Tolerance is the Only Way

A new fashion event in SL is combining beauty, creativity and activism to combat the harmful effects of homophobia.

Tolerance is the Only Way is a fashion fair in support of COGAM, the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender & Bisexual Collective of Madrid. In its own words, COGAM seeks to:

• Defend the Human Rights specified in the United Nations Charter, especially those that affect lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual people, their human dignity, their freedom to be themselves, their quest for social equality, the right to live free from discrimination, and so on.

• Work to make society more inclusive and respectful, by promoting conditions that will let people truly benefit from freedom and equality, both as individuals and as members of their respective segments of society.

• Promote full legal and social equality for all people, regardless of one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or emotional/sexual relationships with another consenting person or persons.

• Work to eradicate homophobic and transphobic behaviors.

• Work to eradicate discrimination against those of us living with HIV, and promote the right of all HIV-positive people to have free public medical care, psychological services, and social services.

Many of SL's major designers have produced dedicated designs in support of this worthy organizaiton, which are on display at a large, two-storey build on the  Cash Island 4 sim.

The two floors of designer goods include such well-known names as Champagne, Gizza, Tres Beau, SF Designs, Pekas, and Egoisme, along with dozens of others. Like most fashion events, the designs are largely geared towards women, with elaborate gowns, fanciful makeups, and glittering jewellery dominating the vendors. The items dedicated to men may be fewer in number, but no less in quality.

I picked up the handsome Bruno suit from SF Designs while I was there and couldn't wait to get home to try it on. Don't let my crummy photo deter you, this is a sharp suit!

The Tolerance is the Only Way event culminates in a series of fashion shows to be held October 27 to Novemeber 3. For more information, visit the Tolerance is the Only Way blog and visit the fair at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cash%20Island%204/49/164/23

Hope for Emilia Raises Nearly $3000 USD for Victims

Blithe SL Magazine is pleased to share that Hope for Emilia raised a total of L$727,200 (USD 2944.13) to assist those affected by earthquakes in Italy earlier this year. A variety of wonderful designers created exclusive items to assist in the cause, donating 100% of the sales to help. Artists provided gorgeous pieces for fundraising and many talented individuals brought us fashion shows and dance entertainment. All transactions can be seen on the Hope for Emilia website. Blithe is grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of a fundraiser that will bring hope to so many who have seen their lives destroyed and we applaud the hard work of Anna Sapphire and the Hope for Emilia staff.

Black and White Television Event Success

The flamingos were very unhappy about this.

From the gorgeous giant television (built by Mr Gracemount) parked surrealistically amid the gorgeous the Malaika Park Sims landscape to the gift gray mesh eye set provided by Jacks Rhys of VerseEye, Blithe SL Magazine's August 1st Launch Party was a prime example of what can happen when people come together to make exciting things happen. Our partnership with Blue Balls for the event meant special prizes, but it really seemed like everyone was there for the fun theme, music, conversation (and there was great conversation), and the cause. Thanks to our extra-generous crowd, Hedonism staff's willingness to donate 50-75% of the tips for their hard work to the cause, and funds received through a very active sploder, we were able to raise L$29,000 for the cause, an incredible amount for a two hour event. Thank you to everyone who donated. 

Stay tuned for the release of the website version of Blithe SL Magazine (Issuu won't mess up the cover the way SL did). We expect to have that up soon. We're beginning work on our next issue of Blithe SL Magazine, due out October 1st, and are looking forward to bringing you more great stories on those who make the Second Life gay community so great.

Answers

Blithe SL Magazine, in conjunction with Blue Balls, Malaika Park Sims, Hedonism, Pillow Biters, and VerseEye, is proud to present a very special fundraising event for the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) on August 1st from 5-7pm SLT. As we release our August sex issue, we invite you to travel with us back to a time when television couples slept in separate twin beds (with a nightstand between them!), showing skin was taboo, and to mention the word "sex" was enough to send Aunt Edna into a fit of hysterics.

To fit with our very special theme, please eliminate all color from your avatar. We will provide grayscale skins and eyes from VerseEye to give you a head start, however, if you wish to add individuality to your style a variety of skin designers offer gray skins. Wear these with black, white or gray clothing and watch your avatar travel back through the decades to tell Lucy she's got some 'splainin' to do. Style for any television show from Leave it to Beaver to American Bandstand for a chance to win our contest, featuring amazing prizes from Blue Balls. With DJ Nash spinning for us, this is definitely one event you don't want to miss.

