Vibez Sim Magazine | Issue Four

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Editor's Letter

Happy Pride Month Vibez readers! As we approach our 4th issue we would like to thank you all for rockin' with us for so long. This month was a very special one for us and as always, we went hard with the content provided. As a demipansexual, Pride Month is close to my heart. It represents freedom, love, comfort, and being in a place where the only thing that matters is living your life with no regrets and no fear.

I am proud to be apart of the LGBT+ community and love everyone; the "hidden" and the "out there's". We are beautiful and we are loved. Take your time and find the pride within yourselves. Love one another and do not judge.

We all bleed the same color. We hope you enjoy this beautiful read and grab new information from it. Vibez Sim Team is always on the hunt to deliver some dope shit!

Oh yea! I also want to welcome our newest member, Bre (sourpatchsims).

She will be running our advice column now! Hey gur, hey!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 4. stonewall inn: the riot that started a movement 9. prominent poc figures in the community 14. Address Me as Who I Am: Preference and Identity 18. xviva interview 20. reshaaaxsimmies interview 26. the importance of the juneteenth celebration 30. lookbooks 34. Writer'z block 40. lycsims interview 44. the queen janelle monae 48. at the movies: with ki and kristin (infinity wars) 52. asking for a friend (advice column) 54. horoscopes 56. three's not always a crowd 63. credits

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The Riot That Started a Movement

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n the early hours of the morning of June 28, 1969, Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in New York was raided by police. The bar was an establishment known to be frequented by the LGBT community in a time where it was illegal to show any signs of homosexual activity, including wearing clothing of the opposite sex, and police were known to raid bars such as these and entrap gays and lesbians. During these raids, patrons had to line up and show identification.

Those dressed in drag were arrested, including women who didn’t have on at least three articles of “female” clothing, and women police officers were to take patrons in the bathroom to check their genitals. This was a time of prohibition in New York. Stonewall Inn operated without a liquor license and was tipped off before these raids happened, however on this night the invasion came as a surprise.

The raid that happened at Stonewall Inn quickly lost control and incited a riot which included patrons of the bar and supporting neighbors. A woman being arrested rallied protesters to throw coins and other objects at the police. Some patrons and police barricaded themselves inside the bar, which the mafia attempted to burn down. Beer bottles were thrown, police wagons overturned, car tires slashed. Rocks, bricks, and trash cans lit on fire being thrown into windows. This was the result of the pent-up anger of an entire community. A community who had to abide by laws that made it clear that they weren’t wanted. A community who had to hide who they were. A community that was consistently being told that loving someone of the same gender was wrong and immoral.

The events during the riots caused activists to rally together quickly. Brenda Howard, a bisexual woman, co-organized the first Pride March and was also credited with establishing a full Pride Celebration Week. Sylvia Rivera, a transgender woman, gave a “passionate speech on Christopher Street after the Stonewall Inn riots (Claire-Renee Kohner, www.bustle.com.)” Over the next six days gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered people took to the streets in protest. This is often regarded as history’s first major protest on behalf of equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community and the most important event

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leading to the gay liberation movement.

One year later, in 1970 The first parade was organized, called the Christopher Street Liberation Day. This was to commemorate the riots that happened a year earlier and would be known as the first Pride Parade. In the years to follow, June has become the month that the LGBTQ+ community can come together and openly celebrate one another. It has become widespread throughout the country and celebrated in almost every city. June has become Pride month. I didn’t know the history behind the pride parades until this year, and I went to my first pride parade a decade ago.

One can argue that because I am straight, it isn’t a part of my history, but gay history is American history, and we all should know why we celebrate what we do, especially if we are participating in something that we aren’t usually a part of. While many people see the pride celebrations as a weekend-long excuse to party, it is much more than that. It is a time to celebrate the ones you love. It is a time to remember those who made history, fought and died for your rights. It is a time to not feel out of place or uncomfortable. It is a time to feel safe in your environment. https://www.huff ingtonpost.com/entry/whyp r i d e - a n - e x p l a n a t i o n -fo r- s t r a i g h t - p e o p l e _ us_5931ccdae4b0649fff2118ee http://college.usatoday.com/2017/06/12/why-wehave-lgbtq-pride-parades/ h t t p s : / / w w w. t h e a t l a n t i c.c o m / p o l i t i c s / archive/2013/01/an-amazing-1969-account-of-thestonewall-uprising/272467/

It is a time to be proud of who you are.

Information gathered from the following sites:

https://www.history.com/topics/the-stonewall-riots https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/thestonewall-riot

https://www.bustle.com/articles/166896-whydo-we-celebrate-lgbt-pride-month-heres-whyits-so-important https://www.bustle.com/articles/87988-pridemonth-started-with-transgender-people-andtransgender-progress-needs-to-be-a-focus-of-the 5

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Prominent POC Figures in the Community

Abhina Aher – Part of a thousand-year-old South Asian community called the hijra. A prominent transgender activist and founded The Dancing Queens and LGBTQ dancing troupe that raises awareness about sexual and gender diversity.

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Marsha P. Johnson – African American gay liberation activist and drag queen, an outspoken advocate for gay rights and one of the prominent figures of the Stonewall Inn uprising in 1969.

Sylvia Rivera – Took part of the Stonewall Inn Riot. She co-founded Street Transvestites Action Revolutionaries (STAR) which provided services for trans people.

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Patrisse Khan-Cullors – CoFounder of the Black Lives Matter network and essayist. Fights for the rights that LGBTQ+, especially persons of color in the LGBTQ+ community.

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Evelyn Mantilla – Openly bisexual American politician, serving as a Connecticut State Representative. She protested Navy bombing tests in Puerto Rico and was a part of the first delegation of gay and lesbian legislatures – and one of the few who brought up transgender issues.

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Phil Wilson – Founded the Black AIDS Institute which is the first and only national organization focused on addressing the growing HIV/Aids epidemic in the in the Black community.

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Address Me as Who I Am: Preference and Identity

“Hello my name is Millah Sirhea”

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name is one of the first things people use to identify one another. It is literally your identification and how someone would refer to you. However, what if someone chose not to call you by your name – without permission? For some, this may be no big deal, but let me break it down for you. My full first name is Jamillah. Say it. A lot of you I’m sure said it correctly. While I don’t feel my name is particularly unusual, as I’ve encountered several people in my life with the same name, it isn’t as common as John or Mary.

It is pronounced ja-MEE-la. Pretty easy, right? Fewer syllables than Elizabeth, yet I find that people have difficulty saying it. Geneva is the most common name I get. I’ve had people call me by my last name before I was married, or Millah since they couldn’t pronounce my name correctly unless they took off the “JA” (which baffles me to this day, honestly). It can be a bit offensive for people to say, “Oh wow, I’m not even going to try that.” Nah, how about you give me you give me the courtesy of at least attempting to learn my name. You know, the thing that you will be calling me if you need to get my attention, refer to me, or identify me? That is the least we can do for someone, right? If someone has a name change, for example, a marriage, do we continue to call the woman by her maiden name? If someone gets their Doctorate, do we not refer to them as Doctor as opposed to Mister, whether they are currently practicing or not? As a society, we typically adjust automatically and without much thought. So why do we have such a challenging time referring to someone as the gender they identify with and using their correct pronoun?

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Some people may have the mindset of, “Well, how am I supposed to know if someone refers to themselves as other than what they appear to be?” This is a valid question, however, look at it like this. I met someone through a friend that I assumed was male. Upon talking and having a general conversation I learned that this person was transitioning to female. Once I had that knowledge, I made it a point to remember that she is female and to always refer to her as such.

Not going to lie, sometimes I slip when I am referencing her at home, but I do make it a point to correct myself and keep in mind her pronoun.

Then there are people in your life that you meet and because they’ve always referenced themselves as one way you have no problem calling them by their preferred pronoun because you never knew anything else. I have a friend who I met online through The Black Simmer Facebook group. He’s always referred to himself as male, and I knew nothing different. Honestly, I thought he was biologically male, so when he spoke about transitioning, I was profoundly confused. Someone had to say he was transitioning from a female. The entire conversation clicked, and I felt hella stupid, but it’s understandable why I was confused.

And I get it. Sometimes it is hard not to assume certain things about people. Visual cues are often how we first get to know something about a person, and when it comes to gender, there are certain qualities we look at to determine if we should call a person ma’am or sir. Do they appear to be masculine or feminine? Do they have breasts or pecks? Do they seem to have facial hair or are they wearing makeup? While today these features may not be exclusive to the gender they tend to represent. Women dress masculine and some men feminine. Some men wear makeup and are better at it than some women (@st.eve.85 I’m looking at you), and nowadays no one is obligated to conform to societies standards of what is male or female, but these are still the cues, maybe without realizing it.

It would also be difficult for family and friends who have known someone for years or all their lives to switch from one thing to another suddenly. When I was young, I always called my friend E.T. which stood for his first and middle name. Suddenly one year he told me that he didn’t want me to call him E.T. anymore. I had to call him by his first name, and even though it took a while to adjust, I did it. With that being said, it is important to acknowledge a person as they prefer to be. I came across an article of a trans person who did a pyramid of who was hardest to transition into using his new pronoun and name. It shows acquaintances and strangers toward the bottom and childhood friends and family towards the top. It may be hard for a parent who, for all your life, has referred to you as one gender and one name to adjust. Understandably so. They birthed you, named you, raised you. Both parties, in my opinion, should be open to communication and to come to an understanding and mutual respect for everyone involved.

