Valiant Wrestling is a Second Life based furry wrestling federation that brings high octane live action wrestling to the grid every Wednesday.

Co-founded by CEOs Dylan Mattel and Charlie Covfefe, Valiant Wrestling offers plenty of fun and excitement at their weekly live events as well as a great community for longtime wrestling fans. Residents looking for a way to live out their wrestling fantasies in the safety of an online community, can find this form of wrestling roleplay both rewarding and interesting. CEO Charlie says, “I have a slight heart issue so I can not pursue a wrestling career IRL. But here in SL I can live out my dream!”

With over 20 furry wrestlers currently active in the federation, the fights include ring announcers, referees, and sometimes even agents that play a part in the proceedings. It is a fully immersive roleplay experience!

This whole endeavor is a team effort with photography, branding and public relations made possible by Ring of Fire Productions. 

Says Helios Eusebio, who creates all the custom posters and graphics: “We need new posters every week and new graphics whenever there's the possibility of a title change or new contender. And when you average 100+ photos of all the matches, that adds up to quite a bit!” 

The wrestling choreography is directed by a sophisticated HUD system, made by Team Wildfire with Kenia la Gatita Escarlata at the helm. And the colorful merch (nail extension for special furry paws, hats, shirts, banners and posters, ringside gestures, ice cream bars) is made by, among others, Lyra Phoenix, Revel McLochlan and Paradox H. Fade, and can be purchased on location. 

See a lot more of the action on their YouTube channel and Twitter and grab that teleport on Wednesday at 6pm SLT to be present at their next show!

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Valiant Wrestling

Valiant is a wrestling federation with a world-class roster of diverse male and female furry wrestlers giving you a new wrestling experience in Second Life! Attend their events every Wednesday at 6pm PT.

Visit in Second Life

Premier Wrestling is a pro wrestling federation in Second Life, where wrestling fans can be just as much a part of the crowd as the superstars themselves!

Premier Wrestling is shaping a new era of wrestling, by developing compelling characters and weaving them into dynamic storylines that combine physical and emotional sentiments. This is as real as it gets in the virtual world of Second Life! 

According to Premier Wrestling Co Owner Vince Aftermath: 

"Second Life Wrestling is magic, the virtual action element is not supposed to happen but we are doing it. Our athletes are a mixture of veteran wrestlers and rookies both male and female all who want to see Premier Wrestling succeed every week by giving our fans a great experience.

Premier Wrestling in particular has something for everyone. You have the fighting, you have the dancing, you have the voice action, you have the tables, you have the ladders, I could go on! Premier Wrestling is a buffet of entertainment. We hit every mark for you and send you home happy!

Want to see someone lay the smackdown in your own backyard? Well you're in luck! Premier Wrestling travels around the grid to different locations. Going sim to sim with our wrestling crews is a favorite among our sponsors and partners. And we stream our shows on YouTube as well.”

Let's say you don’t want to be a fan and are tired of watching from the sidelines. Let's say you want to jump into the action today. Do you get paid? Is it hard to do? What does getting into the wrestling business look like?

Senior Executive Director at Premiere Wrestling, LG, explains how easy it is to go from fan to pro: 

“Contact us in-world, on Discord or Twitter, fill out the application and someone will contact you almost immediately. We are always hiring. We are the only wrestling federation to this day that pays the staff for their hard work. You can even get a free home to live in. The benefits of being a professional Second Life wrestler in Premier Wrestling is unbelievable.”

Premier Wrestling has over 70 active staff members on the team from all over the world from Brazil, to Canada, to even Egypt. A diverse community of global wrestling fans, who embrace their cultural uniqueness as they only can in a virtual world without borders.

And what does Second Life mean to the folks who run this vibrant wrestling operation?
"Second Life is a gateway to a world with no restrictions. You're not held down by anyone and the opportunities of being a creator or being a performer are endless. Being a Second Life performer has given me a purpose to want to log in every day. I love performing for our fans who may not want to leave their home due to COVID concerns or those who have a SL family and need a different type of entertainment." says Vince Aftermath.

"A chance to be creative, Make the unbelievable happen and help people escape reality even if just for a brief moment. Second Life has no limitations." says LG.

Now’s your chance to get behind the ropes with Premier Wrestling's hard-hitting action!

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Premier Wrestling Studios

Premier Wrestling is an organization based in Second Life. Premier Wrestling has hard-hitting action to voice drama, featuring some of the best virtual wrestlers in the world! Premier Wrestling is a one-stop-shop for all your entertainment needs! They are filmed on location, then later the show is placed on their YouTube page.

Visit in Second Life

Love knows no boundaries, and neither does Second Life! Your dream virtual wedding awaits at Costa Bella Weddings. 

Costa Bella Weddings is a full-service wedding provider with four beautiful and very different venues to choose from: Country, Winter, The Beach, and Black Tie Affair. You also get a choice of three full-region honeymoon locations: Brampton Island, Las Brisas Island, and Isola Dell Amore. With a capacity of 100 guests and an average of 30, celebrate big or small. At the bigger end of the spectrum, the wedding of Kacee and Fang featured at the start of the video had 75 people attending. 

Longtime resident JenJen Sommerfleck, a photographer for 14 years, has been working at Costa Bella for the last 2 years. She and her team provide all planning services, including rehearsal, ceremony, photography, officiant service, DJ, and more.

Jen shares her personal story in the video with us - as someone who can not have children in real life, she adopted kids in SL over the years and even had a pregnancy and is now caring for a Zooby baby.  

In regards to her job and the history of the wedding business in SL, Jen adds: 
“In my 14 years of experience, I have seen the industry grow and evolve in many ways. From simplistic, rudimentary setups of yesteryear to the complex, gorgeous productions of today. While still enjoying the hands-on of the wedding process in many aspects, my most enjoyable role is as manager here at Costa Bella. I have the great privilege of working closely with our amazing owners, Robin and Ian Moonkill. They operate Costa Bella on the premise of seeing people happy and in love, not as a money-making venture. That is something that is rare in the wedding industry. I love what I do here and I love how it ties into the most important part of my SL: family.”

Celebrate now, with loved ones near and far. There are no post-party regrets in the virtual world!

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Costa Bella Weddings

Costa Bella Weddings is a full-service wedding provider. They walk you through the wedding process from beginning to end. They provide planning services, pre-ceremony coordination, rehearsal, in-ceremony coordination, photography, officiant service, DJ, and Venue choice of one of their beautifully decorated locations along with a choice of three full region honeymoon locations. Their services are provided from the heart because weddings are their passion. They look forward to creating the wedding of your dreams!

Visit in Second Life

Home to the Transylvania family for 18 years, the Transylvania destination is a safe haven for those with an interest in a vampiric lifestyle in Second Life. 

