FLAWZ Magazine ◊ 7

THE BLACK MEN ISSUE
AdE C. Amaudi
07

CONTENTS
82 - 95
HAIRSTYLE
EDITORIALS
96 - 97
POEMA AD
04
BLACK MEN issue
78 - 79
GLAMOCRACY AD
100 - 107
we will be
heard i
STATEMENTS
05
SOCIAL MEDIA
40 - 77
EDITORIALS
108 - 111
AD SET 02
I NEVADA PARK I
I GLAMOCRACY I
08 - 15
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
34 - 37
AD SET 01
I GLAMOCRACY I
I POEMA I
16 - 17
BLACK LIVES MATTER
18 - 29
ADÉ C. AMAUDI
BLACK IS POWEFUL
02

03

BLACK MEN
WHERE THE DEEPEST FLAWZ ARE FORCED
OUT OF ART & FASHION, CREATING AN
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
04

flawzmagazine.wixsite.com
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FLAWZmagazine
FLAWZ | THE MAGAZINE
05

06

LETTER
FROM THE
EDITORS
07

08
What a year!
Like seriously... WHAT. A. FUCKING. YEAR! It’s almost
hard to believe what all took place this year. Think
about it. From the unfortunate death of Kobe Bryant
and his daughter Gianna Bryant back in January to the
numerous killings of unarmed Black Trans Men and
Women and Black people. The murders of Breonna
Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Elijah McClain,
and countless others. The Black Lives Matter movement.
And how can we forget, the straw that broke ALL
of our backs...COVID-19. With that being said, this year
was also an eye-opening, and MUCH-NEEDED experience.
2020 will most likely go down as, the worst year known
to mankind. And rightfully so. But with all that happened,
2020 may also go down as the year, Black
Americans took back their voices and demanded the
world to pay attention to the injustices we as a people,
still face even today. It seems like a never-ending fight.
Which doesn’t start or end with JUST police brutality,
but with also racial profiling and racial disparities.
During the Black Power movement of the 1960s, activist
Stokley Carmichael and Charles Hamilton coined the
term institutional racism in their book Black Power: The
Politics of Liberation in America (1967) in short, racism
is deeply ingrained in all aspects of our society, producing
social, economic, and political inequalities that
are inextricably connected to the past. In 1939 Billie
Holiday sang about “strange fruit” hanging from the
trees, a reference to lynched black bodies in the South.
Systemic racism tells us that the seeds of this “strange
fruit” worst song long ago and that this fruit continues
to rot in our presence.
The tragic killing of George Floyd is a modern-day example
of that.
As a Black individual, ending the year with a perspective
from “our” mouths only seemed right. And especially
out of the mouths of Black Men. Earlier this year,
#LivingWhileBlack was a hashtag often use on social
media to bring to light all the way Black people are racialized,
stereotyped, and victimized in public places
(though sometimes also in private Spaces as the murders
of Botham Jean in 2018 and Breonna Taylor in
2020 attest). So I wanted to get a perspective from my
fellow Black Gay Men, how has this year affected
them. Wow, Black people from all walks of life are victims
of life are victims of systemic racism, certain
marginalized groups face particular hard
cially low-income communities and mem
LGBTQ+ Community. In addition to d
racism, Black LGBTQ+ individuals must
homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, an
discrimination and violence. often, the w
Community reinscribes White privilege.
time, Black queer people may face homo
bullying, or violence within Black comm
asked the question of how has this year a
personally, and how has the death of
women and men impacted their lives.
The hoodie has had so many “momen
movie Rocky to Rap culture taking the “wo
stable, and making it a fashion must-hav
has been forever transformed. And in any
case, not for the good. George Zimmerma
moments before killing Trayvon Martin.
what he was wearing?” He replied “ A dar
a gray hoodie” which he then said
17-year-old Trayvon look “real suspicious”.
edy, the utilitarian hooded sweatshirt, whi
popularity in the 1930s as a practical
working Man, has emerged as a Rorsc
racial perception. Back in March of 2012, a
Trayvon was murdered, on Sundays, ma
and their congregations attended serv
hoodies in a show of solidarity with the sla
when then LeBron James plays for the Mi
tweeted a photo of the basketball tea
hoodies and with heads bowed, al
hashtag “WeWantJustice”. But with the sol
the ignorant. On the same day, LeBron Ja
teammates showed solidarity, Fox News c
Geraldo Rivera ignited widespread criticis
on the “Fox & Friends” morning show that
is as much responsible for Trayvon Mart
George Zimmerman was”. And continu
Reilly Factor”, warning parents of Black a
youths not to allow their sons to wear ho
shirts.
That same year, Daniel Maree, lead
Hoodie March” in New York. He said h
draw attention not just to martin’s deat
hoodie and all it represents. He said “I’ve
ences where I’ve been walking down the
York, and as an African-American man i
can tell you it seen as incredibly suspiciou

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09

Maree. “Some people hold their purses a little tighter.
When I heard Trayvon was wearing a hoodie, I
thought, ‘I’ve felt this before’”. I’ve felt the same...but for
something that has been worn by College students,
and soccer moms, and skateboarders, and kids on the
street. How did this ubiquitous garment come to be associated
with sinister activity? So I wanted to share a
light on the “hoodie” and share some history on how
we got here.
This issue is for Black Men. But men in
year has made us come together, wheth
to or not. And forced us to HONESTLY an
take a deep look at ourselves as human
our resilience and our tolerance for the
country. This isn’t a “moment” or a
LIVES...MATTER. Today. Tomorrow. Bef
Trump. Before and after 2020. How we
forward, is up to us. The human race. On
how our actions affect the future.
Okay, so, lol a little insight into this issue. Initially, my
SecondLife dad wasn’t supposed to be on the cover.
But things work out for the best. My SL dad is the best!
I don’t care who your SL dad is, he isn’t my dad, and
NO! You can’t join our family! Lol all jokes aside, he’s a
great individual, loving, supportive, headstrong, funny,
stylish, and loves his family....and his art. If you haven’t
been to his studio, you should, after you read this magazine.
There are already very few positive and constructive
conversations around black fathers, so I
wanted to talk about it. With my Black SL father. And
speak to him about the importance of Black culture
and Black art.
10

general. This
er we wanted
d TRUTHFULLY
s. To question
injustice in this
“trend”. Black
ore and after
choose to go
ly time will tell
J’ADORE RA RONIN
FOUNDER + EDITOR IN CHIEF
11