I reached out to some people in my personal circle to ask them what they think about this. Trans, straight, and queer, some simmers, some not.

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Kimber Came out in 2011 and started using the “she” pronoun about a year ago. It was a soft transition, and she gave friends and family a bit of a buffer but advised that eventually using male pronouns would not be okay. Using a preferred pronoun isn’t hard. It’s one of the of the simplest requests someone can make, just as simple as using their chosen name. One I personally struggle with at times is the grey area of slang terms like “guys” and “dude.” Being from California (Bay Area represent!) it’s pretty much ingrained in my vocabulary. Has anyone ever referred to you as “she” and if so, how did it make you feel? There are still some friends that use he accidentally, […] but I just shrug it off because I know they are better about it. However, random strangers, that do it to offend me I tend to shrug it off. I know their only goal is to make me feel insecure […] and make me feel devalued and less than what I am, so letting them win would further enforce in their minds that not only are there people that they can still ruin the nights of, but that it’s totally fine to do so.

Daichi Started using the “he” pronoun at 16 years old. When asked if he feels it is important to use the correct pronoun, he said: well think of it like this, you’re female and you are happily female and confident in your sex, womanhood, and body. Then someone comes along and calls you “sir” or he” when you clearly look female, wouldn’t that upset you? Do you feel it holds more weight when you’re called the wrong pronoun versus straight cis people? Yes, I do, I feel disrespected.

What would you say to someone who feels people are too sensitive and just catering to this generation? I would tell them we aren't sensitive. This is who we are. Our brains don’t match our bodies, and it causes some severe depression. I have thought about suicide quite a lot. So, to say 16 | VIBEZ SIM MAGAZINE

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something is mean and demeaning shows what type of person you indeed are.

Arame has always referred to himself as male. Has anyone ever referred to you as “she” and if so, how did it make you feel? Yes, when they were purposely trying to emasculate me. Obviously, I didn’t like it, but because I knew they were reaching and trying to be disrespectful, I didn’t let it get to me. Do you feel it is important to use the correct pronoun? Yes, it is essential. It helps you and others identify who you are. What would you say to someone who feels people are too sensitive and just catering to this generation? Society is catering to this generation because this generation is obsessed with always finding some way to be victimized, which is a slap in the face to real victims. It makes it hard for them to get the justice they deserve.

Kristina has been using the “she” pronoun most of her life, but around 13 experimented with different pronouns, which helped in understanding her gender. She stated she had been accidentally misgendered, but being primarily female presenting, which means people usually correct themselves. Why do you feel it is important to use the correct pronoun? I think my perception of gender as a member of the LGBTQ+ community means the same thing as everyone else. Gender is an idea of how we fit into a role in society, and that can mean a lot of different things, but I think everyone’s gender identity is important to respect. Furthermore, most trans folx have worked incredibly hard to establish their gender in a non-confrontational manner. What would you say to someone who feels people are too sensitive and just catering to this generation? People who feel that way haven’t seen and felt the danger of being trans. We’re not “catering” to anyone. We’re removing weight from the conception of our genitalia and making it about how we see ourselves in the world. People who think folx are too sensitive have never dealt with feeling outlasted or otherwise uncomfortable in a severe manner. Using the correct pronoun can help someone feel safe and accepted.

This topic is something that I don’t have personal experience with, and probably never will, which is why I reached out to people in my circle. Thank you, Kimber, Daichi, Arame, and Kristina. It is 17

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PART OF THE SIMMING COMMUNITY AND WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A YOUTUBER? WHO INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN? I’ve been playing the Sims since the very first one. So, I guess you can say since the beginning but YouTube wise 5 years. I always wanted to be a Youtuber since 2010. It was just a matter of me getting over the fear and finding what my YouTube niche was. Who inspired me to join? I always been a gamer since I was young, but I never knew that gaming was a thing on YouTube. One day I just randomly search for The Sims 3 on YouTube and the first channel I came across was LifeSimmer. I couldn’t believe I found someone who loved the Sims just as much as I did and was making videos of it. I thought to myself I can do that too and just like that I made a gaming YouTube channel.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO STORYTELLING AND HOW DID YOU GET INSPIRATION FOR CREATING A STORY SERIES ON YOUR CHANNEL? I always had this big sense of imagination and storytelling, since I don’t know when. I used to read a lot of fan fiction stories online and even tried to write one myself. This is why the Sims is the perfect game for me because it’s all about storytelling. I always get inspiration from other people and say, 'I can do that too.' I always think about how I can do 18 | VIBEZ SIM MAGAZINE

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the s a m e thing and make it my own. My goal is to do something better and putting my own twist on it to make it stand out.

THIS MONTH OUR ISSUE IS CIRCLED AROUND PRIDE MONTH. YOUR STORY, IF THIS ISN’T LOVE, FEATURES SOME MEMBERS OF THE LGBT+ COMMUNITY. WHO ARE THEY AND TELL US MORE ABOUT THEM? The main sims in my series that are a part of the LGBT+ community are Ari and Chachi. I have more that the viewers may have picked up on, but I haven’t fully explained them yet. There will be definitely be more as the series continues in the future. If you have been a subscriber of my channel for a long time, then you would know who Ari is. Ari is a very popular sim on my channel. For those who don’t know Ari is my simself first granddaughter from my simself series which is currently on its third season and fourth generation. She is a lesbian and everybody loves her because they have watched her grow up on YouTube from birth to college currently. Chachi is a brand-new sim I introduced on my channel with my series 'If It Isn’t Love.' Throughout the course of this series, she is currently discovering who she truly is. She just discovered and came to terms that she is bisexual. The both of them are

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developing together and building a relationship.

nobody should feel ashamed either. I’m all about representing everyone. My goal is to have each of HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT STORIES WITHIN my fans to be able to relate to at least one sim in THE SIMMER COMMUNITY AS FAR AS my series no matter who they are. Love is love.

REPRESENTATION FOR LGBT+ PEOPLE? TOO CLICHÉ OR JUSTICE IS ALWAYS SERVED? WHAT'S ONE THING ARI AND CHACHI LOVE I fully support all stories that represent LGBT+ in ABOUT ONE ANOTHER? WHAT'S SOMETHING some shape or form and never feel it’s too cliché. THEY DISLIKE? If anything, it showcases that LGBT+ is normal and Ari and Chachi have had this almost unspoken needs to be fully accepted. Not everyone in this instant connection since the day they met. Their world or sim world is heterosexual, and people personalities really just click together because need to see that. Everybody should see that they they have a lot in common some known and are represented no matter who they are. some unknown. They both are very supportive, passionate, and competitive, which is a few things WERE YOU NERVOUS AT ANY MOMENT they love about each other beside the physical WHILE WRITING IN THOUGHTS OF POSSIBLE attraction. As for dislikes, I can’t say much BACKLASH FROM YOUR FOLLOWING? DO because their relationship with one another is YOU BELIEVE YOUR FANS SUPPORT LGBT+? still developing and they still have a lot to learn I tend to not let backlash get to me but there about each other. is always that thought of it in the back of my mind while writing this series. Not everybody is WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE AND WHY? going to like what I write for this series, but more Ari is for sure my favorite because she is a people would like it. I always keep that in mind, part of my simself family. We share Sims DNA but I’m not nervous about it anymore. I believe a so course she’s my baby. She is more of a very large percentage of my fans support LGBT+ representation of me. I live my life through Ari because Chachi and Ari have such a huge fan more than my simself. base. Everybody is really pushing for them to be together and want to see them the most in this THANK YOU SO MUCH VIVA FOR LETTING series. We even gave them a ship name which is VIBEZ SIM MAGAZINE INTERVIEW YOU! WE Chari. All the love my fans show towards these ALWAYS ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS AND WILL two sims makes me smile.

BE LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE OF YOUR WORK! IF PEOPLE WANT TO FOLLOW YOU WHAT WAS YOUR PRIMARY CONCERN WHILE ON SOCIAL MEDIA WHERE CAN THEY FIND BRINGING CHACHI AND ARI TO LIFE? YOU THESE DAYS? There wasn’t really much concern for me bringing You’re welcome and thank you for interviewing Chachi and Ari to life, because I know my fans have me. Everybody can of course subscribe to my been very eager to see Ari’s love life unfold finally. YouTube channel at xViva and also follow me on I was just worried about what would people think INSTAGRAM & TWITTER @xVivaYT. about Chachi as a character. Everybody seems to love her so far which makes me happy.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MOST IMPORTANT ABOUT WRITING CHARACTERS OF DIFFERENT SEXUALITIES? The LGBT+ community is so talked down upon its terrible. Being that I’m a member of the LGBT+ community myself, I fully support it and will continue to represent that community within my game. I’m not ashamed of who I am, and 19

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Coming into Yourself amd Owning it

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Say It Loud!

