Miss Wigstock 2014 - The Preliminary at 12 PM

Join Gay Archipelago  today as  contestants appear on stage at Cawk & Heels to win their entry in the 6th annual Miss Wigstock contest.

Burlesque will be the theme of the preliminary, your votes will pick the winners that go on to the final. The preliminary starts at 12 PM SLT. 

Host Edwin Wilmont joins the DJ as your future Miss Wigstock tries to win the sash!

The Gay Archipelago thanks the sponsors:
Hug's Clothing, RGDW, Robys Style, N4RS, JCNY Jewelry, Greymyst & Corinthia Isle.

Take me to the Cawk & Heels

Romanum IV Anniversary - March 21--23

I first encountered the men of Romanum at the Second Pride Festival 2013, at least in their role playing garb and proper circumstances. I have never visited the fighting sims in SecondLife, other than on brief shopping expeditions. When I saw that there was a fight scheduled between the Gladiators of Romanum and warriors of the Scimitar clan of Gay Gor I knew I had to watch it.

It was an interesting experience and I found the men of both groups to be quite pleasant and civil to be around, which was not what I had imagined at all.

When I got this press release through Gay Archipelago I knew I would want to help them celebrate, so I thought I should share it with you all because perhaps you would like to do so too. They seem to have a full program with many interesting events scheduled, among them one caught my interest more than the others "The Slut Orgy at the Baths (Orgy Party)" on Saturday. I don't know why there are two times set for that party, but perhaps they switch the sluts at halftime and bring in a fresh batch or something.

I will add the landmarks as soon as I can.

"Romanum celebrated it's grand opening 4 years ago and we will now celebrate our IV anniversary.

Romanum is an ancient role play world especially for gay and bisexual men. Come and celebrate this major milestone with us!"

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014

Opening Ceremony

                         Time: 12.00 - 12.30 SLT

                         Ubication: Temple of Jupiter - Romanum I (SLurl) 

                         Coordinator: Σ Stefanos Σ (Stef Dharnen)

                        

Triton Ball and Best in Fins

                        Time: 13.00 - 14.00 SLT

                        Ubication : Triton Cove - Romanum II (SLurl) 

                        Coordinator : Ψ Dagon Myklos Ψ (Michel Karmin)

                        World and New Age music, DJ Thordin RedWolf

                        Best in fins contest (prizes)

                        Males only

Treasure Hunt: "Indianus Jonus and the Emperor's Jewel"

                         Start: 14.00 (Friday) Finish: 15.00 (Sunday)

                         Ubication: Welcome Center - Romanum I (SLurl) 

                         Coordinator: Januarius Vindelici (Januarius Resident)

                         *Prices 1st and 2nd place

                        

Opening Party

                        Concert (Oliver Elton; 14.00 - 15.00)

                        Oliver Sings Dame Shirley Bassey

                        Ubication: Olympus - Romanum II (SLurl) 

                        Coordinators : Trojan Sulla Corvonii Batavia (Trojan82) and Beez Mellitus Batavia 

Corvonii                          

                         Party (15.00 - 17.00)

                         Ubication: Olympus - Romanum II (SLurl)

                          DJ: Foxy

                         Host: Beez

                         Sancer: Trojan

                         Coordinator: Trojan Sulla Corvonii Batavia (Trojan82) and Beez Mellitus Batavia Corvonii

                         Best Greco/Romanum Dress (prizes for 1st 2nd & 3rd)

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

Gladiators Games

                         Time: 10.00 - 11.00 SLT

                         Ubication: Colosseum - Romanum I (SLurl)

                         Coordinator: Austen Twist

                         *prizes for 1st and 2nd place

                         

Chariot Race / Marathon (Foot race)

                         Time: 11.00 - 12.00 SLT

                         Ubication: Hippodrome - Romanum I (SLurl)

                         Coordinator: Austen Twist

                         *prizes for 1st and 2nd place in both sports

                        

Party (Pegasus Lounge & Spa Tavern)

                         Time: 12:00 - 14.00 SLT

                         Ubication: Pegasus Lounge & Spa Tavern - Romanum I (SLurl) 

                         Coordinator: Caius Paetinus Barnabeus (pepefuente)

                         *best 'Gladiators vs Slaves' (prizes for 1st and 2nd)

Slut Orgy at the Baths (Orgy Party)

