTQIA+ individuals and the history of what Pride and Queerness is and represents. There is also a remembrance area dedicated to those we have lost over the years and those who are still fighting and need all the good prayers and moments they can get. Pride should not be a bandage to cover all the heinous crimes and wrongdoings by people outside this beautiful community. So never forget those that came before us and those we are steering towards a better future.

On the more social media aspect of Pride at Home, there will be some fantastic weekly shows done by Cassie Middles that have a Pride aspect to them. Be sure to keep an eye out for when those shows are happening and what Ms. Middles will be doing through the month of Pride. Two incredible bloggers, Sol and Zomborg, will be conducting interviews with designers who are part of Pride at Home and who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Tink really wanted to stress that none of this would be possible without their participation.

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“Whether they are taking part as part of the community or as an ally, seeing so many people involved just rocks and we are forever thankful.”

-Tink Hax Though the designers are out in front, there are many people who have helped behind the scenes that Tink wanted to highlight. Harper Nova is the one responsible for all the beautiful bases to the Parade Floats scattered around the sim. She is a phenomenal builder too and created the “Pose”-themed room. Kimmie Rayna and Chrlstingrey are the two masterminds behind the moving LGBTQIA+ exhibition and other touches around the sim.

And of course, Sophia Harlow, AJ Arabello and Pilar Raynier for helping with security at the Pride at Home sim.

Pride at Home is a reflection of what Tink has seen with her own eyes in the real world. She has been a part of so many real life Pride events. For her not having one during such a tumultuous time in our lives just felt empty. Thus, she is grateful to be able to create Pride at Home inworld. Furthermore, it is extraordinary for her to see the support from and for the LGBTQIA+ community. Whatever hardships many of us faced and still face on a daily basis, the opportunity to give people a chance to just escape from their real lives for a while is rewarding.

Enjoy all the pleasure and positivity that is Pride. Whether you are a member of this colorful community or an ally, please think about supporting the designers, donating to some really amazing charities that Tink and Coral have found to be a part of Pride at Home. Or just come and let your queer flag fly, just know you have a place where you are loved and appreciated.

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THE wayfarer...

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAYLO

“The Wayfarer” is a monthly feature showcasing some of the most aesthetic places in Second Life®.

The Wayfarer remembers...

Each footstep tread softly upon its worn and weathered streets, echoes in my thoughts of you. With every turn and corner, there is a story to be told, a depth to be discovered. Yet, the beauty can be found by the ebb and flow of dreams realized and shattered throughout the course of time. It’s withstood so much yet it endures, still breathtaking and strong.

This is my love letter to you. You remind me of London.

OR WASSEP.

Immerse yourself at London for Ara.

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serapride

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAYLOR WASSEP & Trouble DETHLY. written by tayl

lor wassep.

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It is that time of year once again when we as the queer community are able to celebrate our truth and showcase our many talented and beloved members. Having a celebration can strengthen a community rocked by turmoil; like a global pandemic for example. Around the world, many tight-knit communities may be able to celebrate their Pride this summer. Some have chosen to move Pride to a later part of the year.

What is so great about Second Life™ is that we have the ability to conduct virtually any event that can be dreamed up and host it on our own. Across the grid, dozens of independent organizations and communities are gearing up to commemorate Pride this month. One of the many groups celebrating is Seraphim.

If you are unfamiliar with this institution, they are a collective of hard-working individuals striving to present to the grid their coverage of events from around Second Life. Founded in 2011, they have been growing each year, even having their own sim, SeraSim. This is exactly where SeraPride will be held. I was able to sit down with EmmaElsewhere Resident and delve deep into what brought about SeraPride.

For starters, SeraPride will take place June 12th 2021 at 12:30pm SLT and be partying until 9pm SLT. June 12th will be stocked full of so many fantastic activities such as pool parties, DJ sets and even an amazing Drag Competition later on in the evening. When brainstorming what activities they would like to have for SeraPride, they truly wanted representation.

