The Flat Bock 2016 is Here!

The new and improved "Flat Bock 2016" was released yesterday at Gay Archipelagos Summerfest. This years edition of the "Flat Bock" comes with both a front and a back! It is also slightly larger than SL Bock because, as the production manager and designer Tomais Ashdene said lovingly and with a tad of sarcasm, "Face it Bock, you are larger than life!"

Get your free copy today!

You can all get your own copy to take home with you, to cuddle with, make love to, throw darts at or use for target practise.  Simply visit the Gay Archipelago SummerFest 2016 (SLurl), find my booth, touch the vendor and - Hey Presto! - you will receive your own personal "Flat Bock".

User instructions

The Flat Bock 2016 is laminated for your protection and to prevent staining
Lickable, but not edible

May break or otherwise damage your teeth if chewed on
Rinse in lukewarm water and wipe clean after use or abuse
Not dishwasher safe
Do not place in microwave
Do not place in dryer
May fade severely if put in direct sunlight over extended periods of time

The Bock in SecondLife Party

Bock in SecondLife has the honour to invite ya'll to our party at the GA SummerFest.

Click picture to enlarge

The blog is extremely proud to present the return to the SecondLife Music scene of the awesome DJ Butch (i.e. Butch Diavolo-Gracemount).

This much longed for comeback of DJ Butch will proudly be hosted by the blog's editor-in-chief Bock McMillan. You are all cordially invited to join us, and bring your friends along, to The SummerFest festival sim.

The GA Summerfest 2016 Starts Tomorrow

The GA SummerFest starts tomorrow Friday June 3rd and will continue through Sunday June 12th with the theme "The Summer of Love".

The SummerFest will be opened by an inaugural speech by the GA Lead Weylin Vale at 4PM SLT at the festival sim (SLurl).

After the speech the opening party will follow at 5PM SLT with two live singers, Samm Quendra and Clyde Barrow, and after them the Romanum and Blue Ball parties.
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Secret message to Tomais, should we perhaps drop our search for the perfect male mesh head temporarily to set up the Bock in SecondLife thing-a-magee...?

Gay Archipelago SummerFest 2016

27th April 2016

To: All LGBTQIA + S and friendly people, vendors, and groups on the grid

From: Weylin Vale, GA Lead

Re: GA Summerfest 2016 Sponsorship & Store Holder Invite

Good day all,

One of the missions of the Gay Archipelago is to coordinate grid-wide activities. That nine year tradition will continue on our watch.  Planning is underway for GA Summerfest 2016 which is scheduled for June 3rd to June 12th 2016 and I personally want you to be a part of this one.

This is your invitation to become a sponsor and a part of a great community event. The Festival comes after months of preparation and planning from a highly dedicated team.  Our last event, Winterfest attracted over 55,000 residents - so we are expecting to entertain very large numbers of people again from all over SL.

The GA has received this private Full Region Island Sim kindly donated by Lucretia Brandenburg which will be dedicated to such things as the Village Stores (vendors, merchant and organizations gathered together to promote their goods and services to the visiting public); the Entertainment Stage (for live performances, cabaret shows and dances); and various activities for everyone to enjoy.  We are dedicated to providing the widest variety of activities to suit every taste - all in a welcoming, all-inclusive environment!  As a sponsor, your SIM, business or organization will get great exposure to an always appreciative crowd.

Radio coverage will be from Universe Radio.

We've significantly cut the prices for GA Summerfest Sponsorship as we strive to promote and provide our community with an event that everyone can participate in and enjoy.    The sponsorship packages follow.