The year 2020 has been a year of hardship
for many people, especially within our
black and brown communities. With the
killing of black men and women most notably
George Floyd and the protest that
was responded with hatred and vitriol, it
shows that America has not changed and
that the festering sore of discrimination
and in-equality remains. COVID-19 has
ravaged and killed so many people with
the black and brown communities being
left behind and abandoned. The year 2020
showed cracks in American society, which
came to a head during the insurrection of
the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, and
within the world as well. With the advent of
social media, nothing goes unnoticed. The
fashion industry had a reckoning in 2020
as well. With many fashion brands facing
condemnation for racist clothing designs,
the ignorance of these designers cannot
be overlooked.
For the most part, the many examples of
toxicity in fashion aren’t new. Many of
them are based on things done brazenly
and in public. Several years ago the Vogue
cover that positioned the basketball star
LeBron James as King Kong and Gisele
Bündchen as the blond damsel in distress
created a whirlwind of condemnation for
the brand. Prada displayed in its storefronts
imagery that evoked Sambo stereotypes.
Prominent fashion designers are
regularly and credibly time and time
again are accused of racism, sexual harassment,
labor abuses, and the like.
With FLAWZ Magazine this platform has
always aimed to break down the barriers
and to be the only Second Life magazine
to showcase what it means to be different.
This landmark issue will be featuring the
talents and experiences of black men on
Second Life. This has never been done
before on any other Second Life magazine
in history. Very few real-life publications
can claim this as well. Black men make up
a good majority of creators on Second Life
and with this issue, we can’t wait to show
you such talents.
I ask of you to keep those who are suffering
from COVID-19 in your thoughts and
prayers and to pray for those who are less
fortunate and who have fallen on hard
times due to this pandemic. If you are suffering
from hardship please know that you
are not alone and that we hope that this
issue will lighten up your day. We thank all
of the healthcare workers who are on
Second Life and beyond for their sacrifice
and we hope that you are safe and well.
This can also be said within the digital
fashion industry on Second Life. Many
stores in the past have used their platforms
by releasing mesh bodies that are ‘proud’
to feature skinny shapes and promote
body shaming, create and promote racist
rhetoric on their clothing, creating mesh
accessories that feature the symbols of
antisemitism, and so on. Creators such as
these of course feign ignorance or do not
care if what they do offends.
12

ARMAND PARKS
CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR
13

In our previous issue, we wanted to pay homage to the fierceness
and tenacity of Black feminine beauty. This time we wanted
to pay that same love back to Black Men. Without a doubt, we live
in a society that has oppressed many people, especially black
men. This is ironic when you consider how much of our culture,
fashion, and lingo comes from black culture and much of it black
men, but gay black men in particular.
Also, I can't stress enough how difficult of a year this has been for
everyone. Between the pandemic that we're still trying to get over
and the fight for equality specifically for black people and other
minorities, I have to say I'm beyond thankful to be here and be
able to help release yet another great publication for you all to
digest and take in. Our team is very grateful.
What does this issue, in particular, mean for us? The goal, much
like the last issue, is to provide and contribute positive representation
to the black community on Second Life and this time around
to Black men who have inspired much in the fashion industry as
well as culturally in other aspects of society.
I hope when you look through the pages that you get a sense of
why black men matter so much and why it is so essential to credit
black beauty as it pertains to all the trends you’ll see hit the
runway, but ironically will rarely credit the black inspiration from
where it first originated.
We are ecstatic to start the new year with such an amazing and
important release. Cheers to many more to come.
14

VENUS
CHIEF FASHION EDITOR
15

20

It’s 12:52 am Christmas Eve, and I’m reminiscing over this entire year. It’s been a great
help to have those close to you, whether it be family and friends, to help us through these
challenging times. I think of a few, but my SecondLife dad (Abstrak.Mercury) or better
know to most as Bari, has been super supportive during this time. And not just for me, or
my other SL siblings. But for his real, real life. We sometimes forget, we all have personal
lives, outside of SL. And with that, piled on with working during COVID, going to school,
being a young adult, taking care of your real-life responsibilities, it, like all of us, can get
overwhelming...but my dad seems to get it done and with no complaints. So I had to
have this man as our end of the year cover boy and story. And who else better to end the
year, with someone who embodies what a DAD should be in an online community.
Now not to get too deep, but some, if not most. Would look at SL, and having an online
family, as...well being a bit....odd to say the least. But would it be odd if someone considered
their “big brother” an actual “brother” figure? Or if a family friend, raised someone,
and that person consider them actual family? Would that be considered, “odd”? It’s over
a million reasons why someone would latch on to someone, and have a connection that
is deeper and more profound, than their connection with someone in RL. My ACTUAL father
in RL has always been in the picture. He’s always been supportive of my lifestyle, and
who I am today. And, he knows I have a friend who I call dad. And his actual response
was, “oh really? Lol. You need someone who you could open up to outside of me. And
who you trust.” And James was right (My dad’s name). I do. I trust my SL dad. I can come
to him with no judgment, like my own RL father. And that’s the connection some find, that
is lacking in someone’s personal life. And we connect on so many other levels. One is our
love for architecture, art, and fashion. So with that said, I wanted to pick his brain. And
get a clear understanding of how 2020 has affected his life, his family. And what he gets
out of us...FYI I’m the good one in our SL family. HA!
Question: Dad!! Wake up! Cause I know you are saying you’re up, be be on your way to
sleep, or waking up from sleeping lol! It’s Christmas Eve, Merry Christmas to you. I’ll be
expecting my gift any minute now, but other than that, I wanted to know something. I
think we discussed this a while back. How did you discover or come to get on SecondLife?
Answer: I used to hear people on IMVU talk about it. I saw some blogs on Tumblr when I
joined blogging it was a big thing! And I was like “yo this looks lit”, I ended up joining but
not playing until almost a year after I joined lol. You coping and pasting, right?
Response: Lol no I’m doing this on my phone so I can just send it to her lmao.
Answer: Copy and paste it into an email. That’s easier than typing lol. You know I will be
getting wordy lol.
Response: That’s the point, I want it to be wordy.
Q: You and I have talked about the difference between SL and VU fashion-wise. I know
for myself, I would like it if VU freedom of name brands and fashion aesthetic existed on
SL. Do you still feel the same? And we’ll get into fashion more later.
21