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hen I was asked to interview Reshaaa (@ reshaaaxsimmies), admittedly I was a little nervous. The focus of our conversation was about the LGBTQ+ community and representing pride, so I didn’t want to seem as if I was just some straight person grilling someone else on their sexuality. I recognize that one’s sexual preference doesn’t make up the whole sum of a person, however, while prepping for the interview I realized that her story, while uniquely her own, resembles that of thousands of people in the LGBTQ+ community: Knowing that you could lose the ones you love by coming out, or even be disowned, beaten, and killed all because someone else doesn’t agree with your sexuality or gender preference.

Being a heterosexual cis-gender female means I will never go through or understand this kind of situation, and this is another reason why speaking with her was so important. This is an opportunity for people like myself to get a glimpse of what someone in the LGBTQ+ community goes through and be able to open a dialogue of acceptance and understanding. I mentioned in a previous article how gameplay could help someone cope when they are going through a rough time, and Reshaaa’s original character, Jai, seems to be the perfect outlet as the gameplay mirrors real life while she comes into her own about her sexuality.

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When did you start playing The Sims™ and what was it like for the first time?

I started playing The Sims when The Sims 2 came out on Play Station in 2004. It was almost like reading a book; getting lost in someone else’s story and experiencing their world, but even better because you control their lives. I was surprised and curious at first, but then I got into it within an hour and never stopped playing.

In your submission to Vibez, you stated that you came out as bisexual (bi) on Simblr. Why on such a public platform?

Because I wanted to get the dark cloud from over my head. I only have a few close friends who know my Simblr, and they haven’t spoken to me about it yet ([I don’t know] if they even saw it). Honestly, the Simblr community has been a big part of my life for some years now, and even though many people are no longer here or don’t know me, I felt like this would be a good place to start my coming out process. I guess I looked at it kinda like a test to see if I really was ready to do this.

How did you feel after coming out to the Simblr community?

Scared. Sad. Embarrassed. I thought people would think I was just doing it for notes or something, and I thought my followers would go from 500 to 0 that same day. I was really happy everyone either didn’t give a damn or gave encouraging words…I actually cried for a solid hour and a half after, then, even more, when I saw the [positive] reactions.

What are some obstacles you’ve had to face – specifically being bi and not being completely out?

Not having a girlfriend. Holy sh*t, college women that are already out and don’t care about me batting for both teams have FLOCKED, and I’m so tempted, but I would never ask someone to keep things hidden and resist me if we’re together. Also, some of my closest relationships are strained because the few people that REALLY know me, know that something’s on my mind and since I won’t tell (I either lie or say “nothing”) they get mad or think I’m being shady. It’s almost like nobody understands that no one has to tell all their secrets to be a good person.

In your submission, you said you have dealt with anxiety and depression, and mental health is a taboo topic in the black community. I can only assume that it is an issue in the LGBTQ+ community with people still struggling for acceptance. How does this affect you being a part of both communities?

OH. MA. GAWD. Okay. So, I pretty much grew up with both because I had a terrible childhood growing up, seeing my dad constantly go away to spec ops in the air force and 22 | VIBEZ SIM MAGAZINE

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never knowing if he’d come back, fires, gunshots, friends 'going away’ all the time (my mom’s way of telling me they got shot before I knew what it meant), starting over after break-ins and people stealing, being evicted, living in a van with a bed, you name it.

Whenever I would bring up my sadness, my family (I have a BIG family) would say sh*t like “It’ll get better, just think about stuff that makes you happy”, and with loneliness, they’d be like “How are you lonely? There’s a million people all around you, don’t be so dramatic”. The worst was when I learned what depression was in 7th grade, I brought it up and they were like “Nah, you ain’t depressed. That’s some white people sh*t.

In the LGBTQ+ community, they actually understand, because many of those who are included have also gone through what I have (sexually and emotionally, of course). But there’s still racists and people who discriminate just like in any other community, and yeah, that plays a role too.

Did you create your character Jai specifically to help with coming out and/or deal with the struggles of not being out yet?

As for my OC, Initially, I wasn’t even planning for anything wild to happen with my OC’s other than regular straight life things, but the more I RP’d with her the more I realized she was exactly like me, and I kinda got attached to it (like her feelings are mine and vice versa lol).

So, I pretty much decided that I may as well make her exactly like me and keep it as honest as I can. Pretty much, I’m saying that I don’t think that not being publicly out is hiding, just avoiding the pain, heartache, and drastic life changes that are brought on with being different.

I get enough of that being a black woman with relatives still on reservations; I’m kinda tiptoeing around bringing more my way lol. Some people are hiding by not coming out, and I do hope with all hopes that they decide to love themselves and embrace who they are.

What would you say to someone who is in a comparable situation as you regarding not being out in his or her personal circle?

Um. I would tell them not to let those fears hold them back from telling those they really wanna tell…there’s nothing wrong with waiting or making sure you’re ready to tell, but you should definitely get to that point. If you don’t think you should ever tell the people closest to you, then they probably shouldn’t be that close in your circle in my opinion.

What does pride mean to you?

It means knowing that we can’t help the way we feel and that I can hold my head up with the knowledge of who I am, no matter what anyone says. Yeah, it’s a hard road, but pride is also keeping the understanding that not everyone will agree with your lifestyle/choices, 23

but that’s just it. It’s not their lives to live, so you shouldn’t care.

What is something straight allies could do to support the LGBTQ+ community?

Definitely stop using the word “gay” to connotate something negative, disgusting, or weird. And straight women need to stop thinking that just because I’m bisexual, I’m automatically sexually attracted to them and look at their 'assets.’ Are y'all sexually attracted to every man you see?

What is one last thing you would like to leave with our readers?

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP! It doesn’t matter HOW we got to this road, only that we’re here and the only people paving the way is us. When you own it, you control it, and nobody can take that away or use it against you if everyone already knows (a mantra to help me). Please, if you have anything you wanna talk about, even if you’re scared to communicate. You can literally leave me an entire 5K word rant and ask me to pretend you never said anything and I’ll go about my day like I never saw it. I know how bad it can get to talk to someone about those things that you can’t just talk to anyone.

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Thank You Reshaaa for taking the time out for the interview. I appreciate how candid and open you were with me and allowing Vibez and our readers into your life just a little bit. I hope when the time is right you have the strength and support of your friends and family.

To our readers, remember her words, “KEEP YOUR HEAD UP.� Everyone has a struggle. Sometimes all one needs is a small gesture like a smile or hello.

Others may need a shoulder to lean on and be talked off the proverbial ledge.

Whatever your struggles, remember Vibez supports the LGBTQ+ community, and I, for one, am always here, my inbox always open.

You can find Reshaaa on Tumblr here http://reshaaaxsimmies.tumblr. com as well as her original characters, siblings Jai, Joi, and Jax here: http:// reshaaaxsimmies.tumblr.com/beans and http://reshaaaxsimmies.tumblr.com/ post/174050871306/interview-the-muse 25

The Importance of the Juneteenth Celebration

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uneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led

by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.

Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally healthy enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

Later attempts to explain this two and a half year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have 26 | VIBEZ SIM MAGAZINE

been handed down through the years. Often told is the story of a murdered messenger on his way to Texas with the news of freedom.

Another is that the report was deliberately withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And still, another, is that federal troops waited for the slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All of which or neither of this version could be true. Indeed, for some, President Lincoln's authority over the rebellious states was in question, and for whatever the reasons, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory.

One of General Granger’s first orders of business was to read to the people of Texas, General Order Number 3 which began most significantly with: "The people of Texas are informed that in

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accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer."

The reactions to this profound news ranged from pure shock to immediate jubilation.

While many lingered to learn of this new employer to employee relationship, many left before these offers were entirely off the lips of their former 'masters' - attesting to the

June of 1865 and its festivities would serve as motivation as well as a release from the growing pressures encountered in their new territory.

The celebration of June 19th was coined "Juneteenth" and grew with more participation from descendants. The Juneteenth celebration was a time for reassuring each other, for praying and for gathering remaining family members.

Juneteenth continued to be highly revered in Texas decades later, with many former slaves and descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date.

varying conditions on the plantations and the realization of freedom. Even with nowhere to go, many felt that leaving the plantation would be their first grasp of freedom. North was a logical destination, and for many, it represented true freedom, while the desire to reach family members in neighboring states drove the some into Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Settling into these new areas as free men and women brought on new realities and the challenges of establishing a heretofore non-existent status for black people in America.

Recounting the memories of that great day in

JUNETEENTH FESTIVITIES AND FOOD A range of activities was provided to entertain the masses, many of which continue in tradition today. Rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball are just a few of the typical Juneteenth activities you may witness today. Juneteenth almost always focused on education and selfimprovement. Thus, often guest speakers are brought in, and the elders are called upon to recount the events of the past. Prayer services were also a significant part of these celebrations.

Certain foods became popular and subsequently 27

synonymous with Juneteenth celebrations such as strawberry soda-pop. More traditional and just as popular was the barbecuing, through which Juneteenth participants could share in the spirit and aromas that their ancestors - the newly emancipated African Americans, would have experienced during their ceremonies.

Hence, the barbecue pit is often established as the center of attention at Juneteenth celebrations.

Food was abundant because everyone prepared a particular dish. Meats such as lamb, pork, and beef which not available every day were brought on this special occasion. A true Juneteenth celebration left visitors well satisfied and with enough conversation to last until the next.