SUMMERFEST 2016 "THE SUMMER OF LOVE" PACKAGES:
(The primary difference is the shop size, location and the personal event)

* BRONZE SPONSORSHIP * L$ 2,500
- Small sized sponsor store - with 50 prims available for you to display products/services/information
- Opening party dedicated to the Festival Sponsors on the "The Summer Of Love" festival sim on June 3rd 2016
- Special mentions by the DJ
- Advertisement of your logo on the Sponsor wall during the Festival.
- Advertisement of your logo on the Sponsor board at the opening party, special mentions by the DJ
- A two hour event scheduled at available times where your estate or shop is the sole sponsor
- Notices and announcements to all GA groups during your event
- Advertisement of your logo on the board at the closing party, special mentions by the DJ

* SILVER SPONSORSHIP * L$ 5,000
- Medium sized sponsor store - with 100 prims available for you to display products/services/information
- Opening party dedicated to the Festival Sponsors on the "The Summer Of Love" festival sim on June 3rd 2016
- Special mentions by the DJ
- Advertisement of your logo on the Sponsor wall during the Festival.
- Advertisement of your logo on the Sponsor board at the opening party, special mentions by the DJ
- A two hour event scheduled at available times where your estate or shop is the sole sponsor
- Notices and announcements to all GA groups during your event
- Advertisement of your logo on the board at the closing party, special mentions by the DJ
- 30 second spot on Festival radio (Universe Radio) during non DJ times.

* GOLD SPONSORSHIP * L$ 10,000
- Large sized sponsor store - with 150 prims available for you to display products/services/information
- Advertisement of your logo on the Festival posters and promotional banners.
- Opening party dedicated to the Festival Sponsors on the "The Summer of Love" festival sim on June 3rd 2016
- Special mentions by the DJ
- Advertisement of your logo on the Sponsor wall during the Festival.
- Advertisement of your logo on the board at the opening party, special mentions by the DJ
- A two hour event scheduled at peak times where your estate or shop is the sole sponsor
- Notices and announcements to all GA groups during your event
 - Advertisement of your logo on the board at the closing party, special mentions by the DJ
- 30 second spot on Festival radio (Universe Radio) during non DJ times.

* PLATINIUM SPONSORSHIP * L$ 15,000
- Extra large sized sponsor booth -200 prims available for you to display products/services/information  
- Advertisement of your logo on the Festival posters and promotional banners.
- Opening party dedicated to the Festival Sponsors on the "Summer of Love" festival sim on June 3rd 2016
- Special mentions by the DJ
- Advertisement of your logo on the Sponsor wall during the Festival.
- Advertisement of your logo on the board at the opening party, special mentions by the DJ
- 2 two hour events scheduled at peak times where your estate or shop is the sole sponsor
- Notices and announcements to all GA groups during your event
- Advertisement of your logo on the board at the closing party, special mentions by the DJ
- 30 second spot on Festival radio (Universe Radio) during non DJ times.
(Naturally Platinum is on the main landing point, dance arena, and theater. This gives you an idea of how the layout will be)

Visitors love a freebie, so we do ask where possible that every store holder put out a gift, great way to get folks shopping in your store or visiting your estate.

GA ESTATE MEMBER BENEFITS
A rebate voucher of L$1,000 will be given to all estates on payment of sponsorship.
Members can hold estate events during the week additional to their weekend party(s)

We shall also be opening up the calendar for round one of the event bookings next week. To book the events however you must have a DJ and Host locked in at the time of booking, if you need a DJ or Host please let us know as we have many on reserve.

BOOKING YOUR STORE... Easy this year, we have a model of the village above the festival sim, each store has a payment terminal outside. Just click and pay and your done.

Go here to book your store at the mock-up of the SummerFest (SLurl)􀀀

Q. SO I PAID WHATS NEXT???????
A. Fill in the attached form and return to WeylinVale
􀀂
For further information contact one of the festival event team today
Weylinvale - Festival Lead
Chade Dagger- - Festival Build
Situazian - Festival PR
Crito Galtier - Entertainment Manager
______________________________________________________________
After having booked your store by paying at the mock-up, copy the following into a note card and send it to Weylin Vale.

Welcome Sponsor and GA Member Estates!

Thank you for your continued support to the Gay Archipelago. Please provide us with the following information and return it to WeylinVale (GA Lead).

It would be greatly appreciated if you use low script / low lag vendors during the event. (We recommend Casper)

Our thanks!