                         Time: 15.00 - 17.00 SLT    

                                  17.00 - 19.00 SLT

                         Ubication: Baths -Romanum I (SLurl) 

                         Coordinator: Sexus Oraculi (pyrate Sittingbull)

                        

SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 2014

Swimming Race

                         Time: 11.00 - 12.00 SLT

                         Ubication: Dolphin Marina - Romanum II (SLurl)

                         Coordinator: Austen Twist

                         (Buy your swimming AO in advance at Marketplace, here)                                                                                                        

                          Race route is as follows, starting and ending at the Marina on the west coast of Romanum II:)

                         *prizes for 1st and 2nd place

                        

Bow contest

                    Time : 12.00 - 13.00 SLT

                    Ubication: Archery Place (SLurl) 

                    Coordinator: Markus Vindelici (Marcanton Zehetbauer)

                                         

Legion Event

                         Time: 13.30 - 15.00 SLT

                         Ubication: Legion Fortress (SLurl) 

                         Coordinator: Skip Scipio (Camaron Spanton)

                        

Treasure Hunt: "Indianus Jonus and the Emperor's Jewel"

                         Start: 14.00 (Friday) Finish: 15.00 (Sunday)

                         Ubication: Temple of Jupiter - Romanum I (SLurl)

                         Coordinator: Januarius Vindelici (Januarius Resident)

                         *Prizes (3)

                        

Closure Ceremony

                         Time: 15.00 - 16.00 SLT

                         Ubication: Temple of Jupiter - Romanum I (SLurl) 

                         Coordinator: Emperor Stephanus Galtier (Emperor Galtier)                     

                        

Closure Party (Olympus)

                         Time: 16.00 - 18.00 SLT

                         Ubication: Olympus -Romanum II (SLurl) 

                         Coordinator: Trojan Sulla Corvonii Batavia (Trojan82) and Beez Mellitus Batavia Corvonii

                        *best in theme contest, prizes for 1st and 2nd

                        (DJ: Prince Kel Claven Darling. Dancer: Peter Claven Darling)

                                                                                         Austen Twist Argenteus - General Coordinator

Chandra Deed @ The Oval - Today 2 PM SLT

My dear friend Garth Raleigh, the former Lead of Gay Archipelago, is busier than ever since he retired from office. As a part of the celebrations of Saint Patrick he invites us all to a concert with the celebrated singer Chandra Deed today.

Click the heels of your emerald shoes together as you hit this link and say aloud "There is no place like The Oval!"

Miss Wigstock 2014 - Seeking Contestants, Bloggers, a Videographer & Sponsors

I am pleased to share this press release from Gay Archipelago with you all, as my family has a stake in this contest ever since my brother Dejerrity Mycron won third place a couple of years ago. (Between us, he should have won of course!)

Dates to remember for Miss Wigstock 2014  

• March 21 - Contestant entries due
• April 19 - Preliminary events  
• April 27 - Miss Wigstock 2014, final event

Contestants 

Sign-ups for Miss Wigstock 2014 contestants are due by March 21st, 2014.  

Please fill out a notecard that you have named "Miss Wigstock 2014 Entry (your name)" with the required information (see below) and send it to Ricogenu and/or Parvin (a.k.a. Xcept Atlas) prior to March 21, 2014. 

SL Avatar Name: (your name)
Drag Stage name: (your preferred stage name) 

PRELIMINARY EVENTs on Saturday April 19 at 12 PM and 4 PM SLT, theme Burlesque:

1. Your choice of time for the preliminary event  12 PM or 4 PM SLT?:
2. Pick two songs you will perform at the preliminary event. 
3. Add a file of both the songs for the preliminary:

FINAL EVENT on Sunday April 27 at 12 PM SLT, theme Disco:

1. Please pick three songs you would be willing to perform (Only one will be performed)
2. File of the 3 songs for the final:
3. Do you require any background set or props?:
4. Additional notes for the organizers?

Oliver Elton will assist each contestant to get them ready for the shows.

Bloggers & a Videographer

Gay Archipelago are also seeking a videographer for the final event as well as bloggers to live blog the events.

Please contact Ricogenu and/or Parvin (a.k.a. Xcept Atlas) if you are interested in participating.