Please Stay Tuned. Landmark to follow.

Exciting Entertainment at Hope for Emilia

If you're looking for something other than the standard club entertainment to add a spark to your Second Life, MiM is sure to give you a thrill. This dance troupe, featuring some of SL's hottest top models, brings stunning choreography designed specifically to fit with the music. From burlesque to street dancing, this group provides a show filled with variety. You won't want to miss their exciting event, "B-Steps!", tomorrow, July 28 at noon SLT at the Hope for Emilia sim.

Hope for Emilia

“Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope”

As most of the world knows, the northern region of Italy was hit by devastating earthquakes during the last several months. The first earthquake in May and the aftershocks following killed 26 people and left thousand homeless and living in tents. The Emilia-Romagna region has seen the destruction of schools and elimination of workplaces in addition to the homelessness now plaguing the region. 

Anna Sapphire has founded Hope for Emilia, an exciting fundraising event that will take place from July 22 to August 9, 2012 with 100% of funds raised being donated to the Emilia-Romagna region's reconstruction efforts through the bank account opened by Emilia-Romagna region. All information regarding Hope for Emilia can be found on the Hope for Emilia website. The event will feature a fashion fair, fashion shows, entertainment, an art expo, and an exciting closing party.

The beauty of Second Life is our ability to connect without borders and Blithe SL Magazine shares concern for our fellow humans across the globe, even though we're stationed thousands of miles away. We're grateful to be able to sponsor this worthy cause and encourage our readers to help make a real difference for those in Italy who lost so much. We will continue to share information regarding the fundraiser here, so please be sure to follow us or join our group to stay informed about this important cause.

Broadway White Closing Celebration for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is having a Broadway White Closing Celebration today at 4:30SLT. The event is sponsored by Dream Seeker Estates and will feature A&M MOCAPs MANIACS and live performances by Christopher135 Quan and Tamra Sands. This is a formal attire event and it is requested that ladies wear white gowns and gentlemen wear black tie attire. All money raised goes to a good cause, so be prepared to have a great time and raise some money for a wonderful charity.

Pajama Party at Queue!

Get out your bunny slippers, it's time to dance til the buttons on your drop-seat jammies bust! Queue club at Hutchinson's Parish is having a pajama party to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Tuesday June 26, at 6pm SLT, drop by Queue club for some hot tunes from DJ Mirah and a chance at the Best in Jammies title. 

The Ashraya Project Art Expo

The Ashraya Art Expo is opening noon today and will be open from May 28th to June 4th, 2012, featuring the works of 34 talented photographers, painters, sculptors and digital artists. All artwork is for sale at this event and 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit The Ashraya Project.

ABOUT ASHRAYA


Ashraya is an organization based in India which operates with the purpose of providing aid to Indian children in need and abused women through the implementation of various projects.

From the organization’s website:

"Ashraya", meaning 'Shelter' has brought hope and love into the lives of several hundred children and women, over many years. Founded and registered in 1982, the Bangalore based organization is dedicated to finding solutions for children within the frame work of their own biological families, or in adoptive homes. Initially, the organization’s main function was to work with and rehabilitate destitute, poor and abandoned children. It has now extended its services to the family as a whole.”

(http://www.ashraya.net)

Supporting the Arts in Second Life

There are lots of good deeds done by residents of Second Life, many of which provide donations to an array of First Life charities and causes. Relay for Life, in support of the American Cancer Society, is well known and loved by many SL residents, and there are many other less–well-known fundraisers that do excellent work. But in SL as in RL, the arts are often overlooked when it comes to funding. The Avatar Charitable Trust seeks to improve that situation.

Culture Shock

One thing I've always loved about Second Life is the generosity of its members, so I'm thrilled to be able to share information about Culture Shock and A:S:S's participation in a very worthwhile charity. Culture Shock is raising funds for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) for the second year in a row and features many talented designers who are offering gorgeous exclusives with 50-100% of the proceeds going to the charity. The event opens on May 4th at 4 pm SLT.

A:S:S Chevallier Rings in 5 Different Styles.

A:S:S (link not available until event opening) has created this stunning Chevallier Ring in 5 different styles (click the photo to see the amazing detail) as an exclusive 100% donation item. It includes a HUD that allows you to easily switch between the six textures:

A:S:S Chevallier Rings in 5 Different Colors/Textures