Clothing was also an essential element in early Juneteenth customs and is often still taken seriously, mainly by the direct descendants who can make the connection to this tradition's roots. During slavery, there were laws on the books in many areas that prohibited or limited the dressing of the enslaved. During the initial days of the emancipation celebrations, there are accounts of former slaves tossing their ragged garments into the creeks and rivers to adorn clothing taken from the plantations belonging to their former 'masters.'

JUNETEENTH AND SOCIETY In the early years, little interest existed outside the African American community in participation in the celebrations. In some cases, there was outwardly exhibited resistance by barring the use of public property for the festivities.

Most of the festivities found themselves out in rural areas around rivers and creeks that could provide for additional activities such as fishing, horseback riding, and barbecues.

Often the church grounds were the site for such activities. Eventually, as African Americans became landowners, the land was donated and dedicated for these festivities. One of the earliest documented land purchases in the name of Juneteenth was organized by Rev. Jack Yates. This fund-raising effort yielded $1000 and the purchase of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas. In Mexia, the local Juneteenth organization purchased Booker T. Washington 28 | VIBEZ SIM MAGAZINE

Park, which had become the Juneteenth celebration site in 1898. There are accounts of Juneteenth activities being interrupted and halted by white landowners demanding that their laborers return to work. However, it seems most allowed their workers the day off and some even made donations of food and money. For decades these annual celebrations flourished, growing continuously with each passing year. In Booker T. Washington Park, as many as 20,000 African Americans once flowed through during a week, making the celebration one of the state’s largest.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS DECLINE Economic and cultural forces provided for a decline in Juneteenth activities and participants beginning in the early 1900’s. Classroom and textbook education in place of traditional home and family-taught practices stifled the interest of the youth due to less emphasis and detail on the activities of former slaves. Classroom textbooks proclaimed Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, as the date signaling the ending of slavery - and little or nothing on the impact of General Granger’s arrival on June 19th.

The Depression forced many people off the farms and into the cities to find work. In these urban environments, employers were less eager to grant leaves to celebrate this date.

Thus, unless June 19th fell on a weekend or holiday, there were very few participants available. July 4th was the already established Independence holiday, and a rise in patriotism steered more toward this celebration.

RESURGENCE The Civil Rights movement of the 50’s and 60’s yielded both positive and negative results for the Juneteenth celebrations. While it pulled many of the African American youth away and into the struggle for racial equality, many linked these struggles to the historical efforts of their ancestors. This was evidenced by student demonstrators involved in the Atlanta civil rights campaign in the early 1960’s, who wore Juneteenth freedom buttons. Again in 1968, Juneteenth received another strong resurgence through Poor People's March to Washington

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D.C. Rev. Ralph Abernathy’s call for people of all races, creeds, economic levels and professions to come to Washington to show support for the poor. Many of these attendees returned home and initiated Juneteenth celebrations in areas previously absent of such activity. In fact, two of the largest Juneteenth celebrations founded after this March are now held in Milwaukee and Minneapolis.

TEXAS BLAZES THE TRAIL On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday through the efforts of Al Edwards, an African American state legislator. The successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as the first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition.

Edwards has since actively sought to spread the observance of Juneteenth across America.

organizations throughout the country.

Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Henry Ford Museum and others have begun sponsoring Juneteenth-centered activities. In recent years, many local and national Juneteenth organizations have arisen to take their place alongside older organizations - all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture.

Juneteenth, today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing.

The future of Juneteenth looks bright as the number of cities and states creating Juneteenth committees continues to increase. Respect and appreciation for all our differences grow out of exposure and working together.

Getting involved and supporting Juneteenth celebrations creates new bonds of friendship and understanding among us. This indeed brightens our future - and that is the Spirit of Juneteenth.

Reference- JUNETEENTH.COM

JUNETEENTH IN MODERN TIMES Today, Juneteenth is enjoying a phenomenal growth rate within communities and 29

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Amari Ice is on a mission to empower gay men to have the lasting love they desire and deserve. Utilizing his expertise in personality psychology, communication, and interpersonal relationships, he helps individuals, couples, and groups get emotionally intelligent results in love and in life.

Amari’s coaching and matchmaking philosophy is founded on his twelvestep RELATIONSHIP Process, which he outlines in his international Amazon best-seller, Lasting Love at Last: The Gay Guide to Catching and Keeping the Man of Your Dreams. Through his book, live workshops and coaching programs, Amari provides single gay men with a proven method to initiate and navigate romantic interactions.

Amari has worked with over 500 gay men, and his expertise and experience have helped clients in all relationship phases get clear about their needs and develop the mindset and skills necessary to make love last.

Before he launched his coaching and matchmaking enterprise, Amari Means Love, he spent over a decade leading organizations and programs designed to empower the LGBTQ community.

Amari received an MBA in marketing from Strayer University after studying communication, culture, and psychology at Howard University. He lives in Northern Virginia with his partner and their cat.

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If only out of vanity I have wondered what kind of woman I will be when I am well past the summer of my raging youth Will I still be raising revolutionary flags and making impassioned speeches that stir up anger in the hearts of pseudo-liberals dressed in navy-blue conservative wear In those years when I am grateful I still have a good sturdy bladder that does not leak undigested prune juice 36 | VIBEZ SIM MAGAZINE

onto diapers—no longer adorable will I be more grateful for that than for any forward movement in any current political cause

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and will it have been worth it then Will it have been worth the long hours of not sleeping that produced little more than reams of badly written verses that catapulted me into literary spasms but did not even whet the appetite of the three O’ clock crowd in the least respected of the New York poetry cafes

that The New York Times cannot print because it might start some kind of black or lesbian or even a white revolution

I want to go to secret meetings and under the guise of female friendship I want to bed the women of those young and eager revolutionaries with too much zeal for their cause Will I wish then that I had taken that job working and too little passion for the women at the bank who follow them from city to city or the one to watch that old lady drool all the while waiting in separate rooms all over her soft boiled eggs as she tells me how she was a raving beauty in I want to be forty years old the sixties and weigh three hundred pounds how she could have had any man she wanted and ride a motorcycle in the wintertime but she chose the one least likely to succeed with four hell raising children and that’s why when the son of a bitch died and a one hundred ten pound female lover she had to move into this place who writes poetry about my life because it was government subsidized and my children and loves me like no one has ever loved me before Will I tell my young attendant how slender I was then I want to be the girl your parents will use and paint for her pictures as a bad example of a lady of the young me more beautiful than I ever was if only to make her forget the shriveled paper skin I want to be the dyke who likes to fuck men the stained but even dental plates and the faint smell of urine that tends to linger I want to be the politician who never lies in places built especially for revolutionaries whose causes have been won I want to be the girl who never cries or forgotten I want to go down in history Will I still be lesbian then in a chapter marked miscellaneous or will the church or family finally convince me because the writers could find to marry some man with a smaller dick no other way to categorize me than the one my woman uses to afford me In this world where classification is key violent and multiple orgasms I want to erase the straight lines So I can be me...

Will the staff smile at me humor my eccentricities to my face -STACEYANN CHIN but laugh at me in their private resting rooms saying she must have been something in her day Most days I don’t know what I will be like then but everyday—I know what I want to be now I want to be that voice that makes Guilani so scared he hires two (butch) black bodyguards I want to write the poem 37

GOOD READZ Staceyann Chin has appeared on television and radio, including The Oprah Winfrey Show , CNN, and PBS, discussing issues of race and sexuality.

But it is her extraordinary voice that launched her career as a performer, poet, and activist. Here, she shares her unforgettable story of triumph against all odds in this brave and fiercely candid memoir..

No one knew Staceyann’s mother was pregnant until a dangerously small baby was born on the floor of her grandmother’s house in Jamaica, on Christmas Day. Staceyann’s mother did not want her, and her father was not present. No one, except her grandmother, thought Staceyann would survive. It was her grandmother who nurtured and protected and provided for Staceyann and her older brother in the early years. But when the three were separated, Staceyann was thrust, alone, into an unfamiliar and dysfunctional home in Paradise, Jamaica. .

Told with grace, humor, and courage, Chin plumbs tender and unsettling memories as she writes about drifting from one home to the next, coming out as a lesbian, finding the man she believes to be her father, and ultimately, discovering her voice. .

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At one time a wild young girl and a brilliant artist, Ava Delaney changes dramatically after a violent event that rocks her entire family. Once loved and respected in their community and in their church, they are ostracized by their neighbors, led by their church leader, and a seventeen-year feud between the Delaneys and the church ensues. Ava and her family are displaced from the community even as they continue to live within it, trapped inside their creaky, shadowy old house. When a mysterious woman arrives unexpectedly for a visit, her presence stirs up the past and ghosts and other restless things begin to emerge. And something is reignited in Ava: the indifferent woman she has become begins to give way to the wild girl, and the passionate artist, she used to be. But not without a struggle that threatens her well-being and, ultimately, her life.

Winner of the 2013 Lambda Literary Award for Debut Fiction.

Mia McKenzie, creator of the enormously popular website Black Girl Dangerous, writes about race, queerness, class and gender in a concise, compelling voice filled at different times with humor, grief, rage, and joy. In this collection of her work from BGD (now available only in this book), McKenzie's nuanced analysis of intersecting systems of oppression goes deep to reveal the complicated truths of a multiply-marginalized experience.

McKenzie tackles the hardest questions of our time with clarity and courage, in language that is accessible to non-academics and academics alike.

