SPOTLIGHT FEATURE - All Out Music - Mack Abbot Reporting

Clubs are ten a penny in SL, so when a special one comes along, it's nice to find out a bit more about it.  I spoke to Evan-Leigh Angelis, GM of All Out Music, to find out a bit more about the club and its offerings.

Mack:  So you recently rebranded from All Out 80's to All Out Music, what was the logic behind that?

Evan:   We rebranded to All Out Music towards the end of October. The aim was to bring a wider variety of entertainment to our guests. Phil Setner (Club Owner) sings live at the club regularly and he felt that limiting himself to 80's only could become repetitive over time..he doesn't sing absolutely every 80's tune as you can imagine! This contributed to the decision.

Mack:  So what genres of music do you have in the club?

Evan-Leigh:   Genres played at All Out Music are as follows: Pop, Rock, R&B, Blues, Country, Electronic, EDM, Dance, Trance, Indie, K-Pop. We remain open to other genres that fit our clean, radio friendly, and crowd-pleasing criteria.   We focus on radio friendly music spanning every decade from the 1950s right up to today’s Top 40 charts.

Mack:  So basically stuff you can play to Grandma?

Evan-Leigh:  Yeah

Mack:  As a PG Club, do you have an open door policy?

Evan-Leigh: We welcome EVERYONE to enjoy the club, Kids, LGBTQIA+ Community, New Players, Furries, Dinkies, etc. We are a Family Friendly PG Club on a moderate sim.  We also have events that re open to anyone.

Mack:  Do you find that being PG works in a club situation?

Evan-Leigh:   Whilst we're not unique in being a PG venue, it would seem many aren't comfortable with having child avi's and dinkies in a club setting. This is something Phil & Alessia, the club owners wanted to address as they felt there was a gap in family friendly venues where they could safely take their own family.

Mack:  And is the family friendly element the unique selling point of the club?

Evan-Leigh:  We don't insist on human or adults in the club as long as people are covered and behave themselves.  The dinkies and children we get are very well behaved.  They're there to have fun like everyone else.  We want the club to be a place where people feel comfortable and have fun. A place where they can enjoy music and friendly, inoffensive chat (actual chat, NOT just spammed gestures) We want to be “kid friendly” while still being able to entertain adults. Vulgarity just isn’t something that belongs in the environment.

Mack:  What else does the sim have to offer?

Evan-Leigh:  We have stores, as well as Mushroom Mania and Candy Mania for those that like to earn lindens.  We do decorate for holidays so we're in a winter theme at the moment, with an ice rink for people who want to ice skate.  We will be moving our sets outside in the next week, through December.

Mack:  And what are your opening hours?

Evan-Leigh:  Wednesday to Sunday 12-6pm with a wide range of djs and music to enjoy.  Also look out in our group for details of live singers that perform at the club.  Also we have themed sets every now and then so theres always something happening.

Mack:  Well it's been a pleasure to talk to you and I wish you continued success in the club and all its ventures.

Evan-Leigh:  Thank you its been a pleasure also

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TIME. WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN?- Lanai Jarrico

 

                                                       

                                                           

As a child, time has no real meaning. There are no deadlines or worries. You are supposed to be a kid. Explore and learn is what you are meant to do. As a teenager, time still has little value as days are spent without the boundaries of your immediate space and living for the moment without thinking of consequences. In early adulthood, you begin to realize that time has value and start thinking about your past experiences that have shaped you to this point. In your mid-20s, you think you may have life figured out, but you still have much to learn. 30’s you see yourself thinking about the future. Maybe by this time you are a parent, married… watching your parents get older and reminiscing about easier days when life didn’t have as much responsibility. 40’s you begin to look back at your youth and realize you’ve made choices that put you on a harsher path than if you had taken a different route. If by this age, you are content and happy, that is a good thing, but it doesn’t mean you have dodged curveballs that could throw your life into a spiral and leave you to rebuild, choose a different path, or remain stagnant and stuck in a life you really didn’t see yourself in.