Sponsors

Gay Archipelago thanks its current sponsors who have signed on. They have donated cash, gift cards, their sims, and items:  GreyMyst Estates, JCNY, RGDW, Roby's style, Empire Emporium, N4RS, Corinthia Isle, GAYstar and HUG's.

Please contact Ricogenu and/or Xcept Atlas is you are considering sponsoring this event.

---

*Two preliminary Miss Wigstock shows at Corinthia Isle's "Cawk & Heels Drag Club"*

Each contestant will participate in one of the two shows where they will each perform two songs.

When: Saturday April 19 at 12 PM and 4 PM SLT

Theme: Burlesque

Host:: Edwin Wilmot of Corinthia Isle

DJ: TBD

Voting: Audience favorite, the contest board will be set to group allowed voting only. (Group tags will be given out during the show.)

Builder: Rene Bonaparte

Prize: Gift Cards/Gifts

                  

**  Miss Wigstock Finals will be on the big stage at GreyMyst **

We will have two full sims together, contestants on one sim, audience on the other. Each contestant needs to pick three songs, however they will only perform one at the finals. (This is to prevent duplicates among contestants.)

When: Sunday, April 27 at 12 PM SLT

Theme: Disco

DJ:  TBD

Builder: GreyMyst's builders

MC: Chris Magic Blackheart

Prizes: 

• L$15,000 First, 
• L$5,000 Second, 
• L$2,500 Third 
• Gift Cards/Gifts 

Judging: 

Judging will be handled by three impartial judges to be determined. Anyone connected to a contestant or a sim will not be permitted to judge. Each judge will have a scorecard, with scoring guidelines. The judges will give their scores to a scorekeeper who will total the points independently.

Last year's Miss Wigstock video 

If you have any questions or comments please contact Parvin (a.k.a. Xcept Atlas).

Ricogenu & Parvin

Venice by Night @ The Oval

This press release came to me from my special contact within The Gay Archipelago, my friend Garth Raleigh, the former lead who is now retired, but as busy as ever before.

"The Carnival of Venice (Italian: Carnevale di Venezia) is an annual festival, held in Venice, Italy. The Carnival ends with the Christian celebration of Lent, forty days before Easter on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday. The festival is famed for its elaborate masks.

You've still got time to do some shopping for the perfect mask and outfit to take home the title of Carnival King! (Hmm…what to wear, what to wear?)

Sunday, March 2, 2pm-4pm, the Oval Concert Hall on the GA Coronal Region invites YOU to attend the masquerade of the season! Join DJ Rascal as he spins the tunes and the extravagant guests whirl on the dancefloor of the beautifully-decorated Oval. Host Miguel will be there to make everyone feel….well, extravagant!

Here's your diamond-studded and heavily-feathered gondola to the Oval! (SLurl)"

Out With the Old Leads, In With the New

Together with Tomais and Guyke I payed a visit yesterday to the Gay Archipelago bash to say thanks and good bye to their outgoing Lead Garth Raleigh and PR Lead Othon Weiland and welcoming in the new Lead ricogenu Resident and Parvin (Xcept Atlas).

I, my hubby and Avacar Bluestar

Petr Hastings Vanbeeck, Chairman of Second Pride

Rico, the new lead of GA

Othon, Garth, Parvin and Mitch (Garth's husband)

Guyke at the side of solid and hot DJ Rocky Constantine

When we started feeling cramped and sweaty in our suits Tomais and I decided to go let our balls hang loose  for a while in the constantly balmy breezes at Boystown's Sunday Beach Party with Ryder Yowman and host Lee McKay. The view was exquisite!

The GA Retirement & Induction Party

I have, almost since I first rezzed into SecondLife, been a member and supporter of the Second Pride group. As such I admit to once having viewed the formation of The Gay Archipelago as a new LGBT community in-world with much scepticism and even suspicion, "Why would we want or need two or more groups with such a relatively small LGBT community?". 

Over the years - through my friendly relations with first Fabrice Snook (the founder of the GA-group) and later with also with Garth Raleigh and Othon Weiland (the outgoing Leads) - and having seen all the good work that has been done in the Gay Archipelago over the years I have completely revised my position on this matter. Today I (as a Swedish saying goes) stand "with one foot in each camp", although perhaps still leaning a little towards Second Pride. I now view the two groups as necessary and complementary and I also understand that both are working for the LGBT community in SecondLife as a whole. My only hope is that we may in the future see some more collaborative efforts and unified activities. 