She is both fearless and vulnerable, demanding and accountable. Hers is a voice like no other.

"One of the most provocative and insightful writers of our generation." -Aura Bogado, Colorlines "A fierce voice among a generation of queer and trans folk of color." -Janet Mock, New York Times Bestselling Author of "Redefining Realness" "Tough-love activism at its best-straightforward, challenging, whip-smart, and uncompromising."

-Andi Zeisler, Bitch Magazine 39

AN INTERVIEW WITH:

Lyc sims

HOW DID YOU GET INTO STORYTELLING FOR THE SIMS? I was really bored with my game (been playing since I was like 11) and ended up coming across The Black Simmer on Facebook last year. After being in that group for a few weeks I kept seeing some great stories being written and posted. At that point I had briefly thought about putting a story together because I wanted to play my game a different way than I had been (I would go through my games really fast and would get bored really quickly).

So I decided to try a legacy challenge with my simself/simpartner. From there about 3 or 4 generations into that family I started my first venture into storytelling with my sims Sade and Shea, whom I was playing with at the time.

Unfortunately that story got lost with the Cat’s and Dogs patch.

I also really love “Rising Sun” by alkalinesims, “For the Love of Cherish” by sharmrocksims, The Howl Legacy by foureyedandtall, The Brooks Legacy by mellocakes The Coleman’s by chantecoleman.

There is also one person who, is a huge huge huge inspiration and help to my work, and that is geminispeaketh who is also working on a fantastic book right now.

IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITHIN ONE PERSON FROM THE SIMMING COMMUNITY TO WRITE A BOOK WITH WHO WOULD IT BE? WHY? During that time, I also joined the Sims of Color I would really love to write a murder mystery/ Stories group on facebook, a group dedicated to suspense thriller with Alkalinesims. Because supporting aspiring writers who play the sims. realllllly love their story 1st of all. 2nd of all, I With the support of folks there I started writing dunno we just really vibe and I love their writing the Come Up. After that, I fell down a rabbit hole style. Plus their story is spicy and great and I and really ended up loving it. think it would just be super fun to write with them, we would come up with something dope.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER POC/NBPOC STORYTELLERS IN THE SIMMING WHAT IS “THE VENTURER” ABOUT AND COMMUNITY THAT INSPIRE YOU? WHO? HOW DID YOU GAIN INSPIRATION FOR THIS STORY? Yes! sombresims is my #1 (Like Consideration is I really wanted a coming of age story where the Amazing Ya’ll), 40 | VIBEZ SIM MAGAZINE

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protagonist was a heroine. I am always looking for these type of stories about POC esp Black Women, so I was like why not create one?

The Venturer is about my 2nd generation heir Bronwyn Gunderson. As a Junior in the Archeology Major at Newcrest University, she was chosen to be one of the two students to go on a semester long Study Abroad program to Selvadorada. It’s a coming of age story, primarily about Wyn finding herself as an individual, finding her sexual voice and taking control of her life as a young adult and following her dreams.

There a few antagonists who really attempt challenge her ideas and perceptions about relationships.

So, Wyn finds herself in a love triangle with her childhood best friend Farhan Larsen, and an upperclassman Gustavo Rivera.

haha.

Because of the erotica content, my story is rated MA/NC-17.

YOU’VE MADE SO MANY EPISODES! HOW DO YOU KEEP THE MOTIVATION AND DRIVE TO CREATE SO MANY? IS IT ALL FOR YOUR READERS OR DOES IT NATURALLY COME WITHIN TO SUPPORT A HOBBY? I honestly didn’t expect the Venturer to be so long! It has a lot to do with my word count per episode (I try to stay under 1.5k words per ep but some can be a little longer). It also has to do with brainstorming tactics and adding in new scenes to help fill in information/background on certain things happening in the storyline.

My main source of motivation honestly is my readers, they really keep me going and give me some great feedback that I try to funnel back into the story. Honestly though, I would write it even if people weren’t reading it. I am a visual artist professionally, and since I do not currently have a studio space, writing is my main creative outlet. But having folks who enjoy my work makes it a lot easier to keep going.

We also have Mathias Tran a villian from Generation 1 (The Come Up) whom is living in Selvadorada with the hopes of finding Book of Edmundo. An Ancient Omniscan relic which is famed to have an incantation that can grant it’s readers greatest wish. Mathias’ sights are set on Bronwyn’s mother, Fallon (Gen 1 Heir, he’s totally obsessed with her, even after 20+ years).

TELL US MORE ABOUT WYN. CAN YOU RELATE TO HER IN ANY WAY? IF YES, HOW With the help of a mysterious woman named SO? Selenis Chadda. Mathias ropes Wyn and Gustavo Ah. Wyn is the love of my life. I relate to her a into an adventure of a lifetime. lot, some her responses to certain situations are how I would react and other times they are how I gained inspiration from Bronwyn’s assigned I would want to react if I weren’t so timid in real traits which are: Self Assured (Inherited from her life. I feel to be honest, that all of the characters Father, Nigel), Loves Outdoors and Caribbean have a little bit of my personality in them.

(Inherited from her Mother, Fallon). I also started her story right when Jungle Adventures came Her self-assured trait really helps her to mean out and I had been really wanting to play it, so I what she says when she says it, and her decided that she would be the perfect sim to use resilience in some areas are where I wish I for the JA playthrough. were IRL. I also think through her exploring her own issues around sex and relationships are Aside from that I try to follow gameplay as much things that I went through as a younger adult, as possible, even down to who she likes more especially when your a little more inexperienced relationship wise and how she interacts with than the people you’re dealing with. them. Otherwise I gain inspiration from other media like video games (big Uncharted and WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE Tomb Raider fan), from brainstorming with my THINGS ABOUT WYN? WHAT ARE SOME OF fellow “book club” members….and gin/tequila THE THINGS YOU DON’T LIKE ABOUT HER?

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I love how she’s a nudist, she’s always walking around naked for no reason (that was totally a gameplay thing).

I really hate how she’s still so naive about a lot of things, especially where men are concerned. So she can come off really hard headed and doesn’t usually censor what she says, which can get her in trouble.

She’s made some made decisions that could have been avoided, but you live you learn.

HOW ARE WYN’S PARENTS DIFFERENT THAN YOUR PARENTS? HOW ARE THEY THE SAME? Wyn’s parents are not at all like my own.

Fallon is present and supportive, she has the relationship that I wish I had with mine. As far as my father, Nigel is a bit like him but I really created him to be his own character. I really wanted them to be super in love and happy with each other so I had to give them a good relationship with each other and her.

FARHAN IS HOT! WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION TO CREATE HIM? OR DID IT SORTA JUST HAPPEN? Han boy was a fluke. I was taking screenshots for a chapter in Generation 1, where Elijah Larsen and Lorena Lujan (his parents) slept together as a part of Fallon and Nigel’s story.

(Elijah was Nigel’s best friend in college, same for Lorena and Fallon). At that point in The Come Up, Nigel/Fallon and Elijah/Lorena had strained relationship, and it just seemed perfect for them two to hook up. So. After I shot the scene (using Wicked Whims), a few sim days past. I was shooting other scenes etc etc.

I finally got to the chapter where Fallon and Lorena run into each other, and when I transported her to the location for the shoot she showed up pregnant. Totally unintentional, but I went with it! So Farhan was born (The game named him that and I just left it).

By the end of The Come Up, Elijah and Nigel had kind of reconciled their relationship, so Wyn and Han grew up as kids together. It made sense to include him in the story!

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HOW MANY MORE SEASONS ARE YOU PLANNING FOR THIS STORY? OR DO YOU JUST WRITE AS YOU GO? I anticipate there being no more than 4 seasons...but I also just write as I go (and I keep adding background information), so it could be a little more. Right now we are nearing 40 overall episodes at the ending of season 2. I totally see it being around 50-60 episodes total.

CAN WE EXPECT A NEW STORY ANYTIME SOON? Not sure! I have an idea in my head to do some story telling for Generation 3 (My grand idea is to do a story for at least 5 generations), but we are not even half way through the Venturer at this point. I will probably take a long hiatus between Gen 2 and Gen 3….but there is a high possibility that I will continue writing stories until The Sims discontinues as a game.

IF PEOPLE WANT TO READ “THE VENTURER” WHERE SHOULD THEY GO? They should go to lycsims.tumblr.com There they can find both The Come Up (Gen 1) and The Venturer (Gen 2) with directories.

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e h the t an ja j

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n e e n u e q e u eq e l l “Crown on my head, e e l n l but the world on ane my shoulders. a

I’m too much a rebel.

Never do what I’m supposed to.”

W

hen Janelle Monae came into the spotlight, she was a breath of fresh air. She has the voice of an angel, fantastic dance moves, beauty, highly melanated, and her own woman. Always seen wearing a black and white suit, she is someone who never needed to flaunt her sexuality, yet she was always in command, and always held the attention. In Yoga, she showed more curves and a middrift, while still being mostly covered and people lost their minds stating that she didn’t need to show her skin or be sexual to be liked or promote her music. Of course, being the queen, she stated that she is her own woman and wasn’t doing it for anyone else. As she said in her song, “I’m my own private dancer.”

