Social Support: Second Life and beyond

Topic Discussion begins at 7:30 – 9:00pm

Topic: Second Life and beyond

Description:

Guest presenter Raine will lead August’s meeting focused on the transgender resources and social interactions in virtual worlds, primarily Second Life.  Second Life is a online virtual world in which a highly diverse global population can interact in real time from almost any computer with a solid internet connection. Of primary importance to our community are the resources, both informational and social, that are easily accessible to transgender people regardless of their real world location. The ability to communicate with people “like ourselves” can be vital support in any stage of transition. The tools of the virtual world also allow transgender and gender non-conforming individuals to present to the virtual world exactly as they feel they are meant to be seen.  This platform allows individuals the opportunity to gain confidence in a potentially new gender role, or to try on multiple different gender expressions in a safe and non-threatening way.
 

Guest presenter: Raine

Aside from being a long time resident of virtual worlds our presenter has considerable background in both video game development and higher education. She started her career in game development over 12 years ago and has fulfilled many roles in the industry mainly concentrating on the Art and Design aspects of game creation. A partial list of her credits include:

• Duel Masters: Cobalt for PS2 – UI Artist
• NBA Inside Drive 2004 for XBOX – Character Texture Artist
• Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude – Level Artist (Phase I)
• Hunter: The Reckoning for XBOX – UI Designer/Artist
• Hunter: Wayward for PS2 – UI Designer/Artist
• NBA Inside Drive 2002 for XBOX – Modeler/Texture Artist
• Clash of Valor (canceled FPS) – Level Designer/ 3D Modeler

Over the last several years she has also been teaching game development for higher education at a number of schools including Harrington College of Design, ITT Technical Institute, Tribeca Flashpoint Academy and she is currently adjunct faculty at the Art Institute of Wisconsin. In the last year she has also founded her own independent game development studio with a handful of industry veterans named Secret Bunker Software and they are presently hard at work on their first release.  
 

Open rap is from 6:00 – 7:15pm

Open rap is the time to connect connection with fellow Trans+ and SOFFA individuals. This gently facilitated time is especially devoted to exploring the issues you bring in – sharing your experiences and stories, asking questions, seeking referrals, gathering resources. We’ll assure this hour+ will stay focused on your needs, and the discussion you generate.