Time. It is the only thing in this world you cannot get back, nor can you buy it back with any amount of money.  Foolish people seek the mythical fountain of youth by way of vanity, but forget that inside you are moving closer to death. That is the only certainty in life.  It may seem morbid or dark to spill the words on a page as time passes by, but it’s truth at it’s finest. We may want to wait for the right time for tough discussions, changes, doing better for ourselves, but it all comes right back to the same thing…. Time.

How much of it do we really have? Have we made peace with ourselves yet? Apologized to those we have wronged. Made amends with our past. Is are heart in the right place? Lots to consider as the clock continues the pass like sand slowly pouring in an hourglass.

Tick tock… tick tock… shall we watch and wait until the last grain of sand drops?

Now is the time to reassess our lives. Don't wait until the last minute to find that new job, set goals for yourself, or even open your heart and let love in once again.

We all carry our emotions differently, but we are all on the same path of the unknown. Let's not wait until it is too late to live. Find true love or just be happy deep within our souls.

That is the true meaning of life. Our journey is a test with no grade. Who is the judge of our greatest self?  Is it our religion? Lack of belief? The opinions of others or the silence of those who watch from a distance to see if we fail.  It’s funny how many are quick to judge, look down upon others, and pick and choose who to help.. Or even hurt.  

Each one of us has a story to tell that spans back to the beginning of time. Through our family histories, as far back as the stories have been passed down through generations. Do we really know the whole story or just the bits and pieces that favored the storyteller? We shall never know.

Tick tock… tick tock, the clock keeps ticking until it stops, and we return to the beginning, where it all began. Time.

Creative writing is a talent. Writing from the soul is a gift.-L.J

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SL Enquirer Open Mic Auditions – Friendsgiving Edition! 🥧 Sunday, November 9th | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM SLT

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Featuring Wolfie Starfire | L$5000 Music Prize | Sponsored by SecondLife.music

Gather ‘round, friends and music lovers — it’s time to celebrate community, creativity, and gratitude at the SL Enquirer Open Mic Auditions: Friendsgiving Edition! Join us on Sunday, November 9th for a heartwarming day of live performances, laughter, and the spirit of togetherness that makes Second Life’s music scene truly special.

Whether you’re a soulful singer, a talented troubadour, or just someone who loves good tunes and good company, this open mic is your stage to shine. Share your music, your stories, and your thanks — and you could walk away with L$5000 and a featured spotlight in the SL Enquirer!

Your gracious hosts:
The ever-charismatic Ninja Antwoord, always serving up good vibes and bold beats, and the radiant Wolfie Starfire, whose voice warms the room like a fresh slice of pumpkin pie. Together, they’ll lead this gathering of friends through a feast of performances that celebrate music, gratitude, and the joy of connection.

Presented by SecondLife.music, this event is all about giving thanks for the incredible artists, listeners, and friends who make the virtual world come alive with song. It’s more than a show — it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the friendships forged through music.

Prize:

• L$5000 + SL Enquirer Feature for the most outstanding performer

So grab your friends, tune up your instruments, and bring your gratitude and groove. Whether you perform or cheer from the crowd, this is one event where everyone belongs at the table.

Sunday, November 9 | 11 AM – 2 PM SLT
Good music. Great friends. Endless gratitude.

Let’s raise a glass to friendship, music, and the magic of Second Life — together! http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Akamai/214/23/22

____________________________________________
With over 20 years experience reporting virtual world news and participating in numerous charities, events and sponsorships across the grid, the SL Enquirer is the longest running media source in SL. We love working with our fans!

Contact: Ninja, SLE Events Coordinator (ninjaantwoord resident)

About Ninja Antwoord:

Ninja Antwoord is a passionate and dynamic host in the Second Life music scene. Known for his love of live music and his ability to bring people together, Ninja continues to make waves by creating fun and engaging events for all music lovers.