I have been a fan of Janelle Monae since she started “tipping on the tightrope” with Big Boi from Outkast, but I knew of her well before that. She first released an EP in 2003 titled The Audition, and then Metropolis: Suite 1 (The Chase) in 2007. She signed to Bad Boy records, according to a 2011 article by The Hollywood Reporter, Diddy stated that he wasn’t such a “control freak” with her. He recognized that she already had a vision for herself. He also stated that by the time she had signed with him, she had 2 Eps under her belt and his role was to promote her, rather than “drop a hot track.” She released her first studio album titled the Arch Android in 2010, Electric Lady in 2013 and her EP The Eephus in 2015. Her most recent release is Dirty Computer which dropped April 2018, which in my opinion is perfect timing for the summer.

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Janelle Monae is a mix of pop and RNB, fused with a little hip-hop. She can be soulful on one track, operatic on the next, and then hit you with rap that will make you think. I love that her music gives you something to think about and at the same time you find yourself naturally grooving along. Her music makes me happy and makes me want to get out of my seat and dance. Even with her image, always wearing black and white, referring to it as her uniform, she grabbed and held our attention. She stated she was a maid when she started her career. Her mother was a janitor, her father a trashman, and they all wore uniforms, and she wore hers for them.

Recently with the release of Dirty Computer, Janelle Monae also came out as pansexual. This means she is not limited in sexual choice with regard to biological sex, gender, or gender identity. Now, I never really paid attention to her as far as her sexual preference. It really didn’t matter to me, but I did wonder when she dropped “Q.U.E.E.N.” Usually artists’ songs reflect things that are going on in their personal lives or experiences. In the song she makes references to “serving face,” which is a term used in the LGBTQ+ community, and she also states says, “Am I a freak because I love watching Mary,” as well as saying she likes her tights.

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So yeah, that made me wonder as I continued to groove to the album. Then from the album Dirty Computer came the release of “Make Me Feel.” This video was EVERYTHING and made me feel it all.

She was beautiful and in command of her sexuality and you can see it on screen.

In “Pynk” she embraced and celebrated womanhood. In the video she also acknowledges that not every woman has a vagina. The pink bat dropping between a pair of legs as well as two dancers purposely not wearing the “vagina pants.” She and video co-star Tessa Thompson have even acknowledged this in tweets.

The entire album is a celebration of coming into and owning your sexuality.

It reeks of accepting yourself, loving who you are, and being unapologetic about it.

It oozes black girl magic and being loud and proud. In “Americans” she states of course “I’m American,” and it’s such an important statement even in its simplicity, because even though we may be different, we are American. We are citizens too. We are human. There isn’t any reason why we should be gunned down for our skin color.

There isn’t any reason why any of us should be discriminated against because of who we are attracted too. We are in it together, and to see a black woman who has such a positive image and substantial influence on people, also come out as pansexual is precisely what we need, especially in the Black community where being in the LGBTQ+ community is still seen as taboo.

The message that I take away from her? I accept me as I am, and I want you to love me for who I am. Love yourself and don’t be afraid to love who you love.

The Queen has spoken.

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AT THE MOVIES WITH KI AND KRISTIN:

INFINITY WAR SNATCHED OUR FAVS LIKE BAD WIGS I’m pretty sure we’ve all seen Avengers: Infinity War by now. The biggest Marvel blockbuster of 2018 besides our beloved Black Panther? The one that had us mad and shook at the end? The one where Hulk was seated like a bitch? Yes, that one Sis. The movie was great! The action sequences were amazing! It had its funny parts. Rocket is still a Trash Panda. Groot didn’t have to go out like that. Drax is still weird. T’Challa is still bae. (What else is new?) But Thanos Killmonger Mayweather Wick (I know that ain’t his name but dammit you get where I was going with this) had us hating him within the first five minutes. Pure savagery that purple murderous, yet soft-spoken fool was.

Anywho, my good sis Kristin and I had to sit down and air out our grievances about this movie, so it’s more like a spoiler-filled emotional rant rather than a discussion. Hey! We were mad! Sue us!! (Or better yet don’t. We need our monies and you ain’t getting it.)

Forgive us if we are jumbled up, out of order, off-topic, and all over the place. We were just that shook.

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KRISTIN- Sooooooo the movie whoopings if he did come started with a damn bang. out though. He woulda been The beginning was sooooo serving hands in that battle. much…

KRISTIN- Right... They really KIERRA - Entirely too much. did need his help. Why do I My heart was broken. I love Dr. Strange though? thought Thor was GONE. And I'm not entirely over Loki and KIERRA - Dr. Strange came Heimdall getting killed… a long way since his movie.

I think he'll be an essential KRISTIN- Heimdall made me element in part 2. sad. I can't say I cried for Loki though...

KRISTIN- His powers really impress me.

KIERRA – I’mma miss Loki ole trouble making self though.

KIERRA - Yeah, his powers Even though he was wishyare crazy! I was really shook washy. by how advanced they were in Infinity War. I was like KRISTIN- I feel like I spent "Whaaattt!" a lot of time almost crying during the movie.

KIERRA - The Vision....the Vision took one of the biggest KIERRA - I think after the L's of 2018…. first 5 minutes I was just completely done with the KRISTIN- Yikes…I movie. BUT Hulk getting 2 knowwwwwww. pieced was slick funny. He didn’t come out no more for KIERRA - I felt so sorry for him the rest of the film! man…

KRISTIN- OMG his ass was traumatized. He would not come out.

KIERRA – Hella traumatized sis. All that energy for a 5-minute appearance **laughs** The rest of the movie they were like “HULK HELP!” Hulk was like “YOU THOUGHT!” How the movie 2 hours and 36 minutes and you only appeared for 5?

KRISTIN- RIGHT! *laughs* He was like “Nope... Y'all on your own.”

KIERRA - Imagine the ass

KRISTIN- It hurt…He's such a good guy.

KIERRA - I hate he was resurrected just to get killed again. Mannnnnn.

be a crazy woman!

KRISTIN- Yeah. It was like it was all for nothing girl, and my heart was too broken about them destroying Wakanda.

KIERRA- I’m saying! Like why did it have to be Wakanda!! It could have been ANY OTHER PLACE! And....they took my T'Challa **sniffs** KIERRA – But what about Thor damn near killing himself by a star to get his new ax….before I start hollering about my fallen king!

KRISTIN- Yeah it was crazy!

And Spiderman with his cute self.

KIERRA - It hurt me when he faded away the way he did. His first mission as an Avenger and it came to that shit.

KRISTIN-The whole fading away shit was just too much to me.

KIERRA - Especially when it happened to T'Challa!! **cries again** T’CHALLAAAAA!!!

Kristin-Yo sis chilllll. So, tell me this, how mad were you at Star-Lord? He fucked up!

KRISTIN- I know… then Wanda, The Scarlet Witch, had to watch it happen. It was just KIERRA - I was so mad that too much.

I thought Star-Lord ass shoulda turned to dust too!

KIERRA - I felt extra bad But nooooooo he HAD TO for her. If I had to kill the LIVE. Gamora was the real man I loved for the fate of heartbreak here. humanity...JUST for Thanos to bring him back, take the Mind KRISTIN- Yeah. This one had Stone and kill him again....I'd so many layers to it. Like

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Thanos regretting killing her.

Like my dude...why did you do it?

gotta come back somehow.

ham, no turkey!

Kristin- Hell no! He was KRISTIN- True... I wasn't giving them all a run for their worried, but at the same time, money.

KIERRA -Too many. I think it all still hurt just as bad.

Thanos really did love her, KIERRA- I’ll just do like ole but was he really a bad guy or KIERRA - Meanwhile Ant-Man dude. I’mma go back to the did he go about his intentions and Hawkeye were at home crib cause it ain’t guarded. the wrong way is the real on house arrest chillin’...

See y'all later question?

KRISTIN- Girl, right???

KRISTIN- But one of my KRISTIN- You know you might Um, sirs...we need y'alls favorite parts was when the be on to something. assistance. women were fighting, and The Scarlet Witch came to help, KIERRA – Hmmm…

KIERRA – I wouldn’t doubt if and Okoye was basically like they were probably like "We “Where sis been this whole KRISTIN- Like a purple good luv. Enjoy." time?”

Killmonger, maybe? Doing extra messed up shit, but KRISTIN- They took the hulk KIERRA –LOL RIGHT and yes for a "good" ….well goodish route. Like “Not Today Satan.” sis. Okoye turned to them cause. like, “So yall been holdin out!!”

KIERRA - Thor was the MVP Kristin-And that’s about when KIERRA - "Goodish" of the whole movie! Why is it all went to shit, and our **laughs** Thor with short hair better faves started disappearing… than Thor with long hair!

KIERRA - I think people have This man went through all KIERRA – I can’t wait for part compared them, to be honest. kinda hell in that movie! If 2 to see how Captain Marvel Thanos Killmonger. HA! only he had gone for Thanos' gonna play her role in all this. head... Stormbreaker (his ax) Kristin: Well damn, look at KRISTIN- Oh shit...I was is the only thing that can kill the time. We could go on like thinking I was original. I got him. And listennnnn. Thanos this for days… that vibe from him though. sidekicks were some REAL ONES! KIERRA - *under her breath* KIERRA - **laughs again** And we usually do…

The Marvel fandom has its KRISTIN- Yooooo right? I was conspiracies. Speaking of legit terrified. That wizard KRISTIN: *Laughs* Chile… conspiracies, I don’t think person situation, whose but anyway, we are going to everyone is dead. I believe name escapes me, had me have to wrap it up. We hope their souls are inside the soul stressed!! y’all enjoy us spazzing out and stone, like how it happened in rambling in excitement over the comics.