8. This quarantine has definitely delayed and even stopped many businesses but in a
weird Answer: way, Yeah, has I given def think some that businesses VU it’s more time fashionable to really hone for it. in I on think their I chalked craft. With up the though fashion
to the industry fact that halted, on VU this they will have give derivable designers meshes time to so really anyone give can us a easily stellar create collection. and manipulate
agree? mesh. On here you have to get it made and sometimes you don’t want to pay
Do
you
to only make one or two colorways for a pair of jeans or a shirt lol.
Venus: I was thinking about that myself actually. I think that in the fashion world, something
Response: that designers Yeah that’s probably true. I don’t struggle know with the ins is having and outs the of pressure meshes, of and pumping shit lol. out 5-6
collections throughout the year (If they’re high-end brands) and for all the seasons and
having Answer: to Yeah make that’s sure really they’re what as I immaculate think it is tbh. as Do possible you have as more well as, freedom unique. when I can something
is public, the stress easy they’re access? under. When So things right now, are I inclusive, think its an the odd community time, but is probably much happier some-
only
imagine
thing lol. in their favor for their creative minds to take a moment to breathe and refine their
collections. Its a blessing during dark times I suppose one could say.
Q: Right! And more creativity can happen, but we’ll get into that later lol. I want to thank
9. you Well for being all you in do the for industry (SecondLife myself, kids). I can I says can most this is definitely definitely speak a time for where them when designers, I say
artist we appreciate and photographers you and love alike, you, can so all fucking take time much. to Did honestly you ever perfect think, their coming craft. to In SL these that
uncertain you would times, first want one a will family, either and say second to themselves have kids “my of work your own? is fine, And I’m be good, honest lets lol. move We
forward”. know you Which wanted is us a f*cked LOL! up way of looking at it. But I think for many, they should be
dissecting their past work and previous work and figuring out how to better themselves
and Answer: their Aww brand. I love y’all too! & LOL I have kids on IMVU. I’m just some badass niggas no
matter where I go. I knew I wanted to a family because I saw how big it was when I first
Venus: joined! Right, So I figured so we better eventually having I would some sickening have my own pieces kids. when As far miss as couture the kids season I have comes now I
rolling think I’ve around, been super and everyone lucky to meet can get kids back that to each sitting in some side-by-side way shape along or form the catwalk. have traits
I see myself. And it’s rare on here to find a family that can last for the long-haul, so I’m
10. equally To be grateful honest with as you you...and guys. I’m I have a stand to say up this to try because on the in skin. my I’m core still I believe here. this...COVID
will change every aspect of fashion....the world as we know it. Which leads into my next
question. Response: Lmaooo I’m writing down everything you say lmao. But you do have a “dad”
complex to you. That is not a bad thing.
Venus: I don’t doubt it, especially if this is pro-longed. We might see some innovation take
place Answer: because Hahaha of I a know. lack of It’s resources just how for I am. example. It’s like sometimes a blessing and a curse.
11. Q: I’ve Speaking heard of from kids. around Every parent the industry, wants with to leave everything some sort that of was mark going on their on surrounding
child. Raise
fashion them to needing the best to of slow their down. abilities. This But quarantine you’re not oddly, like most to say, parents came when at a time it comes where to the
industry real world. was You being get us bombarded more because with we the aren’t demand that for far product in age. Do and you retail think stores you not can beinlate
able and understand to keep up with us more the demand than parents for inventory. can RL? As And well do as, you designers think that’s being still import-
burned
re-
out ant today?
deliver a collection for every season..they now have the time to stop, catch their
breath and rewrite how this industry will move forward after COVID-19. Even for us and
this Answer: magazine, I think I going try to be forward an understanding we will need person to be more in general. creative A lot as of far the as way future I treat content y’all
is and concerned. people, in Nervous? general, Lol comes from real life. The things people did and didn’t do with
me... I think the age thing def. plays a part but I also allow y’all to be yourself and I’ve
Venus: learned Not you at guys. all, I So think when any you publication learn people should sometimes always want even when to evolve you and can’t break relate new per
ground, se you can so i’m still excited be available to see to where them the in other fashion ways. industry And I goes, think along it’s important with FLAWZ. for parents
to connect with their kids and understand them, oftentimes parents on here or in RL Believe
I’m that ready only as their well...in way a is way correct. lol, and But the nervous same as way it pertains I teach y’all, to not y’all repeating teach me. content It’s a
12.
we’ve relationship done or and featured all relationships in the magazine are two-way already. streets My job even in real if there life, is we a hierarchy. are, to be completely
honest with you, scrambling to come up with new material for the magazine,
without Q: I find any it helpful fashion when to show. a parent Here doesn’t on SecondLife try and we “understand” can show so their many child. looks Or reminisce that haven’t
about been when covered how they yet, grew but are up, limited and “we by went creators. through the same issue”. With each gener
24

ation, everyday life and stress become difficult. So, the issues and problems our RL parents
faced as teens, young adults, etc are way different than now. Do you agree? Cause
I doubt my dad could understand what it’s like being a Black Gay Male. Lol not saying
you know that! But you get what I’m saying?
Answer: Yeah no I def do you get where you’re coming from. I think every generation
gets stuck in their ways, especially with our generation we’re dealing with years of everybody
else’s bullshit LOL. I think it’s OK to love your youth but people need to also realize
every generation has their own battles to fight. And honestly older generations in
my opinion suck, they didn’t believe in positive mental health, they were horrible with
money and credit, enough of them didn’t go after their dreams, and they still uphold
weird values (Colorism, transphobia, etc.) that serve no purpose.
Response: Wooooo I could relate. It’s the same generation that taught their sons “ men
don’t cry. Men don’t play with dolls. Be a basketball player. Be a man”. All the while they
were doing the exact opposite.
Answer: Right.
Q: That’s sort of a segway to my next question. You’re a single parent. Who raised 6 kids in
total. We don’t count the other one.....lmao I’m being shady but, I digress. You have mostly
boys, sons. And like any other Black father. Being apart of their lives, especially during
this difficult period in a young man’s life, is extremely important. But you also have me
and my other sister. In your opinion, how important is it for a Black father to be relevant
in his daughter’s life as well?
Answer: I think it’s super important, a father is the first male in a young lady’s life, and
believe it or not he lays the foundation for how women allow men to treat them. I’ve always
tried to install and y’all to be individuals first and be strong but also because I and
to love yourself first. I think it goes both ways for men who don’t have a good role model
to show them respect and women need to see their example.
Response: And we take those lessons and the news cycle gets repeated. And that old
school, schooling stops.
Q: This year, has been crazy asf! I’m sure you can agree. With the deaths of Breonna
Taylor, George Floyd, Elijah McClain, even men and women like Eric Garner, Sandra
Bland, Dominique Remy Fells, Tatianna Hall, Trayvon Martin, and countless other Men
and Women. Being...BLACK was hard enough. Add being Black and a Man, into the factor
and you have an even BIGGER target on you. What have the last few months done to
you? In your everyday?
Answer: Shit... The past few months..? My whole damn life, I’ve seen in my whole life that
to outsiders my black life doesn’t matter. To ask of course we know our value, I work,
or important but we also see the outside of the culture of value is nonexistent. And that
makes me sad and then mad and even a little cautious. I or even you for that matter
25

