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I Said NO Event SL is returning to Second Life for its third year! We are coming back better than ever! We do all of this for RAINN and survivors of sexual violence.
Vendor/Artist Application:
Letter of Authorization from RAINN:
ISNE Official Website:
https://isaidnoeventsl.wordpress.com/
Morgan Incognito - ISNE Event Coordinator
Throughout April, the Autism Society invited Autistic individuals, their families, and friends to honor their wide range of experiences by taking time to share stories on social media through the #CelebrateDifferences hashtag. No family or individual's story is the same as any other, and the Autism Society believes the world should recognize the infinite ways the Autism community experiences life.
However, Existential Conundrum feels that Autism deserves more than a month to recognize and share the experiences of "individuals living with Autism" (Autistic people). So, she started the Autist(ic) Resource Center (ARC), formerly known as the Autis(tic) Information Center, in 2019 to minimize the lack of information and support in Second Life for the Autism Spectrum Disorder or Condition. To date, there are only one or two other sources of information in SL, and they are parent-created groups that do not support Autistic adults or listen when [they] speak. To bridge this gap, the ARC has partnered with the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST), an organization that started off helping those with brain injuries and is now moving forward to help build up services centered on neurodivergent adults, a community that is very often overlooked.
For those unaware, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, as a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. ASD includes a range of linked conditions that sometimes include singular symptoms and traits. People with ASD often have social communication and interaction problems with non-Autistic people and restricted or repetitive behaviors often caused by overwhelming emotion or sensitivity. The behaviors often exhibited are repetitive movements such as wringing hands, tapping or flapping, and many others. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or focusing.
Albeit different in managing self, many people on the Spectrum could function more easily if the world would change to accommodate Autistic individuals rather than the other way around. Therefore, the ARC has made its mission one that shifts the treatment of individuals who are disabled--a term accepted by the Autistic community--by ASD and other neurodivergent disorders from pity and juvenile treatment to one of acceptance and understanding.
One of the several action plans that Exi is using to begin this shift is to work on producing a peer support group in collaboration with BEST to specifically provide a coaching service to help all neurodivergent adults make and pursue life goals that are entirely individual driven. "It's working with people where they are and making it possible to live their BEST lives," declares Exi. This program is geared toward adults and young adults aging out of programming that panders to children on the Spectrum.
Another action plan is to sponsor more events that close the gap. In April, Exi stated that she hosted the Common Ground collaboration party to answer pending questions and educate individuals on the double empathy problem and the communication issues to be aware of when interacting with Autistic people. Next year, Exi plans to hold an event that discusses cultural expressions and the intersectionality with neurodivergence.
ARC also works with other groups to enhance their services and reach. Currently, Exi is working on creating a hub featuring a series of blogs and websites from the black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities living with Autism to create a space for intersectional voices to be heard when traditionally they are overlooked.
The ARC inworld is open to all Autistic SecondLife residents or SecondLife residents supporting an Autistic individual to drop in and connect with Exi and her spouse for support and resources. The ARC does have an online presence on Facebook and Twitter for soft engagement and digital interaction. The ARC is also open to suggestions and assistance with bringing more content to the grid to make sure the effort to keep Autistic individuals and their struggles in the light.
Consider using the helpful links provided below for more information on managing Autism or interacting with someone with Autism and other neurodivergent disorders. And remember that being different is a beautiful and positive thing.
https://www.brainenergysupportteam.org/
https://www.facebook.com/SLAutisticResourceCenter
https://twitter.com/slautistics
https://autismsociety.org/autism-acceptance-month-2022-launch
Lupus Awareness Fashion Showcase and Fair is an annual event hosted by the sorors of Sigma Upsilon Nu, SL Sorority, and The Red Door Models. During the month of May, our mission is to educate and raise awareness and funds for both Lupus Awareness of American and the Lupus Awareness of the UK.
Lupus Awareness Fashion Showcase and Fair is an annual event hosted by the sorors of Sigma Upsilon Nu, SL Sorority, and The Red Door Models. During the month of May, our mission is to educate and raise awareness and funds for both Lupus Awareness of America and the Lupus Awareness of the UK.