KIERRA - I think you talkin our favorite movies…See y’all bout Ebony Maw **Laughs**. next time At the Movies…

KRISTIN- Whaaaaaaat?!

The one that looked like Listen, Sis, you just blew my Handsome Squidward mind. Mmmkay? I haven't **cackles** read a single comic...but I love Marvel movies.

KRISTIN- HA!! Yeah, that one!

KIERRA - Girrrllll with all these KIERRA - You couldn't pay me sequels coming out, they to fight him…No ma’am, no 50 | VIBEZ SIM MAGAZINE

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Asing f

Hey guys, welcome to Asking for a Friend. This is our advice column for you.

My name is Bre, and I’ll be your personal counselor.

Whatever advice you need, I got you.

Q. A. 52 | VIBEZ SIM MAGAZINE

I think something is wrong with me. I don’t find myself attracted to guys or girls. I’m a 19-year-old female, and I’ve had boyfriends, but was only in relationships because that's what everybody else was doing. Is that normal?

Sincerely, what am I Dear What am I, Listen, girl, ain’t nothing wrong with you! It’s perfectly reasonable not to be attracted to either sex. You could be asexual, which means that you’re not sexually attracted to men or women, but I, personally, don’t believe in labels. Do you, Sis! If you find that people are approaching you for relationships and you’re not attracted to them, in any way, don’t force yourself.

for a Friend Q. A.

Hey Vibez, I’m having a big issue with my family. Basically, I came out as a lesbian in May, and my mom told me that she would rather move away from our hometown to New York than be known as the woman with the gay daughter, and she’s hella religious. Now it’s June, and she wants me to move out, and I have no idea of what to do or where to go.

Please help!

Sincerely, A Lost Soul.

Dear Lost Soul, First, congrats on coming out.

I know how tough that can be and when the family gets involved, it makes life even more complicated. I would suggest that you first consult your family and if they’re not supportive, consult friends.

At the end of the day, your mental and physical health are super important, and you want to be in an environment that you can thrive and be healthy in every way possible. If your mom is willing to listen, maybe you could persuade her to let you stay until you’re financially ready to move out.

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Happy Pride Month guys!

Please be safe out here.

Drink your water, love on your partner, stay healthy and happy. Be sensitive to those around you. You never know what’s going on in somebody’s mind.

Life is too short for you to be out here judging. It's mind your business 2018.

Stay humble, stay busy, continue to prosper.

Your man acting shady?

Not calling you baby?

Hit us up for advice at https://vibezsimmagazine. tumblr.com/ask 53

It’s been a long month of social events and you’re only just getting started. With the seasons pack finally bringing a worthy summer, this also means endless parties and potential flings for the inner flirt within you. Who is worthy of you shooting your shot at?

So many attractive people, so many decisions. And you’ve never been too keen at making those. Keep calm social butterfly. You’ll figure it out.

Lucky Color- El Selvadora Gold

This will be your most stressful month thus far. Your performance meter is in the green but you’re having a tough time getting that necessary skill for that promotion you desire and you’re firing all cylinders trying to make progress. But being the cunning air sign that you are, you’ll hatch some clever way to secure the bag and the promotion. Now….if only University would hurry up.

Lucky Color- Uptown Platinum

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Nice to see you out of your usual day-dreamy state, dear imaginative Pisces. Success and good fortune are on the horizon for you. Now may be the time to brush up your creative skills to let something great manifest. Orrrr you can just enable some skill cheats for an extra boost.

In the evening, celebrate by scheduling a romantic encounter with your lover.

You should find it especially gratifying now.

Have you no emotions, Aquarius? Your mood is always in the gray. Let’s turn that mood Plumbob green this month! Go out, hang with your friends you haven’t seen in a while, plan some get togethers, or immerse yourself in a hobby. If you aren't romantically involved now, you may meet someone promising.

If you're involved, make sure you reserve time for an intimate encounter with your special someone. Have fun for once!

Lucky Color- PixelHeaux Pink

Lucky Color- Tumblr Anon Gray

Hit the chill button on the Your perfectionist nature has Wicked Whims, Scorpio! left you disappointed this Guideee dayum!!! Your month and that orange tense sensuality has been on ten moodlet will not cease to exist. lately. Not that it’s a bad thing Don’t get tangled up in negative though. Your partner is going vibez. The best thing for you to need rest and plenty of to do is put some distance herbalism supplements after between you and whatever dealing with you. I guess this is is causing this stress. Work what happens when they take seems to be overlapping into the cuddling actions away. Go your personal life so keep in head with your bad self. mind that even you deserve some play time after all your Lucky Color- Xmiramira Purple hard work. You got this!

Lucky Color- Forgotten Hollow Black

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H O ROS C OP ES Cancer season is right around the corner, you find yourself sitting and watching the laundry go round and round more often than can possibly be normal, but fear not Cancer season is about to bust down your door and sweep you right off your feet.

Lucky Color- Vivacious Vermillion

‘Tis the SEASONS to be turnt up! Juneteeth is here and ain’t no rain in your skies, and that means one thing: Fiesta Time.

Bust out the grill and share in the summer festivities. Your current sunny countenance is infectious enough to brighten any sad sim’s day, and you’ll even have an easier time mending old tense relationships.

It’s your time to make magic and money moves to bring your dreams to fruition. Hard work and high expectations will take you all the way to the next promotion in your chosen career, but be aware of bumps in the road. All things don’t come easy.

Lucky Color – Salty Salmon Pink

Lucky Color- Not So Berry Green

This month has you thinking Your free spirit trait tends to about a hosting a little get leads you on man untold solo together with your favorite adventures, but this month try sim squad. Show your skills at going with a friend. Fortifying the local bowling alley, or go close relationships with family see Black Panther for the 50th and friends may even lead time. Mingle if you’re single you to a new and refreshing and capture the attention of an encounter with a kindred spirit. exciting new stranger who can tantalize your senses. *wink Lucky Color- Barista Brown wink*

Summer has made its grand debut, and you’re still sporting your winter body. No worries though, it’s not too late to get your edges or your life together.

Download that fitness pack that’s on sale, and get active in this Heaux before you have a cardiac explosion.

Lucky Color- Tide Pod Orange

Lucky Color- Ultramatrine

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TWO MAY BE COMPANY, BUT THREE’S NOT ALWAYS A CROWD: Views from The Polycule It’s Pride Month you guys! And who would we be not to represent the LGBT+ community? Today we’re going to shed light on a touchy subject. Polyamorous relationships. There are so many stereotypes revolving around poly relationships, and most people don’t even know the definition or dynamics of it. So, I took it upon myself to go and get enlightened on the subject from my good sis Shannon, who herself is in a happy poly relationship and is continuously dropping knowledge. (Like seriously guys.

She would be that one teacher whose class I’d NEVER skip. She is our sensei.) We discussed lots of critical points on this topic, such as the “cheating” stigma, jealousy, being poly and black, clearing up misconceptions, and lots more. Just as I’d hoped, she had lots to say and references to give! I came out of this interview glad to have learned a thing or two, as every conversation with her is indeed a learning experience, and I’m excited to share it with you guys! Enjoy!

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DO YOU THINK POLYAMORY IS RECOGNIZED IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY? Right now, that's a contested point in the poly and LGBTQIA+ community. Some think that poly should be under the umbrella. Others don't because they see it as a choice and purely relationship model. Personally, it's not a choice. It's a part of who I am.

It's a romantic orientation, akin to being aromantic.

And by that logic, I feel it should be included, though I acknowledge that it's not like that for everyone, so I can see why they wouldn't want to include it.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO POLY RELATIONSHIPS? Oooh Boy. There are quite a few misconceptions when it comes to poly. The biggest one would probably be that it's all sex, all the time. Wild kinky orgies and stuff every day. But it's not. Another one is that it's all sister-wife type setups or happy little triads (3 people) in cute little triangles.

Polyamorous relationships are just like any other relationship. The same day in and day out activities. Same relationship skills and time management required. Just add more people. And not everyone is in a relationship with everyone else. If you were to draw out a map of most poly relationships, it would look more like a scientific molecule instead of a geometry assignment.

Enough so that in the Poly

community we have a term for poly relationships.

"Polycule." It's a Portmanteau of Polyamory and Molecule. I think it's quite fitting.

THAT’S AN INTERESTING CONCEPT. HOW ARE YOU GUYS’ RELATIONSHIP SET UP? ARE THERE ANY RULES OR BOUNDARIES? DO YOU GUYS EVER GET JEALOUS? Our current relationship is a Polyfidelitous Triad, also known as a Closed Triad. What that means is

that the three of us are in a relationship altogether and there are no outside connections. It really breaks down into four relationships.

My relationship with Sir, His Relationship with our girlfriend, Her relationship with me, and the relationship between all three of us. And within those relationships, there are 'rules' of a sort, just like any relationship, and everyone has boundaries.

