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(Photo by Patch Linden) Today is the kickoff for Second Pride, and as we all know, things are going to be a little different this year. In the wake of many canceled celebrations in the physical world, we hope to make this Pride Month extra special, because the dignity in representation is priceless. Pride celebrations have become more and more inclusive over the years, going from gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender representations to a broader spectrum of gender expression and orientations. The phrase “Silence is Complicity” has appeared on many banners over the last week, and that sentiment certainly rings true with us. In recognition of intersectionality and the importance of allyship, the organizers have declared that this year’s theme is “together.” We all face different challenges, but standing up for each other provides the strength to keep going. Come help us put the unity in community ❤️ There are so many awesome events scheduled to celebrate love and equality. In addition to Second Pride, be sure to visit several of the simultaneous Pride celebrations going on across the grid including London Pride, Burrow Pride Fest, Pride Festival SL, and SL Pride at Home. Check out our LGBTQ+ and Pride community pages to see even more featured regions.

Well, maybe not neutral. Second Life is a medium for creativity, for diversity, exploration and expression. A wonderful one, at that, where we can be ourselves or someone else entirely - explore things we wouldn't otherwise explore, meet people we wouldn't have otherwise met; it's truly a testament to how far technology has come, creating a whole new world for us to explore. But one thing the Second Life market seem to be in short supply of, is clothes that are rigged for all bodies - regardless of gender; so people with male bodies could wear traditionally feminine clothing and vice versa. I know, I know -- not everyone is trans or non-binary, or want to explore different forms of self-expression - but a lot of people do, so where's the harm in accommodating them and targeting a whole new demographic? Throw out the idea that only certain people can wear certain things, and watch more people rock your clothing! People do it for club events, for parties, for Halloween, or even daily! I wish more creators did this and I wish more tackled v-tech - people who wear it are in short supply of skins, clothes and everything else. If I had the talent, knowledge or taste, I would do it, but even then - it takes more than one person to make it a thing! So let's make this happen, hm? Let's give people the ability to wear what they want!

A discussion of the concept of the Universal Avatar over on the SLUniverse forums went off on an interesting tangent: the issue of sex and gender in virtual worlds. https://sansarnewsblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/30/sex-and-gender-issues-in-virtual-worlds-the-male-female-dichotomy-was-viewed-as-binary-and-the-technology-literally-codified-that-concept/