don’t have the luxury of being lackadaisical when it comes to how we operate spaces. I
think these past few months have allowed everybody to see how corrupt and unjust the
system is towards people of color SPECIFICALLY Black people.
Response: Yo! The feeling is mutual. What’s happened this year, has given white America
a window seat, to what we face and deal with as Black, Indigenous, Trans, and People
Of Color. It’s not just something you hear about or watch on YouTube. It’s live and direct.
Q: And we do have a target on us. The moment we came into this world, the world had
already deemed us “a treat”. “Hoodlums”. “Niggers”. “Felons”. “A menace to society”. I’ve
stopped, a long time ago. Questioning myself on how, I can make the world see me as,
who I am. I stopped because I don’t have to prove myself to ANYONE! Let alone, white
America. Do you agree?
Answer: I agree that we SHOULD not have to prove ourselves, especially to white America.
The word that we are looking for here is called assimilation. The world has been
shaped and unfortunately plagued by bland, white American culture. We as Black people
should always be professional, however, we should not have to change our tone or
pitch or anything to appease white America. It’s disingenuous and it also damages our
personal view of ourselves.
Response: I believe in being professional. We do have to conduct ourselves with some
sort of professionalism when it comes to certain public functions, and in the workplace.
But having to completely change who we are as a people, to try to please or fit the mold
that white America has set for Black people, it’s not gonna fly anymore.
Q. Manners are one thing. But being told to, smile when they speak to you. Stand tall.
Etc, those are things we do as BLACK individuals. Not primarily for JUST whites. That being
said, with the Black Lives Matter movement. We’re tapping into our inner King and
Queens more. As we always should. What have you learned about yourself these last few
months? As a Black Man?
Answer: Hmm great question, I think I’ve learned to be OK with not being OK. We have
to always have this armor. The media attacks us, our peers at work, our neighbors, etc.
We see that a lot of times the world is against us and we have to kind of just brush it off
or ignore it. But in these past few months especially on social media, I’ve seen so much
discussion about healing and realizing what happens to us isn’t right and we shouldn’t
have to constantly stomach seeing our own being murdered, disrespected, underrepresented,
so on and so on.
Response: Yea, same as far as being OK with not being OK. I think as Black people, we’re
almost expected to always be tough. Or strong, or OK. And it’s OK not to be. You know
with everything that’s happened in the last few months... as happy as I am that America
is now saying what we’ve been saying for years on end, we are drained and we are
tired of seeing our brothers and sisters being killed and murdered. So as much as we’re
fighting, we’re tired and mentally exhausted.
28

Q. To, switch it up a little. Dad you and I have a lot in common. One being of which is Art!
I’m obsessed with Black art, always have been. And one of my favorite artists is Jean-Michel
Basquiat. Now my love for art started when I was a child. My uncle (gay uncle) was
an art buyer for private collectors, and businesses. So his taste was, exquisite to say the
least. Where did your love for art come from? And who’s your favorite artist?
Answer: My love for art started with another form of art, writing. As you know I write in
real life. I was always a good writer in school and loved English. I think I was in maybe
3rd or 4th grade when we learned about the Harlem Renaissance which sparked my interest.
I would write and write and write. I got into visual art in high school, I was super
into Tumblr and learned so much about art and artists, especially artists of color. As far
as writing as art, one of my faves is Langston Hughes, he had such a huge inspiration on
me. As far as visual artists I have so many I love, it’s hard to pick honestly.
Response: That’s funny because for me I love English and history in school. Learning
about the Harlem Renaissance, was a huge influence on, I would think, a huge portion of
black artists and writers. So that’s interesting that we also have that in common. Writing
is such a huge form of expression, that has been lost in modern-day technology. I feel if
more people express themselves through writing, it could be such a relief to those who
need a source of expressing themselves. And if that is through art, music, dance, writing.
We should promote and support it as much as possible.
Q. You opened your art gallery for the masses to buy and checkout. And it has a great
selection of Black art to explore. And you opened one pre-Black Lives Matter. Have you
found more are now more aware of Black artist, before the BLM movement? And supporting
Black businesses and brands?
Answer: I think people appreciate the gallery more as time goes on. I think that some of
the pieces are more familiar as more Black artists become popular and we uplift more
Black creatives. I’m just happy I can provide a cultured space for the grid.
Response: Yeah considering, now I don’t know about you, and I could be wrong. But I
didn’t see Black art supported or even hanging up in anyone’s home on the grid as I do
now. Part of the credit goes to you, and I’m not just saying this because you’re my dad
LOL. But you open the door for more people to have access to the black artist, someday
probably seen before, and some they’re getting to know for the first time. So thank you.
Q. You have some of the best ORIGINAL style (had to add the original in cause you know
how SL is) on the grid. Without saying too much, cause I don’t want them copying and
pasting LOL, who is your style inspired by, from, or about?
Answer: Don’t make your old man blush lol. But I try to be as original as possible. So
first my inspiration is the world and the people around me, but also myself. I like to look
to others and be inspired by close friends and family. I come from a long line of welldressed
people in real life and even online I’ve always aligned myself with authentically
stylish people, I mean look at my kids. And you know I love references, my overall aesthetic
is a
29