Public Landmark:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Akamai/214/23/22

Website:

http://www.slenquirer.com/

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/TheSLEnquirer/

https://twitter.com/LanaiJarrico/

______________________________

Performer Website:

https://wolfiestarfire.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wolfie.starfire/

About Wolfie Starfire:

Wolfie Starfire is a soulful singer-songwriter with a powerful voice and a unique style. Her heartfelt lyrics and captivating performances have earned her a loyal following. With her warm presence, Wolfie is the perfect co-host to bring an extra spark of magic to this love-themed edition of the auditions.

______________________________________
About SecondLife.music

SecondLife.music is the go-to platform for virtual live music bookings, singer/songwriter showcases, and special event promotion within Second Life. Whether you're a musician seeking to perform, a venue looking for fresh talent, or an event organizer hoping to make a splash, SecondLife.music connects all the key players in the world of virtual live music.

Media Contact:

Ninja Antwoord (ninjaantwoord resident)
Founder/Owner, SecondLife.music
Email: ninjaantwoord@secondlife.music
Website: https://www.secondlife.music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573566731384
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/RW9TdBpN5y

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 🎃 SL Enquirer Open Mic Auditions – Spooktacular Halloween Edition!

 Sunday, October 26th | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM SLT
 Featuring Wolfie Starfire | L$5000 Music Prize + L$2000 Best Costume Award | Sponsored by SecondLife.music 

 The most chillingly fun night of the year has returned — and this time, the rewards are twice as deadly! On Sunday, October 26th, the SL Enquirer Open Mic Auditions rise from the grave for a haunted night of music, mischief, and monstrous creativity.

 Step into the moonlight and show off your spine-tingling talent as you compete for L$5000 and a featured spotlight in the SL Enquirer. Then, take your frightful flair even further — because this year, we’re also crowning the Best Costume with a L$2000 bonus prize!

Whether you’re a ghost with a guitar, a sorcerer of sound, or a banshee belting ballads, the stage is yours to enchant, enthrall, and electrify. Bring your best look and your best tune — you could walk away with fame, fortune, and the screams (we mean cheers!) of the crowd.

 Hosting this wicked night of musical mayhem:
The fearsome Ninja Antwoord, lord of dark beats and fiery riffs, returns alongside the enchanting Wolfie Starfire, whose bewitching voice can charm spirits and stir souls. Together, they’ll lead you through a night filled with eerie anthems, ghoulish grooves, and killer fun.

 Presented by SecondLife.music, the beating heart of live virtual entertainment, this event celebrates the thrill of performance, the power of imagination, and the magic that happens when creativity comes alive under the glow of the full moon.

 Prizes:

•  L$5000 + SL Enquirer Feature for the most hauntingly talented performer

•  L$2000 for the most terrifyingly awesome costume

 Dress to distress, tune up your cursed instruments, and get ready to make the spirits dance. From creepy costumes to chilling chords, this is your night to slay — figuratively, of course.

 Sunday, October 26 | 5–8 PM SLT
 The moon is high. The music is alive. The ghouls are grooving.

 Dare to perform. Dazzle with your costume. And leave them screaming for more! 

____________________________________________________
With over 20 years of experience reporting virtual world news and participating in numerous charities, events and sponsorships across the grid, the SL Enquirer is the longest running media source in SL. We love working with our fans!

Contact: Ninja, SLE Events Coordinator (ninjaantwoord resident)

About Ninja Antwoord:

Ninja Antwoord is a passionate and dynamic host in the Second Life music scene. Known for his love of live music and his ability to bring people together, Ninja continues to make waves by creating fun and engaging events for all music lovers.

Public Landmark:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Akamai/214/23/22

Website:

http://www.slenquirer.com/

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/TheSLEnquirer/

https://twitter.com/LanaiJarrico/

______________________________

Performer Website:

https://wolfiestarfire.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wolfie.starfire/

About Wolfie Starfire:

Wolfie Starfire is a soulful singer-songwriter with a powerful voice and a unique style. Her heartfelt lyrics and captivating performances have earned her a loyal following. With her warm presence, Wolfie is the perfect co-host to bring an extra spark of magic to this love-themed edition of the auditions.