Weylin
GA Lead

________________________________________________________________________

Name of sponsor:

Name of owner(s):

Type of sponsor (Vendor / Non for Profit / Estate / GA Estate):

Please place your logo here, must be full perm and non transparent (512x512 is preferred):

Please tell us about you:

Do you have a website or blog?:

URL of website or Blog:

Landmark or SURL of your store/estate:

Silver, Gold and Platinum sponsors please send your 30 second MP3 advertisement for Festival Radio to; weylin.vale@gmail.com

Which sponsor package have you paid for :
Bronze:     2500L
Silver:       5000L
Gold:      15,000L
Platinum: 20,000L

Would any of your members like to assist us with Summerfest 2016 planning and execution?

Please contact Weylinvale or Crito Galtier to make your party bookings.

The GA SummerFest Starts Today

The Gay Archipelago’s Summerfest starts today and runs until September 6, 2015.

This year's theme is "Cirque Du So Gay" and is on it's own sim.

For complete information about the event,  and a full schedule of events look here!

Bock in SecondLife is naturally a sponsor of this event. You can find my booth at The SummerFest 2015 sim. 

Please also remember to check in at the blog's own event at the SummerFest on Saturday September 5, 2015, 12 PM (noon) - 2 PM SLT. Save the time and date, you will not be disappointed, there will be lots of wonderful bare male tits, chests, asses and other appendages! (More about this later...)

New Logo for Bock in SecondLife

Bock in SecondLife is delighted to unveil its new logo.

The logo is to be used when the blog is represented at various SecondLife events, such as the Second Pride Festival or the Gay Archipelago SummerFest (among others).

This bolder, more retro and ironic approach features a Pristina font, which is the work of British designer Phill Grimshaw, a calligraphic typeface that displays all the natural, unrestrained qualities of cultured penmanship.

The logo is clearly inspired by the traditional Japanese Imperial flag and is designed to be both recognizable and highly visible. It comes in a variety of clear pastel colors which are pleasing to the eye, but it is also everso slightly asymmetrical, to indicate that the editor in chief is an opinionated and headstrong bastard who doesn't always aim to please.

The logo was created by the blog's own favorite graphic designer Tomais Ashdene after a concept by the blogger himself.

GA’s SummerFest 2015

The Gay Archipelago’s Summerfest will run from August 28 - September 6, 2015.

This year's theme will be "Cirque Du So Gay" and will be on it's own sim this year.

The GA Summerfest will be a truly international event and host sponsored events over the 10 days on the GA Festival sim and on our GA Estates. This is a huge goal and we will need your participation.

There are a big assortment of sponsor & vendor packages, ranging from free (terms and conditions may apply) up to L$100,000.

For complete information about the event, whom to contact and how to apply, please visit The GA WeBlog: Gay Archipelago's SummerFest 2015 - ’Cirque du So Gay’.

Myles Capalini On "Suddenness" & More

Today I received the following email from Myles Capalini, owner of the Cabria Estate which were formerly a part of the Gay Archipelago.

---

Hi Bock,

No worries about the reply issue, I think it is just bad karma between me and Google+

As to the "suddenness" of the meeting, let me clarify my point of view on that. It is true, that there had originally been a meeting planned the previous Sunday, July 5th, but that was rescheduled for July 12th, but with no time and no agenda (other than saying the meeting was primarily to be to discuss Summerfest. I.e., no major business issues on the table). So I waited all week to get a time, though I expected the meeting to be sometime midday, which it has always been for the last many years. Never got a notice, and was out early Sunday for breakfast, but when I got home, I discovered that the first notice of the meeting had been sent at 11:00 or 11:30 on Saturday night (Oh great, missed that one), and that the meeting was set for 7 AM Sunday. I think that may not necessarily fit everyone's definition of 'Sudden', but it was a big surprise, and of course I missed it.

Worse, really, was reading the minutes, and finding that there were Very Major business issues on the table, and little or no discussion of the Summerfest. And the appointment of an entire new leadership team, with no advance notice, or chance to voice any opinions on such appointments is also unprecedented in the 5 or 6 years that I have been involved with the GA.

Sadly, I doubt there is a set of written 'Bylaws', but there is a long history of precedent that was completely ignored. I don't think we are really talking so much about 'legality' here, as we are about a complete disregard for the 40 or more region owners, all of whom have a very large stake in the GA. But it was pretty clear from reading the minutes, that the new team is not interested in any feedback, or what the owners might really want. I fully expect them to fire the entire Membership committee, and establish totally new guidelines that will allow virtually any merchant or club anywhere on the grid to join the GA, which goes against all of the history of requiring only full region owners to join (or people renting full regions).