Established in 2004, Transylvania is not solely focused on role-playing, and is instead a darkly gothic environment built for mood and atmosphere with a strict no-combat policy. Walking the streets of Transylvania you’re sure to find the Vampires and Lycans who call it home, but be prepared for other unusual visitors too.

There are four Transylvania Royals who own and run the day-to-day operations of Transylvania. Three of those royals are Transylvania Vampires: Willow Raven Paine (who is also the mother of Transylvania,) Noirran Marx, and Sabbian Paine. The 4th Royal is Joytou Timeless who is a Transylvania Lycan and their pack leader.  

Sabbian shares more of the inner workings and upcoming events:

“Transylvania has always been about the family as a whole working together as equals or as the family refers to as "One Blood."

To join the Transylvania family as either a Vampire or a Lycan, there is an application process and you need family sponsorship. You can find a notecard dispenser for either Vampire or Lycan in the grand hallway in the castle as you first walk in. After careful consideration, the final decision is made by the Royals.

The Transylvania community is not just made up of family members but its visitors and residents as well. We host DJ parties in the evening, and monthly themed events especially around the birthday in August and Halloween where the Transylvania family will host 5 days of events starting on October 28th with a Zombie Sock Hop, Scary Monsters, and Super Freaks, Evil Clown event, Halloween Party and a Dia De Los Muertos celebration.”

If you have a penchant for the dark, attend some of the upcoming Halloween events at Transylvania and consider sending in your application to join the family.

Family members featured in the video:
Vampyres: Kloe Kidd, Hollow, Meka Indigo, Ados Oldrich, Tomaso Franizzi, Wyndiva Magic, and Zarabella Ming Pockets
Lycans: Sheena Oldrich, Raeyn Sirnah, Petra Paderborn, Chopper Gurbux 

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Transylvania

Established in 2004, Transylvania is Second Life’s oldest gothic, vampire, and lycan lifestyle community. With nightly DJs, art exhibits, discussions, shopping, and residences, it continues to thrive as Second Life's oldest community for those with a penchant for the dark.

Visit in Second Life

Created in an exclusive partnership with the acclaimed comic book publisher Zenescope, the all-new Zenescope Metaverse is bursting with magic and mystery. In this week’s “Second Life Destinations” video, Zenescope co-founder Ralph Tedesco gives an exclusive “first look” at this exciting new virtual world experience.

Immerse yourself and discover the many secrets hidden across this vast Second Life region offering dark and twisted games and experiences inspired by the Zenescope universe. In partnership with Epik, visitors can snag limited edition collectibles inspired by heroes, villains, and Zenescope favorites such as Cinderella (a.k.a. “Cindy, the serial killer princess”), Belle, the Mad Hatter, and more.

This huge region is so highly detailed that it might just take several visits to see everything. Start your journey in the wide courtyard where you can connect with others before exploring. As you traverse this enchanted realm of flowing brooks and glistening flowers, keep an eye out for hidden locations and easter eggs referencing some of Zenescope’s most iconic tales. 

Meet new friends as you wind your way through the Hedge Maze and discover games that you can play together like the whimsical Goblin Golf. Don’t miss the special quest to score the ultimate prize -- but beware of the Jabberwocky, among other fantastical creatures.

Experience storytelling and comic books in a whole new way at the Zenescope Metaverse -- check it out exclusively in Second Life.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Zenescope

The Zenescope universe is now in Second Life! Interact with your favorite characters and immerse yourself in an all-new multi-region virtual world experience featuring exclusive games, roleplaying regions, hidden surprises, and exclusive merchandise that you'll only find in Second Life.

Visit in Second Life

This week Tansee, Coordinator of the Second Life Endowment for the Arts (SLEA), takes us on a tour of this region’s immense and breathtaking landscape.

The Second Life Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with Linden Lab, launched January 1st, 2021. The new initiative, originally announced in September, provides an opportunity for artists to apply for use of grid space to create artistic experiences in Second Life while also promoting the overall virtual arts community in SL.

The SLEA, which is the spiritual successor to the former Linden Endowment for the Arts (LEA), bears a colorful aesthetic that is part university courtyard and part amusement park, influenced by art galleries, the cosmos, and more. There are a total of nine regions of varying thematic focus, such as machinima or performing arts. 

This ambitious initiative, which is aided by the help of 21 core volunteers and many more contributors, aspires to give grant awards to selected applicants about twice a year. For the debut exhibitions, the SLEA was pleased to receive wide representation from the arts both in terms of genre, style and nationality. 

On arrival, visitors will be given access to a HUD experience which enables ease of travel around the regions in addition to a teleport network. The Landing Pod provides a view over a Performing Arts Center, Arts Education and Innovation facilities, Machinima Land, and the dPod where SLEA’s archives are located for all to peruse. The SLEA regions are expected to further evolve over time as more artists collaborate and new exhibitions are brought into rotation.

Tansee emphasizes that the SLEA aims to draw attention to all artists, galleries, art venues, communities and art education locations in SL. That goal is evident by the presence of a massive T-shaped “connection bridge'' spread across two regions that aims to connect SLEA to the larger community of artists and venues. As visitors stroll across the bridge, they will encounter numerous promotional posters along the way. There are also additional kiosks that visitors can click to get teleport links and even more information about the wide range of artists and exhibitions to be found across all of Second Life.

While this region is already open to the public, SLEA intends to celebrate in style with a full itinerary of performers and artists during the weekend of January 23rd & 24th. Check out their Facebook and Instagram for news and events. Whether you are a budding artist or a supportive observer, feel free to explore this region at any time.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Second Life Endowment For The Arts

The Second Life Endowment For The Arts (SLEA) is opening with a bang at midnight SLT 1/1/2021. Use the SLEA experience to visit 9 regions of diverse creativity representing the many levels of virtual art in SL, including 2 & 3D, Theater, Literature, Visual, Machinima, Art Education, and Media Art. Cost-free grants are awarded! For more info, visit: slendowmentforthearts.wordpress.com

Visit in Second Life

This week we’re taking a broader look at the possibilities within Second Life for expression, metamorphosis, and a unique type of freedom from our current circumstances in the physical world. There is no denying that we are social animals, and while we are in this period of indefinite isolation, connecting with others in a dynamic environment can be very rewarding.
 

At this point almost all of us have had to pass up a vacation or event we were looking forward to, and not everyone has access to partially reopened spaces. In Second Life we can safely explore nature, hear the push and pull of the tide, and feel present in a place we’ve always wanted to go to.

The phrase quarantine vacation might seem like an oxymoron, but it is definitely possible in SL. A luxury getaway to the Fashion Week of your choosing is only a few clicks away, and whether you’re in the audience or on the runway is up to you. Plus, this is the only place that we condone riding a motorcycle without a helmet.