“We also wanted to ensure that the performers were either part of or supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

- EmmaElswhere Resident

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It could be so easy to just pick a handle of DJs, but this occasion called for more care. It is refreshing to see people seeking out LGBTQIA+ individuals to participate in contributing to a Pride celebration. That was key in seeking talent to invite to SeraPride who were not indifferent to this beautiful community. If you are partying it up at one of the Pool Party during SeraPride, or really any Pride event, make sure to tip your DJs. Each event will have a sponsor matching donations during that event. Be sure to check out the SeraPride page and see if one of your favorite designers is matching any contributions.

Speaking of contributions, donations to their charity this year can be made via kiosks location both at the SeraSim and at their partner locations. These partners will also be matching donations during the SeraPride, so if you are able, visit to make a donation. This is an ever-changing list, but is constantly updated on the Seraphim website under SeraPride to see a list of where you can help donate.

All proceeds gathered during this day of Pride will be going to the charity, Rainbow Railroad. For those that might be unfamiliar with Rainbow Railroad, it is a not-for-profit organization helping LGBTQIA+ individuals facing dangers in their countries. To date, they have helped relocate and assist more than 1600+ people with the help of donations and volunteer work around the world. This organization is literally saving lives, so all the donations that can be made are going to an amazing place. If you have the opportunity, please go check out their website and see if you can help them continue their much-appreciated work.

If pool parties and DJ sets are not your cup of tea, then you might want to check out their Drag Competition they will be hosting. Partnering with ECLIPSE Magazine, SeraPride wants to have an interactive and participatory event that involved the audience. For a taste of what you can expect from this Drag Competition, there will be Judge Presentations and introductions to all the beautiful Drag Queens and Drag Kings participating. This will give a chance for the contestants to show off their personalities

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to the audience. In addition to that, the contestants will be given a Question and Answer section just before having to dance their little booties off with a phenomenal dance routine. Without giving too much away, this is a must see by SeraPride, and you will certainly want to watch for yourself. Alternatively, if you are unable to make it in-world; don’t worry. The Drag Competition will be streamed via Facebook. So please, be on the lookout for that link on June 12th, as well.

Looking into and hearing from some of the volunteers working behind the scene in making SeraPride a reality.

Let’s give a special shoutout to Delicate Flower, Syn Pai, Maia Rae, Quinn Zero and Stef Nova. All of the people listed are in the SeraPride Planning Committee and each had a hand in making SeraPride happen. So thank you for giving your time and energy into creating this safe and fun place for people during Pride Month.

You can honestly see the love and compassion each person has for this event. They are striving to do as much as they can to make celebrating queerness as fun as possible. With a year full of heartache and confusion, the technicolor light at the end of the tunnel is just within reach.So please, go and celebrate Pride with as many people as you can. Show your allyship if you can, be a voice and a helping hand when needed. But above all, be kind and show compassion when and where you can.

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Voices from the g

Voices From the Grid is a monthly survey of opinions and ideas of Second Life® residents on the salient issues of the day.

For this issue, ECLIPSE Magazine we asked residents to share “What does Pride mean to you? Do you do anything for Pride in SL?”

grid

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Julios Plutonian Treves

J

ulios Plutonian Treves [Julios Treves] is a Brazilian resident who joined Second Life in August, 2009. Since then, he has always explored the world, getting to know new islands, cultures and people. Julios loves photography, especially if it’s thematic, and is very curious about creation, but his imagination led him to create static poses. Currently Julios is a blogger and seeks to make his photographs as diverse as possible, thus delivering versatility.

The month of Pride means to me inclusion, liberation, representativeness, strength, persistence and resistance. I grew up in a totally heterosexual and Christian environment where homosexual practice is a terrible thing and could not be talked about at home. This caused me a lot of internal conflicts, when I started to discover my sexuality. I felt bad, disgusted with myself and very scared.

