Democracy Defenders

 

By Netera Landar

Democracy Defenders' Headquarters.

A virtual world can be a platform for Americans to protect their rights and voice their disapproval. A January 31 event introduced me to Democracy Defenders, a Second Life group established by Lizbeth Portland, with assistance from Monique Travis, in March of 2025.

According to Lizbeth, Democracy Defenders is a grassroots activist group in Second Life committed to protecting the core values of American democracy.

Educating the public through posters.

“In the face of growing political polarization and threats to our freedoms from the destructive and dangerous Trump administration and MAGA, we advocate for civil rights and the protection of democratic institutions, and we work to ensure the continued functioning of a government that serves all citizens,” said Lisbeth. “Through education, mobilization, and direct action, our mission is to empower individuals to take a stand against this traitorous administration and in support of a just, inclusive, and resilient democracy.”

Asked whether the group follows the direction of a real-life Defending Democracy group, Lizbeth replied that it exists only in Second Life. Her group follows real-life groups and movements such as Indivisible, MoveOn, 50501, the Women’s March, and others to stay informed about nationwide actions like No Kings and to stay connected to and engaged in real-life resistance efforts.

RoseDrop Rust performing during the event.

The goal of the “Smashing Fascism” event was to raise awareness in Second Life about resistance to the current administration’s unjust actions and to continue building the in-world coalition of antifascist, pro-democracy resisters. 

Those who attended were encouraged to join two other active resistance groups: Indivisible and Café Resistance. Group joiners for both groups were posted, and Lizbeth encourages those who attended to join all three groups.

“Many people came to Democracy Defenders feeling as though they are alone in Second Life in their opposition to this fascist regime and are happy to learn that there are many others in Second Life who share their world view,” said Lizbeth. 

She added that music brings people together and that, for many years, musicians have addressed the need for social justice. That the event’s artists, Justine Johndory and RoseDrop Rust, were passionate in expressing their anti-MAGA and pro-democracy views, both in what they sang and what they said. This energized the crowd.

A comfortable meeting area in DD Headquarters.

 

Members of Democracy Defenders meet at 6 p.m. on Thursdays. Other events and protests will be scheduled in the future. Lizbeth hopes the multi-group coalition continues to grow and join forces. Organizers of the other two groups are Lorelei.Lavender of Indivisible and Persephone Phoenix of Café Resistance. 

Lizbeth said the groups’ main goals overlap, but they have distinct activities and unique goals. Democracy Defenders is fairly new, while the other two groups are more established. 

Posters promoting freedom of speech.

“Lori and I have spoken about bringing Indivisible and Democracy Defenders together for a combined action, perhaps around the upcoming third ‘No Kings Day’ in March,” said Lizbeth. “We all cross-promote each other’s meetings and events, and we all make efforts to promote and attend the monthly ‘Live Music and Peaceful Protest’ events held by Blue Fox (theblueeyedfox).

I asked Lizbeth why it is so important to voice our opinions/disapproval of the current state of affairs in the U.S.? 

Read and understand the message.

“This lawless, racist, destructive administration is tearing this country apart --  murdering its citizens, terrorizing its neighborhoods, destroying the social safety net – the list goes on and on,” she stated. “If we remain silent, we are complicit in the criminality. We have no choice but to use our voices to speak out against the death of democracy and the rise of fascism. If we do nothing, nothing will ever change. Every action we take against this administration matters, no matter how small we think it may be. Calling our representatives in Congress matters. Taking part in SL resistance groups matters because it supports RL activist efforts. It all matters. And we need everyone to participate because what’s happening affects all of us – not only in the U.S., but around the world.”

Netera Landar
 

The Harmony Hills Community

 

By Netera Landar

 

“Harmony Hills is a place where happiness and serene nature exist in harmony, where the promise of a bright future beckons from beyond. It will be our pleasure to welcome you home.”  ---Harmony Hills organizers

Harmony Hills was founded in July 2024 with a single region. It recently introduced its fifth. All photos courtesy of the Harmony Hills' owner.

A city bus stops in downtown Harmony Hills and then drives down the road. It’s quiet on a Saturday morning. I glance at the Second Life clock and see it’s only 8 a.m. Walking down the sidewalk in this roleplay community, I gaze at the store signs to see which businesses are here. Bloomberry Dolls is the first store on the street. A blue neon light flashes, drawing my attention to the local Video Games hot spot. 

 

Harmony Hills Hospital, where the doctors and nurses are prepared for any emergency.

 

Harmony Hills Hospital is conveniently located in the center of town. Down the street, I see a familiar pancake house. There’s a coffee shop, welcome center, town hall, bowling alley, yoga studio, and fast-food restaurants. That’s only a sample of what’s there.

Riverwalk Coffee House is just one of the many businesses in Harmony Hills.

 

This place feels like home. 

 

Angeliana Claro, the owner of Harmony Hills, founded the community in July 2024 with a single region that included both a residential neighborhood and a commercial district to support local businesses and encourage social interaction. She was responsible for its layout and vision, and a close-knit group of founding residents helped shape the town’s early identity. Town gatherings and seasonal events were hosted, and roleplay moments brought residents together.

Businesses and a new outdoor cafe area in the new region.

The most recent expansion is the addition of a fifth region. Included are horse stables, more town entertainment, commercial buildings, and a suburban living neighborhood.

“My goal was to create a town that felt alive, not just as a collection of rentals, but a place where stories unfold naturally, connections form easily, and residents feel like they belong. We don’t discriminate against anyone, and all are welcome,” Angeliana explained.

She recalled that in the beginning, the team was small. Four months after its development, the first general manager was hired. As Harmony Hills grew, departments and leadership roles were added to support the expanding community.

“Now we proudly have over 30 staff members, several department heads, and managers. All being rockstars to keep operations in Harmony Hills running smoothly,” said Angeliana.

Formal dining is offered at Chateau Noir.

Asked how the community has evolved, she replied that it’s grown significantly in size, structure, and depth. More regions have been added, more homes and businesses, and a wider range of roleplay opportunities, while still keeping the small-town feel. A number of residents play specific roles, such as police, fire, business owners, or town staff. They can participate whenever they want. New residents introduce fresh narratives.

She stated that interaction and connection are the core goals. Friendships grow naturally from shared experiences, but the focus is on meaningful engagement, storytelling, and community involvement.

“Today, Harmony Hills is home to a thriving and active population. We have roughly 200 residents. Many residents have stayed long-term, while others have moved on, often leaving lasting stories and memories behind,” she said.

A recent Paint & Sip Event.

Regular events are hosted 4 to 5 times a week, including town gatherings, department-based roleplay, seasonal celebrations, and natural story-driven events. Past events have included a classic car show, town hall meetings, a bowling tournament, trick or trivia, Oktoberfest, Fall Fair, Fall Masquerade Ball, Harvest Fest, Paint & Sip Event, Valentine’s Day Prom, Mother’s Day Brunch, and the grand opening of Old Dublin Pub.

Harmony Hills even has a newspaper. Jewels Munro and Tay O’Malley-Munro both report on what’s happening so residents can keep informed. 

Harmony Hills Town Hall.

In terms of real estate, Harmony Hills offers a variety of homes, from modest residences to larger family properties. Angeliana said that prices are fair and the town offers something for everyone. 

 

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/London%20Square/106/146/24 

 

Netera Landar