The following message comes to us via a press release from The Gay Archipelago, kindly supplied to me by the outgoing GA-Lead Garth. (I really must have a talk with Rico and Xcept (formerly also known as Parvin) soon, so that this excellent service and tradition is continued under the new leadership, it is sometimes difficult for a poor blogger to keep up with everything that goes on in two lives without a few kind prods.)

I hope to see you all at the retirement and induction party at Gay Fun World tonight!

"In 2007, The Gay Archipelago was founded to be a place where the LGBT community could live, create, and share dreams together.  A diverse group of visionaries, leaders, and their assistants committed themselves to the idea that we are stronger together.  In those seven years we have grown and labored to become what we are today, an international community of over 100 member estates and well in excess of two thousand Second Life residents. This progress did not happen overnight, nor did it happen without embracing change. 

Today marks another change for our Community, one in leadership. Garth Raleigh and Othon Weiland have retired from their positions, but not from their active lives in the GA.  They will take their well earned places in history as one of the most successful teams of leaders our community has ever seen. They have set the standard upon which we, the incoming leadership team, will be measured. The bar has been set high.

Ricogenu, your new GA Lead, and Xcept Atlas, your new PR Lead, stand at the ready to continue to provide service to you, our member regions, and your residents. We are committed to listening to your feedback, answering your questions, identifying and fixing any challenges we encounter, and sharing our skill sets, so that we may continue to meet the needs of our community.

We also want you to know that during this time of change, we greatly value you and the significant work you do every day to sustain the Gay Archipelago's position as a leader of Second Life's LGBT Community - a place of welcome, orientation, community and help. 

Finally, we thank you for the opportunity to lead this great association. Together we will grow our future, and plan for the years ahead. 

We invite you to join us in celebration on Sunday, February 16th at 1pm SLT at Gay Fun World (SLurl) for Garth's and Othon's retirement party and the induction of Ricogenu and Xcept. Like yesterday, today, and tomorrow, Our Journey Continues Together. 

Sincerely,Ricogenu Resident and Xcept Atlas"

EXCLUSIVE: Interviews with Outgoing and Incoming Leads of Gay Archipelago

Yesterday, while I was taking it easy and dancing bareassed with my husband - and several other hotties - at the Boystown Beach Party with DJ Ryder Bowman, all hell broke loose as the Gay SecondLife metaverse reverberated with the news that Gay Archipelago, or "the other organisation" as it was once upon a time referred to at Second Pride meetings, had gotten a new lead.

Ricogenu Resident (right) with his partner Avacar Bluestar at the
GA Estate Owners Meeting yesterday prior to the announcement

ricogenu Resident had just been named by the GA Discovery Committee to succeed in the position as lead of Gay Archipelago being vacated by Garth Raleigh-Underby next week.

What is an avatar blogger supposed to do when he is thus caught by surprise without any pants? As your intrepid reporter I called my two friends in Instant Message to get exclusive interviews with them both. (I did most certainly not inform either of them that I was conducting the interviews in the buff.)

First off I called Garth Raleigh-Underby, the outgoing lead
Bock: Hello my dear friend! What is this news I just got?
Garth: Hi, Bock dear! :)
Bock: Have you stepped down as lead for GA?
Garth Raleigh: Actually, I did that about a month ago when I informed the Owners group that I was retiring. A Discovery Team was created to vett and interview prospective candidates prior to my official last day (February 13th). Today was the announcement at the GA Owners Gathering. Now I work with the incoming Lead, Rico (ricogenu) on transitional issues and continue to advise him.
Bock: He is a nice guy too, although I do not know him as well as I know you.
Garth You will have many chances to know him better as he wades into the deep end of the pool, so to speak. lol
Bock: LOL
Garth: As for me... I have already started taking classes on Firestorm viewer issues and am slated to begin classes on building/creating with sculpties and mesh. Things I have not had time to do for myself. And I can spend more time with friends and with Mitch. It is our 1 year anniversary today, btw. :)
Bock: OMG congratulations!
Garth: Also, Othon retired as PR/Publicity lead for the GA. The new PR/Publicity Lead is Parvin (xcept.atlas).
Bock: Big changes on important positions
Garth: Change... is essential. Without change groups like the GA become stagnant and unable to move ahead. I wanted to make sure the organization remains vital and full of fresh new ideas and ways of doing things. Now I move out of the spotlight, it was getting a bit toasty under there. LOL

Bock: I am happy for you though
Garth: This means I can come pester YOU more. LOLOL
Bock: YAY! I hope you and Mitch have saved March 8th for me and Tomais
Garth: 8th... Right, saw that on your blog, dear.
Bock: Excellent! Now you can relax and say and do whatever and tell everyone to go screw themselves - although I know you would never express it quite like that...