What do you miss the most? Recreational sports, the endless row of bookshelves in your library, chatting with others at a gallery reception? All of these things and more are waiting for you in-world. Of course there are certain things about the physical world that cannot be replaced, but there are also aspects of the virtual world that can augment your experience in ways that are inimitable.

It is liberating to give a 3D visual form to parts of ourselves that have traditionally been abstract and interior. Whether it is something you have daydreamed about for years or an aspect of yourself that has always existed beneath the surface, there is no better place to set your thoughts free.

Head to the Destination Guide today for a new adventure. Don’t know where to start? Pro tip: the Editors’ Picks are always poppin’.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Come experience a perfect spring day at Whimberly, a photogenic oasis where visitors can hang out while admiring the beauty of nature.

Creator Staubi Reilig tells us, “Whimberly was created as a photogenic spot to give SL {Residents} the opportunity to use a {region} for their photos free of charge and without group membership fees.” One lap around Whimberly makes it clear that this place was definitely built with photography in mind; the landscape is absolutely stunning but in an unimposing manner that serves to complement a photo’s subject without distraction. Staubi adds, “The {region} quickly became a popular destination for spending time with my friends too… At regular intervals we switch the design from spring to autumn and vice versa.” So take advantage of the vast field of tall yellow flowers while you can, and be sure to come back later this year!

Whimberly’s layout has a sense of openness, which adds a sense of safety and tranquility. Explorers can find hidden nooks like a set of wooden chairs with a small campfire ablaze, or a comfy swing hanging from a tree. Staubi would like to give credit to Ethan Reilig, who "takes care of the terraforming and the details," as building in SL can be a team effort.

Something extra special about Whimberly is that it was built with user-friendliness in mind at the technical level. Staubi explains that, “When designing, it is important to me that everybody, regardless of the technical requirements, can admire the {region} and feel comfortable. For example, I always build with the windlight at "noon" and without the advanced lighting model switched on, so that I know how everything looks for someone who wanders through SL with low-graphic settings or for new users who don't even know how to adjust their settings.” We appreciate that! (For those interested, check out this video on Viewer Basics.)

Featured in the video is blogger Charlotte Chisolm, who tells us “Second Life is my creative outlet and enables me to explore and learn about photography and photo editing, which I use daily to relax from the grind of real life. SL is a wonderfully social and creative world in which one can become anything they want to be… Some of my closest friends were once random avatars I met while out exploring.”

Visit Whimberly today, whether alone or with friends, as this serene location is truly welcome to everybody. Who knows what you’ll discover?

Video Productions Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Whimberly

Come and explore the "forest" themed location called "Whimberly". Enjoy your stay, take lots of pictures, meet friends and above all have fun! To all the amazing Vloggers out there, you are allowed to take videos.

Visit in Second Life

This week we are highlighting VOIR Gallery, a slice of early 20th century Birmingham, England, in which street gangs ruled the urban cobblestone landscape.

The aesthetic of VOIR Gallery is inspired by 1920s Birmingham to be specific, during the Second Industrial Revolution and increasing tension among the poverty-stricken working class. This environment brewed many legendary street gangs that roamed the town between the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th.

In fact, these gangs left behind such impressive legacies that they have been depicted in numerous films and television shows. VOIR Gallery’s creator, Effy, designed the region as a virtual fan fiction of sorts. For those familiar with this genre, numerous details can be found that serve as an homage to notable characters.

Given the intricacy of the world within VOIR Gallery, role playing is not required but certainly encouraged. Effy’s boyfriend Frenchy, who runs the VOIR Gallery group, plays the character of Tommy Shelby. Details of his history have even been worked into the region, such as his Romani heritage, drug addiction, and horse race fixing.

VOIR Gallery is the perfect place for historical reenactments or the creation of fan fiction in the form of machinima, photographs, storyboarding, graphic novels, and more. Who will you be? What side of the law will you be on? Visit VOIR Gallery today to find out and let us know if you made your own fan art by submitting to our Flickr.

Please note that in order to access this adult-rated region, you must have payment on file.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

VOIR Gallery

Welcome to VOIR Gallery located in 1920 Birmingham, England. The Birmingham Boys (also known as the Brummagem Boys) were a street gang whose power extended from the North of England to London's underworld, between the 1910s and 1930. They lost control of the South East racecourses to the Sabini gang. The group, which grew out of the harsh economic deprivations of working-class Britain, was composed largely of young men of lower to middle-classes.

Visit in Second Life

Grab your fur coat, this week we are traveling to Vargsången: a strikingly realistic medieval Viking land shrouded in an air of mystery.

Vargsången, Swedish for “wolf song,” is a quiet mountain village with a soundscape of native wildlife, strong winds, and the tide. While Camila Runo designed this region to be historically accurate, there are infusions of Norse mythology here and there. For example, Camila tells us that the “residential buildings show how people lived at the time: they slept on hay and furs, all together to share their body heat in winter months, for the same reason often close enough to their livestock such as sheep or pigs or whatever animals they owned.”

Camila would like to warn visitors about a large sea monster some have spotted circling the lands. “Rumor has it that it may be Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent. One of the god Loki's children, tossed into the great ocean by Odin, father of the gods.”

The day to day of Viking society was carefully woven into Vargsången’s creation, such as “the Great Hall where people gathered for different occasions... Another important building is that of the blacksmith. His job was very  important, for he forged a lot of instruments and tools for daily use as well as parts needed for  shipbuilding and weapons.”

A comprehensive exploration of this region will take you to a mountaintop altar, where one can gather from the bloodstains on the stone that a sacrifice was recently made to the gods. However, don’t let the spooky parts scare you away from visiting. Yes, certain aspects of Viking life were harsh, but there was also pride to be taken in the work of artisans and beauty to be found in the landscape and animals. 

The landing area offers visitors both a group joiner for the SL Norse and Viking Society, which regularly meets here, and a landmark giver for Strandhavet Viking Museum.

Come visit Vargsången today to see the world through the eyes of a Viking.

Vargsången Flickr

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Vargsången

A land in the far North, a long time ago when there were gods and giants, Valkyries, dwarfs, and trolls. A land where the winters were long, dark, and cold and the summers not so warm either but exploding with flowerage for a short period of time. Everyday life was a challenge, sometimes ending way too early. - Viking life in the Early Middle Ages, with a touch of mythology.

Visit in Second Life

From historical buildings to monuments of nature, and places that embody authentic local cultures, explore virtual incarnations of places from the physical world.
 

With Second Life the world is at your fingertips, and you can see places you’ve always dreamed of without breaking the bank or dragging around a heavy suitcase.

What’s incredible about these regions is that they can exist in a space where chronology is fluid. Experience 19th century charm with the convenience of modern comforts! Whatever you choose to wear will be just right for the climate, and you can walk as fast or slow as you like without getting lost in the crowd.

Visit the locations featured in the video today!