The 6th Annual Scare Me Silly Event, will take place October 15 to 22, 2021. This event is the first fundraising event for the 2021-2022 official Team Diabetes fundraising season! Scare Me Silly will feature shopping, a special hunt, art, raffles, giveaways, live music, tricks, and treats!
Team Diabetes of Second Life is an official and authorized team of The American Diabetes Association. The mission of Team Diabetes of Second Life is to raise awareness, tolerance, and funds for diabetes in the virtual world of Second Life. According to the World Health Organization (2016): 422 million adults in the world have diabetes and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year.
Participating Merchants/Brands: ::Pharmacist::, !!Firelight!!, .lovelysweet., “G” Candy Shoppe, ARKONA, Xtal Store, ~Soulstorm~, ART & FASHION, Artisan Eden, BE BOLD, Bitter Pixie, Blink2Wink, Botanica, Cosmos Boutique, Couture Chapeau, Dark Fairy Fashions, Dreamscapes Decor, Ever Green, Evolve, Family Ties Creations & Photography, Fire Within, Grumble, Halloween Delights, ikr!, Illustrious, Just imagine… by Vita, Just Ordinary, K R E E P, Kalani’s Designs, Kittycat’s Creations, Lady Slippers, and Apparel, Le Feal, LeCock, Lil Monsters Inc., Little Wonderland, Manikin, Mara’s Mysteries Boutique, MG Designs, Multifarious, N – Est. 2007, Peeps, Pendragon Designs, PIXEL BOX Design, Pixelancer, Potomac Homes, Premier Wrestling, QUE RICO Design, Redangel, Shy’s Creations, SLC Fashion, SomeOne Stole My Sign, Sophie’s Boutique, Tchelo’s, Technicolor Dolls, Telsiope’s Couture, The Rug Shop, The Undiscovered Jewel, TRS Designs, Wythburn, &Xplicit Designs
Participating Artists: 4pril resident, Aquaris27 Resident, Bagnu, cutewillow.carlberg, DamnedFool Bonde, Elise Sirnah, Eucalyptus Carroll, Fluer Heartsdale, iidreamrii resident, Jamee Sandalwood, Karma Weymann, maggiemagenta, Matt Thomson, Moora McMillan, Pieni (Resident), Sasheba Looming, ShawnDeLyons Resident, Sophiependragon, SummerSuperb, ViktorSavior, & Vita Theas
About The American Diabetes Association:
The American Diabetes Association’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The American Diabetes Association leads the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fights for those affected by diabetes by funding research to prevent, cure, and manage diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association delivers services to hundreds of communities and provides objective and credible information and resources about diabetes.
Free resources are available in English and Spanish at http://www.diabetes.org and 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2382).
For More Information:
Team Diabetes Official Website:
www.teamdiabetessl.org
Scare Me Silly 2021 Website:
https://teamdiabetessl.org/scare-me-silly-2021/
Official Team Diabetes Authorization and Fundraising Page for the American Diabetes Association:
https://donations.diabetes.org/site/TR?px=11304578&pg=personal&fr_id=13323
WEBSITE: https://teamdiabetessl.org/scare-me-silly-2021/
SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Water%20Haven/148/144/25
April is Rape Awareness Month. According to RAINN, the nation’s largest anti sexual violence organization shows that every 73 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. Statistics show 1 out of 6 American women have been victims of attempted rape or raped and 1 in 33 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. These are staggering statistics. How can we help?
The Me Too Movement has been a resource since 2006 and really became mainstream in 2017 when many well known celebrities began to use their voice and support the movement on social media and speak out against sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Many women and men who have been victimized feel shame or embarrassment so they suffer in silence while others report their abusers with hope for justice and to help spare other victims.
This is a serious topic that affects millions around the world. While Second Life is a virtual platform where people come and feel a sense of security from physical abuse, some would say rape cannot happen in a virtual world because we have the ability to log off, teleport to safety, report harassment to Linden Labs, mute, boot and ban the sexual offender.