__________________________

About SecondLife.music

SecondLife.music is the go-to platform for virtual live music bookings, singer/songwriter showcases, and special event promotion within Second Life. Whether you're a musician seeking to perform, a venue looking for fresh talent, or an event organizer hoping to make a splash, SecondLife.music connects all the key players in the world of virtual live music.

Media Contact:

Ninja Antwoord (ninjaantwoord resident)
Founder/Owner, SecondLife.music
Email: ninjaantwoord@secondlife.music
Website: https://www.secondlife.music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573566731384
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/RW9TdBpN5y

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LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR JENNY STARLING 2nd RUNNER UP AT HER FIRST RUNWAY APPEARANCE!

Mother, cancer survivor, and LOOK of the YEAR second runner-up at her first runway appearance... 

The least we can say is that Jenny Starling is a fighter! 

She was no stranger to the fashion world though. Designer, blogger, marketing specialist, she knew how to master style, but walking a catwalk in front of an audience—that's something she'd never done before!

How did you find your experience? What was the most exciting part? The most challenging?

I found it overwhelming at times!  

The most exciting part was picking out outfits and accessories for the runway.  

The most challenging for me was to stay focused and listen to my cues.

Were you surprised to be named second runner-up?

I was absolutely shocked!

I think I stood for a minute before walking!

My sister was in the audience. 

I asked her... Did that just happen?

But Jenny's family was probably not that surprised of her almost instant success. It's that Jenny was raised in a creative environment.

My mom sewed when I was young and is still going strong.  She made our toys and baby quilts, moved on wedding gown alterations and is currently active in quilting. We always dabbled in different things from folk art painting to art. I crochet, sew, create paper crafts and have just about tried my hand at all.

“We are all beautiful, 

we just need to learn how to shine”

When asked about beauty, Jenny Starling doesn't talk about flowers or the turquoise sea or the castles of the Loire...

As they say, beauty is within, she answers. I would love to see people shine.  Growth and accepting yourself is beauty in its own way.  We are all beautiful, we just need to learn how to shine.

Are you passionate about a particular cause?

I would like to be more involved in cancer activities in SL.  Being a survivor myself and having other family members ... I feel we should learn more and help more with research.

If you were offered a trip to the place of your choice, where would you go?

Asia, because it is a totally different culture than what I am accustomed too.

What is the thing you hate the most?

Hate is a strong word, but I dont like the people who mistreat others and I really don't like seeing people in that situation.

If you were given the opportunity to meet any celebrity, who would you choose and why?

Keanu Reeves!  I think he is brilliant and diverse.  He is so down to earth and I think he would be an amazing person to sit down and hear his life story and advice he has for anyone who wants to start in the industry and how to stay humble like he does.

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APRIL @TheMMAC

Following a multiple sim packing celebration of eighteen years, the MULTI MEDIA ARTS CENTER in Second Life continues with a full slate of performances and activities through the month of April.

Schedule highlights include...

Song stylist ROXANNE ISABEL this Thursday.+ 

Friday, Spanish crooner ARAGON DUCROT & THE WET DREAM DANCERS return with their stage show, plus DUDE! Debuts, in Cabaret Carlotta.

In The Jazz Link, Sunday evening, Argentine guitarist JOAQUIN GUSTAVE is follow by CHICAGOSAX. 

Monday, British singer MAPOO and then Argentine reed man SEBA SIDEWAYS will take the bandstand. Weekly poetry gathering WORD! hosted by ROSEDROP RUST features a special guest and an Open Mic.

The Comedy Link Open Mic on alternate Tuesdays continues. Guitar man

FRETS NIRVANA will play the Open Air Theatre after on the 15th.

Wednesday, keyboardist/singer KURT CALAMITY & guitarist MYSTELLE perform.