• Village of Ciampi: The Tuscan countryside embodies a rustic charm and timeless romance. You’ve probably seen it featured in many popular films, so teleport over soon.
• Mitsumi Town: Based on an urban neighborhood in Tokyo, this region has made headlines for years. It was painstakingly modeled using Google Maps and real photographs.
• Zwieselalm: For those who live close to the Equator, or just can’t get to a winter wonderland fast enough, the Upper Austrian Alps are the perfect place to get bundled up, do some exploring, and wind down with some hot cocoa.
• Venezia City Showcase: This highly detailed recreation of Venice is as real as you can get. Take a stroll along the canals with a friend or with the company of the city itself.
• Little Santorini: A famous Greek island with volcanic sand beaches and beautiful homes. Go scuba diving and lose track of time in this sophisticated oasis.
• The Grand Canyon: At 5-6 million years young, this masterpiece of nature is always breathtaking. Beat the heat with a virtual visit.
• St. Louis Arch: The architectural emblem of this American city is instantly recognizable to many. An afternoon in the park is always a great low key way to relax.
• Terra Egypta: Ancient Egypt beckons to be explored and contextualized in the modern age.
• Garrigua: Based on Garrigues,the south of France is a highlight for every traveller.

Share your travel adventures with friends by uploading pictures to our Flickr and share #ExploringSecondLife with us on social media! Other Residents will be delighted to see the possibilities, and there are so many more places to visit.

This week we would like to bring attention to the Transgender Resource Center, a place of community and support in Second Life.

The TRC is of particular importance to Shilo Ravenhurst (she/her, they/them), who has been in SL since around 2007. About a decade ago Shilo decided to change to a female avatar, and found it to be empowering and freeing.

While Shilo is realistic about the aggression that trans people often face, she speaks highly of the safety that LGBTQ+ people can find in SL: “It’s an open world where you’re free to be who you want to be, to be you as you want to be seen and addressed.”

The TRC holds meetings twice a week for trans and gender non-conforming individuals. The meetings on Thursdays (7PM SLT) are called “Topic Night,” where they discuss the news and current events. Cisgender allies are welcome to join this meeting and show their support. For those who are not familiar with this community, the term cisgender refers to people who identify as the gender assigned to them at birth.

Shilo tells us that the Sunday meetings (11AM SLT) are “more akin to what your typical transgender meeting in real life would be, like a support group. We talk about our week, about who we are, and introduce ourselves to people if they’re new. It is typically closed to cisgender people because of the sensitive topics and such.” Safe spaces are important for many reasons, and there is a special comfort in being around people who also experience the specific challenges of certain marginalized communities.

Shilo loves changing outfits and has many avatars, although the one featured in today’s video is her main avatar. Shilo says that “when you can’t present as yourself in real life, then it’s a lot easier to be who you want to be inside of this virtual world.”

There are many support groups in SL, and we want to remind you that in SL you are never alone. Shilo says of her experiences inworld, “Second Life has done a lot for me. It’s where I met my partner, it’s where I met many lifelong friends. I think it’s a great place to socialize and explore with other people.”

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Transgender Resource Center

The TRC is a safe place for Transgender people and their allies to join and talk about the issues they face. Weekly Support Groups are available.

Visit in Second Life

This week Drax interviews Chris Prynoski, who runs Titmouse Animation with his wife Shannon. Don’t miss the exclusive five-second shorts screening only in SL!

The screening region, which was custom built for the Smash Party event last year, has a very authentic urban grunge vibe. Matter of fact, the SL location represents an authentic replica of the Titmouse studios in Hollywood, California, right down to the porta potties. Surrounded by concrete buildings, the open outdoor space has everything from a cage to smash things with a hammer, an area to grab a beer, and plenty of seating to hang with your friends or meet new people. There are hidden easter eggs to explore as well, like the lonely animator, who is working away day and night while his colleagues party.

Chris tells us that the tradition of screening five-second clips started 13 years ago. Traditionally screened at a live event in the physical world, previous events have taken place in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Vancouver. This year, due to the physical constraints of COVID, the screening moves exclusively to Second Life through May 24.

Chris says this is an opportunity to let every animator do what they want, so be prepared for a wide range of styles as well as content ranging from wholesome to slightly crude, but always hilarious.

Hopefully we have many more inworld Titmouse events to look forward to. Last year’s premiere of the show “The Shivering Truth” brought thousands of Residents to the event. These collaborations illustrate the many possibilities within SL and make it so wonderfully hard to describe. Visit this quirky virtual cinema today!

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Titmouse Animation Screening Event

Visit the official event space for independent animation studio Titmouse (creator of "Big Mouth," "Star Trek: Lower Decks," and many more popular shows). Watch an exclusive showing of the "5 Second Day" animations in a virtual cinema and take out your frustrations in the smash cage. Don't forget to grab your free swag, too!

Visit in Second Life

This week we are being whisked away to The Outer Garden, a resplendent winter garden that appears to be frozen in time.

Creator Bisou Dexler, a professional photographer from Japan, says that “Second Life is the one and only place where I can visualize and share the fantastic drawings overflowing from my brain and feel the beauty born from it.” (Check out their Flickr group for inspiration!)

The Outer Garden’s design, like countless other things, was influenced by the profound emotional impact that COVID had on all of our lives. Bisou, in a moment that is relatable to many, was struck by constant grief in the news and headlines. Bisou describes one particularly striking story: “A documentary was broadcast in which a young man, who was unable to go inside the hospital to see his mother, climbed up to the window of the mother's room on the second floor to look at her. I have never felt love and prayer so heartily, and that's when I found hope in my Second Life build…”

The Outer Garden feels like a sacred place conducive to experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions. It welcomes those who wish for a temporary escape as well as those seeking a cathartic reckoning. Bisou tells us that “my inspirations come from the beautiful creations made by my partner aki69, conversations with SL friends, and my emotions, which respond to happiness and sadness in my real life. Being able to express my imagination in Second Life, which is difficult to do in the real world, has had a profound healing effect on me!”

Everybody feels and expresses things in different ways. The virtual world of Second Life can be a great place to process emotions in a safe space. Bisou says “beauty comforts people, so does sharing sadness. I was healed by creating gardens in order to express myself in this virtual world. I hope my gardens also become a place to alleviate the visitors' sorrow.” 

Visit The Outer Garden today to experience your own unique interpretation of this surreal daydream.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

The Outer Garden

The Outer Garden is a place where love is hiding. The landing point, "The White Garden", is filled with happiness where the romantic atmosphere and pale lights surround you, which would make your time with friends and lover special. Also, the mirror standing at the landing point will take you to some other gardens, where you can enjoy walking and taking pictures. You will have a sweet time in this brilliant season, the RoseGarden, and pale lights.

Visit in Second Life

This week Ras Solaris, curator of the Meroe Museum, eloquently describes the value of sharing culture as a way to enable an authentic and three-dimensional understanding of the Black community.