After a while I started to accept myself because I had no way to escape it no matter how hard I tried. I feel lucky that in the midst of all that my mother accepted me, this gave me the strength to accept myself. That is why the month of Pride represents all this to me, it represents everything that made me transcend.

The Pride month is to show that we love ourselves and are happy, no matter the gender, class, color, we are the rainbow, we are happiness, we are butterflies that fly enchanting spring.

For Pride in SL, I try to get together with my aunt Margot and my mother Dani to promote LGBTQIA+ parties. I try to take photographs that express pride as a whole, considering that for me this is a form of representation and I oppose any act of phobia of Pride. I believe that any form of representation promotes inclusion, liberation, strength, persistence and resistance, so I try to do my part as a member of the community.

Check out his Flickr and Marketplace.

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Photograph provided by Gráinne Ó.

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G

Gráinne Ó

ráinne Ó is a redheaded unstoppable force of nature, she first logged in at the end of Teen-Second Life as it closed. She joined her first group ever (of pirates), as a gamer girl and learned how to play the pirate games. She worked her way up to Captain and led raids on early raider sims. In time she met a male dancer who got her work at making herself tall and statuesque, then she joined a dance club at the ripe old age of 12 months. There she learned how to emote, and learned how to write para-emotes. Later, she had achieved a point in Second Life that required her to take a leave and returned after a six year absence.

On a beach, a lonely lesbian girl meets a girl, and the two became a couple. The Earth Witch and the Sea Witch were partnered. After time, the Sea Witch was taken

by RL. Witches live forever, not so much their humans behind the screen. Now, the Earth Witch hides in her forest and weeps for the loss of the Sea Witch.

Today she works in dance clubs as a host, and is no longer a dancer. She laughs, flirts, loves, dances, and sometimes sings while looking for… But she always misses her Mrs. During the time I got to attend school in a famous city that shakes, rattles, and rocks sometimes. I have attended Pride parades, painted my face and body and have generally stood up on the shoulders of giants of history and hoped to do even slightly as good as those that have gone before me.

I am a gay woman and freedom to be able to choose my partner- ok, so she’s a she? Who cares?

The government can stay out of my bedroom. If I sleep with a woman, or a man, or a dolphin (I do with a dolphin! It’s embroidered on my pillow).

Yes, I am short, I do make myself in SL how I am irl. Who I am irl, is what you see in SL(with minor variations lol, I pig out sometimes on wine and cheese) I am called a hobbit by one owner of a club (Cue laughter) -

Pride month gives me hope. Defiance is my personality, against old men who choose how we live our lives. Young males who want to show how much I am missing by their erect bits.

“Really? That doesn’t impress me much.”

[Cont’d]

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Photograph provided by Stacia Renoir.

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Stacia Reinoir

S

tacia Reinoir joined SL in 2008 in order to fight crime and solve murders through the now defunct CSI television show tie-in sim. A couple of years later she began DJing for some of the popular indie music clubs in-world: Courage, My Love, The Velvet, ALT7 and the Z&A Coffeehouse. More recently she has become a digital artist using Second Life for social commentary and self-expression of an adult nature. She has a Flickr and in-world gallery that features her digital art.

To me, Pride means acceptance. Not just from the larger world, but acceptance of yourself, who you are and who you love, by yourself. Pride starts inside of each of us, and radiates outward from that. I try to perform as a DJ in Pride/LGBTQA+ charity events whenever I can. This year I am honored to be playing music as part of the Pride @ Home event.

Check out her Flickr and in-world gallery.

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Photograph provided by Daikota Wind.

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Daikota Wind

aikota Wind [daikota Resident] was born in SL the 12th of July 2011. Quickly, she understood how to handle the camera and began to take pictures for a souvenir of unforgettable moments that she experienced. Four months later, she realised that some good shots had been taken and decided to open a Flickr account to share them with a larger public. Nearly ten years later, she is always following her passion and hobby, posting one new image every day. She also owns a gallery inworld located in Mama Alpa. In recent weeks, she has been solicited more and more often by other photographers to collaborate in their projects or to coauthor pictures. Some days ago, for the first time, she accepted to hold a blog and promote Black Cats Creations poses and various accessories. She speaks English and French and always answers when someone says “Hi!.”

