A flurry of activity took place around the globe on World AIDS Day. Statements were issued by the US, South Africa, the UN, China, Australia, the UK, Afghanistan, Zambia and the District of Columbia, all about new policies, new treatments and new programs focused on the reduction, treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS globally.
Second Life played its own role, once again, in bringing attention and awareness to this tragic, life threatening virus. This was done at various events at multiple venues across the grid.
Muse Isle presented a day of music and readings. Once again, the SL music community came together to volunteer their support for this important cause, as we have seen so often in the past. All proceeds from the day's event were going to the Bailey Boushay House in Seattle, Washington, USA. The Bailey Boushay House is "known for its professional and compasionate care of people who are patients afflicted in the final stages of AIDS. The BBH also cares for terminally ill patients of other disease processes. Another important factor is thier day program that offers resources to people that are HIV positive. Assisting in nutrition, medication, assistance in housing. The 2009 legislature of Washington State allocated funding which was narrowly missed."
The musical portion began at 6 am . The lineup for the day included Russell Eponym, Avatar Quinzet, nadidi Aeon, Jon Bazar, Bones Writer, Skye Galaxy, Clairede Dirval, FaecelessAPe Mefusla, davecorbett Darwin, The Sue McCullough Bagpipe Band, EvaMoon Ember, Wren Hartunian, Arimo Teixerira, srv4u Conacher, Edward Kyomoon, Noma Falta, EricSteffenson Mistwalker, Cellandra and her light show, with readings occuring simultaneously beginning at noon, and ending with a candlelight vigil at midnight.
"Bad Bones" Bones Writer , an accomplished pianist, performed at 10 am. All instrumental, he went from guitar to piano, playing jazzy and dreamy tunes and classical style music. He played a "warbled" rock 'n roll old style jazz piano tune, written by Wayne Shorter, a well know sax player who played with Miles Davis. Following Bones was Mr. Skye Galaxy, also an accomplished pianist (my lucky day). Skye has a voice like none other, both emotional and sincere. He performed songs with a dreamy quality and meaningful lyrics. I will definitely see Skye again, a new talent to me.
I left the music at noon to head over to the place where the readings were happening. This event was hosted by Ms. LoriVonne Lustre and Jenaia Morane. The space was graciously donated by Panacea Luminos. Lori gave an intro speech and offered special thanks to all involved, as well as to Judi Newall for those unable to.
"...thank you to our authors for sharing their stories with us here today. Some of the stories you will hear today are about loss, some are about remembrance, and all are from the heart. Events like this show the power of virtual worlds."
" World AIDS Day was started on this day 21 years ago. This is a day to raise awareness, fight prejudice, improve education, and remember our friends and family members who are living with AIDS or have lost the battle. Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV and AIDS services, yet greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved. Millions of people continue to be infected with HIV every year. "
"World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met."
The readers I heard included the following: Ludo Merit, Marty Snowpaw, Saxet Uralia, Franchella Milena, Raevn Rhiadra, millay Freschi , Bill Whiteberry, Elegia Underwood, Lizzie Gudkov and fellow reporter, Nazz Lane. All read poems, letters and short stories of heart wrenching journeys through loss of loved ones, the grieving, followed slowly by acceptance and, ultimately, the healing. It was more moving than I can describe and I soon found tears streaming down my face...I took a break and got ready to head back to the music.
Back at the music venue, I was able to catch one of my best friends, davecorbett Darwin, performing his usual amusing songs with subtle messages and emotional undertones. Dave is a recorded accoustic guitar musician hailing from the UK. Dave can often be found supporting charitable events like this, and does so on his own in RL, as well. Following Dave was the Sue McCullogh Bagpipe Band. What a treat! I had never heard anything like this in SL before. Dressed in matching kilts, they played traditional celtic melodies, as well as much more modern popular music. A very interesting thing to hear bagpipes doing other than celtic songs. I completely enjoyed them and joined some of the crowd in doing a jig.
These are just a few of the many musicians lending their support and readings that took place brnging awareness and, yes, the human side of the reality of HIV/AIDS
By Shellie Sands
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