FLAWZ Magazine ◊ 7

THE BLACK MEN ISSUE

AdE C. Amaudi

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100 - 107

EDITORIALS

108 - 111

96 - 97

78 - 79

SOCIAL MEDIA

GLAMOCRACY AD

40 - 77

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82 - 95

CONTENTS BLACK MEN issue

HAIRSTYLE EDITORIALS

POEMA AD

we will be heard i STATEMENTS

AD SET 02

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

34 - 37

08 - 15

I NEVADA PARK I I GLAMOCRACY I

AD SET 01

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BLACK LIVES MATTER

18 - 29

16 - 17

I GLAMOCRACY I I POEMA I

ADÉ C. AMAUDI BLACK IS POWEFUL

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BLACK M EN

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

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flawzmagazine.wixsite.com flawzmagazine FLAWZmagazine FLAWZ | THE MAGAZINE

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EDITORS

LETTER FROM THE

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hat 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

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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

dships, espembers of the dealing with content with nd anti-queer wider LGBTQ+ At the same ophobia, bias, munities. so I affected them certain trans

nts”. From the orking man's” ve, the hoodie y Black Man's an was asked “Did you see rk hoodie, like d, made the ”... out of tragich first game pull over for chach test of a month after any preachers vices wearing ain teen. Back iami Heat, he am, wearing longside the lidarity, came ames and his commentator sm for saying t “The hoodie tin’s death as ued “The O” and Hispanic ooded sweat-

the “Million he wanted to th, but to the e had experistreet in New in a hoodie, I us,” said

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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.

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.

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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.

n general. This her we wanted nd TRUTHFULLY ns. To question injustice in this “trend”. Black fore and after e choose to go nly time will tell

J’ADORE RA RONIN

FOUNDER + EDITOR IN CHIEF

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T

he 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.

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.

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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.

ARMAND PARKS

CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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n 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.

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VENUS

CHIEF FASHION EDITOR

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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.

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8. This quarantine has definitely delayed and even stopped many businesses but in a weird way, hasI given some businesses time to really hone inIon their craft. With the fashAnswer: Yeah, def think that VU it’s more fashionable for it. think I chalked it up though ion industry halted, willhave givederivable designersmeshes time toso really givecan us a stellar collection.

Do to the fact that on VUthis they anyone easily create and mayou agree? nipulate mesh. On here you have to get it made and sometimes you don’t want to pay

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 that designers struggle is having theofpressure pumping Response: Yeah that’sprobably true. I don’t know with the ins and outs meshes, of and shit lol. out 5-6 collections throughout the year (If they’re high-end brands) and for all the seasons and having make surereally they’re as I immaculate asmore well as, unique.

I can only Answer:to Yeah that’s what think it is tbh.asDopossible you have freedom when someimagine the stress they’re under.

So things right now, think its an odd time, but is probably something is public, easy access?

When are Iinclusive, the community much happier 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.

Well myself, kids).

I canI says this isdefinitely definitelyspeak a time designers, you for being all youindothe forindustry us (SecondLife can most forwhere them when I say artist and photographers alike, take time honestly perfect craft.toInSLthese we appreciate you and love you,can so all fucking much.toDid you ever think,their coming that uncertain one awill eitherand saysecond to themselves “my is fine,And I’mbe good, letslol. move you wouldtimes, first want family, have kids of work your own? honest We forward”. is us a f*cked know you Which wanted 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 theirAww brand.

Answer: 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: so we better having some sickening pieces when missascouture season joined! Right, So I figured eventually I would have my own kids.

As far the kids I havecomes now I rolling around, and everyone can get sitting side-by-side along the catwalk. think I’ve been super lucky to meet kidsback thatto each in some way shape or form 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.

To begrateful honest with you...and I have to say because my I’m corestill I believe equally as you guys. I’m a stand upthis to try on theinskin. 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 because ofIaknow. lack of example.

Answer: Hahaha It’sresources just how for I am.

It’s like sometimes a blessing and a curse.

11. heard of from the industry, everything thatofwas going on surrounding Q: I’ve Speaking kids.around Every parent wants with to leave some sort mark on their child. Raise fashion This quarantine to say, camewhen at a time where the them to needing the best to of slow their down. abilities.

But you’re notoddly, like most parents it comes to the industry was being bombarded with we the aren’t demand andyou retail stores real world.

You get us more because thatfor farproduct in age. Do think you not canbereing to keep up with the demand for inventory. well designers being burned lateable and understand us more than parents can in RL?As And doas, you think that’s still importout to deliver a collection for every season..they now have the time to stop, catch their ant today? breath and rewrite how this industry will move forward after COVID-19. Even for us and this magazine, forward we will needperson to be more creative asof far asway future content Answer: I think Igoing try to be an understanding in general.

A lot the I treat y’all is concerned. and people, inNervous? 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: all, ISo think anyyou publication should always want to evolve learnedNot youatguys. when learn people sometimes even when you and can’tbreak relatenew per ground, so i’m to seeto where fashion industry with FLAWZ. se you can still excited be available themthe in other ways.

And Igoes, think along it’s important for parents to connect with their kids and understand them, oftentimes parents on here or in RL Be12.

I’mthat ready well...in lol, and nervous it pertains to not repeating content lieve onlyastheir way a is way correct.

But the sameas way I teach y’all, y’all teach me.

It’s a we’ve done or featured in the magazine already.

My job in real life,iswe are, to be comrelationship and all relationships are two-way streets even if there a hierarchy. pletely honest with you, scrambling to come up with new material for the magazine, without fashion to show.

Heredoesn’t on SecondLife can show so many looks that havQ: I findany it helpful when a parent try and we “understand” their child.

Or reminisce en’t been covered yet, grew but are by went creators. about when how they up,limited and “we through the same issue”. With each gener

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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EDITORIALS

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PHOTOGRAPHER:

SERIES:

STREET HEAVEN

DON ROJO

Don Rojo is showcasing a whole new way of wearing a Durag in this captivating series you’re about to see.

PHOTOGRAPHER:

SERIES:

FLOWER BOY

HARPER MONTES

Harper is serving us a real blossoming experience and giving face while doing it. A stunning piece just in time for Spring.

PHOTOGRAPHER:

SERIES:

EXOTIC SKIN

MAEJORM

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:

SERIES:

MUSICAL ICONS

PARADOX MERCURY

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:

SERIES:

NATURE’S HEART

ZUMIEZ

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:

SERIES:

CEPHALOPOD ANDROGYNY

FRANKIE DEL REY

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:

SERIES:

POSE

VENUS X ARMAND

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)

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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.

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N OF HAIRSTYLES

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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MY RIGHT MY RIGHT

BY RACOUTURE

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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?

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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