Here we are talking about Love, this feeling that is not based on rationality and pushes us into each other’s arms with no need to explain the whys and wherefores.

We are also talking about individual freedom, a prerequisite for ensuring that one can choose for oneself.

In this avant-garde world of Second Life, we communicate with people who we do not see, thus talking directly to their core, what makes them what they are. I am wont to say that in this virtual world, we meet soul to soul. I love individuals who I admire, and I admire them by reason of what they do, say, think, or create.

Their sex, age, religion, tendencies, preferences, life experiences, physical aspect, all that is invisible to me.

Whatever may be the intensity of this love, what is essential is to be able to love whoever one wishes, without moral, social, political or religious constraints.

Whereas in Antiquity mores were freer under the eyes of multiple divinities, old values tumbled down upon the advent of a single God. Henceforth, it was no longer possible to love freely, as the rule was to abide by God’s design, namely that love should focus on procreation. No deviance was tolerated any longer and the Inquisition led many people of “loose mores” on the pyre. “Of all sins, sodomy is the most infamous, dirty and dishonouring in the face of God and the world /…/ The mere act of speaking about this sin is sufficient to corrupt air, which loses its natural virtue. /…/ Therefore, the man who practices that sin shall be burnt and reduced to ashes.” (Antonio A. Agular, Evolução da pederastia e do lesbismo na Europa. Separata do Arquivo da Universidade de Lisboa, vol. XI, 1926, p. 519.)

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Photograph provided by Pitch.

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pitch

itch [Pitch Wyle] was bornn on 9.6.2020 and identifies as a fluid demisexual polyamorous male with a touch of sapio. He is known for his unique DJ style and FLICKR photos. He co-created the WYLD Brotherhood and Wyld Country.

His sense of artistic perspective can be felt in everything he touches. He is passionate about his work and takes pride in helping others.

Pride month has and always will be a month for me, to hopefully, give a voice and image to those that are unable. I came out in 1991 and it was a quite different time back then. We did not have many role models or gay icons to find comfort in. The image of the gay community was often exaggerated, flamboyant, or very stereotypical. I have always considered myself to be an average Midwest guy and was never part of any specific group. I started going to gay clubs, as they were really the only other place that I could personally find other folks that were like me. It was not long after that I started interacting with the gay culture that I also started working and managing gay clubs in Columbus, Ohio. I remember hearing so many heart-breaking stories of folks that were grappling with their gender and sexuality identity, often without support of their family and friends.

In these stories were desperation and sadness. Many of these folks just wanted to be loved and accepted. To know that they were validated. Over eleven years stretch in the gay clubs, I lost many friends to suicide, overdose, and even murder. I felt that many of these losses were so senseless. One of the most tragic was an eighteen-year-old guy that had just graduated high school, came out to his parents, and was kicked out of his house. He ended up getting mixed up with an influential crowd that used him for his money. When he was defeated and had nothing left, he decided to go back home, pull his car into the family garage, and leave the car running. I often wonder about his parents and how they dealt with this tragedy and what he might have grown to become with loving support.

It was stories like these that made me vow many years ago, that I would march and participate in Pride month, until everyone that came to these events, could go back to wherever they were from and live-in acceptance of who they were. It was their stories that fueled me. I wanted folks to see that not only were there drag queens, lesbians on motorcycles, and leather guys in chaps, but there was me, an average guy from the Midwest. We all needed to be represented, in all our beauty, as individuals. So, others could see they were not alone in this journey.

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Photograph provided by Cidni.

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cidni

idni [Cidni Resident] started SL in 2011. As most SLers, she spent years exploring all SL has to offer. Building, designing and landscaping were all new things to explore. Just over the past year, she found her way to Flickr. What started out as a hobby, has become a passion for Blogging. She has been fortunate over the past year to have worked for many amazing designers.