With all these safety tools to combat an attempted rape in a virtual world, there are residents that still have been sexually exploited or victimized unwillingly. Some residents were on the fence about the topic because there are a couple of roleplay communities that engage in sexual assault and abuse as a kink. It is sad to say those fetishes may be stem from rl rape and abuse. I am not referring to those types of fetish venues. They use RLV Huds that give permission for avie control.
In other instances in Second Life, attempted and virtual rapes have occurred in various communities by offenders who often get away with that behavior. For example, leaving your avie unattended while you go AFK. If you are seated in a chair that allows for couples and sex. Someone can easily sit on a poseball and begin manipulating the menu to do sex acts on the unsuspecting party only for the to return to being violated without permission. Another instance is during a sexual encounter the offender begins to roleplay an assault without consent. Is this a grey area because no real physical harm was done but what about the emotional effects it leaves behind?
I asked avatars across the grid if they considered it virtual sexual assault even if it is done by emoting, poseballs or voicing actions of rape if consent was not given. Here are their opinions and stories. * names have been changed to protect their identities.
Justyn: "Yes, of course rape is possible! I mean, how else would I get laid in sl? But seriously, yes I believe it is possible and most likely happening to newbies and perhaps younger people due to their lack of understanding SL. Consent isn’t exactly needed for AFK fuckers, but I don’t think some know enough and are taken advantage of due to their naivety and therefore are truly not giving consent which equates to rape to me."
Jane: “YES! Rape and Assualt is possible in virtual worlds, although not as likely to happen as often as in RL. Statistics show that violence against women comes mostly at the hands of someone we know. So Assault is often as much a result or circumstance of emotional manipulation, as it could be a result or circumstance of physical strength overpowering another. In second life no one is really physically stronger, so this element is virtually removed. However emotionally we possibly might not be that different than our RL selves. So if we allow ourselves to succumb emotionally, against our will, then it's possible. I mean... lots of people are interested to know what the other is doing on the other end; e.g. "are you touching yourself?" It's possible that we would feel obligated to do such things if the emotional attachment gets strong enough. And it's possible we would do it even against our better judgement or free will; especially if we feel there is risk of losing what we are attached to, or if we are otherwise conditioned to think we are inadequate for some reason unless we complied.``
Taran: “So, my hubby and I first came into online gaming for the fantasies.. We wanted to play some out without actually bringing someone into our bedroom... We then came over to SL to live a more "Normal" Avi Life :) But even here we have tried a few things...
In Second Life there is a Hud, Called SIN,,, It is a virtual Reality about that very thing. Being abducted and Raped.. But where you can turn it on and off and control when and HOW you are to be abducted.. . Lol, i didn't last long, because i WAS attacked on what was supposed to be my SAFE ZONE,, At my house with my daughters there. HE then attached something to me that made it very hard to move about. I was VERY lucky to have been brought on by a 14 year vet of the game and he knew how to get me fixed,, the next day i was taken made to get preg and was forced to accept a hud that would make me sick if i didn't receive the abductors cum every 12 hrs,, AGAIN my WONDERFUL friend to the rescue... That was the end of that...
See with this hud we have choices and even still we weren't REALLY safe... Unconsented sex is RAPE. Under any form, and even on here, i have talked to women who have been made to feel like trash and told to go kill themselves because they are escorts, and to some of the men they are just trash,, ABUSE and Rape in SL can be and is very real.. I consented for two days and had horrible experiences, now consider how i would feel if i hadn't…”
Sarah: Yes, I would consider it virtual sexual assault in those instances if both parties were not in agreement before the scene begins. I have been in a situation where the conversation was not supposed to get physical but the other person forced themselves on me and I did not feel I could just leave because it happened at the club I worked at (adult) and as a member of staff sometimes it felt like there was implied consent even if we didn't consent. Following this particular incident, I was left feeling very violated.
Paul: “I would definitely consider it assault. It is called Consent. Men get really tricky. I've been harassed, and a known person tried to lure me. You should be able to trust somebody, but people have taken advantage. It's happened with me, and people I know. It is an assault if I did not want it or give consent. It's happened where people kissed me and I did not want it. You should be able to trust your friend on a pose, or sofa.