Resident artists saxophonists/working musicians ANAKIN GALLACHER and SAXMAN66 can be heard on most Tuesdays and Fridays respectively.

Later in the month, look for the return of vocalist SAY IMAMU (24th) and another concert event with progressive rock band INTERPLANETARY LIBERATION FRONT (27th).INTERPLANETARY LIBERATION FRONT 

All scheduled activities can be found in Second Life event listings, keyword “TheMMAC”. More details are also available at www.TheMMACsl.com

TheMMAC online:

www.TheMMACsl.com                          www.MMACradio.net

www.facebook.com/@TheMMACsl        www.youtube.com/@TheMMACsl

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somerset/216/216/66

Keyword: “TheMMAC”

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Get A Taste of the World For Free - Sheristrawberri Reporting

It is date night and you want a special dinner but you can't decide on the cuisine. Is it French, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, or would you prefer a full vegetarian meal? Perhaps you have a desire for food with a Spanish, Swiss, or UK twist? Are you craving a full dinner or a breakfast, brunch or lunch?

The new Taste Of the World Restaurant offers all of this and more. And best of all, it's all free.

Amythe Moonlight has created a romantic destination for those looking to relax and enjoy each other's company in a quiet and peaceful setting. The restaurant is set in the woodlands by the sea. This gives diners fantastic views as well as a delightful soundtrack.

"I opened the restaurant late last year on Southern Comfort sim. When the sim closed I moved to my present location and rebuilt the restaurant. I had more space to build it here and so was able to change the basic design and add some things to further the concept," said Amy.

The Taste Of the World has three distinct areas, each with its own mood and menu. It should be noted that all of the menus are original designs.

"I like good looking food and have used some very realistic items in the placemats. That said, not everyone may recognize all the dishes or may wonder what's in them. The menus serve as information and to describe the ingredients in an enticing way," she added.

The main restaurant occupies two large rooms with seating spread out so that diners can enjoy some intimate privacy. Each table is set for two and has menus custom designed by Amy from which diners can choose from five different regional cuisines as well as dessert.

"If I go out to dine as a couple I enjoy my privacy. I think if you are on a date you want to feel you are having a private moment with your partner even if there are others around. The partitions serve to give a feel of privacy without blocking views completely," explained Amy.

Entrees can come from Asia, Europe, India, Mexico, or North America. As mentioned earlier, there is also a Vegetarian menu from which to choose.

"I spent hours putting together items that were available and fitted the theme. I wanted to find regional dishes that were recognizable and looked good," said Amy.

Regional options are further broken down by various countries. For the Asian menu diners can choose from Japan, Korea, China, or Thailand.

Japanese dishes include Miso soup, sushi, udon noodles, unagi eel, and basashi among other options. The Korean menu is not as extensive, offering kimchee and a Korean fried chicken dish. The Chinese options include dumplings, a braised fish as well as chow Mein. The Thai menu allows diners to choose from green curry, chicken satay, crispy pork, or fried rice.

That's just one of the five regional menus. Europe offers five national options including Italian, French, Spanish, Swiss, and dishes from the UK.

The Italian menu offers various types of pizza, lasagna, ravioli, as well as various pastas such as linguine, Alfredo, penne, and spaghetti. Other European options include Beef Bourguignon, chicken forester and lamb shanks from France, paella and tapas from Spain, steak pie and chips, bangers and mash, and roast beef from the U.K., and cheese fondue from Switzerland.

Hungry for nachos or chili? There are two types of nachos and three types of chili that can be found in the Mexican menu. The Indian menu offers such dishes as roti, chicken tikka, chicken curry, and tandoori chicken among others.

The North American menu offers six different types of burgers and three different hot dogs. There is also regular and maple bacon poutine for those wanting a taste of Canada.

For those wanting a vegetarian or lighter meal there are seven different salad options and 10 soups, though not all of the soups are vegetarian. Diners can also choose from six different sandwiches as well as avocado toast, a Caesar wrap, falafel, vegetable quiche, or two types of omelets.