Pride Month to me means acceptance. To accept yourself for your quirks, vices, and all that makes you YOU. To be proud of all the flaws that once made you feel less.

Pride is the acceptance of one’s trials and tribulations, but you are coming out resilient. Coming out with all these magnificent stories that can’t help but make you giggle, laugh or even cry.

Therefore, Pride means to me being proud of who you are and what makes you uniquely YOU. Check out her Flickr and Blog.

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[Cont’d from 145]

I am independent, strong, capable, and I can be very angry.

Pride month, a culmination of where we have been from, to where we are going. If there I own my victories. I win, I laugh. I dance and wasn’t someone to take pride in themselves, kiss my wife. to let their heart love who the heart loves? The world would be a much sadder place.

I own my mistakes and where I parked the car. If I get a ticket? Mine. It is >my< life. I do To the future where we go, we, as a group, will be what I want. Make me mad. I dare you. I’ll be more forceful. We will be heard. No one knows your senator or representative, judge, or even the fury of a short, redheaded lesbian. someday a president.

If I was hetero who had vitiligo, no one would Gay Pride month, means I don’t have to hide. even talk about my passion for another splotchy Stonewall Rebellion was the start in the days Sapphic sister. (play on words, there.) before I drew a breath on this planet, but the fight continues. I don’t have to give up, I don’t I don’t really care. Love who you want. Hold the have to bow down to the old guard who see it hand of your best friend. I have, I want to do so as one or the other. again. Why do I have to fight, every step of the AND I WON’T. way to just hold her hand?

Gay Pride month, a party? Naw, not so much. The same people who say that women should It’s a celebration of the ability to hold her hand. stay home, who would have anyone outside of To be who I am, to kiss who I want, when I want, some pervy men, should stay in the kitchen, how I want. unable to control what happens to their own body and subservient to whatever church which Gay Pride: decides the fate of the females.

To love who I want.

I will stop here. The red is about to be a tornado of cage rattling.

The heart loves who it loves. No old man in a big building will tell me who I am partner to, Check out her Flickr, Tabarin, Girls Dreams, who I marry, who I love.

Country, Dancing, The Wet Spot and Biology Club.

No hetero male will touch me without my permission.

[Cont’d from 149] No one tells me what choice I have, to be who I want to be. I can be a PhD, a partner to a woman, Five hundred years later, what appeared absurd a captain of an aircraft carrier if I choose! yesterday, progressively became tolerable, even totally acceptable today. Be it the rights of No one gives me a choice of being a nun or a people of colour, the rights of women to dispose whore. I choose. I choose to be a wife, lover, of their body or to vote, or the full recognition friend, mother, doctor, scientist. of homosexuals.

I own my destiny, >I< decide what I do.

However, because of the evolution of mores, gays and lesbians are still regarded as having I own my body. >No< one touches it without deviant sexual practices as compared to those permission. who belong to the heterosexual sphere, the Page 154 | ECLIPSE June 2021

so-called normal sphere. By grouping LGBT in my gallery, which I update at the beginning people into a community, society de facto has of each month. I am therefore expressing my generated discrimination. support and adhesion in my own way, but I will also continue to participate actively in one or It is regarded as proper to welcome the month of the other events organised in this context.

Pride and celebrate free love as part of a general movement of recognition and acceptance of I have a dream of a time when the celebration of individuals who assume who they are and who Prides will no longer be a militant event because clearly delineate their sexual preferences by we shall all have accepted each other as we are. living them.

Originally written in French, the text has been We know that the community of men and translated in English by Tolkien Voom. women nowadays encompasses bisexuals, transsexuals, queers, inter-sexuals, a-sexuals, Check out her Flickr and Blog. pan-sexuals, kinks, etc. We started with LG, on to LGBT, now LGBTQIAPK. Unhappily, their detractors hurried to add-in paedophiles, masochists, sadists, etc. It is indeed incredibly sad that they are grouped together in a community of variable dimension, under the generic title of paraphilias, a medical term that is meant to designate all those sexualities that are called deviant by reason of the object of their phantasies (children, unanimated things, etc.) and/or their purpose (cause pain to others).