Ras describes the Meroe as a “hub to learn the origins of all cultures in an interactive and engaging way. {It’s} Focused on providing a safe space for people to discuss cultural differences and to challenge current ways of thinking.” Ras became a Resident years ago, recently returning from a hiatus “because I noticed the amazing changes in technology, architecture, and the incredible amount of multiculturalism from across the world. Although many spend their time on FB, I prefer the Metaverse space, Second Life… where privacy and content creation are key for Residents to be able to help create in this amazing world.”

Throughout the video, Ras illustrates how a more thorough understanding of other cultures can help deconstruct bias. He also shows us the humanizing power of diverse representation in all fields of study. For example, the Innovation and Black Inventions exhibit presents essential items from modern life that, unbeknownst to many of us, were invented by Black people. By tying in the contributions of Black people in the physical world to the creations of Black Residents in the virtual world, the Meroe reminds us that every avatar you meet has a rich history that led them to this moment.

This venue has two exhibit halls, a vibrant gallery, and don’t forget to explore outside the museum walls! THE BLVD. and Jamrock City offer a variety of terrains, seasons, and exploration. 

Plus, mark your calendars, as there will be a two day music festival at the end of the month. However, Ras wants us to know that the Meroe Museum will not disappear at the end of Black History Month. We hope that patronage continues to be robust throughout the year, and that the knowledge gained in this space breeds kindness and positive change. As a bonus, Ras tells us  “100% of donations are given to RL not-for-profits focused on community service and STEM programs.”

Contributors to this project include:
Fly Toretto: An inworld automotive designer, Fly’s contribution is a part of the Innovations and Inventions Exhibit that highlights core inventions created by Black people that we use in our daily lives. 
Diamond Martinez: Founder of Rho Gamma Psi sorority, Diamond’s contribution is a part of the Kente Cloth Exhibit that highlights the traditional cloth and the history and messaging behind it.
Alora Taurus: Model, Artist, and Photographer. Alora’s contribution is a part of our Tech and Communications and the Innovations and Inventions Exhibit. Her art titled “Cosmological” is featured in both exhibits.
Dehja Dahl: Model, artist, and photographer. Dehja contributed her recent art piece, which incorporates the work of the infamous artist, Basquiat. Her art is featured as part of MEROE standard communications and will be featured in the Basquiat Exhibit this summer. 
Ms Warm: Owner of Business Minded, a networking business group. Ms Warm specializes in identifying SL Residents with high-value unique offerings. She is an avid entrepreneur in the community who has a keen eye for representation.
GiGi Monet: Director at MEROE and founder of The BLVD., GiGi specializes in creating interactive experiences in Second Life. She is passionate about bringing in quality, process, and structure into aesthetically pleasing viewscapes. GiGi’s contributions to the Museum vary from Operations, Graphics, Marketing, Landscaping, and more. 
Tyesia Xevious: DJ and CEO of Frequency Radio, Tyesia is our main Media contributor and has curated an afro-centric experience on Frequency Radio, which is currently featured on the region. 
Nedar Koba: As a mesh designer, Nedar specializes in creating high quality unique designs. His contribution includes the Adinkra symbol, which happens to be the only Adinkra symbol created in Second Life, the Gye Nyame that you see throughout the region. 
The BLVD.: Home to MEROE Museum, JamRock City Residential Community, and A XeoLife Roleplay Shopping and Dining Experience. The region is lightly based on tropical islands around the world with a flare of luxury, serenity, and waterfalls surrounding you. 

We’d also like to share the other ways we are celebrating Black History Month inworld: Pic of the Day will feature a Black Resident every weekday, don’t miss our weekly Second Life Spotlight posts, and please visit the Social Awareness Category of the Destination Guide.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

MEROE Museum - Home of Black culture

MEROE Museum, is the Home of Black and Aboriginal cultures in Second Life. The Museum's purpose is to provide a safe space for the repository of black culture from across the diaspora, and a place for dialog in an effort to resolve many of the conflicts that plague our communities. During Black History Month they will have many activities including a bookstore and an art gallery.

Visit in Second Life

Feel the thrill of exploring an abandoned theme park on a rainy night at The Lost Wonderland.

This region is an ode to a nostalgia that many Residents may relate to. Creator Litani Istmal was having a conversation with some friends, reminiscing about “our years of meeting up at the small arcade in our mall before it shut down. It was our favorite meet up spot, the spot to meet someone new, and to just relax after a long week stuck in classes. For me, the whole experience is like going back in time to a place where happy memories were created.” The theme of the arcade is both literal and meta here; while you explore the grounds, given the the element of roleplay, it can also feel like you are inside of a game.

The landing point gives you the option of going in two directions, towards the outdoors portion with rides, or a covered area that bears similarities to the urban underground of an Asian neighborhood. Empty shops, a laundromat, and bright lights add an air of playful mystery.

The outdoor area is a dilapidated theme park with a ferris wheel, game booths, and other rides in a rusty state of decay. The once bright colors have now faded into garish shades under the dim light. Remnants of a wooden roller coaster sit at the edge, where riders once enjoyed a panoramic view of the surroundings. Walk into a dark cave and you’ll be teleported to another location, so visitors should be up for anything.

Since SL has been around for so long, Litani’s relationship to SL had time to grow and evolve. This might be encouraging for newer Residents or for those who are ready to try something new but don’t know where to start. Litani actually went through a creative block for a period, but tells us, “When the pandemic hit and the lockdowns followed, I found myself signing into SL again. I started exploring a bustling neighborhood style community and there I rediscovered my love for roleplay while COVID continued to turn every place in the real world into a ghost town.” 

Following this renewed interest in virtual creation and connection, Litani adds, “The pandemic definitely changed Second Life for me. I became more social and also made new friends that introduced me to activities like the weekly grid drives. That’s when I started to really explore and discover what all the Mainland had to offer.”

For those unfamiliar with the Mainland, Litani says “Mainland is a vital artery of SL. It offers plenty of amazing places created by Residents to explore and discover. Some of these amazing experiences include working railroads, subway stations, airports, and my favorite, sailing the open seas.  To the new explorer who may feel overwhelmed, there are pod stations that take you on tours. There are also great groups like Passengers of SL, where you can catch multiple plane rides and Drivers of SL, with their weekly guided grid drives.”

Visit The Lost Wonderland today to get your fix of good-natured mischief. Who knows where it will lead?

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

The Lost Wonderland

Magic exists within this abandoned theme park. Find the lost wonderland and get transported back to an era where arcades ruled the social scene. Climb to the rooftop to kick back and relax or try some competitive paintball and bumper cars. There's plenty to do with an amusement park right outside the doors. Grab some friends, meet someone new, and most important of all... have fun!

Visit in Second Life

Explore a more cryptic envisioning of fantasy at The Looking Glass, where enchantment and dark secrets abound.