Without that requirement, there is no incentive for those merchants or clubs to rent land from the many owners already in the GA who like myself depend on renting land to make ends meet. Seeing that, I realized that I may as well just leave. 

There was one perk involved, I hear that I have been branded a Bitchy Old Queen award (not said to my face of course, but behind my back). That kind of behavior is another reason to just walk away. I have enough drama in RL, do not need any bitch fights in SL. I would, however, be more than happy to state my case, as I have here, or to answer any charges the new team may have the guts to present to me. 

Best regards, and thanks again for watching this,
Myles Capalini

---

The first sentence in the email regards a problem commenting on the blog. If anyone else should have a similar issue commenting please send me an email instead at lundamats@gmail.com

I would like to thank Myles for sharing his thoughts and sentiments on this issue with us, and especially for clarifying the question regarding the "suddenness" of the meeting.

It now seems there was a date set, but no time was announced until very late Saturday night for Sunday morning (eight hours or less before the meeting). Although there was no agenda for the meeting the proposed topic for it was the upcoming GA SummerFest not any major issues like a new leadership team. 

Has There Been A Coup In the Gay Archipelago? (Corrected 2015-07-15) (Updated 2015-07-16)

The Gay Archipelago (GA) is an association of landowners of multiple diverse LGBT/LGBT-friendly sims in SecondLife. They conduct Archipelago-wide events, and welcome LGBT newcomers into SecondLife.

"G Dragon Coup d'etat" by Sui-Kunoichi

The GA is governed by The Owners Group, which consists of the sim owners themselves or their appointed representatives.

Hitherto - i.e. until yesterday - the leaders of the governing body (the GA Lead, the Vice Lead and the PR Lead) have historically always been vetted by and voted upon by the The Owners Group.

According to information from several well informed sources Weylin Vale, the current Lead of GA, announced a meeting on Saturday at 11 PM SLT set to take place only eight hours later on Sunday at 7 AM SLT. (Correction 2015-07-15: This information was incorrect, please see the my later post  Bock in SecondLife; Re:Coup Or Not In the GA?. My sincere apologies to all involved and to my readers.) Update 2015-07-16: Myles Capalini On "Suddenness" & More, where you will find that the date of the meeting was announced early, but not the time.

The purpose of the meeting was purportedly about the upcoming GA SummerFest 2015.

At the meeting yesterday Weylin Vale unexpectedly announced to the owners group that he had appointed the following positions
Vice Lead - Dextrum Boucher

PR Lead - Rico Bluestar,

Treasurer - Chade Dagger,

IT Director - Hiro Dagger-Clemenceau,

Membership Director - To Be Announced and

2015 Festival Director - Caeru Dubrovna.

---

As I understand it, this sudden and unexpected deviation from previous procedure by the GA Lead has raised concerns among many sim owners in the GA on the future direction of the organization and whether or not they wish to remain a part of it. 

I will try to keep you updated on further developments as they unfold.

Hand-to-Hand Combat

In the presence of Emperor Stephanus and Praetor Gambit (above) a gladiators tournament was held at Romanum yesterday.

The event was a part of the ongoing GA SummerFest and in celebration of the Gay Archipelago's seventh anniversary.

 I visited the event with my husband Tomais and our friend Vexsten, we were joined by our friend Rusty (above). The rest of the audience was not large, but extremely enthusiastic.

The Rectoris Gladiatoris Austen functioned as a master of ceremonies of sorts. He explained the proceedings to those of us who were not well acquainted with such events.

There were six gladiators present. They were paired of to give us three near-mortal fights.

 

After those fights the three winners of the first jousts got to meet each other in a free for all.

 

The last man standing and winner of this fight was the gladiator Gaius (above), at least in my opinion, although the Rectoris Gladiatoris declared that the victory was shared by Gaius and Tybalt. It is true that Gaius lost consciousness immediately after he had beaten Tybalt, but as far as I could see he was somehow defeated by a gladiator who wasn't among the three finalists.

