CULTURE

“Imagine all the people sharing all the world,” said John Lennon as he envisioned a future free of discrimination. In our metaverse, Second Pride works toward that goal on behalf of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people and avatars alike.

Second Pride is an annual event held in SL to help raise awareness about the LGBT community and reduce ignorance that promotes hatred.

 “The goal of Second Pride is to illustrate how rich our community is because of its diversity,” said Zack Preminger, Presiding Chair of the Second Pride Committee, 2009.

Preminger feels that because Second Life offers an international platform, it provides a unique way of really reaching out to LGBT people from all around the world instead of just one country or continent.  “We want to use this opportunity to make it kind of a Global Pride event this way, and benefit from the opportunity to meet people from all places of the world,” he said. “We want to share with them and learn about them, as well as being able to provide useful education about LGBT laws and conditions in the world, and AIDS/HIV awareness.”

Both awareness and linden were raised during the celebration. The cumulative total raised for the weeklong celebration of gay rights worldwide through Second Life through this organization is 1,807,633 L$ as of press time, with one more day to go. Many can be credited with contributing to the success of these events which included a weeklong festival of music, discussions, education and comradely. The family at Fierce Nightclub raised awareness as well as 46,000L$, led by CEO Isaiah Tolsen.

Tolsen said that roughly four weeks ago, he and his partner Anden Tolsen learned of a thing called Second Pride, Second Life's equivalent to Gay Pride week and they immediately jumped on board offering their assistance to the organization.

“I am very grateful to all our sponsors, whether they are clubs or other businesses,” said Preminger. “For them to understand the meaning and make this event happen and focus for just one week on being part of bringing the SL LGBT community and friends together as one.”

Tolsen explained why he was so interested in helping the Second Pride organization. “In my first life, I am a huge activist for gay rights,” said Isaiah Tolsen. “Every summer my partner and I travel from central California to San Francisco in order to attend the weekend long gay pride event.”

Tolsen decided the best way they could help promote the cause was by staging a fundraiser at the successful Fierce Nightclub they operate.

“Second Pride provided the kiosks, and the rest was up to us,” he said.

Although no specific monetary goal was set, Tolsen considers it a huge success, both monetarily as well as through the awareness that was raised.

Tolsen credits the success of the fundraiser to his partner Anden Tolsen, their good friend Kromus Korobase who donated his DJ skills for the event, and the generosity of the Fierce Nightclub family.  “Awareness of any kind is a good cause, especially when it comes to fair and equal treatment,” said Korobase. ”I fight for so many loving friends stuck in this struggle.”

The crew at Fierce is proud to be a part of the organization.

“Fierce Nightclub is special for one simple reason - it’s opened its arms and doors to anyone who wants to forget the worries of the world for a couple hours,” said Alexi Fromund, Fierce Model. “There's always a friendly, welcoming feel to this place that makes everyone comfortable to let themselves relax for a little while.”

Many others in the LGTB community are thankful the Fierce Nightclub exists. Patrons are appreciative they have a safe place to party in SL, without fear of discrimination.

“Anden and I created Fierce Nightclub because we felt there was a lack of true, fun, and drama free LGBT clubs in SL,” said Tolsen. “We wanted to create an environment that wasn't about cliques, rather a place where everyone feels welcome, including the shy quite boy/girl next door. “

Tolsen said Fierce is a club that is about friends, family, and music where everyone is welcome regardless of their sexual orientation.

“Our clients are more than just clients, they're family. What we call the Fierce Nightclub family,” explained Tolsen regarding the generosity of the patrons at his club.

Through the sponsorships and fundraisers held throughout the year, Second Pride is able to donate all proceeds in excess of actual expenses to a charity organization, Tolsen said. “For 2009, Second Pride is working with Amnesty International who helps support freedom of expression of the Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender people and communities around the globe,” said Tolsen. “We are proud of raising money to help support this cause.”

Tolsen is fierce about his dedication to participating in next year’s Second Pride event and continues to provide an exciting place for fun in Second Life—celebrating life for LGBT and all people inclusively. During the weeklong celebration, many people came together to listen to some great music as well as support the cause. Talented musician Strum Diesel performed live at the Second Pride festival donating his set towards the cause.

Diesel performs live music that openly showcases the fact that he is gay, and by way of his musical performance brings that philosophy into “mainstream” music venues. Diesel said he wanted to participate because “there really is a fine line between social issues and music.”

If you would like to offer support for Second Pride, strengthen tolerance and enhance understanding in either a sponsor or staff role,

Visit: www.secondpride.com