The biggest difference is that unlike with most 57

monogamous relationships, we try to talk about what our relationship expectations are and what our deal breakers are early on and often. Communication is a HUGE part of making any relationship work, and poly relationships exponentially so. Open and Honest Multi-way communication is what we use to diffuse and address jealousy issues.

And Yes! Poly folks get jealous. We're human.

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But taking the time to communicate what's going on and where your headspace is, makes a significant difference on how things are handled, which can enrich, or possibly destroy any relationship, poly or mono.

I WAS GOING TO ASK WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE A POLY RELATIONSHIP WORK, BUT THAT LAST ANSWER PERFECTLY EXPLAINED

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IT. OKAY SO... IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POLYAMORY AND POLYGAMY? I USUALLY SEE PEOPLE JUST USE POLY, SO I WONDERED ABOUT THAT. There's a technical difference in that polyamory means "many loves" vs. polygamy meaning "many spouses." There's also the cultural associations with polygamy being the coercive religious cult act of polygyny (Multiple Wives) when it's not just that.

There are two other terms that breakdown polygamy, polygyny which I mentioned before, and polyandry. Polyandry is multiple Husbands, and yes, that is a legitimate thing, at least as a relationship format, in the poly community. Polyamory as a term generally doesn't have any preconceived gender configurations attached to it. It's just a lot of love spread among various sexual and gender configurations As for common usage, Poly or polyam is used a lot in the community, and implies polyamory, since, in the states, polygamy is illegal and unrecognized in any form.

DOES IT EVER GET EMOTIONALLY EXHAUSTING? Hell yes, it does get emotionally exhausting sometimes. But any relationship can be like that. And for full transparency, I have a mood disorder, so that makes it more difficult for me to balance things, so your mileage may vary. I love my partners to death and back again, but sometimes I need to step away and recharge. But when you're in a serious relationship, you don't always get the chance to step away. You have to soldier on but communicate that you're running out of emotional 'spoons' to deal with things. (see the Spoon theory for mental health: https://cdn.totalcomputersusa.com/ butyoudontlooksick.com/uploads/2010/02/ BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf)

monogamy, jumping from relationship to relationship because you keep falling in love with people (legitimately, not as a cheater, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!), or if you've fallen in love with more than one person at a time and couldn't choose, or even felt like you shouldn't have to, then maybe you should look into polyamory. Now that's not to say that poly is easy or the answer for everyone. It's not. Poly is work. Time. Effort.

Communication. Compromise. Respect.

Honesty. All the things that go into making a monogamous relationship work, but more.

If you're curious about polyamory and how it works, but don't have a local poly person to ask, pick up a book, like More Than Two

by Eve Rickert, or The Smart Girl's Guide to Polyamory: Everything You Need to Know About Open Relationships, Non-Monogamy, and Alternative Love by Dedeker Winston. See if anything resonates.

One thing though, don't go into polyamory as a solution to fix a broken or suffering relationship. These are real people you're getting involved with. They have their own hopes, feelings, goals, and desires. They are not live in f*ck buddies and/or babysitters.

They are not Unicorns!

HA! I HEAR THAT. WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU'RE SICK OF PEOPLE ASKING YOU WHEN YOU TELL THEM YOU'RE IN A POLY RELATIONSHIP? "I couldn't do that!" "Isn't that just cheating?"

"You must not love your husband."/"Why'd you get married if you can't be happy with just him?" Those last two will almost always result in either a diatribe or a fight. Just because I have enough romantic love in my heart for more than one person at a time doesn't mean that I love Sir any less. People don't act that way about parents that have more than one kid, or if you have siblings. Love is not a finite resource. Just as we have more *WRITES NOTES* LET'S SEE...HOW DOES ONE than one friend or other familial relationships KNOW IF A POLY RELATIONSHIP IS RIGHT that involve love, so too can we have multiple FOR THEM? romantic or amorous relationships. And as Well, there isn't any litmus test for whether far as marriage is concerned, Marriage is or not poly is right for you, but generally different for every person. For some, it's a speaking, if you've had a problem with serial spiritual or religious thing. For others, it's a 59

legal thing. For me, it’s a relationship status with legal benefits. Tax breaks, insurance benefits, all kinds of perks. Why wouldn't I want to get in on that with someone that I love? And I love Sir. I also love our girlfriend.

And if today or tomorrow the legislature changed to allow me to marry her, I would.

In a heartbeat. My relationship with Sir isn't affected by my love for and relationship with her. And vice versa. I am a married woman in love with two people, and there is nothing wrong with that. *WRITES MORE NOTES* IF YOU DON’T MIND ME ASKING, HOW DID YOU GUYS MEET? AND HOW DID THE RELATIONSHIP BLOSSOM? Well, I met Sir at an Anime convention in Baltimore. Otakon. He had a girlfriend at the time, and they were interested in opening up their relationship. He pretty much led with that right out of the gate, and I was interested, so after meeting his girlfriend a few times, we decided to start dating. That triad lasted about a year and a half before it imploded. After the fallout, Sir and I got back together, and continued to live our lives, occasionally with other partners (both together, and separately). Then I met Londra through the Sims, of all things! Back when Xmiramira was live streaming on YouTube, we both frequented her streams, and struck up a conversation. We hit it off almost immediately, and after we slid into the DMs, things just kind of snowballed from there. I was almost afraid to bring up my being poly and wanting to date her because I thought she wasn't going to go for it. But I was blessed because after her research, she agreed to meet Sir, and the three of us flirted and dated for a few good months before making it official. As of now, come September, we’ll have been an official Triad for a year.

AHHH!! I LIVE FOR STORIES LIKE THIS! WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD ABOUT POLYAMORY (ANYTHING AT ALL YOU’D LIKE TO ADDRESS, WHETHER IT’S A COMMON QUESTION YOU GET OR ANOTHER MISUNDERSTANDING THAT YOU WANT TO CLEAR UP THAT WE HAVEN’T ALREADY 60 | VIBEZ SIM MAGAZINE

COVERED)?

One thing I'd like to say is that some people seem to think that being polyamorous makes you better than or more 'enlightened' than others. It doesn't. It just means that you have a different relationship style than other folks. And that's okay. There isn't anything wrong with monogamy. It just shouldn't be considered the 'default.' Some options are valid and just as good. As long as everyone involved is informed and consenting, then do you. And once more, for the folks in the back: POLYAMORY ISN'T CHEATING! Polyamory is ethical nonmonogamy, emphasis on ETHICAL. ARE THERE ANY DISADVANTAGES TO POLYAMOROUS RELATIONSHIPS? Disadvantages? I wouldn't call them that, but there are challenges that poly relationships face that may not be the same as mono relationships. Time management is one the share, but with more partners, it becomes trickier. Emotional labor is increased exponentially per partner involved.

Communication! So much communication is work as well. But there are legal barricades and issues as well. Not being able to set up insurance with multiple unrelated people that aren't married unless you are in an LLC. The stigmas about poly people can lead those that have kids to get them taken away by the state for seeming to be unstable and unable to provide a safe environment. People being fired from jobs for being considered an unfit 'freak.' Now that's not to say that monogamous relationships don't potentially face similar issues, but things are increased for poly folks.

DO YOU THINK THE EXPERIENCE OF A POLYAMOROUS WOMAN IS DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF A MAN BECAUSE OF HOW MULTIPLE PARTNERS ARE PERCEIVED? Yes, I do think the polyamorous experience is different for a woman vs. a man. Not only because of how multiple partners is perceived and the jezebel/slut trope but because of people coming into the community that aren't exactly poly or know what poly is really about. Women, especially Bisexual women,

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are 'hunted' like mythical creatures (unicorns) by couples looking to add a third sexual plaything to their relationship without making it a real relationship. Couples like that want a bisexual woman to come into their lives and completely mold themselves into the couple's lives, hopes, dreams, and way of living. To be completely attracted to both of them at the same time. They don't think about the fact

QUESTION. WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU FIT INTO THE COMMUNITY AS AN INDIVIDUAL? The poly community, or at least it's community functions, are very white, very middle class, very 'standard.' I am none of those things. Just like being the only Black person in a room of white folk, I become a token, a Patron Saint of Blackness, a monolith. And I hate that. It's one reason I don't participate in many events in

that the woman, their 'unicorn' is a person.

A fully fledged being with her own thoughts and dreams and goals and desires. There are also people that try to use poly as a cover for cheating. Others try to use poly as a way to build a harem of side chicks. So, the landscape can be tricky for women in general.

the community at large. Kevin Patterson just wrote a book to this point called Love's Not Colorblind. I recommend it.* Our Shanny is a streamer! Follow her on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/ msshannonifyourenasty

OKAY, THE LAST BUT MOST IMPORTANT 61

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CREDITS: stonewall inn // Millah prominent poc figures in the community // Millah Address Me as Who I Am: Preference and Identity // millah xviva interview // mickey reshaaaxsimmies interview // millah the importance of the juneteenth celebration // kristin lookbooks // sheva Writer'z block // mickey, monique lycsims interview // mickey the queen janelle monae // millah at the movies: with ki and kristin (infinity wars) // kida, kristin advertisements: monique, kyrie cover and magazine design // mickey, sheva asking for a friend (advice column) // bre horoscopes // kida, sheva three's not always a crowd // kida cover and magazine design // mickey, sheva

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