Next I called on Rico Resident, who according to what his partner Avacar jokingly told me was attempting to "bury a hole". 

Bock: Congratulations buddy! Best of luck with your important mission

ricogenu: Thanks Bock

Bock: I assume you are busy so I will not pester you, just wanted to tell you I you I think you will be an excellent lead for GA

ricogenu: No I am good and Bock you are never a pest

Bock: Hugs mate and *fingers crossed* KICK ASS!

ricogenu: OK I will do my utmost best at it!

This is Rico’s acceptance speech at the GA Owner's meeting transcribed (quoted from the GA WeBlog:

“Hello and I thank you very much for turning up today for this announcement. I stand before you as a very humble man, ready for the challenge that awaits me, a gracious representative to the Second Life lgbt community as a whole.

Each of you play a very important part of the Gay Archipelago mission and I look forward to serving all of you both individually and collectively.

Many of you have worked with my partner in the GA over the last 3 years, and his experience along with mine are to be explored in the very near future on the GA blog.

I appreciate the diligence that the Discovery committee carried out in evaluating my qualifications to take the reins of the GA leadership and I hope to both meet & exceed your many expectations as we move forward this year.

Please bear with me as I become familiar with each estate owner and its superlatives as I hope to learn the many great talents of our overall team.

Your participation is vital to our success and along with many excellent and acclaimed accomplishments for the GA under Garth and his team, we aim to carry that same momentum into all future endeavors that benefit our membership.

Thanks again for your commitment and dedication to the Gay Archipelago.
Sincerely yours, Ricogenu.”

Mr. Gay 2014

Through GW News comes information of an exciting event today. 

"A very mixed assortment on the buffet today… 12 of the HOTTEST guys! (Sample them all? On a Sunday? (gasp! clutch pearls)

WHAT TO EXPECT?

*bodies of strangers pressed up against you

*3 Regions of Dancing, Music

*Mega Fireworks

*People’s Choice Contest

*MR GAY 2014 IS CHOSEN!

*2014 Calendar

HEY! You gonna know this GUY….have you DONE this guy? 

Sunday January 19, 11AM-1PM, the Gay Archipelago hosts this exciting traditional event for the LGBT Community! 

JOIN US and see… if HE is YOUR guy?"

TAKE THIS VIP RIDE TO BE A PART
HERE’S ANOTHER VIP RIDE FOR THE DISCRIMINATING GENT

GA WinterFest Today: The FIGB Benefit Party

Fire Island Gay Beach, RGF Estates and Master S&M Estates invite you to party with us to celebrate the Gay Archipelago Winter Festival 2013 at the festival main stage.
We have DJ Korvon Zaver Staheli spinning the tunes for you from 9am to 12pm SLT with host Coy Nolan who will be pleased to welcome you.

After the party we join the live performance of Jaynine Scarborough, sponsored by Essences & {S0NG} mainstores.

The donations and tips of the party will be forwarded to the Lefevre & Hernandoz Foundation for the Aids-Hilfe Essen e.V. as with previous events too.

I first misread this and thought that this event was at 9PM SLT and was sad to miss it, but now I know its at 9AM I most certainly will be there!

My sincere apologies to the organizers for the late publication.

Gay Archipelago Winter Festival - December 6 through 15, 2013

From a Gay Archipelago press release

♫ Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but Second Life's  delightful...♫

The Gay Archipelago in Second Life is proud to announce the opening of the LGBT Winter Festival, 2013

  

'GA Winter Dreams'

December 6th through December 15th, 2013

Your Sleigh to the Winter Festival (SLurl)

After months of preparation, the GA Festival Team invites everyone on the grid to visit this Second Life Destination Guide 'Featured Event'- with our snow-covered vistas; the amazing Grande MarketFair hosting your favorite merchants - all offering great gifts for you and shopping opportunities to help with your holiday list; Sleigh Rides; ice-skating; Multiple Exhibits; Music & Dance parties throughout the GA member regions (all with super prize-boards); Contests of all sorts and.....oh, yes - be sure to stop in and vote for one of the 12 extremely hot guys hoping to be MR. GAY, 2014.  Gah.......can't keep up with all the creative Team has planned!