Emotes can be too much sometimes. It can make me or my SL partner feel uncomfortable. It also affects people RL too, RL partners wouldn't like it. It can be considered assault if they've been told to stop and not listened. And further action might need to be taken. Always take care in how you treat people in SL.”
Kelly: “While in a virtual world you have the ability to say no and log out at any time. I do believe there are predators out in this world that do and can manipulate a persons mind and heart to a point they feel trapped, confused and afterwards they feel violated much like a real life rape would be. So YES, I feel it can happen in a virtual world. Those AFK and someone that does that too them as well can feel used and abused. Has it ever happened to me in SL? Yes I was afk on some furniture at my home and someone came in and was having fun with my Avie. I was angry at first and of course ejected and banned them etc. But after I calmed down I did feel a sense of violation.”
Johnny: “Well that is a slippery slope. While the moral side is, no matter virtual or not not getting consent is rape. But is it really happening to you or just your avie? While me personally believe nothing like this virtual or especially in real life should ever happen. There are some arguments against it happening in Virtual world. The person being raped male or female has the ability to shut down their computer thus ending it, or teleporting away. They are not held down or restrained. So in that essence it is not rape but still a violation against them. So to answer your question is it possible? Yes if you allow it and don’t use the means to get away.”
Stephen: “Actually. No. I do not believe you can be “raped” in SL. This is a world of pixels. That is it. Yeah..we all read profiles that say “Remember: Behind every Avi is a REAL Person:...well….not always. Check out any of the “F__K Me, I’m AFK!” sims. Uhhmm..errrr….so I have heard anyway. I have never really BEEN to those places...but I wander. I know there are sims with RLVs and such things where you can initiate a fairly fanciful scene of forced sex, for those who are into that sort of thing…. Yeah..Online bullying can be a problem, especially on social media Web sites...but….come on, man...Rape?
I have to say, I am kinda offended that someone would even try to apply a word like “RAPE” to what can happen to cartoon avis. Rape is a tremendously horrible crime, that tears human flesh, crushes spirits, and scars people for life in the real. Just ask someone who has experienced that for real. It is one of the WORST crimes possible, and people who perpetrate such horrors in the RL on others should be castrated so they can NEVER again do that to another person. Rape is one of the most terrifying things a person can experience with lifelong consequences. To even suggest that what happens to these cartoon avis is rape? You’re kidding, right?? Well..that strikes me as the highest form of disrespect you can show to someone and trivializes those who have been raped and sodomized in real life. Ask anyone who has been raped for real. Saying cartoons are raped? Are you kidding me?
The consensus for this Avie Poll is yes, rape is possible in a virtual world because victims felt a sense of violation. The argument could be that we as second life residents have the ability to log out if we feel threatened or unsafe. However, from the perspective of both males or females who are mentally abused and are scared, it might be hard for them to leave the situation or log out for fear of further threats or abuse by the perpetrator. Maybe some should reevaluate the reason for logging into SL or avoid venues were there is adult content and sex. Even by taking those precautions, abusive situations can occur.
Some of the experiences shared by participants in SL happened when they were AFK by a stranger while others were caught off guard by an encounter that did not end well. Either way, we are taught No means No whether it is in real life or a virtual world.
Stephen’s comment was very strong and shared a point that needs to be seriously addressed. A virtual sexual assault is NOT the same as a real sexual assault physically, but can cause emotional abuse and that is still considered trauma.
If you feel threatened or in a situation in SL that is not comfortable for you, teleport away or just log off for a while and let the situation defuse. If you are unable to then msg someone and let them know what is going on. This is a situation that should not be taken lightly.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault or abuse, you are not alone, help is available. Please, do not hesitate to use the resources below.
Resources:
https://victimconnect.org/learn/types-of-crime/sexual-assault/
See More Avie Polls here: http://www.slenquirer.com/search/label/Avie%20Poll
Upcoming event on February 28th, 2021: Rare Disease Day in Second Life
Raising funds and raising awareness for rare diseases!