The dessert menu offers a wide variety of options ranging from five different sundaes, six different types of cake, six different pastries, four different kinds of pie, two flavors of cheesecake, as well as a waffle, a crepe, and even a cheese board.

The same food offerings can be found on The Seabreeze Terrace, a picturesque patio overlooking the water. Utilize the shared environment for a beautiful, romantic atmosphere while the waves crash against the rocks and sea birds sing. The Terrace includes plenty of room to dance either before or after dinner while waiting on the dessert to arrive.

"I love dancing and dining,” said Amy. “With the Seabreeze Terrace I wanted to have a few romantic tables overlooking the sea but also have plenty of room to dance afterwards.”

In the mood for something less formal, perhaps breakfast or brunch, The Copper Room is the perfect choice. While the menu isn't as extensive there are still plenty of options to satisfy any taste.

"I created a venue that was quite formal and so wanted to add a less formal area for those wanting a drink of coffee and something light to eat," said Amy.

Amy pointed out that offering breakfast and brunch was something different for SL. "Sometimes I just want a burger or a cup of coffee. It's designed as a place people can drop into and have a chat. If it becomes popular I may add sofas and armchairs for people to gather and talk," she added.

The breakfast menu allows diners to choose between sweet or savory dishes. Sweet items include strawberry toast, waffles and cream, a fresh fruit bowl, toast and jam, muesli, or croissants. The savory options include a salmon bagel, bacon and eggs, sausage and eggs, or a breakfast burrito.

The brunch menu contains six different sandwich choices such as beef, cheese, egg, and ham and cheese among others. There are also three types of hot dogs and three types of burgers. In addition, grilled cheese, an empanada, and chicken tenders are on the menu.

There is also a rather extensive dessert menu with twelve different items from which to choose. One could pick a strawberry choux, an iced eclair, a double chocolate cupcake, a brownie, a praline creme, or a fruit tart among many others.

The restaurant isn't the only place on the sim for guests to enjoy. The surrounding woodlands offer up plenty of opportunities for a romantic stroll. The woods have several PG cuddle areas. In the center of it all is the Tropical Experience Dome.

The Dome, or what Amy often calls the Tropical Greenhouse, sits among the trees and is filled with beautiful flowers and plants. It is almost like an indoor arboretum.

"I first built a Tropical Greenhouse on the old sim. I didn't advertise it and it had so many visitors I was shocked! When I moved here I thought it would be nice to recreate a newer version of it. It's built as a place to sit quietly listening to the frogs and sound of the water falling and watch the pond life while experiencing the beautiful foliage of tropical countries as butterflies dance all around," said Amy. There are also tables here where people can enjoy a full lunch menu.

"I hope people will enjoy date nights here and have fun exploring everything there is to offer. It's a peaceful place with a lot of potential for friendly gatherings and parties or just to have a tranquil place to bring a loved one," said Amy.

The new Taste Of the World Restaurant 

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Radiant%20Ridge/33/40/21

Preferred contact: Amythe Moonlight

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Breaking news: VANESSAJANE JOINS LUXE Paris DESIGN TEAM!

Fashion house LUXE Paris is pleased to announce the arrival of a new designer. VanessaJane, winner of the prestigious LUXE Paris LOOK of the YEAR award, officially joins the design team after a six-month internship with owners Parisian Skytower and Mika Palmyra, senior designer Avalon Chrome and Director of Communications Hyaecinte.

An artist in real life, creator of embroidery and wet felt works, Vanessa is also a specialist in twisted prims in Second Life and an extraordinary stylist, which earned her the LOOK of the YEAR grand prize.

An old dream coming through

Her apprenticeship in fashion design, an old dream, was therefore very natural and her first collection for LUXE Paris, AROUND the WORLD, will quickly convince you.

For this grand premiere, Vanessa drew inspiration from her love of bohemian style and her keen interest in indigenous and ancestral fabrics that she recreates herself in virtual textures. 