Some go so far as to argue that most of those who happen to be members of that community are drug addicts. Tomorrow, people who express love for their pets, an artificial intelligence or a realistic doll mimicking human form, their car, a landscape, etc., could be thrown into the same basket.

By way of conclusion, I would like to stress that many countries celebrate the month of Pride or, as a minimum, accept to dedicate a day in favour of sexual minorities marked by a parade that brings together naturally many homosexuals, but also heterosexuals, young and not quite so young, to support the individual liberties movement. This solidarity is remarkable, and I do personally adhere to this project, having attended the Brussels and London parades to express my support. The way I express myself in Second Life is manifested in those of my pictures that I publish on Flickr or that I hang

[Cont’d from 151] Pride month became a time to celebrate who we were. In Columbus Ohio, we took this very seriously. There were always floats to decorate and music to play. We marched, shouted, played our music right through the middle of downtown. I still get chills thinking about that first turn onto high street. It was the LGBTQIA+ community so colorful amongst the grey contrast of skyscrapers and asphalt. We were protecting one another and so many more that did not have the ability to do so, in a way that only our community does, fabulously. We still carry the torch for those that came before us and are no longer with us.

As far as Pride month in Second Life, I try my best to go to some of the different events and support the community in ways that I can. I interact with folks, tell stories, and let the voices continue to be heard. Check in A LOT, make sure folks are doing OK, as this time of the year can be hard for some. I would really love to be more active as a DJ during this time, but first life obligations keep me quite busy in the month of June. I know we will be decorating up Wyld Country in Pride style and we are always a haven for anyone that is in need.

Check out his Flickr and Wyld Country.

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across the grid

photography by wicca merlin. written by wicca merlin & DAFFODI

Second Life is vast, where in every part of the grid pieces and themes of fiction can be found. Wicca Merlin curates “Across the Grid” introducing ECLIPSE Magazine readers to fashion and places less known.

For this piece, Wicca delves into the world of Angels & Demons with fashion and places to visit. She styles with Skye Nefekalum and Vivien De’Lancoure.

L CRIMSON.

What would you choose? Who would you become? Would you rather be enchanted or consumed by Heaven or Hell, Light or Dark, Good or Evil, Love or Hate, or to be Blessed or Cursed. Angels and Demons are polar opposites of one another within many cultures and in fiction. On one hand, they are a form of symbology and on the other they are seen in religion, mythology, and fantasy.

Magical and mystical beings that we will read find in books, movies,movies, TV, anime or plays from ancient to modern. Even within the confines of real life and Second Life, we will roleplay and become one of them.

Despite the difference in abilities and the cultural milieu they come from, they share some similarities, such as, hierarchical ranks, miraculous or magical powers, and the enmities and friendships with each other and with mortals. Though Angels and Demons are often in a never-ending battle to defeat the other, in that chaos comes a little spark: opposites, suddenly attracted to or obsessed with each other. Will they escape and find peace or be consumed by their conflict?

Their appearances can differ, both taking on ugly, distorted, fear-inducing manifestations, or transforming into beautiful, ethereal and alluring personas. Angels usually are depicted with long, modest, feather-like flowing garments, while a Demons attire is often tight, conforming to every curve or their form making it matter little how much or how little clothing they wear.. Although in the more modern age and flight of fantasy, anything goes, the color palettes don’t often change. Angels decorated in white and softened colors and pastels signifying purity and innocence, guiding you on your travels, while the Demons adorn black and deep, rich colors, warning you to watch where you tread, but do you want to? Will they draw you into the darkness forever lost in their grasp.

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Visit The Lan Page 164 | ECLIPSE June 2021

nd of Dawn.

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Visit Pande Page 166 | ECLIPSE June 2021

emonium.

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