By Wesley Regenbogen in Second Life
Rare Disease Day 2021 in Second Life:
Rare Disease Day is a yearly awareness campaign in real life that is held on the last day of February each year.
Now, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, I will recreate this event in Second Life.
On Sunday, February 28th, 2021 from midnight SLT until Monday, March 1st, 2021 midnight SLT, we will have live artists and DJs playing live on our venue
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tainted%20Island/156/206/2004
What is Rare Disease Day? https://www.rarediseaseday.org/article/what-is-rare-disease-day
Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February each year. The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients' lives.
The campaign targets primarily the general public and also seeks to raise awareness amongst policymakers, public authorities, industry representatives, researchers, health professionals, and anyone who has a genuine interest in rare diseases.
Why is Rare Disease Day held each year? https://www.rarediseaseday.org/article/what-is-rare-disease-day
Building awareness of rare diseases is so important because 1 in 20 people will live with a rare disease at some point in their life. Despite this, there is no cure for the majority of rare diseases and many go undiagnosed. Rare Disease Day improves knowledge amongst the general public of rare diseases while encouraging researchers and decision-makers to address the needs of those living with rare diseases.
Key figures about rare diseases: https://www.rarediseaseday.org/article/what-is-a-rare-disease
There are over 300 million people living with one or more of over 6,000 identified rare diseases around the world1, each supported by family, friends, and a team of carers that make up the rare disease community.
Each rare disease may only affect a handful of people, scattered around the world, but taken together the number of people directly affected is equivalent to the population of the world’s third-largest country.
Rare diseases currently affect 3.5% - 5.9% of the worldwide population.
72% of rare diseases are genetic whilst others are the result of infections (bacterial or viral), allergies, and environmental causes, or are degenerative and proliferative.
70% of those genetic rare diseases start in childhood.
A disease defined as rare in Europe when it affects fewer than 1 in 2,000 people.
Over 6000 rare diseases are characterized by a broad diversity of disorders and symptoms that vary not only from disease to disease but also from patient to patient suffering from the same disease.
Relatively common symptoms can hide underlying rare diseases leading to misdiagnosis and delaying treatment. Quintessentially disabling, the patient's quality of life is affected by the lack or loss of autonomy due to the chronic, progressive, degenerative, and frequently life-threatening aspects of the disease.
The fact that there are often no existing effective cures adds to the high level of pain and suffering endured by patients and their families.
The lack of scientific knowledge and quality information on the disease often results in a delay in diagnosis. Also, the need for appropriate quality health care engenders inequalities and difficulties in access to treatment and care. This often results in heavy social and financial burdens on patients.
As mentioned, due to the broad diversity of disorders and relatively common symptoms which can hide underlying rare diseases, initial misdiagnosis is common. In addition, symptoms differ not only from disease to disease but also from patient to patient suffering from the same disease.
Due to the rarity and diversity of rare diseases, research needs to be international to ensure that experts, researchers, and clinicians are connected, that clinical trials are multinational, and that patients can benefit from the pooling of resources across borders. Initiatives such as the European Reference Networks (networks of centers of expertise and healthcare providers that facilitate cross-border research and healthcare), the International Rare Disease Research Consortium, and the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020 support international, connected research.
Rare Disease Day raises awareness for the 300 million people living with the rare disease around the world and their families and carers.
The long-term cause of the Rare Disease Day campaign is to achieve equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, health and social care, and social opportunity for people affected by a rare disease.
Important progress continues to be made with joint international advocacy efforts for universal health coverage (UHC), part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) to advocate for equitable health systems that meet the needs of people affected by rare diseases in order to leave no one behind.
Rare Disease Day is the opportunity to advocate for rare diseases as a human rights priority at local, national, and international levels as we work towards a more inclusive society.
Rare Disease Day is a great example of how progress continues to be made, with events being held worldwide each year. Beginning in 2008, when events took place in just 18 countries, Rare Disease Day has taken place every year since with events being held in over 100 countries in 2019.
We hope to see you at our event for Rare Disease Day in Second Life on Sunday, February 28th, 2021!
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