The entire dedicated sim is open to ALL 24/7 during this 10-day festival with something to satisfy every taste!  Come experience the LGBT Winter Festival and be elevated into the beauty and joy of the season! 

BY YOU AND FOR YOU, the LGBT Community in Second Life.

You can find our very full full calendar (and more) at our secure website http://www.ga-weblog.com

ENJOY!

Garth Raleigh, Lead Gay Archipelago

& The GA Festival Team

An Invitation From The Gay Archipelago

Hello! My name is Garth Raleigh and I am the Lead of the Gay Archipelago in Second Life (fondly referred to as the GA). I'm writing to you today to extend an invitation to YOU to JOIN in the planning and operation of the upcoming LGBT Winter Festival in Second life!

The GA is widely considered to be the leader in the LGBT Community in this virtual platform and, as in past years we're getting set to present the SL Community with a major festival which will be enjoyed by thousands of people - from all over the real world and all over Second Life!

There'll be fun and entertainment for each and every taste; music, shopping; exhibits - and well......whatever YOUR ideas are can become reality. This IS Second Life, after all. ㋡

Like people? Like to make new friends? Enjoy learning new skills? Community-minded? Have talents that you would like to lend to the LGBT Community in Second Life? OR.......Not sure, but you like to be involved somehow?

✩ THIS INVITATION IS FOR YOU!! ✩

I will be hosting an informal 'organizational' gathering this weekend (SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2013 - 12:00pm NOON) at the GA Clubhouse on the GA Coronal Region.

I'm inviting you to come and join the Festival Team Group in one of several areas. Here's a brief summary for you to consider where we have openings:

    ◆  PUBLICITY/PUBLIC RELATIONS & PROMOTION

        ◆  EVENTS PLANNING / MANAGEMENT

            ◆  BUILDINGS & GROUNDS

                ◆  MARKETFAIR MANAGEMENT/OPERATIONS

                    ◆  FESTIVAL SPONSORSHIP COORDINATION

                    

                        ◆  FESTIVAL SIM MANAGEMENT/SECURITY

HOW DO YOU GET INVOLVED? Contact me (or Othon Weiland, GA Publicity Lead) directly with an IM or a notecard and let us know you wish to join in with the creation of this wonderful & traditional event for the LGBT Community - the largest and ONLY LGBT Celebration of its kind in SL.

After we hear from you, we'll make sure you have a nice chair to relax in while we talk, laugh and brainstorm together as a group (we'll pass you the LM too).

Can't make the meeting planned? No worries - there will be more. You are always welcome. Stay in touch!

Be safe. Be Proud!

Garth Raleigh
Lead, Gay Archipelago

Othon Weiland
GA Publicity Lead

Fantasy Gay Pride 2013, September 27-October 6

From a press release kindly supplied by Garth Raleigh, the lead of Gay Archipelago

Fantasy Gay Pride opens on Friday September 27 and ends on Sunday October 6

Your ride to the Fantasy Gay Pride (SLurl)

Every year a small group of creators get together to create a weeklong celebration of everything LGBT. Their aim is to promote acceptance of all positive sexual orientations and of all genders. All sexualities are very welcome to the festival to raise awareness of these issues worldwide - all on a unique, one time only island, created for this event.

Find your inner Fae! A fantastic and intriguing land with creations and magic never seen before from our very talented fantasy and fae designers.

Come and immerse yourselves in legend and wonder, ancient Archetypes we all hold deep in our psyches... the curious... the strange... the challenging... Our fae nature resonates to these strong and subtle primal earth energies. These ancient powers.

We fight for global LGBT rights - there are still countries where gays are attacked and tortured and being gay is punishable by imprisonment or death. But we are glad the movement for marriage equality is growing and going from strength to strength, as more and more countries embrace and champion it. We will get there, LGBT people will be accepted everywhere - we will demand it as a fundamental human right and have a great deal of fun doing it!

