MayaSmit

Interesting discussion everyone. I've enjoyed reading people's opinions. My view of SL is that it's an amazing virtual world where everybody has the opportunity to explore or become a version of themselves they wish to be or always been curious about. Whether that's a different gender, race, height, species, age, etc. I think everyone can agree that's a wonderful thing! And equally, in order to immerse yourself in this identity/fantasy/role, you can choose how much or how little of your RL information you want to share. And that should be respected. Lets face it, the only real issue is for the guys (and its usually guys, but not always) who are using SL as a dating service, and hoping to eventually take whatever SL relationship they're in to their first life! Because if that's not the case, it's pretty irrelevant what is behind the computer screen. Your pixels are interacting with another set of pixels, that you find attractive or interesting to engage with, and that's all that counts really. I appreciate not everyone might be as open-minded about this as me, but it's a shame if you're not, because SL is way more fun without these hang-ups! Trust me. One thing that I think some people like TT might not fully understand, is that part of being immersed in a role/identity is how other people view you. So that's part of the appeal. Understanding how it feels in another body/shape/identity when people interact with you and view you as that.

These protests have been a legitimate attempt to address ongoing failures in the US for a reform of police practices and the broken criminal justice system. So while we should certainly condemn the few idiots who resort to violence, it doesn't make sense to turn against the overwhelming majority who deserve our respect and need our support. Let's not forget the snapshots we see in the media never paint the complete picture/ tell the full story.

I am British and I'm 100% supporting Black Lives Matter. Sadly in our world racism is systemic and transcends national boundaries.Although racism exists against other minority groups in this country too, and I have and will support movements against that, it doesn't detract from the importance of what's happening right now. I don't feel I need to pick and choose between the issues. My support for BLM will take the form of RL action, but SL is a social platform inhabited by real people so it isn't surprising that important RL issues spill over into this world. I don't think anyone is forcing you to get involved, so the respondents who say they use SL as escapism to get away from RL, ok that's your choice and that's absolutely fine. But I don't think there's anything wrong with people who want to show a little solidarity through wearing a t-shirt in-world or whatever as a small token. Personally, in the past I have been guilty of collusion through being passive, so I'm now trying to do more to support those who don't share my privilege, by listening, understanding and acting/speaking out when it is hopefully appropriate and helpful to do so.

Ugh, that sucks. Hope they resolve this quickly for you @happycaroline! Also hoping other aspects of your introduction to SL are going more smoothly

For bodies, check out and try demos for: Maitreya Lara, Belleza Freya, Slink HG and Legacy. For heads, test out: Catwa, LeLutka, LAQ, Logo and Genus. I mainly use Maitreya body and Catwa head, but also Slink HG for curvier looks and LAQ head.

@BrittanyNicoleSteuart Who do you contact if you want to become a demon? 😈

You do sound like my jittery old cat! 😃 Yes I do think you're worried over nothing really, but I know it's easier for some more than others and we're all very different (I'm sure you're not alone in how you feel). I'd be very happy to chat with you in-world and learn more about your interests.You sound like an interesting person with a lot to offer!

Alwin must be wearing some pretty thick socks today, as that alleged "little nice core" is certainly being very well hidden 😄 (jk)

I love in-jokes! I hope to be part of one someday.

Thanks @Raysa Jolbey. I hope people can see my comments were made to enlighten not to attack or critique anyone! I know in the past I have been guilty of being ignorant (not that anyone here has!) to certain things and it has really helped when someone has gone "ok, but have you thought about it this way?", so that's all I was trying to do here! ❤️ Happy self-isolating everyone!!! 😀 *smacks her head repeatedly against a wall through sheer boredom*

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/30/why-im-no-longer-talking-to-white-people-about-race I'm just going to leave this here then move on. Feel free to read if you wish. Peace love and respect to all!

Sorry Alwin, but this is where I feel people sometimes need to check their privileges. The point you're making isn't the same. White people aren't a minority group. The LGBT community is, but no LGBT person would have to ask where to find a predominantly white LGBT group because they're all predominantly white (apart from maybe the furry ones! lol ;)). It's like when you hear straight white people saying that racism and homophobia doesn't exist anymore. No disrespect, but you're not in a position to judge or make that assessment. I wish the world was perfect, free from intolerance and discrimination, so that we wouldn't even need to have this conversation. But sadly it isn't, and the reality is that there are still groups being marginalised and prejudiced against in our society, and so I don't feel it is right to dismiss the need for a safe familiar space where people from those communities can speak with others who have shared experiences.

I totally get that some people are coming at this question from the "This is SL! Colour, race, sexuality and gender shouldn't matter here!" perspective, and understand that this is well intentioned. However, it makes sense that some people would like to find a community of residents with shared RL experiences who can maybe relate better to their frame of reference. It's not necessarily a bad thing. ❤️

Sorry if I'm stating the obvious but have you tried group searches? You can find plenty of LGBTQ+ friendly communities in the destination guide. That might be a good place to start? I know there's a Transgender Resource Centre that has an in-world meeting spot. Maybe other places like this? Soul Vibrations Dance Club used to be a popular destination for the black community of SL, but haven't been for a long time so not sure now.

☹️