Creators Marcus Inkpen and Sharni Azalee have been selling a wide range of items related to fantasy under The Looking Glass brand since 2011. Marcus tells us they were brought together by a mutual passion, saying “We were both into the darker Alice in Wonderland type whimsical fantasy stuff and we've been exploring that ever since.”

The Looking Glass is a large region that could take hours to explore. From the long bridge leading to a mysterious castle to the beautiful floating islands, the amount of detail in every component is reminiscent of many iconic works of fantasy that have been uniquely interpreted by Marcus and Sharni. Sharni says, “We have tried to make a region that is entwined with many genres so that everybody can find their ‘special spot’ there. {It’s} especially wonderful to see when people take the time to find the little hidden areas in the region.

If you are feeling a little stressed out, The Looking Glass is the perfect place to let your worries float away. Sharni tells us “SL for me is an escape from the pressures of r/l. I have a very stressful r/l job, so to be able to log into SL and relax and get lost in a creative bubble is a perfect balance. The friends I have met here from all over the world give me a wonderful reason to keep coming back.”

In addition to photogenic exploration, Marcus tells us that The Looking Glass hosts “regular events with live music, DJs and particle shows. Everything you could ask for! Sharni and I have also been involved in all of the Fantasy Faires since the beginning and we are looking forward to it every year.”

Come visit The Looking Glass today to experience a different side of fantasy in the virtual world.

Note: There is an art exhibit of Marcus' r/l alter ego J Matthew Root at http://jmrart.com, as well as a store of select merchandise in the basement that is also available on the Second Life Marketplace.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

The Looking Glass at Horizon Dream

The Looking Glass is the joint creation of Marcus Inkpen and Sharni Azalee. Beautiful art and designs populate this photogenic island, which aims to host and support the arts in Second Life through live music, particle shows and poetry readings.

Visit in Second Life

A peaceful fog rolls over the hills of The Forgotten Gardens, where fantasy roleplayers and curious explorers can spend hours writing their own story.

This expansive region feels like a slice of English countryside cloaked in elements of high fantasy. Creator Eloise Lionheart explains, “I've always been drawn to the fantasy side of avatars. Fairies, elves, and other mythical creatures. That combined with my love of nature, I felt a need, a pull towards something more fantasy in theme, more an escape into the imagination, an escape from reality.” It certainly is, with glowing specks floating in the air giving the entire region a very magical touch.

Upon arrival, visitors walk out into tall grass where a creek flows nearby. On the other side is a gazebo overgrown with vines, flowers, and thick roots wrapped around the fountain in the center. The lush plant life makes it feel as if the whole place is alive. In addition to the fantasy genre, Eloise tells us of a particularly influential book: “The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson is a childhood memory and building a secret garden filled with fantasy and wonder became a must.” Quirky frog sculptures and plants with bulbous flowers the size of your head add a whimsical flair. The English undertones are visible yet again with none other than a sweet Corgi sitting in a wagon. 

Eloise proclaims, “For me, one of the many joys of the Second Life Metaverse is that region creators can bring to life fantasy, roleplay or real life destinations.” However, building was not on their radar at first. “I never once thought I would have the ability to create regions people enjoy so much. I knew nothing about landscaping or creating a scene. I spent a long time browsing Flickr in wonder at the way bloggers, creators, and landscapers would display content and make it look so realistic and thought provoking.”

So, to newer Residents or those interested in building but are scared to try, Eloise says, “When you are looking at that flat square of terrain, it can be close to impossible to imagine it can be developed into your thoughts. That first step is to believe in yourself and if I can do this, anyone can!”

Each section of this region feels like a chapter of a story. In one corner, a small cemetery is adorned with wildflowers, under the careful watch of some stoic deer. If you dare to cross into the more dense fog, sculptures of two rearing unicorns form an arch at the entrance of a bridge. Of the twists and turns of the creative process, Eloise says, “That is the magical part of learning on this journey. Each failure has been a lesson and each lesson another idea, and from that idea has grown a new thought to share. Best of all, a small piece of land can be the start of great things and this ability to grow is open to everyone, it just takes some belief in yourself…”

A mansion or castle lies just beyond, with halls bearing trails of white rose petals. This place could even be a wedding venue, with a regal ceremony room and playful modern touches like a rec room offering billiard and ping pong tables. It gives The Forgotten Gardens an air of unpredictability, proving again that in Second Life, anything is possible.

“I truly believe that Second Life and the 3D world is an extension to books or films. You can lose yourself in a book, the hours pass and you crave the ending, to know the full story, to see if your theory was right. That creativity of writing carries over into this world we all share: as books fill our minds with words, those words become pictures, and from those pictures we form ideas. It pushes your need to create it in another form, and that is the beauty of Second Life. People bring stories to life virtually as their imagination is stirred. It's a never-ending flow that brings inspiration to the wanderer…”

Wander through The Forgotten Gardens today to see what kind of story you’ll leave with. Post on the region’s Flickr to share with others, and maybe your story will evolve into an epic tale!

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

The Forgotten Gardens

Paths in moonlight, tread with care. Fairies sleeping, please don't stare! A towering stag guards his home, explorers are welcome to rest or roam. The Forgotten Gardens is a walk in moonlight, along abandoned paths each taking you to something old but magical. Please use shared region environment. Welcome to all!

Visit in Second Life

This week we encourage you to get lost in the tall grass of The Far Away, a bucolic reverie that has been a special hideaway for Residents since 2007.

This charming and old-timey region was originally created as “The Wheatfield” by painter/photographer/coder Jeffrey Berg, who goes by AM Radio in Second Life. Shortly after, in an interview with Bettina Tizzy, AM explained that “I wanted to challenge people's idea of place. We have so many preconceptions of space. What is a sidewalk, what is a house, what is a trail, what is a cave? We've evolved our sense of space and place. What better place than SL to challenge it?”

His challenge was accepted; the soothing, yet thought-provoking atmosphere of The Wheatfield has been cherished by many Residents over the years. In fact, AM Radio and some other well-known SL artists were even mentioned in New York Times Magazine in 2009. Over the years, AM Radio has built 14 regions in SL, and many Residents have been inspired by his style. Strawberry Linden expressed her appreciation for his work in a blog post a few years before joining Linden Lab.

The region is now called “The Far Away,” and is hosted by the couple Ziki Questi and Kinnaird Fiachra on the region Dreamworld North, which is part of the Dreamworld estate owned by Count Burks. Ziki says she was drawn to it because, “to me, The Far Away is a seminal work of virtual art. Evocative and timeless, it laid the groundwork for other striking and more expansive works by AM Radio such as The Quiet and Surface, all of which now survive only in images and memory. Kinn and I are delighted to preserve and maintain The Far Away for the enjoyment of the SL community.”