reference to my personality, I dress for how I feel. I also enjoy versatility and duality
which is why I love clothes because you can easily change clothes and completely switch
up your vibe.
Response: Hahaha well we get our sense of style from you lol. But going back to what
you said, growing up for me, my dad and my mom had jobs where they had to dress up
every day. My mom would wear Chanel suits, my dad always had his suits tailored. And
then as I said with my uncle he was an art buyer, so he would never be seen in sneakers.
It was a faux pas, and being surrounded by men and women who were black excellence
every day. Celebrated our history our heritage. And being introduced to fashion at such
a young age. So having black style reference, European style reference, am I love fashion
being introduced to me, catapulted my love for this industry and style in general.
Q. You recently started building your brand on SL. And has created bucket hats for the
Cake Day event. Again congrats dad! We’ve spoken of how SL needs to build its fashion
repertoire. And invest more in Men’s fashion. What are you looking for when it comes to
Men’s fashion via, SL?
Answer: When I think of SL fashion and what it needs, particularly I think we need more
variety. It gets tiring, I want my brand to be able to have a little bit of everything but keep
it unique. I also wish we had better fitting clothes, sometimes I’ll pass on certain things
because I don’t like the fit. Honestly what I’m looking for is just more creativity and a bit
more options. However that falls on both the creator and consumer if creators see people
arent buying, then they’ll stick to what sells which is also understandable.
Response: yeah it is understandable. I get that part, what I don’t get is, the lack of creativity
when it comes to the urban side of SL. Everyone on SL swears up and down they are
“in the know” of what’s trending in fashion. But we constantly saying the same ensembles
in silhouettes, event after event. So it begs the question, what’s the point of even watching
these trends if you’re not going to incorporate them in your own collection.
Q. It’s sometimes hard to take these creators seriously, considering what they put out.
Now, no shade to them. But it gets exhausting seeing the same ensembles every single
event. And you KNOW I’m not exaggerating. It’s literally the same looks. Basic T-shirt’s,
swimsuits, booty shorts, basic jeans, hoodies.....either they’re uninspired, or lazy asf. Or
just doesn’t want to challenge themselves to step outside their comfort zone. How do you
feel? Even though I know lol, I wanna hear your perspective.
Answer: I think this goes exactly with what I said prior about the consumer and creator
relationship. First, you know you’re speaking to someone who can make anything look
good, so I don’t mind turning nothing into something lol but I do wish that we could have
more variety. I know that for women there’s a nice variety of street, formal, lounge, and
everything in between. For men, it is usually the same thing, which can get tiring, and
as someone who enjoys clothes sometimes frustrating. However I will say that there
have been some nice releases lately, more people have been coming to SL and current
SL users have been opening up stores and exploring other options so I can’t shit on the
fashion
30

so much lol. I do just wish we had more, more creativity, more ideas, but also that consumers
were more open to new things as well!
Response: Yeah cause I was going to say, working in this industry. The customers are only
going to buy what the designer, Or in this case the creator is creating. So if a creator is
constantly giving us the same ensembles, their customer base is going to continue to buy
that piece solely because that is all you’re giving us. And then what happens is the customer
doesn’t want to change when the creator decides to create something completely
different from what he’s created in the past. So it’s almost like you’re damned if you do
change, and you’re damned to be stuck giving us the same looks constantly. It’s all about
stepping outside your comfort zone and doing something that is different. In order to
grow as an individual, you need to take chances. Once you get comfortable, you’re done.
You stop growing so in order to continue to grow. The moment you start to feel comfortable,
shake it up and say let’s try something new.
Q. 2020 is almost over. And as much as we’re all ready to put this disaster of the year behind
us. In closing, what are you taking from it? Learned from it? And leaving behind?
Answer: I think I’ve learned so many lessons, but you know how I am. I see a lesson in
everything so that’s without saying. As far as leaving behind I would like to leave negative
thoughts, self-doubts, and bad habits behind. I usually do some self-evaluations
every few months, so I never make New Year’s resolutions because I feel like as people
we are always works in progress and we shouldn’t keep bad habits all year or try to pick
up good ones at the beginning of the year we should just do the work when it comes
across our minds to change or grow. I think there’s a lesson in that actually, why put off
for tomorrow what you can do today. I also want to say to everyone reading, be kind to
people, be kind to yourself, always be accountable, fuck with people how they fuck with
you, don’t lower your standards, love yourself more and more every day, drink water,
and it’s okay to spoil yourself you more than likely deserve it.
31

As those with black and brown skin continue to be attacked, beaten, killed and broken
apart both politically and socially by those who wish nothing but the worst I am reminded
of the fact that there have been pivotal moments in history that have shown countless
examples of black excellence and how our community and our race have risen above
these tragedies. The moments have sparked movements that have changed us as a society
and have changed the way we treat others. Everyone wants one thing and that is
to be respected as an individual and to be treated fairly.
Being of mixed heritage I have experienced both racism and colorism in real life and
here on Second Life...even within the black community that I am a part of. I am Black,
White, First Nation Canadian, Dutch and Italian. One thing is for sure even with all the
racial prejudice and being queer on top of that and all the issues, trials and tribulations
that come with that, I am PROUD to be who I am and what I represent.
Now, Second Life is no stranger to racism and it’s something that continues to be perpetuated
within our community. An experiment was done a few years ago in which a blogger
took two photos. One avatar was white and the other was black. Both avatars had
the same shape, wind lights, backdrops, etc. The white avatar received more likes and
views than the black avatar. There also is an issue with finding good quality and respectfully
designed black skins. Many creators create a light tone and tint the tone in Adobe
Photoshop to make a darker skin tone with little to no effort. This can be also shown that
creators may have little to no experience of making darker skins with the appropriate
features.
Nowadays things have improved but it is still hard to find good quality skins that are
darker in complexion. FLAWZ is about being outside of the box and representing unconventional
creations, so with that being said, I want to challenge creators to go and create
outside of their own comfort zones. Show off your talent and what you can do! There is
no limit to what you can create if you are willing to put in the time and effort to learn.
With that being said it is an incredible honor to be able to be the focus of such an incredible
issue. This magazine is a statement to showcase the unconventional and celebrate
all in the world of fashion on Second Life. As always stay safe and thank you for reading
Flawz Magazine!

38

EDITORIALS
39

PHOTOGRAPHER: DON ROJO
SERIES: STREET HEAVEN
Don Rojo is showcasing a whole new way of
wearing a Durag in this captivating series
you’re about to see.

PHOTOGRAPHER: HARPER MONTES
SERIES: FLOWER BOY
Harper is serving us a real blossoming experience
and giving face while doing it. A stunning
piece just in time for Spring.

PHOTOGRAPHER: MAEJORM
SERIES: EXOTIC SKIN
MaejorM displays a lovely capture of glistening
skin, and really is paying homage to
the beauty of Black men and their body.

Archivefaction - ’Human’ Pearl Necklace
Archivefaction - Pearl Earrings
NSP - Poinsettia corsage (Rose Pink_Silver)

Scotch - frozen - [gold)
*lode* head accessory - camilla mouth cover [white]

PHOTOGRAPHER: PARADOX MERCURY
SERIES: MUSICAL ICONS
Dox's editorial is a showcase on the legendary
black male music icons that influenced style
over the years for people of all colors, with an
impact on the fashion world in each their own
way. First, a tribute to Screamin' Jay Hawkins,
the original wild voodoo man. Secondly,
George Clinton, the godfather of funk himself.
Third, we have none other than the artist formerly
known as Prince making doves (and
girls) cry everywhere. And last but not least we
have Sylvester, the androgynous glamorous
icon of disco that will sparkle on forever.

