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

daPerfect Monday Party

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Join us on Monday, October 8th from 4-8pm SLT as we help daClub and daPier kick off their October-long ACT-Oberfest, a series of events to raise funds the AIDS Committee of Toronto. The kickoff will include four hours of great music from DJs Johny A, Rik Nayar, mikedacook Dinzeo, and Ryder Yowman. Throughout the event prizes from Blue Balls and ABD will be won. There will also be auctions for great products with proceeds going to this worthwhile charity. Stay tuned because your ride will be available here and inworld through DJ and Community groups.

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Fundraising Information

The AIDS Committee of Toronto is an organization providing support and assistance to those living with HIV/AIDS or at high risk for HIV/AIDS while providing information and education to help prevent the spread of the virus. Chaz Macarthur of Blue Balls has worked with ACT to bring their presence to Second Life. The charity maintains a Second Life avatar to place fundraising bins, ensuring that donations go directly to the avatar without passing through the hands of a middle-man. 100% of all tips to daClub and daPier ACT-Oberfest kickoff staff will be donated to this very worthwhile cause.

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.

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.