Gaius receives his due reward (above) by getting a kiss from the gladiator Januarius, whom he had defeated in the final.

The Rectoris Gladiatoris then called in all six gladiators, brought in three lionesses (who did not wish to be photographed) and joined in himself in a final fight, with all against all and the lions.

The winner of the final fight was the gladiator Tybalt (below), this time fairly and squarely knocking all of the rest unconscious and killing some lionesses too.

Panem et Circenses

Today is the third day of the GA SummerFest 2014 and - among other things happening all day long - the Empire of Romanum will give us all a treat with a gladiators tournament.

The title of this post translated to English means "bread and games" and refers to the practice in ancient Rome of providing free wheat to Roman citizens as well as costly circus games and other forms of entertainment as a means of gaining political power.

BYOB ("bring your own bread") and the games will be supplied by Romanum. This event will be a lot of fun, I am sure.

As always when visiting role playing sims dress accordingly and respect the rules (although they may be a bit more lenient about them at this time).

I hope to see you all there!

You own personal chariot to the games at the Colosseum Arena (SLurl).

Supersecret Revealed

It is now time to reveal my supersecret project!

Just as at Second Pride Bock in SecondLife  will be providing a resting place for visitors to the GA SummerFest who may need to take a breather during their shopping and partying.

My storefront will be hosted by my sexy Latin American cousin Esteban de McMillan y Torres y Cortez y de la Mancha y Gomez y Gomez.

Esteban will see to it that the visitors are provided with free coffee, chocolate chip cookies and beautiful cupcakes to look at, games to play and comfortable and luxurious seating.  (Please note that Esteban is supposedly straight, although it is rumored that he may become bi-curious after the fifth shot of tequila or vodka.)

Should the visitors wish there will also be a click-able link to Bock in SecondLife on one of the walls to provide some cultural diversion and nourishment for the their eager and curios minds.

Freebie: A wonderful and fashionforward hat made by my own hands for the most daring of fashionistas.

I will try to be at the storefront to hobnob with visitors and readers of my blog as often as humanly possible for a ruler of the Commonwealth of Southern Enchantment and a man with my busy agenda.

Transportation to the Bock in SecondLife storefront (SLurl) (first it takes you to the forced landing point, then you click again to get to my place). By all means do take a look around, there are some awesome exhibits and stores!

GA SummerFest 2014 Starts Today

The Gay Archipelago's Pride celebration, the GA SummerFest 2014, starts today Friday July 11th and goes on until Sunday July 20th.

The first scheduled event is at 10 AM SLT but until then there is lots of other things to do, as shopping at the huge mall (SLurl) or why not begin on the Vistas & Blossoms Tour starting point (SLurl). Please see my previous post about this Landscape, Garden and Destination exhibition Bock in SecondLife; Vistas & Blossoms 2014.

You will find all the information you need about the GA SummerFest by following these links:
GA SummerFest 2014 Main Page
GA SummerFest 2014 Destination Guide
GA SummerFest 2014 Calendar.

Sponsors of the GA SummerFest 2014

Vistas & Blossoms 2014

Today I received this wonderful invitation through my dear friend Garth Raleigh.

VISTAS & BLOSSOMS 2014

~A GA multi-sim, juried Landscape, Garden & Destination Exhibition

A GA 7-Year Anniversary Event

In conjunction with the GA SummerFest 2014

JULY 11 - JULY 20, 2014

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT: The concept is to feature multiple GA properties of varying LANDSCAPES, GARDEN SPOTS and UNIQUE DESTINATIONS throughout the Gay Archipelago. In effect......a 'multi-sim' event! This one-of-a-kind event will officially open grid-wide on July 11th and will run thru July 20TH. The regions are linked to all other sim/estate entries via an LM-GIVER BILLBOARD - allowing touring guests to jump from location to location (23 diverse regions to explore this year!) to enjoy all the Exhibition has to offer.