Kinnaird recalls being brought here by a friend on her first day in SL: “I was not a gamer, and the whole concept of being inworld was a bit disorienting, but I remember my friend leaving me at The Far Away when he had to go AFK, saying, "you'll be safe here.””

The Far Away is a living virtual relic that has a peaceful ambiguity capable of meaning something different to every visitor. What will it mean to you? Visit today to find out. With hidden poses and interactive elements scattered throughout, who knows what your journey might lead to.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

The Far Away

A blast from the past! Featured in The New York Times! The Far Away is an interactive 3D art installation in Second Life. First built in 2007 by AM Radio, now curated by Ziki Questi and Kinnaird Resident.

Visit in Second Life

This week we are visiting The Dollhouse Forest, which currently has a macabre theme. 

Creator Lil Brat (stylized as ღ Lil вЯαⓉ ღ) tells us “I felt like I needed a place of my own to show my creativity, my craziness, and the creepy corners of my mind.” Many of us love spooky things all year round, and Lil Brat was influenced by things like the Goosebumps books and old nursery rhymes with morbid undertones. In fact, there is a Nursery Rhyme Garden, of which Little Brat says “Here I have put out different scenes from different kinds of old nursery rhymes. I have read a lot about the background history of them... From Queen Mary (aka Bloody Mary) to the black plague, to kids falling down from trees.”

The landing point gives you the option to teleport to the seasonal platform or enter through the maze. Don’t miss out on the scenic route, as it is filled with “many different artistic pieces. I love art and want to be supportive of other creators in Second Life.”

The seasonal platform is currently WWII themed, as Lil Brat enjoys learning about history. She says “The seasonal platform I change up every season 100%... Last year at one point it was a mix between Secret Garden and {an} Alice in Wonderland tea party…”

This region is a testament to the friendship and community Lil Brat has found in SL. In fact, according to Lil Brat, “The Dollhouse itself was a gift from one of my best friends in SL, and I absolutely love it.” It seems that people coming together over common interests is now more important than ever. Of her inworld friends, Lil Brat says “I definitely couldn't have done any of this without them. Friends are definitely something you're gonna need if you are gonna create something in SL. For support, but also for help and someone who can build you up if things get hard at times.”

Visit the fantastic and spooky landscape of The Dollhouse Forest today.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres
 

The Dollhouse Forest

A creepy place with lots to explore that is perfect for those haunted creepy pictures! You'll find a big creepy dollhouse in the middle of the haunted forest, a foggy labyrinth, a diner, and more. The dolls will appreciate the chance to imitate how humans are supposed to act.

Visit in Second Life

This week we immerse ourselves in the surreal digital art of Mistero Hifeng at Cammino e Vivo Capovolto.

Upon landing, the region feels like an art gallery crossed with a movie set: the type of thing that would cost millions of dollars in the physical world but can be created by anybody in Second Life.

Mistero’s style blends the abstract with symbolic imagery seamlessly. The use of light and water are key. Slow moving raindrops and a moving floor of water that looks like glimmering mercury... There are also several clocks strewn about haphazardly, perhaps an homage to Dali, one of the great figures of Surrealist art.

Abstract humanoid sculptures can be found throughout the space, often embracing each other. While they may seem plain from far away, closer inspection reveals that they express a wide range of emotions. The amount of detail given offers the hint of a narrative but the rest is a mystery for guests to put together. What is the purpose of the train tracks that lead nowhere? Mistero is indeed mysterious: he does not comment on the purpose of his installations. He does not offer any help to interpret it, which makes it even more powerful!

This region is a shining example of Second Life’s ability to serve as a conduit to one’s imagination. Come see Mistero Hifeng’s art today to experience the unique art of the metaverse.

Check out Mistero Hifeng's socials for more information on his work.
Facebook
Flickr
Instagram 

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Digital Art - Cammino e Vivo Capovolto

Cammino e Vivo Capovolto is a creative place dedicated to 3D art and photography by Mistero Hifeng.

Visit in Second Life

The Desire Realm pays homage to Roro Jonggrang, a Javanese fairy tale of love and betrayal, set in a gorgeous Hindu temple with a tropical monsoon climate.

Creator Aryluke tells us that this region was originally something else, and over time evolved into Candi Roro Jonggrang - Prambanan. Prambanan is an 8th-century Hindu temple compound in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, that is dedicated to the Trimūrti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu), and the Destroyer (Shiva).

Aryluke explains, “I love building in Second Life, so my {region} and its concept will most likely always change a lot. However, it will still be about my home here in Central Java, Indonesia and all the monuments and temples we have here in {the physical world}. I will keep them rezzed to share with everyone all over the world.”

The sky and water bear an interesting palette of sepia and taupe; this shields visitors from the harsh tropical sun while giving the region a peaceful golden hour tone. It also makes the green of the palm trees and plant life pop. This is a tranquil region untouched by industrialization, made in honor of natural beauty and its sacred soundscape.

The setting has great spiritual value, as Aryluke tells us, “The Desire Realm or Karma Vhibangga Level as it stands now on my {region} is the lowest level of The Borobudur, which features 160 relief panels all telling stories about moral and ethical questions and interactions between people in a variety of social settings, so they - as Buddhists - can become better humans, while in the physical realm.” Perfectly preserved ancient structures provide a sense of timelessness, and sculptures of Hindu deities are immensely humbling. If you are lucky enough to find a horse, riding it over the water is pure magic, imbuing visitors with a profound sense of gratitude. 

Aryluke’s creative process involved the following: “I used some pictures from the museum in Borobudur and textured them on those giant prims surrounding the top level of the Borobudur. This way people who visit can actually view them, which they could not do in RL because they are too high up.”

Aryluke’s approach to SL is multifaceted, illustrating the numerous ways that Residents can find fulfillment here: “I joined SL to have more creativity, friends, and fun. It has been a wonderful world for me, {I’m} so glad to see what people build here from all over the world. A lot is about nature, education, art, culture, etc. I spend my time in SL exploring places. There is a lot to learn here, if you want to.”

Regarding what sets Second Life apart from other virtual worlds, Aryluke tells us, “Considering everything we have in SL: the variety of {regions}, quality of avatars, business/marketplace, virtual currency, land/property, and social life… SL is still the best metaverse for me.”

We each have a unique perspective on the culture we grew up in, and experiencing different cultures with the guidance of someone within the community provides invaluable authenticity, with little details you can’t always find through your own research. Like many others, Aryluke explains, “I have been a heritage enthusiast since I was very young, and so when I discovered SL and had a chance to build things we have here in Indonesia, it became very interesting for me.”

Immerse yourself in ancient history and international culture the Second Life way, and visit The Desire Realm today.

Aryluke's Flickr

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

The Desire Realm

The Desire Realm brings the beauty of a tropical landscape surrounded by temples and monuments. Offering some interesting gifts, free for visitors and newbies. It's a great place to hang out, meditate, and take some water reflection photography. Everyone is welcome!