The program of events

*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*
Friday September 27

• 1PM Sim Opening With Wolfgang Glinka - Gay Poet & Novelist 
• 2PM-4PM Celebration Dance at the Castle - DJ Dance with DJ Shay Sunnyside- Princes and Princesses
• HUNT! ongoing Sept 27- Oct 6

*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*
Saturday September 28

• 12PM (noon) Hammerfla Magic
• 1PM "The Fairy Who Loses His Wings" Fairy Show by Whinge & Pluckett (Karalia Halostar & Greville Oh)
• 2pm to 4pm - DJ DANCE (Shay Sunnyside or Starhawk Starostin)

*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*
Sunday September 29

• 12PM (noon) Brendan Shoreland
• 2PM-4PM - DJ DANCE - DJ Lysana Celtic Myths and Legends

*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*
Monday September 30 

• 8AM Wedding of Gog Nirvana and Rian OHanlan
• [no performances]

*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*
Tuesday October 1

• 1PM Wolfgang Glinka - Poetry
• 5 PM Anek Fuchs

*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*
Wednesday October 2

• 7PM "The Fairy Who Loses His Wings" Fairy Show by Whinge & Pluckett (Karalia Halostar & Greville Oh)

*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*
Thursday October 3

• 4PM Anek Fuchs

*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*
Friday October 4

• [no performances]

*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*
Saturday October 5

• 12PM (noon) Hammerfla Magic
• 1PM Key Drammond
• 2PM-4PM - DJ DANCE (Shay Sunnyside or Starhawk Starostin)

*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*
Sunday October 6

• 10AM  Max Kleene
• 11AM Keeba Tammas
• 12PM (noon) Brendan Shoreland
• 2PM-4PM - DJ DANCE- Astoria Luminos "Fairy Tales"

Happy 6th Anniversary Gay Archipelago!

The founder Fabrice Snook (February 9, 2007 - November 23, 2011)

History

In 2007, Fabrice Snook founded the initial sims of the Gay Archipelago seeing a need for a place in Second Life where the LGBT community could live, create and share dreams together. The following years brought growth of the Archipelago by leaps and bounds and strengthened the LGBT presence in Second Life.

In 2010, Linden Labs recognized the need for LGBT residents in Second Life to be together and bonded with each other to create a feeling of community to further the Second Life experience. Thus the area currently known as the 'GA Prime' cluster was established so that LGBT sims and estates could live, work and play in close proximity as neighbors and friends on the SL Grid.

In 2011, Linden Labs recognized the needs of LGBT sims to be able to grow, expand and reorganize in a more 'Protected' and 'organized' area to further strengthen the LGBT community in SL. Thus the second SL Grid area known today as the 'GA Reserve' cluster was established and settled.

Today, the GA boasts some of the most active and popular LGBT clubs in SL as well as numerous galleries, performance halls, theaters, thriving commercial districts, prime LGBT residential areas, resorts, multiple tourist-attractions and amazing events which draw residents from all over the SL grid.

The GA Organization has grown as a strong LGBT Community and regularly welcomes new friends and regions from all over Second Life!

---

Membership

The Gay Archipelago proudly welcomes LGBT and LGBT-friendly regions from all over the Second Life Grid to join in friendship, fun, unity and creation of all our dreams together. If you are interested in joining the GA, please contact current GA Lead, Garth Raleigh for an application for your adventure to begin!

---

Celebration

To celebrate the anniversary there will be a three hour party today (10 AM - 1 PM SLT) at Gay Fun World

For additional information about the party please visit Gay Archipelago

The Big Friday Splash @ Warehouse #69

When the party at The Shipwreck ended another Gay Archipelago party started at Warehouse #69. The great DJ Karl Karlchek was at the deck with The Yifu's (Regi & Ty) as hosts.

Guyke, Jared, ,myself, Butch and a hot stranger

I have only had the pleasure of hearing one of Karl's sets before and was expecting another awesome set. I was thrilled out of my socks.

Unfortunately the party was marred by the most horrendous gesturbation I have yet encountered outside a Bara Jonson performance of the Crashtest Dummies "mmmm mmmm mmmm"-song, but at those occasions the gesturbations cease after the song has ended, here they continued throughout the whole party.

It was impossible to see anything on the screen, so I reconciled myself with the facts that it wasn't possible to take pictures and that local chat was lost.