Touch a picture tile on one of the billboards located at each region entered and you will receive an LM to tour that estate. You will also receive a note-card that each participant has prepared describing the areas interest and varied attractions that VISTAS & BLOSSOMS tourists will be experiencing. In their own words, they will tell you about what they have created; sometimes their approach to creating the landscape/garden areas; their philosophy on presenting their creations to sim/estate residents and visitors, etc.

The featured entries need NOT be professionally landscaped, nor gardened - only a presentation from a sim/estate owner/manager who is proud of the work that has been done to terraform, landscape and garden in order to beautify and add interest to the property. Displays do NOT have to be huge and awesome....merely inviting and complimentary to the surroundings.

Our Top Three Winners from 2013 will be acting as the judging panel and will be awarding L$34,000 in cash prizes at an Awards Gala on July 20th in the following arenas: 

Best in Show: L$15,000
1st Place: L$7,500
2nd Place: L$2,500

Best use of water feature: L$1,000
Best urban setting design: L$1,000
Best rural setting design: L$1,000
Best 'Themed' design: L$1,000
Best use of a dedicated structure: L$1,000
Best 'Commercial' setting design $L1,000
Best 'Residential' setting design $L1,000
*New: BEST use of wildlife/animals $L1,000

PEOPLES' CHOICE AWARD: $L1,000

AFTER you have toured the regions exhibiting, we invite you to VOTE (free) for your favorite overall region at the voting board on GA Coronal Estate.

Vistas & Blossoms 2014: People's  Choice Voting (SLurl).

During the 10 day exhibition, these regions will be visited by people from all over Second Life! This event is listed with Second Life - Linden Lab - as a 'Featured Event' in the Destination Guide! 

Vistas & Blossoms 2014 is presented to you by the Estates of the Gay Archipelago and is a friendly competition amongst neighbors. We welcome you to this event of exploration and discovery through July 20th!

Begin your Vistas & Blossoms Tour here (SLurl)

Enjoy your tour! 
Garth Raleigh & Othon Weiland 
Vistas & Blossoms 2014 Coordinators

GA SummerFest 2014

The Gay Archipelago's Pride celebration, the GA SummerFest 2014, starts on Friday July 11th and goes on until Sunday July 20th.

For more information about this Pride event please visit
GA SummerFest 2014 Main Page
GA SummerFest 2014 Destination Guide
GA SummerFest 2014 Calendar.

The event is also a celebration of the Gay Archipelago´s seventh anniversary.
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Clear your calendars, guys and gurls, this should be a lot of fun!

The GA SummerFest 2014 Needs You!

GA SummerFest 2014 is seeking talented DJ's, hosts and live musicians. This awesome festival, will span 10 days, 11th-20th July 2014.

Would you, like to offer your time and talent? Taking to the stage at the SummerFest sim... it is sure, to be exciting and fun.

They have AM & PM SLT time slots. If you, or someone you know wants to take part.. Contact the Event Lead Christope Magic by notecard or IM to schedule your performance.

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

The Prouder, the Better!

My friend Garth Raleigh once convinced me that there really cannot be too much pride in the world, any world!

I am therefore extremely happy to post this press release from him about the upcoming Summerfest at Gay Archipelago.

"I’m very pleased to to extend an invitation to YOU to JOIN in the planning and operation of the upcoming LGBT Summer Festival in Second life!

The GA is widely considered to be the leader in the LGBT Community in the virtual SL platform and, as in past years we’re getting set to present the SL Community with a major Pride 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; 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? Have talents that you would like to lend to the LGBT Community in Second Life? 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 May 26, 2013 – 12:00PM NOON slt) at the GA Office on Caicos (part of the West Indies Gay Islands cluster in the GA).

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

HOW DO YOU GET INVOLVED? Contact me directly with an IM or a notecard and let me know you wish to join in with the creation of this wonderful & traditional event for the LGBT Community.

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

Can’t make the meeting I have planned? No worries – there will be more. You are always welcome. Stay in touch!

Be safe. Be Proud!
Garth Raleigh

Lead, Gay Archipelago"

The Event of the Day

Mr. Gay, 2012 Finals – Saturday July 14th, 2012, 2-4 PM SLT at the Gay Riviera (SLurl).

...and I do wish France a  happy day at their Fête nationale du 14 juillet.