Hair: Zeus by [INK]
Nose Bone by Anima
Snake on Arm: Elemental Snake Type 1 by Swagga
Snake on Hand: My Pet Snake White by Hive
Skull Cane by Talevin’s Designs
Suit Jacket: Baka Couture Blazer by Bakaboo
Suit Pants: Baka Couture Pants by Bakaboo

Hair: LCA518 hair by booN (custom coloured)
Sweater: Strano Sweater Rainbow Cat by Boys to the Bone
Shoulder Fur: Secession Shoulder Fur Patchwork by Titzuki
Pants: Pop Art Pants 1 by Mondo
Rings: Asdar Ring Set by FAKEICON

Hair: Elliot Hair by Uncleweb Studio
Earrings: Joe Earrings by NAWE

Hair: Romy Hair by Letituier
Eyeshadow: Fuzz Glitter Eyeshadow by JUMO
Lipstick: Glitter LIpstick by CAZIMI
Top: DiMarco Jeweled Mesh Crop by THIRST
Shorts: Denim Shorts by Cubura
Arm Bands: Till by L’Emporio
Body Gems: Poxic Gemsuit by FAKEICON
Hand Gems: Glace Hand Gems by FAKEICON

PHOTOGRAPHER: ZUMIEZ
SERIES: NATURE’S HEART
Zumiez is showing a more fragile and softer
side with these editorials and evoking a suddle
beauty that is gorgeous when combined with
nature’s elements.

PHOTOGRAPHER: FRANKIE DEL REY
SERIES: CEPHALOPOD ANDROGYNY
First time actually working on my male avatar
and honestly I have been inspired by artists on
the SL grid on the top tier like Jack Valentine.
Since the day that I've joined SL, their style has
been always been inspiring and with the play
on gender with their avatar, I've alway been a
fan.
So in a way, this is a tribute to them and to
black fems of the LGBTQAI+ community.

FACESHOP - Hairbase 03
*exist* - The 4th Eye
The Rotting Lab - Bruised Up Eyebags
H O W L I N G - ROMERO BEARD
DAPPA - Nami Tattoo.
Olive the Gem - Nose Ring
Oya Hair
-Lelutka - River Head

JfL - Plains hat
Foxy - North Hair
TRIGGERED - A Dangerous Mind Glasses
RIOT - Shae Thigh High Boots
FAKEICON - Manil nails
LISP - Parasols and Umbrellas with poses
PALETO Backdrop - WHITE SPACES - Lelutka - River
Head

Titzuki (FAKEICON)
Exile
BOYS TO THE BONE - kropp bodysuit
CAMO - Perse Dreads
CHEERNO W19 - Bear COAT
Arts&Gear - Glasses
FOXCITY Photo Booth - The CatwalkHead

PHOTOGRAPHER: VENUS X ARMAND
SERIES: POSE
This was such a blast to make. I teamed up
with Armand to create what we hope you all
enjoy as homage to the ballroom scene in
the 80’s. We wanted to demonstrate how
gay black and latino men played a pivotal
role in the vogue and ballroom scenes as
well, and how fabulous they looked doing it.

FAKEICON - Vogue Vol.1 + Vol.2 Poses
[PUMEC] Faradenza Mesh ears
Wasabi Pills - Ginny Mesh Hair
FAKEICON - Jeane Ruffle Stole (Special)
MOGUL - Yasmeen Sheer Suit (Dove)
Moon Elixir - Gothique Gacha (Sleeves)
Mug - Witchy Hands (#2 Metal Fingers RARE)
Toksik - Amai Heels
V-Tech - Body Roses (Legs)

80

81

THE EVOLUTION
BLACK MEN’S H
BY RACOUTURE
Chastity Jones was told, after being hired at a Catastrophe management job, to cut her locks. Was told, “they tend
to get messy”. Chickayzea Flanders faces expulsion from his school after being told that his locks fall out of line
with uniform and appearance policies. They pulled him out of class and told him “by Monday your hair has to be
cut”. De’Andre Arnold, a senior in Texas. Is In a dress code dispute with his school over his locks. The school saying
“his locks had to be cut or De’Andre would have to go, to in-school suspension. His younger cousin Caden Bradford
is also now being told the same thing. Juelz Trice, yet ANOTHER Black boy out in Texas. Had a simple design
cut in his hair, and his school teacher, gave him a Sharpe. To shade in his hair where the design was. In Kentucky,
another BLACK high school student was suspended for having natural hair. The high school policy banned natural
black hairstyles, including locks, cornrows, and twists.
These are a few stories of Black men and women who have been racially profiled for having their hair natural,
kinky, locks, twist, braided, or having a fro. We all remember, the 16-year-old young man whose locks were violently
cut by a referee in a wrestling match. This permanently affected him, his family, and sent a racists message
to others who have natural Black hair. That your hair is unwelcomed, disrespected, frowned upon, and deemed
unprofessional....by of course White Men and Women. OUR hair is more than something that’s on the top of our
heads. It tells our Heritage, our beliefs. It shows our strength. I want to take a journey back and show how we got
to this place. How society has sent rules, or I should say. How society has ingrained to the world what hairstyles
are acceptable in the workplace and where we attend schools. It goes further than just what schools may set as
policies, but even further back to how society sees African/Black/ and or natural hair.
82

OF
AIRSTYLES
83

BLACK MEN’S HAIRSTYLES
DURING SLAVERY
Until the mass deportation of black Africans to the Americans, males would wear their hair long and
what is argue was a social engineering process. The longer the hair of the male, the more “wisdom”
And wiser he was assumed to be. Because curly kinky hair takes more years to manifest a long wait,
hair length was that often use to gauge tribesmen’s life experience in social position within the tribe.
Once black slaves were taken to the Americas, the slaves were denied from practicing their traditions
and regional African folklore. Likewise, individuals from different tribes and regions will be mixed
around to further minimize the chances of the slaves socializing and potentially revolt (the latter did
however occur many times, especially in the Caribbean region).
As part of being denied from practicing their tribal traditions, black women and men were mandated
to keep their hair short which was usually trimmed by either the slave owner himself or a slave who
had earned a wider amount of freedom within the slave property. Black men would have their kinks
trimmed very short so that their hair would not become unhygienic and/or limit the slave’s ability to
Maximize his work output. Throughout slavery, black men kept the same short haircut profile and no
amount of natural African hairstyles were allowed such as locks, twists, which were popular back in
the regions where the slaves had been taken from.
84

BLACK MEN’S HAIRSTYLES
DURING THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY
As black men were slowly integrated it into mainstream society (although still regarded as second
class citizens), Black men study, emulating the styles of the white men to improve their (black) social
status. The hair relaxer, a chemical product that strengthened hair, was used by many black men so
as to keep their kinks softer and be able to comb the hair, a feat that with naturally curly hair is impossible
as this hair type will remain upright regardless of how much manipulation to the hair is performed.
This hairstyling phenomenon of black men relaxing and calming their hair continued until the early
1960s, and hair relaxing would then regain its popularity again in the 1980s.
85