Visit in Second Life

Come take a stroll on a rainy cyberpunk night at The Apartments, a cryptic region that invites you to explore its dark urban corners. See if you can count all the mischievous cats lurking around!

Creator Paradox Ivory describes The Apartments as “a love letter to some of my favourite movies that just so happen to fall into the sci-fi & cyberpunk genres. I have always wanted to immerse myself in those places and get lost in the environment. So from Blade Runner to the Doctor and Han Solo, if you look for their names on the mailboxes, you can wander to their apartments and see decor specific to them.”

The Apartments is both ominous and dreamy, with flying cars, sirens off in the distance, and the sense that someone could be waiting for you right around the corner. The aesthetic bears the cyberpunk hallmarks of neon signs and garbage strewn about the dystopian landscape but there is also a feeling when one wanders the stairwell that this could very well be a place that is not too far off in the future. That is, the ambience is so immersive that it feels wholly possible that this place exists in both the virtual and physical world.

Of course, we have to address what inspired the addition of so many kitties. Having been a lifelong cat lover, Paradox explains that “they have become somewhat of a signature in my sim designs. If you have visited any of my past builds then you know they all have cats, and this one is no different. However, Maru Kado had just created these amazing, expressive kitties as I was doing this build and so I just had to fill The Apartments with them.” At times curious, at others aloof, cats fit right in with the mood, and their smooth fur provides a pleasant contrast to the harsh greys of concrete and metal.

We implore you to put on your boots and see The Apartments for yourself. Whether you want to be the protagonist in a sci-fi noir or a silent observer, the pitter patter of the rain is waiting to whisk you away.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

The Apartments

Hallways, endless rain, and cats...lots and lots of cats.

Visit in Second Life

This week we are spotlighting Sylvania Square, a furry neighborhood inspired by the rainbow palette of the RL village of Boystown.

Safe spaces can mean many things; safety from violence is of course vital for all communities to grow. However, the ability to express one’s true self without judgment and connect with others who have similar interests and perspectives is also something to be treasured. Mayor Celeste Étoile is keenly aware of this, describing Sylvania Square as “a place to surround yourself with people who understand and accept you as you are. A comfort, a sanctuary, a home to those who need one. This place was created to help LGBT+ people find themselves, find friends, make memories, find love, and explore their identities in a safe environment.”

During the isolation of the COVID pandemic, Celeste says that "finding somewhere in a virtual world like this can be a lifesaver. Finding people who understand you can be life-changing."

Vice Mayor Aine Bunny also places immense value on finding community for marginalized people, adding "there's a strong sense of euphoria that comes about when you're able to breathe life into a dream like Sylvania's - one that is incredibly important to the target demographic which we can heavily relate to, especially given our current real-world circumstances... We want to make sure those who need a sense of respite, a place to call home, a change of pace, a spark of inspiration, kindred spirits to commune with, etc., have as much of it as we can provide."

RL neighborhoods by and for the LGBTQ+ community have popped up in countless cities around the world. You may recognize names like The Castro, Chelsea, and Zona Rosa. Second Life is home to many queer friendly regions, and all are encouraged to explore.

Celeste says of SL, "Second Life was a place that I could create myself how I wanted to be perceived and a place where I could find friends who understood sides of me [which] in real life [some people] may not have been able to grasp. There has always been something incredibly life changing about being in SL. It's a place that brought me closer to my partners, my friends, and myself, in ways I can never say thank you enough for."

Sylvania Square is free to enter and welcomes everyone, even non furries, although to enter Residents must have a payment method on file as a formality. Visit Sylvania Square today to breathe easily and let loose in a judgment free zone.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Sylvania Square

A casual furry city hangout on Second Life with a boystown vibe, welcoming anyone and everyone looking for a space to belong. Step off the train and into a city blooming with fun and relaxation, go shopping with friends, enjoy the sights, or party until the break of dawn!

Visit in Second Life

Get early access to a crisp spring morning by visiting Sous le Ciel de Paris, a chic rooftop garden brimming with rustic charm.

Creator Tolla Crisp, the mastermind behind Frogmore and Mousehole, crafted this tranquil resting spot in the Art Nouveau style, with architecture and furniture that evoke the graceful curves of tendrils and flowers. Tolla tells us, “Paris started off as my own personal home, not intended to be a public venue. I started with an old skybox from Pixel Mode which I modified and then I added on and modified builds from Milk Motion, Apple Fall, and Minimal.” This all culminated in a whimsically curated space that looks like a virtual home and garden magazine. Visitors can enjoy the ambience on cozy patio furniture, but don’t miss the chicken coop, ornate metalwork, or baskets of freshly picked produce. 

The region’s name roughly translates to Under Paris Skies, as Tolla says, “It evolved into a 'spring' Paris rooftop with lots of flowers: I think everyone is ready for a fresh break from winter.” There is something so soothing about spring’s themes of rebirth and fresh growth. It serves as a reminder that even on the gloomiest winter day, the cycle of life will continue and we will make it to another sunny morning. No matter what is happening in the physical world, Second Life should always be a safe haven where Residents can have fun and relax.

Regarding creative processes, Tolla tells us, “My inspirations come from the research I do on Pinterest. I use a  board to gather ideas for each project,  as well as from my great friends in SL that are from France.” The region’s aesthetic is dappled with soft pastels; pops of color burst forth from the warm patina of the buildings and decor. This place is very much alive, with hummingbirds buzzing about the flower patch and a mischievous squirrel swinging from a bird feeder as it tries to snag some nuts and seeds.

Tolla has been a Resident for quite some time, telling us, “Second Life has meant many things over the years and like most people that do stay a long time, I have evolved and changed over that time… creating beautiful spaces that I can share with others has brought much happiness and satisfaction, and keeps me returning to SL. My journey with Frogmore has been very rewarding indeed.”

Given the increased conversation around virtual spaces and the concept of the metaverse, Tolla says, “I am very passionate about the freedom we have in SL versus anything FB might offer… I invite you to have a peek at a video my friend Tutsy Navaratha recently made regarding Metaverse and SL: Mon Metaverse."

Stay tuned for updates on Tolla's other creative endeavors, as they mentioned “I will continue to grow and change Frogmore and Mousehole regions and hopefully continue to deliver an immersive experience to share with all. We have big plans for both regions in 2022…”

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Sous le ciel de Paris

From the creators of Frogmore: Welcome to Sous le ciel de Paris! Under the sky of Paris is a Rooftop Garden sure to remember warm Parisian nights. This is a lush French garden experience, 4300 prims, open to the public. Owned by Frogmore, all group members will be able to Rezz at Paris as well. Come enjoy the scent of spring under the skies of Paris!

Visit in Second Life