This authenticity transports us from one end of the planet to the other and envelops us in a universal poetry bursting with colors.

Around the World on the wings of fashion

Indigenous tribal design from Japan, woven paisley brocade from northern India, tartan from Scotland, 2000 years old embroidered Chinese silk... The new AROUND the WORLD collection by LUXE Paris is a true work of art to wear. 

If the cuts are current and easy to live with, the effect is definitely exotic and unique. Vanessa mixes modernity and ancestral roots with the dexterity of a painter mixing his colors. The final look is innovative.

Expedition to Peru, silky evening in Chinatown, stroll on the beach of Ghana, business meeting in Scotland .... LUXE Paris AROUND the WORLD offers twelve fascinating journeys on the wings of fashion. 

Choose your destination and... put it on!
At LUXE Paris on https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bao/56/72/26

https://www.luxeparis.online/

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A Look At The Fuzzy Side- Zantic Fenrir Reporting on GYC and Inclusion

                Ahh, furries… We are the crazy adorable animal people you hear all about roaming the grid. Strange, weird, and colorful, we’re well known for keeping to ourselves, rarely being seen outside of ‘our spaces’, places created for furries. However, especially in recent months, several of these spaces have begun to cater to human and other non-furry users, prompting a major shift in many long-standing SL codes of etiquette. To better examine this dynamic shift, I want to bring your attention to one of the largest furry clubs on the grid, GYC.

                Founded in 2001, GYC is a massively successful, long-running club that has historically catered nearly exclusively to furries and furry-adjacent users. Billed as a premier LGBTQ+ Club, many of the users who congregate here fall into the community, including users who are gay, lesbian, transgender, and all shades in between. Whereas many other clubs in this community can come off as very cliquish, and not welcoming to new patrons, GYC has always tried to welcome any who walk into its doors, with many users reaching out to welcome and assist others. Patrons here feel like one big mosh pit of friends and family, instead of small groups keeping to themselves. However, until recently, this hospitality did not apply to non-furry users.

                Historically, furries have often been seen as a ‘taboo’ in many of SL’s major populated areas. We are ignored in public, if not outright harassed by other users. As SL’s code of conduct has grown over the years, we have seen a shift away from this form of exclusion and harassment, but ask yourself: The last time a furry walked into your club, did you or others go out of your way to make them feel welcome? Like they were included? This practice isn’t just exclusive to human and popular clubs, as many furry spaces, GYC included, have had a history of similar exclusion. It’s always easier to ignore the oddballs, those who don’t fit in, rather than extend a hand and make them feel welcome. However, many spaces are going out of their way now to prevent this.

                While many of the patrons at GYC would argue otherwise, the management has declared that anyone and everyone is welcome within the club, regardless of how you identify or present, human, furry, gay, straight, etc. Staff, including hosts and DJs will happily welcome and shout out any who shows up, no more so that GYC’s popular and interactive mixed set DJ, Surfurry, who always manages to draw a massive crowd from all kinds of users when he plays. The dance floor explodes into a massive throng of avatars of all kinds dancing together and for a few hours, it feels like borders and boundaries no longer exist.

                Behind our screens, each one of us is a human being wishing to be seen and accepted. Many of us came to SL for that exact reason, and the freedom to create an avatar of what we want has been a liberating experience for us. When we started dividing and labeling ourselves due to aesthetic differences and lifestyles, we put ourselves back into the same boxes of isolation we were trying to avoid. However, when we look beyond the avatar at the person behind the pixels, whether human, furry, neko, angel, demon, or whatever, we find the same thing: another human being to connect with and forge friendships with. While it’s been such a long period of time for the furry community to be divided from the main user base, changes are slowly happening and acceptance, both towards and from the community, is slowly happening. So before you judge and ignore that rabbit person in the corner, take a night and walk in our shoes (or lack thereof), take a moment and get to know them, you might be surprised. In addition, if you ever want to take a walk on the fuzzy side, places like GYC have you covered with open and welcoming arms!

 

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rinji/180/12/23

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