BLACK MEN’S HAIRSTYLES
DURING THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
It was only until the early 1960s when the Civil Rights movement was started and African-Americans
were socially free to express their kinky curly hair as they wished to. Because kinky curly hair stands
upright even at hair lengths of 1 foot, the afro hairstyle was chosen as the styling insignia of African-American
men to showcase their self-pride and self embracing. By the early 1970s, it is estimated
that over 2/3 A black man had an afro hairstyle in the United States of America as the Civil Rights
movement that coincides with the hippie era which to encourages long hair so as to defy the establishment.
The 1970s was the decade of big hair, meaning that the afro hairstyle became the most popular hairstyle
among black men and women in the United States. Unlike the very short hairstyles and haircuts
black man had to endure only a couple of decades earlier, black men are now free to choose their
hair styling and most of them swung to the other extreme of men’s hairstyles: choosing hairstyles that
are big and natural and somewhat menacing and defying. Have a great site to study the natural afro
hairstyles of black men is Manly Curls (www.manlycurls.com), A website by a fellow hair blogger (Rogelio
Samson) who too has an interest in the evolution of men’s hairstyles and haircuts, particularly of
curly hair.
86

BLACK MEN’S HAIRSTYLES
AND CUTS TODAY
Today black men’s hairstyles, cuts, and lengths vary from city, state, and country. Everything from coloring
their hair, using extensions, and elaborate styling have all be incorporated in the choosing of
men’s hairstyles today. But the underlining factor, is the tradition, heritage, and history of black hair.
We have taken back the right to wear our hair, OUR way. In July of 2019, the Crown Act was signed into
law in California, which ensures protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by
extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locks, twists, and
knots in the workplace and public schools. You can also join to fight in making the Crown Act a law
across the country, by signing the petition on the Crown Acts website (www.thecrownact.com). You
can help be a part of the change.
87

98

99

MY RIGHT
MY RIGHT
BY RACOUTURE
100

There’s been a slew of lingering question in my mind since February 26th, 2012. First, that date
should be well known to most. It’s the day Trayvon Martin, a Black 17 year old male, was shot and
killed in Sanford, Florida. By George Zimmerman. Second, the question has always been, had Trayvon
been wearing something other than a grey hoodie, would he have been shot? And had Trayvon
been white, would he have been shot? Or if George Zimmerman had listened and remained
in his car, after being instructed not to get out of his SUV or approach the person. Would Trayvon still
be walking this earth? It’s been 8 years since Trayvon’s murder has catapulted the Black Lives
Matter movement Full throttle. His murder was the reason BLM was started to begin with. With the
acquittal of his murder George Zimmerman, it infuriated the black community, and thus Black Lives
Matter was started. Trayvon wasn’t shot because he looked “suspicious”. He wasn’t murdered because
of the way he walked. Trayvon was killed because of one reason.
He was black.
Black and wearing a hoodie. On the street, a Black guy in a hoodie is just another of the many millions
of men and boys dress in the particular year of an easy-going era. Well, that’s how it SHOULD
be. Look at it this way. A young Black man puts on a suit and tie. The world sees him as someone
who is well dressed, educated, and a business man. Take that same man, put him in a black
hoodie, and some jeans....that man is now a hoodlum, someone up to “no good”. Someone who
“looks suspicious” in George Zimmerman’s words, a menace to society, a “thug”, and deemed
“guilty”. In Beyoncé’s video for “Formation”, a boy is wearing how do you sweatshirt disarming a
rank of white police with his dance moves. Cam Newton during the NFL playoffs, wore hoodies to
interviews. And later heard tweets that called him a “thug” for doing so. It’s almost ironic how, a
Black man, like Trayvon, Cam Newton, and others are looked at as “thugs”, but “Rocky” a movie that
made grey hoodies just as or more so famous. Can be seen as something different.
The hoodie sweatshirt emerges as a pop political object after decades of mundane hard work. In
the 1930s, the company now known as Champion Athletic Apparel began turning them out to keep
football players warm on the sidelines, also attracting business from men who operated backhoes
and cherry pickers, and forklifts. It wasn’t till the 80s with B-boys, Graffiti artists, and breakdances
taking on the look and turning it from a blue-collar workman’s staple. To streetwear must-have.
With the 90s, the hoodie became more of the Rap community's iconic piece of clothing. Rappers
from every cost, like Biggy Smalls, Ice Cube, Ice T, even The WU-Tang Clan all wore black hoodies
with white masks on their cover. This was just the prologue to an area in which the hood he became
at once an anodyne style object and a subject of moral panic, its popularity and its selective stigmatization
rising in proportion.
A glance at almost any police blotter, or a recollection of the forensic sketch of the Unabomber, The
hoodie as a wardrobe staple of the criminal class, and this makes it uniquely convenient as a proxy
for racial profiling or any other exercise of enmity. The person itching to confirm a general bias
against hip-hop kids or crusty punks imputes crooked character to the clothing itself. Bringing us to
the transcript of the 911 call me by Trayvon Martin’s killer dispatcher: “Did you see what he was
wearing?”
George Zimmerman: “Yeah. A dark hoodie, like a gray hoodie.”
And with that, the hoodie was jolted into a curious space: Where the basic hoodie means to defend
against the elements, the protest hoodie seeks to offend the rights of people. All of this goes back
to yet another lingering question: Who enjoys the right to wear one without challenge?
101

102

Living life as a black man is difficult in itself. But add to that equation living life as a GAY,
black man poses an even greater challenge. All Black people exist at this intersection of
blackness and OR queerness, and we all know the Black experiences of having to navigate
the world differently because we are black. We talk about how boys engage law-enforcement.
We talk about that when we talk to our girls about empowering themselves because
we KNOW how White America and Black America sees Black women. Then you slap on top
of that queerness and now you have to navigate not only that external oppression from the
majority white or predominant white society, but I now have to even protect myself in black
society, where I thought there was safety, where there was protection. But I still experience
oppression from my community. For being black and for being gay.
As being a black gay man, I knew about the plight of Black people via the lessons of my
Uncle (who was gay) and surprisingly my dad. But with that, I was exposed to earlier was
homophobia as opposed to racism I experienced that in my community. From being
around other black families, my family members with different religious beliefs, and feeling
a certain way when a gay character came on tv and having my mom have a distaste for
that character, specifically because he was gay. Which made me feel like she had a distaste
for me...her son. But it’s not just the black community, or White America that Black Gay
men feel ostracized. But within the LGBTQ+ community as well. The issue comes from being
seen through lands of the power hierarchy. Because of his skin color and sexual orientation,
he lacks power in both minority communities which makes it difficult to feel accepted. In the
African-American community, studies have shown that specifically gay men struggle for
acceptance. part of this relates to the way religion is embedded into the community, Which
in the past and create a source of homonegativity.
Since the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, conversations are slowly changing in the
black community. with recent political unrest surrounding the discrimination of Black
people in America, why are looking at the difficulties surrounding black gay men. During
protests or media coverage, there has started to be even more representation of the
LGBTQ+ individuals in the black community. Which will hopefully help make a change towards
acceptance.
I asked a few black gay men on SecondLife their experiences on and off SL. From coming
out, growing up, and how has the BLM movement affected them personally. A conversation
we can ALL learn from.
103