Jared in swim trunks, what a beautiful sight

I settled in to enjoy the great music and pleasant Instant Messages and used the opportunity to get better acquainted with handsome Jared Palianta. I also got involved with the upcoming funeral of a friends pet rat, which had passed away three years earlier and had been stored - carefully wrapped up - in the freezer until her boyfriend at long last lost patience and demanded a more suitable and permanent arrangement.

The best praise for Karl's music and the party was when my friend Butch said that he now felt human again, but what a pity it was that it happened at 1 AM.

I answered him, "Anytime you feel human is a good time you brilliant and sublime man!"

Opps! I missed this one of the threesome; not quite sure what is going on there...

With DJ Cupric at The Shipwreck

"The Gay Archipelago" (GA) is a huge collection of gay and lesbian owned sims that collaborate on a voluntary basis in various projects and joint ventures in SecondLife. Every year the GA hosts a huge Summer Festival and Pride celebration with loads of different events, parties and exhibitions spread out over many of the sims.

This years Summer Festival is going full force at the moment, so after having rested all afternoon I decided to drop in on one of the many parties.

As I landed at The Shipwreck the first thing that met my eyes was the sight of the talented and creative Regi Yifu's delicious and perky ass wiggling about in all its bareassed glory.

DJ "The Coop" (Cupric)

The party had just started so people were still dropping in all over the place, but DJ "The Coop" Cupric had already set the tempo which he meant to follow throughout the party.

The high tempo suited my mood perfectly. I accepted a dance invitation and started looking around at the assembled hotties. That's one of life's simplest pleasures that I thoroughly enjoy.

After a while I was joined at the party by my son Guyke and a well-rested and benign Butch.

When Butch was informed about where I was teleporting him he said stoically, "Oh, then I had better undress a little."

I (far left), Regi (center) and the always studly Draghan Marksman (second from the right)

Regi's luscious globes center stage

Uncle Vaan

GA lead Garth Raleigh-Underby and hubby Mitch Underby-Raleigh

Gay Archipelago LGBT Summer Festival 2013

From a press release by Gay Archipelago.

PRIDE & PROGRESS' - LGBT Summer Festival, 2013

JULY 4TH THROUGH JULY 14TH, 2013

The Gay Archipelago in Second Life proudly hosts the LGBT Community at the annual Summer Festival beginning July 4th and wrapping up on July 14th!

Our Festival theme this year celebrates and reflects the simple joy of individual Pride and Community Pride as well as the tremendous Progress that has been made recently, and sometimes quickly, within the arena of LGBT civil rights around the world.

On behalf of the GA Festival Team, I welcome you all to enjoy the custom-created Dream Delta festival sim and the many events we have planned during the 11 days of the celebration.  We have the some of the finest entertainment to be found in Second Life on deck for you.  You can find the complete daily calendar at  www.ga-weblog.com  any time.

Thirteen beautiful GA estates beckon to the tourist in you to see the highly-popular 'Vistas & Blossoms' multi-sim landscape and garden exposition.  Grab your cameras, get lost in jungles and explore mythical regions in the '11 most beautiful days of Summer.'  Oh, and when have completed your grade tour, feel free to cast your vote for your favorite destination at the Peoples' Choice voting station at the Program Start Point.  There's $L33,000 in awards to be made on July 14th in this friendly and fun event.

Like to build in SL?  Think you have what it takes to take home the top prize of $L10,000?  Or perhaps you would like to watch and learn new and varied  techniques of creating a build.  Its all good in this year's LGBT Sandbox Build Contest to be held Sunday, July 7th.  Entry applications are available, open and for more information contact the LGBT Sandbox Manager, Alum Dagger.  Everyone is welcome!

Stroll through the remarkable sand castle 'Market Fair' for an unsurpassed shopping experience - and pick up unique quality free items from some of your favorite SL merchants and organizations.

You are invited to tour of one of our many exhibits hosted on multiple regions; dance to your favorite DJ's as they whoop it up to celebrate LGBT Pride Season; see Role Play from the Gay Archipelago in action; or take in one of the live performances that make our calendar shine!

Come along and hang out on our beach - meet some new friends or enjoy some time with old friends and family.

Be safe.  Be Proud! Happy Summer, 2013!

Garth Raleigh

Lead, Gay Archipelago

Your transport to the festivities

For a complete calendar of events please visit Gay Archipelago Weblog