ARIES ROMANO
What has your experience been as a gay man in real life verse being on SecondLife?
“Growing up in The Bahamas I didn’t know what “gay” was. I knew as I entered Junior high but I never
accepted that part of myself until I graduated. Being gay here isn’t as harsh as it would be in other Caribbean
countries but it still isn’t something encouraged here. The gay community in The Bahamas
is/was not very stable and is very territorial with their circles. SecondLife has been a weird experience
so far, extremely more sex-focused but more welcoming than outside of second life. My introduction
to the SecondLife gay scene, much like many others, can be boiled down to the “fresh meat” statement.
The older/veteran gays see someone new step on the scene and try to scoop you up and try to
be the first to have sex with you or date you.”
This has been a challenging year for everyone. More so the Black community. How has this experience
changed you as a Black man? And as a Black Gay man?
“Well, being from The Bahamas all of my negative experiences as a black man has been second-hand
experiences that I’ve witnessed via social media. This year was extremely challenging beyond the
pandemic. I couldn’t log on to any of my social media without seeing people shot or dead bodies
laying on the street. I went through waves of depression throughout this year more than usual. As a
black gay man, my experience was similar.”
What steps have you made to better your life? Community, and experience on SL to better the Black
community?
“Well, I’ve incorporated physical exercise and walking outside of second life. I’ve fallen off every once
and a while but I get back on the train. In my second life, I’ve started my landscaping business and
partnered with my boyfriend. When I think about what I’ve done for the SL community, I want to say
my impact is trying to create an environment where everyone I come in contact with feels welcomed
and give them another experience other than the toxic one that we’re used to.”
What lessons would you give your younger self about growing up as a Black Gay man?
“Don’t base so much of your happiness on physical appearance, it’s a lesson I’m still learning right
now. You are enough.”
Do you belong to any empowering groups on SL? And if yes, what are they? And if no, why not?
“I do not belong to any specific groups outside of my family and I attend my dad’s church and it’s
called Vision Church.”
How can the SL community help better the Black Lives Matter movement?
“I would say the best way to help any movement is to address ALL the issues that the community is
facing and that includes our LGBT+ members. For some reason, the straight people in our community
forget that you can be Black AND LGBT+. After addressing the issues you then OWN them and follow
with HEALING. After we make those steps then we can address the outside as a united community and
movement. If we cannot do those things then it will be extremely difficult.”
104

What 5 things have changed for the better this year?
“With the new incoming president Joe Biden, my landscaping business is fruitful so I do not have to
spend my real money, my confidence/self-love is stable, my current relationship and my family feel so
much more united.”
What life lessons will you take into 2021?
“I’m valuing and loving myself on a whole different level, not putting myself in absolutely avoidable
situations, and finally, live in and enjoy ALL happy moments big and small.”
105

JUWAUN P. TREVINO
What has your experience been as a gay man in real life verse being on SecondLife?
“My experience as a gay man in real life and SecondLife has its similarities.
Both are challenging when wanting to be accepted by your peers. In real life, it could be so much
harder to openly express your sexuality around your friends and family. I find SecondLife an easy tool
to openly express yourself through your avatar. In real life, it was not easy for me to come out to my
family members. I struggled with not owning up to my GAY sexuality because I always thought it was
more "acceptable" to be viewed as "Bi-sexual" by my peers.
In my own opinion, I think that it can probably be more comfortable being accepted as a gay man on
SecondLife, than in real life.”
This has been a challenging year for everyone. More so the Black community. How has this experience
changed you as a Black man? And as a Black Gay man?
“This year, 2020 has been a shitty year for most of us... pardon my french. LOL. This year during this
pandemic has been very challenging trying to fight for equality & justice for our fellow black people.
This tragedy that's been going on has been really wicked and scary...
Things have been happening before our eyes.. we've witnessed George Floyd, a murder scene on
camera.. and watched these men not get fully held accountable.. still no justice for Breonna Taylor,
I've seen footages, on top of footages that go unnoticed in the media. When is it going to stop? This
has been going on for years now. backtracking to a few years back it's been so many black people
that haven't got justice for their deaths... it's quite scary as a black gay person. I have it twice as bad
as an average person. This year, 2020, has woke me up more than ever.”
What steps have you made to better your life? Community, and experience on SL to better the Black
community?
“I started reflecting on my true inner feelings OUT LOUD. For me, this has added so much more value
to my self-esteem & Happiness to my life... Keeping things bottled in only brings you down... As far as
the black community on SL, I've started supporting my fellow black stores more than anything now.
Big brands & Small brands... We need each other to help each other push ourselves in a better direction
as far as the business aspect of it.”
What lessons would you give your younger self about growing up as a Black Gay man?
“I would tell myself that.. Most of our parents were raised a certain way so they only see and know
what they've been taught. They have been taught that gay isn't okay and that gay people wouldn't be
accepted. It's okay to be different and express your sexuality in any pure way that you can.”
Do you belong to any empowering groups on SL? And if yes, what are they? And if no, why not?
“No, I do not belong to any empowering groups on SL... I've never been invited to any.”
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How can the SL community help better the Black Lives Matter movement?
“The SL community could help the BLM movement by coming together strongly as a team, no matter
what race or what you identify as, fighting for what you believe is right.. ALSO, would like to add, by,
making more black creators more mainstream in these events & not stealing and recreating our content...
Thank you!”
What 5 things have changed for the Best this year?
“I got a new job, I'm respecting & putting myself and how i feel first before anyone, I got a new laptop
so my SL experience has been a lot better than before, Black Lives Matter movement,& my relationship
with my haters became more shitter for shittin on them! - oh and Biden // Harris Winning over Trump!”
What life lessons will you take into 2021?
“Don't trust no christian & don't trust no ponk! - TSM”
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THE BLACK MEN ISSUE
07